What's the best used car for $25K?

What's a cool sedan that is reliable, that you can pick up for $25K used? I don't mind a few years old. BMW 7-series? Mercedes E-Class? Other? Are you just asking for trouble to pick up one of these, even if it's been well cared for?

 

Lexus LS, GS or ES. They are all extremely reliable, maintence is very reasonable, and they look great.

 

Honda Accord

 

I am only speaking from my experience as a Mercedes owner and this is only inclusive of one model.

My mercedes CLK320 has been nothing short of a great ownership experience. It is luxurious, drives great but not too hard, has plenty of pep even for a v6, and gets amazing as mileage to boot (Up to 31mpg on the highway). I feel lucky to own it and the smell of the interior puts a smile on my face everytime I sit in it. It has also been reliable and trouble free.

That said, I would have second guessed buying the car if I had known just how high some of the maintanence costs on my car would amount to. Even if absolutely nothing goes wrong - proper, scheduled maintanence can be costly and add up.

If this is a concern at all, I would do some research. Maybe one that still has warranty or if you have money budgeted for maintanence the german cars would be a good pick.

I keep it because although the maintanence is high - it runs better, looks better(quality has kept this car looking new), and is more reliable than any other 7 year old domestic that I have ever been around.

 

I just looked it up for a friend, a 2002 Mercedes S-Class can go pretty cheap. One in Tempe is going for 25k. 65k+ miles, Here's a link:

http://www.internetautoguide.com/usedcars/14-int/2002/mercedes-benz/s-class/arizona/tempe/215541332/113/index.html?filter=RadiusSearchDistanceFromPostalCode|85242|RadiusSearchPostalCode|85242|RadiusSearchRadius|100|VehicleMake|Mercedes-Benz|VehicleModel|S-Class|VehicleSubmodel|S500|VehicleUsedIncludeCarsDotCom|1|&sortby=VehicleUsedProductId|HasVehicleUsedPrice+DESC|HasVehicleUsedPrice+DESC|VehicleUsedPrice|&index=7&pagenum=1&sourcePageType=drill_mms&numListings=15

 

Subaru !!!
Wrx
maybe even an STI.

 

You can get a CPO C5 Audi A6 for around that price. With a warranty!

or you can easily get a 3 series or even a BMW x3. Autotrader.com is your friend

 

1999-2001 BMW 740i, amazing car, decent gas milage for its size as well

 

All kinds of choices at this price point, especially if a few years aren't an issue.

BMW 7 series
BMW 5 series (including M cars - maybe, don't know if the E39 M5 is in the 25k range yet)
BMW 3 series (including M3)
Audi A8
Audi A6
Audi A4 (including S4)
MB S-class
MB E-class
MB C-class
Lexus IS series
Lexus ES series
Lexus GS series
Infiniti G35
Infiniti M35 (maybe - might not be in the 25k range yet)
Acura TL
Acura RL
Subaru WRX STi
Subaru 2.5GT sedan
Mitsubishi EVO

That's just the ones I would consider, there are a bunch more out there.

 

EVO IX MR would be a great choice...

 

You cannot beat a 2005 & up G35 sedan. PERIOD.

 

Agreed.

 

Wow, taste in auto design is like the rectum I suppose...

 

That figures, all your Evo fan boi crap gets old....

 

G35 coupe, easy choice.

 

OP asked for a sedan, not coupe. The G35 sedan would still fit the bill, though.

 

Since the original poster's inquiry was for a $25k sedan...how would a G35 coupe be any choice at all?

 

Because he suggested a car that fits the OP's criteria?

How does that make him a fanboi?

 

What is a boi...some kind of snake? And, I am a fan all performance autos...especially race inspired ones like the EVO...xxx ooo

 

Explain how an entry level econobox fits in with the cars the OP listed, such as Mercedes and BMW?

The Lancer (Evo) is an entry level economy car. Other than the turbo, it is on par with a Geo or Cavalier.

The G35 sedan is a true mid-size luxury car. On par with the cars the OP listed.

 

My bro in law got G35 sedan a couple years old for like $17K.

Used, you can find a great deal on a lot of luxo cars, G35, BMW 3's and 5's, Acura TL.

 

The G35 is not on par with a 7 series or S-class. It is not a true luxury car. It is on par with the other entry-level luxury cars like the 3 series, C-class and A4. The G35 is a nice car, but it's not the end-all, even in its price range.

The performance of the EVO cannot be denied. I'm not a huge fan of them personally but I certainly can understand the appeal. AWD and 300 hp out of a car that retails for ~$30k is pretty damn impressive. Same goes for the Subaru WRX STi.

 

Neither is a Lancer or Impreza... so why argue it? I'm not denying the performance.

But you do have a point - the G35 is still a "mid" sized, whereas the S class is XXL. I guess pure size is important for some folks.

 

His post mentioned a $25k sedan and reliable which the EVO II through IX meets... plus it is a whole lot of fun to drive...much more fun that a old luxury barge from MB or BMW... Plus, the EVO offers a little more than just a turbo...how about Recaro seats, two piece Bremo brakes, forged BBS wheels, Momo steering wheel, Bilstein dampeners, Eibach springs, aluminum suspension parts, carbon fiber hood and rear wing, aluminum fenders and roof, adjustable center differential and more ...all stock from the factory? Not bad for an econobox...

 

Exactly. Anyone who wants a Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes Benz etc, sure isn't gonna want a glorified econony car.