quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
You want a truck. Despite having said you have no practical need for one, you wouldn't have mentioned a truck if you didn't want a truck. You also said no SUV because soccer mom. Which means the mini-van is probably also out. You want a truck.

I'd look at a crew cab Ford F-150, probably an XLT in your price range. I looked at the new crew cab Super Dutys in June and they have a ton of room relative to my 2015 F-350. The F-150 and Super Dutys now share the same cab. I just did a quick search on autotrader.com and there are 2,370 new 2017 Ford F-150 crew cabs for under $35,000. Many of them were under $30,000.

My dad just bought a new Tacoma and it was right around $35,000. Roomy is not a word I would use to describe it.

Yes, I keep hearing the interior of the Tacoma's a bit snug...since roominess is the reason for the truck consideration, that kind of negates that model for me. A truck came to mind because I wanted some interior room, some elbow room, and the low visibility and snug quarters of the sedan isn't very appealing after getting used to the roominess of the MDX. Guess that's why the Acura TLX isn't a slam dunk. Plus, I wanted something kinda sporty, a bit masculine, after driving that SUV for almost a decade. The truck gives me room, height and the rest of it.

I have to say, though, if $$ had no bearing, I sure like the Range Rover Evoque, just on looks alone. Yes, it's a SUV, but what an SUV:

quote:

Originally posted by tigereye313:
V6 Accord, 2017 will be the last year for one, and deals will likely be coming as the 2018 refresh is imminent. Comfy, quiet, plenty of power, about as reliable as they come.

If you want a pickup the new Ridgeline is really slick.

If AWD is something you want I'd take a serious look at an Outback 3.6R.

In a similar vein, the 2017 F150s should have some decent discounts with the refreshed 2018s hitting lots soon.
IIRC, the 302A XLT with the 2.7EcoBoost had the biggest discounts/rebates when I got mine.
Depending on your down payment ability, they may just top over your budget. Seems a 2WD 302A XLT Sport stickers in the 48k range. I got mine around 10k off sticker.

Alternatively, looking a year or two back used, could easily get you in budget.
My 2wd 2.7 crew F150 gets between 18-20mpg daily driven in Houston.

A Toyota Avalon would be a great replacement and checks all your boxes.

The newest v6 Camry you can afford. If you decide on a truck, go drive an F150 with the 2.7 ecoboost. It will surprise you.

I don't understand the fascination with trucks as daily drivers. Just seems like a waste of perfectly good wheel base to make half the vehicle uncovered and separate from the passenger compartment. Having a longer vehicle to park and maneuver when it's empty all the time just seems so...meh. Good for hauling farm and building materials, but I think an SUV makes a more practical daily driver. But that's just me, not hating on anyone who loves their truck.

If the OP is considering a truck simply because it's more "masculine", then perhaps the OP should also consider truck based or body-on-frame SUVs. A car based Acura MDX does not fall into the same "sport utility" category as a body-on-frame Toyota Land Cruiser, 4Runner, G-Wagon, etc.

Considering the above mention of the Land Rover Evoque...perhaps the OP might also consider a lightly used Land Rover LR4?

Land Rovers do not hold value very well. Consequently, you can get a lightly used one for pretty much dirt cheap.

For $35k you could get 3 or 4 year old LR4 with 45-60k miles on it. LR4s are highly capable vehicles, despite the fact that many never leave the payment.

35k?

Go get a Hundai Genessis and don't look back.

Bob

Subaru Legacy 3.6R.
Seems to tick all the boxes.

Bruce

In Washington? You gotta be tripping over all the WRX cars around.

Test drive a GTI Autobahn. Report back on your feelings.

quote:

Originally posted by Oz_Shadow:
In Washington? You gotta be tripping over all the WRX cars around.

Don't know about that, but I don't think you could throw a baseball and not break the window of a Tesla around this Eastside area of Seattle. Good-looking cars, mostly, but not for me (budget or otherwise).

Thanks again, folks, for the many suggestions. I should be home shortly, and my research on all these will start.

The Mrs. wants to get out of her truck. She is looking at the VW Atlas and is waiting on the new Subaru coming out later this year.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I've test driven a couple Mazda6 a few years ago & had it in the running to replace my 2000 Acura TL. The Touring trim with a manual 6 speed was a peppy & fun car to drive.

Been in one of these. Good choice, good price, from what I saw.

Lexus GS350 - used, best option, roomy, fast, and rear wheel drive, surprisingly nice and fun

Lexus IS250/200t/350 - used, another great option if the smaller size works, a great handling car, rear wheel drive, fun

Honda Accord Touring (V6) - can get brand new for $35K, nice value, not quite the fun factor but gets it all done nicely

Good luck!

I wouldn't buy a one year old car, if someone is getting rid of a car after only a year, there is clearly something wrong with it 98% of the time. I'd spring for the new one, all wear items are new, warranty is full length and financing interest rate much cheaper so it costs the same to buy new as one year old 99% of the time also.

That being said, just go test drive everything on your list.....we can't really advise you on what car to buy. That being said I wouldn't touch an Audi with a 10' pole or a VW for that matter.

I have a 2016 A3. I've had it since new - about 22 months now and have put about 22k miles on it. It is a fantastic car for daily driving.

It has been flawless for me and it is a joy to drive around town or on long drives. I average mid to high 20s for mpg. On the highway it is easily 30+.

The 2.0 turbo engine is responsive and well tuned in this car for normal or spirited driving. The quattro awd is nice for bad weather.

This is a sporty compact sedan. Emphasis on compact. If you're looking for a roomier vehicle, it may not be a good option for you, but if you are ok with the interior dimensions, it is a great car.

Avoid the Q3. It's too compact for a suv and is underpowered. It is zero fun to drive.

My mother traded her Q5 on a Q3 and thinks it's the best of the 4-5 Audis she's had.

Sounds like you're a candidate for a Ridgeline.

Stick to what you know, Acura or Honda.

I looked in to most of the suggestions offered, and explored a bit more on my own, and have narrowed it down somewhat. I have spent the last day or two taking test rides, and it looks like it's coming down to either the Audi A4, Lexus IS250, or Mazda 6, the latter being in the run more as an economic option than a preference. The Acura ILX was, surprisingly, given my affinity for Acura, not really my cup of tea. I haven't discounted the A3 entirely, but do prefer the A4 for handling and a bit more roominess. My wife beat some sense in to me, and made me realize the truck idea just isn't practical for our use at all.

The Lexus gets high marks from most sources for great reliability. Anyone have experience with Lexus, and perhaps the IS250 in particular?

I can't be any help, I'm afraid--I've never owned anything but a Ford.

flashguy