The Right Car for Me: fun car to my later years

fun car to my later years

Member6437

Current thinking is between a lightly used C-Class, 3 series or A4; or should I just buy an Accord Touring or perhapps a Mazda 6. I have had an Accord for 10+ years so I really would like to step up from that class.

Priorities: Powertrain performance

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Coupe

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Long trips

Primary Driver(s): New driver

Need minimum of 4 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 30000
Maximum age: 3 years

Maximum price: US $ 30000

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I think you should test drive a few cars, then get a 6-speed manual 2014-2016 Mazda 6. It will be the cheapest of the options you're currently considering. Then take all the money you're saving, bring a couple buddies and do one of those track-day-in-a-supercar things every year. Avoid that red ball of rage that is a European car breaking down and then getting jerked around by the dealer.

I would submit that the Mazda + supercar strategy will increase your overall happiness more than just getting a nicer-but-more expensive european car that you know you're just going to get used to like you did the Accord. The hedonic treadmill is real.

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Where to Next?

How long are you likely to keep this car? German cars have improved to where they tend to be reliable for up to four, perhaps six years, at which point all bets are off.

What I often suggest for someone seeking a combination of driving fun and reliability is the Infiniti G37.

You might also find an Acura TSX to your liking, somewhat like the Accord but at least a half step up.

I like the Mazda6 a lot, but it probably won't seem like much of an upgrade over the Accord.

fun car to my later years

Member6437

Response from mwcten

8:52 pm May 11, 2015

Response from mkaresh

8:06 am May 19, 2015