best car for $45k (after options)

99GApunk · 02-02-2006, 07:56 PM

so heres the deal

cts
audi a4
acura tl
lexus is250 AWD

what other luxury-esque cars are out there for that price range?
my girlfriend is in the market for a new one, her 325xi has 75k on it and is falling apart

she needs something on the small side, all wheel drive preferably.
she likes the heated seats and all the goodies, she would like Nav too.

so can anyone suggest another?
we are making a list of ones she will at least want to go test drive

Braves299 · 02-02-2006, 07:59 PM

um.... rich girlfriend?

lironet · 02-02-2006, 08:01 PM

Acura TL

Panacea · 02-02-2006, 08:03 PM

I don't know much about all the other two brands, but I know you can't go wrong with Acura.

ViperGTSR · 02-02-2006, 08:07 PM

infiniti M45 sport SON (thats too expensive though, try M35)
and why no G35 on the list? You should really do a comparo on the car sites and put the G in there, it wins in almost all categories (as does the M)

best car in the whole lot, looks the best, interior owns, performance is killer

99GApunk · 02-02-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braves299

um.... rich girlfriend?

understatment

99GApunk · 02-02-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperGTSR

infiniti M45 sport SON (thats too expensive though, try M35)
and why no G35 on the list? You should really do a comparo on the car sites and put the G in there, it wins in almost all categories (as does the M)

best car in the whole lot, looks the best, interior owns, performance is killer

i was assuming a g35 sedan would be too big

i forgot to mention it should be a sedan, she has a dog she brings to her work
and many places and needs the room

altho i definitely love the infinitis. ill tell her about em thanks

ViperGTSR · 02-02-2006, 10:20 PM

G is in the exact same category as all those you have mentioned, the M is in the STS and GS class. So i'd say its a good choice given what you have listed there, but yea pass it by

(we are happy with our 03 G!)

2002GT · 02-02-2006, 10:53 PM

SRT-8 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Braves299 · 02-02-2006, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002GT

SRT-8 Jeep Grand Cherokee

That's more than 45K. BUUUUUT some people are getting Trailblazer SS's now for around 36K

BigTaters · 02-02-2006, 11:35 PM

how can u guys not recommend the CTS,,, it is one of the top rated cars for the price by most car magazines.. and u know they dont pick domestics much so it must be good.. they are sharp lookin cars.. have tonnes of power.. more options then u can imagine and perform awesome in the long term durability tests people have put them through

99GApunk · 02-02-2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braves299

That's more than 45K. BUUUUUT some people are getting Trailblazer SS's now for around 36K

gotta be smallish. she was looking at one SUV but it was the escalade EXT and we are still going to give it a test drive, but its about 58k so unless we get a good deal or something i think we will be passing on it

i say we because thats wishful thinking, it should say 'her' and 'she' instead since its not mine, altho i will try my hardest

GrahamKracka · 02-02-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTaters

how can u guys not recommend the CTS,,, it is one of the top rated cars for the price by most car magazines.. and u know they dont pick domestics much so it must be good.. they are sharp lookin cars.. have tonnes of power.. more options then u can imagine and perform awesome in the long term durability tests people have put them through

only the CTS-V is worth it...even then...isnt there a problem with the differental exploding or something?

99GApunk · 02-02-2006, 11:49 PM

i think the cts is a damn nice car, its one of the comfiest smaller luxury cars ive ever been in for sure

i love the styling and the whole interior and exterior just screams class and quality to me... but i dont expect everyone to feel the way i do. i think i just have a thing for cadillacs

RAZE · 02-03-2006, 04:20 AM

The IS250 is by far the nicest on your list.

2002GT · 02-03-2006, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braves299

That's more than 45K. BUUUUUT some people are getting Trailblazer SS's now for around 36K

msrp: $39995

nascarnate326 · 02-03-2006, 06:21 AM

Im starting to really like the Saab 9-3. I think thats the model. Its supposed to win over all the 3-series fans. Other then the Saab, id get a CTS in black with chrome rims, or a 06 3-series. Sounds like your not too happy with BMW though. Good Luck.

AMRAAM4 · 02-03-2006, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAZE

The IS250 is by far the nicest on your list.

It's 350 in the U.S. ya douchebags.

ehhh ehhhmmm...people are forgetting the 425hp 300C SRT-8. This car is growing on me since I saw one on the road. The slight visual, and obvious mechanical enhancements, over the standard 300C make it desirable. I'd definitely take that car over a slug Audi S4, a normal CTS, a BMW 3 series or MB C class, or the TL

Panacea · 02-03-2006, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrahamKracka

only the CTS-V is worth it...even then...isnt there a problem with the differental exploding or something?

I don't think she's going to be racing her car...

AMRAAM4 · 02-03-2006, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Panacea

I don't think she's going to be racing her car...

doesn't have to be racing....they are exploding just from normal spirited driving..which hopefully you WILL be doing if you buy the focking thing. Not to mention I saw the CTS/-V interior, I proceeded to physically yawn just looking at it.

Rear diff rated at 318 TQ..car has I think 395 or 400+ TQ. Do the math.

02-02-2006, 07:56 PM	#1
99GApunk hockey? yes please AKA: Matt Join Date: May 2004 Location: franklin massachusetts Age: 36 Posts: 2,457 Vehicle: 04 gtp/compG	best car for $45k (after options) so heres the deal cts audi a4 acura tl lexus is250 AWD what other luxury-esque cars are out there for that price range? my girlfriend is in the market for a new one, her 325xi has 75k on it and is falling apart she needs something on the small side, all wheel drive preferably. she likes the heated seats and all the goodies, she would like Nav too. so can anyone suggest another? we are making a list of ones she will at least want to go test drive __________________ grand am: OUT! GTP.... IN! (check it out) Wizair cold air intake 235/50/18 BFG G-Force KDWS on 18" enkei zr1's in hyperblack front and rear STBs

02-02-2006, 07:59 PM	#2
Braves299 WVU owns you AKA: David Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Derwood, Maryland Age: 36 Posts: 2,170 Vehicle: '99 GA SE 3.4, '06 Ram	um.... rich girlfriend? __________________ Carl Lee Combs July 8, 1944 - February 20, 2002 "Gone for now, never forgotten"

02-02-2006, 08:03 PM	#4
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	I don't know much about all the other two brands, but I know you can't go wrong with Acura. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

02-02-2006, 08:07 PM	#5
ViperGTSR i <3 my lanyard AKA: Alex Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: High Desert, SoCal Age: 35 Posts: 2,260 Vehicle: Turbo Biodiesel \| R1	infiniti M45 sport SON (thats too expensive though, try M35) and why no G35 on the list? You should really do a comparo on the car sites and put the G in there, it wins in almost all categories (as does the M) best car in the whole lot, looks the best, interior owns, performance is killer __________________ House mods are the new car mods

02-02-2006, 10:20 PM	#8
ViperGTSR i <3 my lanyard AKA: Alex Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: High Desert, SoCal Age: 35 Posts: 2,260 Vehicle: Turbo Biodiesel \| R1	G is in the exact same category as all those you have mentioned, the M is in the STS and GS class. So i'd say its a good choice given what you have listed there, but yea pass it by (we are happy with our 03 G!) __________________ House mods are the new car mods

02-02-2006, 08:01 PM	#3
lironet GAGT - Member AKA: Don't Know Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Toronto, Canada Age: 42 Posts: 435 Vehicle: 08 Stang GT & 04 GA SE	Acura TL

02-02-2006, 10:53 PM	#9
2002GT GAGT - Junkie AKA: Nick Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Southeast Posts: 3,817 Vehicle: Charger 392	SRT-8 Jeep Grand Cherokee

02-02-2006, 11:35 PM	#11
BigTaters Local Pimp AKA: Derek Join Date: May 2003 Location: Regina, SK Age: 44 Posts: 602 Vehicle: 2000 G.A. GT	how can u guys not recommend the CTS,,, it is one of the top rated cars for the price by most car magazines.. and u know they dont pick domestics much so it must be good.. they are sharp lookin cars.. have tonnes of power.. more options then u can imagine and perform awesome in the long term durability tests people have put them through __________________ Mustangs are for useless fat girls.

02-02-2006, 11:49 PM	#14
99GApunk hockey? yes please AKA: Matt Join Date: May 2004 Location: franklin massachusetts Age: 36 Posts: 2,457 Vehicle: 04 gtp/compG	i think the cts is a damn nice car, its one of the comfiest smaller luxury cars ive ever been in for sure i love the styling and the whole interior and exterior just screams class and quality to me... but i dont expect everyone to feel the way i do. i think i just have a thing for cadillacs __________________ grand am: OUT! GTP.... IN! (check it out) Wizair cold air intake 235/50/18 BFG G-Force KDWS on 18" enkei zr1's in hyperblack front and rear STBs

02-03-2006, 04:20 AM	#15
RAZE GAGT oldtimer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NYC - Manhattan Age: 39 Posts: 2,965 Vehicle: 2004 GTO	The IS250 is by far the nicest on your list. __________________ Past: 2001 GT1 Coupe 75th Anniversary Edition 8/18/01 - 11/25/03 2000 Supercharged GA: 12/24/03-9/22/05 2004 Impulse Blue GTO 99 Grand Prix GT Coupe - 10/10/08-1/9/10 2010 Black Audi S5 Coupe Current: 2009 Corolla S - Commuter car 2013 Jetta Hybrid - Commuter Car 2005 Metallic Black Pontiac GTO 2014 BMW 650iX M Sport convertible 1987 Fox Body Mustang GT

02-03-2006, 06:21 AM	#17
nascarnate326 Honda CRF 450 AKA: Nathan Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Grand Rapids, MI Age: 34 Posts: 1,188 Vehicle: 2004 Grand Prix GT	Im starting to really like the Saab 9-3. I think thats the model. Its supposed to win over all the 3-series fans. Other then the Saab, id get a CTS in black with chrome rims, or a 06 3-series. Sounds like your not too happy with BMW though. Good Luck.

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