Member6448
I have a long highway commute about an hour each way. I would prefer something used, but not too old. I want something that will pamper me, leather seats, toys, and safety technology, but I want it to be relaible and mostly worry free (I'm OCD with maitnence, and I think that prevents most issues, but some cars are still built better than others). I want it to have reasonably good proformance characterisitcs, but still have reasonably good MPG, obviously the two are mutually exclusive but something that strikes a balance would be nice. Same with ride quaility... something that strikes a balance, since it's a long range comuter it has to be a nice highway cruiser, but i'd like it to be a little playfull too. I also don't want it to be too boring. I also live in the snow belt so i'm not sure about RWD, and would prefer AWD. A small sedan/hatch/coupe would be ideal. I drive a coupe right now.
Cars I have owned/test driven and my thoughts:
E90 BMW 328xi - LOVED this car, It pretty much ticked every box, but good ones are pricey, especily when you look at ones with options (the stock fake leather seats are pretty bad... but the leather is nice.) also I have never heard anyone ever say BMWs are reliable or inexpensive to fix... and if I have to stretch my budget into the mid to high 20s for this car I certanlly will not be able to afford the maitnence and repair.
The last 3 generations of Accords in various body styles. - I've owned several accords... they have always been good to me, and the ones I have owned are top trim V6s... My favorate was an '04 EX-L V6 sedan. It was a good all arounder, but was just boring to look at, It didn't really excell at anything... it handled and drove okay, but everything felt middle of the road... materials... handling... etc.
Cadalac CTS4 - Very nice ride, good handling... it was just big and sort of ugly. Also while I have heard they are relaible a cheap plastic wood trim peice fell off when I went to adjust the tempreture... nothing really screamed quality on that car...
Brand new Mazda 3 - With all the hype I was disapointed. it felt like a well made cheap car trying to be an expensive one. just not impressed. I felt the base engine was insuficent, and the s model acceptable.
Cars I still need to drive and are considering-
G35/37X, Acura TSX/ILX, Lexus CT200h and IS, buick verano, A3/A4, hyundai genisis
What I'm not really intrested in:
Mecadies, VW, econoboxes, anything with under 25MPG Highway (30+ prefered)
Priorities: Reliability & durability / Ride smoothness / Exterior styling / Powertrain performance / Fuel economy
Preferred Bodystyle(s): Sedan / Hatch
Car Needs: Daily commuter / Long trips
Need minimum of 4 seats
Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 75000
Maximum age: 5 years
Maximum price: US $ 22000
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