Let's try again: Best luxury car for $25K

I'm really partial to the E-Class. Anyone have experience with these as 3-4 year old used cars? Everyone talks about maintenance issues, but honestly, how expensive can oil and fluid changes be? Are there other problems that pop up on these that are super expensive?

 

THere will always be the debate between the E-Class/5 series/AUdi/competitors...I really think the MB wins easily. Best of both worlds- luxury and sport feel. An E500 loaded is just a WAY better overall experience than a 5 series ( would have to be a 545 at least) or A6. Solid feel, great power...Im partial to MB but so many 5 series out there, just to many.
DOnt know what else you have looked at or are interested, just using the basic comparisons. IMHO- the lexus, infinity models dont compare for me...

Get one with an extended warranty or even aftermarket, opinions will differ on this...the A and B service are somewhere around $400-500. Stay away from the 03 E Class from what Ive read also.

 

Maybe a nice AMG E55 (early model) would be nice but I doubt it'll be $25K or less. I have to admit, the MB's are quite the bargain for an ultra luxurious (for the money) used car! Dont bother with a private extended warranty, just go for a certified used with the regular (used car) warranty.

 

I feel like a broken record on this

XJR

-dsd

 

Didn't they have big issues with the electronics? My friends E55 is always in for service.

 

Such an underated car, along with the S Type R.

I have heard horrow stories regarding the E class. A friend of mine has one and the car is in for a full engine rebuild at under 50K. I don't know if the problems he has had are normal, but it is enough for me to stay away. If you must buy a car like this, just think "certified pre-owned.

 

The S and X types are just glorified fords! Had an X type rental and the interior (controls) is made of that cheesy, plastic sh*t. If you NEED to drive a Jag, the Vanden Plas' and/or the supercharged is the only way to go.

 

Cadillac CTS V would be a fun stick shift luxury car that traditionally has low residuals.

A Jaguar would also be a value oriented luxury vehicle XJR or S type R. (with an automatic tranny)

Mercedes traditionally has higher residuals so I'd pass on that.

That would be my list.

JMO

 

Audi A6? The Lincoln LS is a great car too. So are the Lexus GS 400's, 2004 model or so.

 

+1 for the CTS-V

 

Excellent choice and very nice car.

 

Might be tough to find one for $25K, along with the M5 that was mentioned in teh other thread.

 

2005+ Infiniti G35 (although it's not E Class size). Reliable, nice gearing, almost 300 all-motor horsepower, modern design.

 

might be a step in the wrong direction of this thread, but you can pick up a rolls silver shadow for around this price range, a little more for a well maintaned model.

however, i'm going to have to go with the g35 on this thread, great car.

 

The X Type Jag is not so good. But I thought the S Type always had good reviews and ratings from the magazines. An E55 would be fun, but for less than $25 you'd have to look at 01-02's

 

You can pick up a late Volkswagen Phaeton in that price range, and they really are a nice machine. Resale will be horrific

 

I love E38 7 series.

 

One word.

Lexus!.

 

CTS V search on ebay. Prices are in your target.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Cars-Trucks___cts-v_W0QQMake247a0eZCadillacebca2da5QQModel4710b09ZCTS10602QQ_kwZctsQ2dvQQModelYearf0c65f14Z20041774c2QQ_catZ43903QQ_fxdZ1QQ_ipgZ50QQ_pcatsZ5347Q2c6001Q2c6000QQ_sopZ10

Only if you want a manual tranny though.

Not sure if you want that feature for an everyday driver but heres the information.

The 2004 CTS V is an amazing car.