Car question
 

My car is 14 years old and even though I could keep it running forever the parts are starting to go obsolete. Some things, like the plastic headlights, will not even be available from junkyards. I will keep it going until it really gets hard because of what it takes to replace it.

It has:
300 hp with a very wide power band and plenty of torque
Room for 4 adults
Very responsive performance, even though the programming is stock
Weighs about 4000 lbs, I don't want much lighter
Handles above average but still comfortable
Good trunk space
Very nice interior
Lots of luxury gizmos for a '98, many are standard on a lot of cars now, like coil-over-plugs, wipers turn on headlights, seat memory, etc.
Relatively inexpensive to maintain
Rear wheel drive
18/24 mpg

Is there anything for less than 45K that's not more than 2 years old that would be a good replacement? I like a larger sized car as opposed to something like a Vette or Stang because they don't get tossed around as badly on the road I have to drive every day. It is curvy and rough and uneven.

A BMW 6 series is a pretty good match but expensive, even used. Maybe not so cheap to maintain.

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I would consider an Jaguar XF Supercharged. 400+ HP, plenty of room, reliable, beautiful. Well at least drive one and say you didn't like it, but what's not to like?

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Nissan Maxima?

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Never entered my mind but nice call, very close to what I drive. Here's a pic from an '09 on CL:
http://fracstar.com/pics/jag.jpg

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For what it's worth, I have a Lexus IS350 I've been very happy with.

306 HP with snappy acceleration.
6 speed auto.
Paddle shifter for those winding roads.
Seats 4 comfortably.
Rear wheel drive.
Decent handling, with a sport suspension package available that I really didn't see the need for.
Full leather interior with more gizmos than I can name. I kinda loaded up on the options when I bought it.
Problem free. All I've done is routine maintenance.
Mileage ranges between 24-28 mpg using premium fuel.
Minimal glass compared to most new cars. I hate driving in a fish bowl.
Depending on options, the IS350 should fall in your price range.

Like you, I keep my cars for a long time. I figure I'll keep this one until it hits the 15 year mark. I have absolutely no regrets buying it, and there's nothing out there I'd really rather have at the moment.

My wife is making noise about getting herself a new ride. She has an 11 year old Lexus RX300 that's also been bulletproof. I'm going to hate getting rid of it, but I won't tell her no. She prefers an SUV, so at this point I'm going to steer her either toward another Lexus or maybe an Infinity. After 11 years, hers is still worth probably 20% of what we paid for it. Lexus maintains a pretty decent trade-in value.

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My daughter had an IS for a while. I was thinking about something a little larger. She has a BMW 535 now and likes it a lot more.
The infinity Ms look about right for me.

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I came close to an Infinity before settling on the IS. Looked at Beemers too, but just couldn't bond with them. I think I'd have been equally happy with an Infinity if I hadn't gone with the IS.

My wife wants another SUV, but Lexus increased the size of the RX a few years ago and she's not sure she wants something that big. I'm going to take her down and let her test drive the EX and see what she thinks. As far as I know, Infinity is a pretty reliable vehicle. If she likes it, I may throw the dice and give it a try. If not, I suspect she'll decide on another RX. Either way, I think in another month or two I'll be a little poorer. :r

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Crazy. I was going to post the same thing. It's most likely my next vehicle.

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I would also suggest a Maserati Qporte Automatico with ZF Transmission. My buddy had one and it was quite reliable. At his price range, he'd have to get a 2007, but it's certainly a car that will age gracefully and not get old looking. The trunk is on the smaller side for such a big car, but plenty of passenger room.

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08/09 (still the classy headlights) e550 ?

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Ifiniti M class, Nissan Maxima, Acura RL, Lexus GS should all fit the bill.

I'm not as familiar with the European brands.

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I'm going to suggest something in a little different direction: Ford Edge. Don't sell it short without looking at it.

My daughter bought a used 2007 fully loaded for about 15K. It meets or exceeds every spec you listed. For your 45K you could get a whole lot of car if not new. From it's handling to the amenities it's just a gorgeous ride.

As I said hers is fully loaded: full vista moon roof, heated leather seats, in dash nav system dual climate controls, AWD (you get rear wheel until sensors kick in the AWD), sound system, head and knee room (I'm 6-4), memory seats - the list is long. Either just over or under 300hp depending on model, responsive handling and great pickup. Her mileage in city is about 22 mpg - she also has a heavy foot. Curb weight: 4050.

On corners it thinks it's a sports car - on rough roads it thinks it's a caddy - it didn't even break a sweat on the ice and little snow we had this past winter.

It's got a nice wide stance, sits 5 adults no problem and everyone just loves the looks. Drivers seating: higher than a car, lower than an SUV/Truck. When my wife gets ready to replace her Crown Vic - its our next car.

Being American made - repairs should be lower than foreign numbers. Anyway - give it a look, compare and see.

Ron

Edge Specs

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:eek:

I shouldn't talk though, I sort of like the looks of the Nissan Juke
:r

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I believe the Maxima is FWD. I am partial to RWD. Same for the GS.
The Edge is an interesting idea. The 3.7L engine is about the same as my 20% larger V8. It is more of a car (station wagon;)) than an SUV. I already like it more than my wife's Toyota Highlander just by looking at the specs.

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I would imagine the used 5 series prices are going to start dopping with the new body style that came out. If you can live with the old rear tail lights you may want to consider the 5 series....

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I've driven one for a year, they aren't bad. Back seat is kinda small, trunk isn't the largest. I'd have to look back at the review I submitted for the details if I can still find it. I didn't particularly like the layout of the interior, I do remember that was my biggest dislike. I had a lot of people wanting to see the car when I drove it around, although that could partially be with how new it was but I think a lot of people were really interested in it. I'd drive another one, but I don't think I'd buy it :2

For the price the Maxima is a very nice car. I think the one I drove was 2009. Very nice 4 door car though, no complaints.

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The Edge is a great car.
If it's large that you want and speed, the biggest one that I can think of is the Challenger. Bigg car, pretty fast in the 1/4 mile (not as fast as the Mustang or Camaro).
Just a thought.

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I find that having a powerful engine makes a car safer and easier to drive. It also doesn't work hard to cruise along. I sometimes push the limits but I can drive anything that way and get the maximum out of it. I like having the power in reserve to help when it's needed. Speed when you need it.
I'm not looking for large, just not small and light. The lighter the car the more they are at the mercy of the road irregularities, generally.
I eat up brakes, tires, and shocks. Suspension bushings have to be tough. Ball joints, too. It would be nice to find something without struts but that's getting rare.

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As much as I love & own a European vehicle, once they fall out of warranty, be prepared for any repairs as they are not cheap.

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I HATE European cars, but to each is own.

I would look into the Infiniti M series.

And as much as they used to be fugly and suck, newer gen Hyundais are gorgeous. 4 door genesis is a freaking steal compared to all other companies at this point.

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Actually just looked at their site and a top spec Genesis would run ~45-50k NEW, and thats with 430hp and getting 30mpg highway. Now, obviously you can get a slightly used one, or lower spec'd model and booyah!

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Another vote on for the Genesis, a great value at all price points for both 2 and 4 door models; especially on the top trim levels.

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Another one on my list of possibles is a Pontiac G8 GXP. I kinda like the styling, decent power, rwd, and pricing is not bad. Plus, it's a domestic.

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The ones I see around do not look like time has been kind to them. Well cared for ones will be collectable in the future. A rare bird and one of the last Pontiacs.

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Could very well be right. Though I take care of my vehicles better than most. Auto detailing is a hobby of mine, so my vehicle is always well-maintained.

This is my current daily driver. 12 year old lincoln LS (2000 model year), 170K miles:

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...l/IMG_7770.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...l/IMG_7024.jpg

The other couple of LS'es in my town have a decent amount of rust, or have sustained damages that the owners neglect to repair.

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Pretty nice!
http://fracstar.com/pics/hyugen.jpg

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Saw one of these out on the road today. Really, really great looking car. Also, I like the fact that you don't see one every day. Personally, I like owning a car that not everyone else in the world has. I would never buy a Camry for instance because I would hate to see 1000 other people drive by me every day in the same car.

I remember you from my days on Autopia and the other detailing forums. Car looks good. :tu

What kind of tire dressing are you using? I really like how it looks.

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I own a 2009 Infinity M35x. It is the best car I have ever owned and I will probably stick with the brand as I have had nothing but a great experience with it.

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Be a badass Lance and get a Subaru STI wagon. 300+hp, AWD that will take you anywhere, and it's practical since it's a wagon. :D

http://cdn.carsroute.com/wp-content/...1-1024x682.jpg

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Well, that would be MY first choice :p But not sure if it fits criteria here.

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Yeah, I'm trying to stay out of the more purpose driven sports cars. For one thing, their suspension is usually pretty tight and I spend hours every day in my vehicles.

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What about an Audi A6? Just did a quick look on Autotrader and around me there's a few from 09-11 for sale between $28-46k.

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Have fun with the repair costs

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2012 Taurus sho 365hp 4 door and huge bed of all it's American and didn't need a gubment bail out :D

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/taurus/2...tyle=101394904

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That is what I am thinking. Audi is one of the most expensive cars to fix, both here and in Europe. The frequency of repair is another issue. It's one thing when you have a factory warranty and the dealer is giving a loaner car...

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Thanks :)

Tire dressing is Surf City Beyond Black Tire Pro, applied with a swissvax tire brush (the paintbrush looking one.)

Agreed on the points of owning a car you don't see a lot of. That was one of the reasons I bought the LS.

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A6 is high on my list. I am a little worried about putting 15K miles a year for the next 12-15 years on one.

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Same here. I was looking at a A5 a while back. Love teh looks of the car, but scared that once it's out of warranty, how much will i have to pay to keep it going.

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I'm sure that's FWD but ,wow, what specs! That's a real sleeper. That they can squeeze so much power out of that engine, showroom stock.
I have never owned a FWD car and don't want to relearn all my driving skills.
Like steering with the throttle when all four wheels are sliding a little. Or tapping the brakes to get the front wheels to bite a little going into a curve and the putting on the power to launch out of it. I'm sure I could get used to FWD but I'm not comfortable with it now.
I don't drive like a race car driver but I can. I want a car that can perform the way I expect.

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I believe the SHO was AWD. Can't remember for sure though.

And agreed on FWD. I HATE driving FWD cars. I do every once in a while. I'd be very nervous in a quick-thinking emergency situation at freeway speed.

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That is correct sir!

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Interesting car. Here is an '09 for $59k.
http://fracstar.com/pics/masiqp.jpg

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Yea, that's dead sexy.