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.
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 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.
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.
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)
