If you had...

I have been bouncing back and forth on what car to buy. Here is a little information on my situation.

I have 40k to purchase a car.
Looking for something luxury, as a daily driver.
Keeping the car 100% stock, again something to just relax in and drive.
Cannot have a car payment. The 40k must purchase the car outright. No down payments.
No SUV
No BMW

If you had those options what would you be most interested in?

I have been thinking of Lexus LS460 or Mercedes C-class.

 

I'd look at the 2005-2006 model Maseratis. They are at or below $40K now.

Mike in Kuwait

 

Hmm... Lexus LS460 or Mercedes C-class. Go with the Mercedes. The Maser is cheap, but servicing would eat you alive. Still, Maser is cheap money and cost average still makes it an ok buy when factoring in servicing, provided nothing goes wrong that is large $$$.

 

I like the Lexus idea.

 

Infiniti G35 coupe.

 

Ah yes I forgot about them, good call.

 

G37 you mean.

 

Audi?

 

I don't know if you can get the "new" G37 for 40k?

It's a sexy beast though. The back seats do suck though!

 

Maybe I'll get flamed for suggesting this, but have you looked at the Hyundai Genesis? Seems really nice for that price point.

 

+1, brilliant car from owners who have commented on it.

 

2005/6 Mercedes E55

$30-$35k

best sports sedan on the planet

 

Why no BMW?

Why on earth would anyone buy a G37 over a similarly equipped 3-series?

 

GNX - be elite.

 

This makes no sense. The Lexus is a fullsize and the MB is a compact. Wouldn't you want to compare similar models?

FULLSIZE LS460 : S-class
MIDSIZE GS430 : E-class
COMPACT ES330 : C-class

 

My wife has had an '08 C350 for nearly two years and it has been trouble-free. Dealer service is expensive. A service is around $250 for basically a deluxe oil change, while B-service is $500 and consists of an A service plus all filter changes and a thorough inspection.

If you drive a 300 and a 350 back-to-back you can feel the extra power of the bigger engine, but the 300 isn't a dog.

The car is solid and very quiet. The 7-speed transmission is nice. Gas mileage isn't great, maybe 19/25. If it were my money and I wanted one I'd find a Starmark pre-owned '08. Make sure it has the DVD theater sound system, definitely worth the extra money.

 

Keep an eye out on Craigslist for someone looking to bail. If you know anyone that has access to Manheim auction prices online then you'll know what wholesale is on any given car. Equip yourself with Autocheck, 90 days for $25 for checking a vehicle. Bottom line is if you throw cash at some guy you'll be able to get a lot more car then you think.

P.S. - those G35-7's eat brakes real quick. No biggy but something to think about when you factor in maintenance costs.

 

Ah...I knew 'new' G35's could be bought for well under $40K. Figured they were similar.

 

Why can't you get an infiniti for that?

http://www.infinitiusa.com/g_coupe/models-pricing/

 

I would go Japanese. My MB had problems, I was told by everyone at the German car shop I should have gone BMW. My BMW just turned 34k miles and its having problems, one thing after the other. My japanese cars never had problems worth complaining about. I'm strongly considering dumping my car for a G37 or GS.

 

I drive an 2004 G35 as my daily. owned since new. 50K miles now.

no probems ever. not one... zilch.... zippo... nada...

not even a light bulb...

 

Lower end Dodge Challenger (not luxury though)
older Caddilac CTS-V
Hyundai Genesis (My favorite, possibly a loaded 3.8T Track, not sure how much that can get) or even the Sedan
Nissan Maxima
300C SRT8 (Not sure of price, seems like they would be cheap by now)

Not sure what else ATM.

 

I'd go with a G37S. I can vouch for the reliability of the G35 along with Simon. Love this car. Someone else pointed out that going for a G over a 3 series is stupid, but who wants a 3 series in that price range? The 335i is a bit more than 40k, IIRC.

 

Maserati Coupe
MB CL600
Audi S4 cab
Phaeton W12 (one of Clarkson's favs, chassis of Bentley Conti and Flying Spur)

 

Get the LS460, great car. Especially the "L".