I'm in the market to buy a new car, and to be honest, I don't really know what all is out there and what all I should consider, so I thought I'd ask here to get some advice.

My car was totaled last week after it got broadsided by a minivan full of Mexicans here in Atlanta. It was a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, with all the bells and whistles. V8, 4x4 Quadra Drive, heated seats, dimming mirrors, sunroof, CD changer, etc. I got the car when it was brand new, and only had about 30,000 miles on it.

I loved the car, but I don't know if I want another SUV or not. Plus, I haven't really learned to like the looks of the new Grand Cherokees, or even the new Commanders (I think that's what it's called).

My budget for the car is anywhere between 40k to 55k, as a very broad range. I don't really want to spend towards the higher end of my range, but if it's a car I fall in love with, it might be worth it to me.

My dad has been looking online at some of the BMWs and Mercedes models, and we're going to go look at some of them later this weekend or next week.

Some of the criteria that I'm looking for is strength and durability. I've had some bad luck with cars (never my fault, but bad luck nonetheless), so I want something that will hold up well in a crash, and I want all the front, side, and whatever airbags they come with now. I also want some good bells and whistles with it, similar to what I had on my Jeep. I also plan to go ahead and get a factory GPS navigation system, all integrated into the car's electronics. For a long time, I always thought about getting a standalone GPS, but I think now it would be better to get one built-in because it's less likely to get stolen and probably works better.

The cars I'm planning to check out so far are:
- Mercedes C-Class
- Audi A6
- Infiniti M
- BMW 5 series
- Cadillac DTS

I can't tell from the picture of the new DTS still look like old people cars, but I know that they're very strong and safe.

As for the rest of the cars, I don't really know anything about the details of the car except for what I've read on the Internet, and have no idea what the cost of upkeep and such is.

Does anyone have any opinions on the aforementioned cars, or even on the manufacturer? Or, are there any other similar cars that I am overlooking?

Thanks for your help in helping someone who is pretty much clueless about cars

- Joe

10/19/2006 1:42:42 PM

BMW - 5 series

10/19/2006 1:58:11 PM

I <3 the m35 & 45
if i was looking to get a car that big... that is def what i would get.
or a 5 series...

10/19/2006 1:59:41 PM

'07 BMW 335i 4-door

10/19/2006 2:01:46 PM

Get the BMW or Mercedes. The rest are some junk. It's all personal preference. I personally like the Mercedes interior styling and ergonomics a lot. I'd be more likely to buy a 5-Series just because they tend to be a little more sporty, but the Mercedes is pretty posh.

[Edited on October 19, 2006 at 2:02 PM. Reason : s]

10/19/2006 2:02:21 PM

Quote :

"07 BMW 335i 4-door"

turbos ftw

i bet this car will generate a huge aftermarket

10/19/2006 2:26:58 PM

he isn't looking for a huge aftermarket i don't think

i recommend the M - it's the car i'd buy right now if I was in the market for 40-55k car

10/19/2006 2:30:27 PM

my neighbor had (maybe still has) an audi a6 2.7t for sale.. only downfall for me is that it's automatic.. but maybe that's what you want. iirc he was asking around 17k (dont quote me, i'm not sure)

i can ask him and get contact info if you're interested.

10/19/2006 2:34:52 PM

he has 1 arm...i think automatic is a given

10/19/2006 2:35:32 PM

^^^evotech alreayd has a chip for it...400hp. 360 or so to the wheels. $1000 or so

10/19/2006 2:35:47 PM

^^ good point...

10/19/2006 2:37:23 PM

Iroc Z-28!

10/19/2006 2:43:10 PM

how do some people recommend a car they dont have exp driving?



[Edited on October 19, 2006 at 2:50 PM. Reason : clarification so i dont ruffle feathers]

10/19/2006 2:47:00 PM

Duhhh

They read it in a magazine

So they are professionals by default

10/19/2006 3:12:02 PM

i'd recommend any of them but the caddy.

maybe some of you should go back up & read what hes looking for before someone ends up recommending a dsm.
/rant

10/19/2006 3:27:20 PM

civic, drop the high upkeep girlfriend

10/19/2006 3:36:24 PM

e46 m3 or e39 m5

10/19/2006 3:49:21 PM

Quote :

"maybe some of you should go back up & read what hes looking for before someone ends up recommending a dsm."

i thought about it

its in his price range

10/19/2006 4:06:32 PM

haha after 1 years worth of replacement parts... it sure is.

10/19/2006 4:12:00 PM

get a 1 to 2 yr old used car

options will be better

10/19/2006 11:42:20 PM

i'd get a used range rover

10/20/2006 12:22:41 AM

you can get an '03 E55 AMG in that range

10/20/2006 12:36:27 AM

Not to seem too out of the loop or anything but what's the problem with Cadillacs these days?

I just haven't heard much either way about them and am wondering why everybody wants him to stay the hell away from them (besides the fact that they've got the american GM stigma going for them).


And for that price range, I too would kind of think a 5 series bimmer would be a good solid car to drive, fun to drive too! Though, BMW had a coupe coming out that looked hot as hell (somebody posted pics of it in the garage somewhere). I think it was a 3 series, but it looked hot as hell and was in the upper 30's or mid 40's price range IIRC.

I drive a Jeep Cherokee myself and while I like the new Jeeps, I can completely respect the decision to avoid everything (new) that's Jeep these days. The new german influence on Jeep's design makes all their cars look like suburbanite mom-wagons (exception being the wrangler and maybe the commander).

[Edited on October 20, 2006 at 2:44 AM. Reason : ]

10/20/2006 2:44:13 AM

Wait, so are you buying this or are you posting this for your rich girlfriend?

Or are you set for life after the car accident?

10/20/2006 9:14:36 AM

Quote :

"Not to seem too out of the loop or anything but what's the problem with Cadillacs these days?"

I dunno either. I knew for the longest time they had the reputation of being old-people cars. But in the last few years they've redesigned all of their models to have a sportier, yet distinguished look to try to gain a younger share of the market. I know they're tough cars, but don't know if there are any other problems that might deter people away from them.

Quote :

"Wait, so are you buying this or are you posting this for your rich girlfriend?"

No, I'm buying this for myself. She has a nice car, mine was totaled last week, and so I need to get a new one. Insurance is giving me a substantial amount of money for the car, so I can afford the difference.

Quote :

"Or are you set for life after the car accident?"

No, I didn't get shit from the accident. The fucker who hit me was a deadbeat guy who lives in a trailer park, drinking his life away. I just have a good job, and some money saved up right now to where I can put a little more towards a car.

10/20/2006 10:02:30 AM

It's pretty moronic to buy a car like this at this age if you aren't "set".

But it's your money to piss away as you please.

10/20/2006 10:04:56 AM

Without trying to sound like a total jackass, you don't know anything about my financial situation, and that's okay, and you can ask StellaArtois if you want to know, cause apparently they know everything about me

Fortunately, I do, and know that I can afford such a car, and that spending (pissing) a little extra money is hardly going to break the bank for me.

But thanks for your concern

10/20/2006 10:12:58 AM

Trust fund babies are soooo cool.

10/20/2006 10:23:00 AM

you people are all idiots. everyone should be driving an old saturn like me.
/noen

10/20/2006 10:26:12 AM

Dude, don't listen to an moron on TWW giving financial advice. If you extend your means, you'll get bitten, if not you'll be fine. You're the best person to judge that and not any other person on here. That being said, here are my thoughts on luxury cars:

BWM - 5 series: The design isn't my taste but my uncle has new 525i Business series (weak motor, loaded with everything else) and I have to admit that it is a very very nice car to ride in and drive.

Audi A6 - Audi has the best interiors of any luxury make but the A6 hasn't particularly grown on me as far as exterior design goes. It seems a bit too subtle in a class where cars are striving too look like standouts in addition to providing performance and luxury.

Infiniti M - To me, Japanese luxury has always been a filler between German imports and regular everyday cars. I just don't find any Japanese car containing features that are unique or characteristically unusual. Sure, they'll have everything that German cars have but they tend not to expand on those notions and provide something a bit extra. Examples: try to find a 2000-2003 Japanese luxury car that automatically lowered all four windows at the touch of a button, adjusted volume based on engine RPM or whether the moonroof was open or not, and actually had sheet metal that felt sturdy. Great cars, but I find them a bit lifeless.

Cadillac DTS - You're a young guy. Avoid this. If anything look at getting a loaded CTS as that would fit your age better.

Mercedes C - Class - Upgrade to the E if you can afford it or get a BMW.

10/20/2006 11:25:31 AM

Quote :

"Not to seem too out of the loop or anything but what's the problem with Cadillacs these days?"

They're grandma cars. And then when they get wore out by chain smoking grandmas they get passed on to filthy construction workers and hoodrats who run them into the ground. Cadillac can try all they want to change their persona, but it's too late. It's like Pontiac making a GTO again. It is a pretty tight car, but it's still a Pontiac.

Quote :

"No, I didn't get shit from the accident. The fucker who hit me was a deadbeat guy who lives in a trailer park, drinking his life away. I just have a good job, and some money saved up right now to where I can put a little more towards a car."

You should burn that fucker's trailer down and torch his firebird while you're at it.

Quote :

"Trust fund babies are soooo cool."

I've never seen this guy flaunt shit in a way that would fill the stereotype that you're wanting to put on him. The fact that you care so much about someone else's finances makes you just as dysfunctional as the trust fund babies of which you speak.

10/20/2006 12:06:43 PM

- Mercedes C-Class
- Audi A6
- Infiniti M
- BMW 5 series
- Cadillac DTS

Each of those are expensive as hell to repair. (Even if you do it yourself. Parts are $$$).

10/20/2006 12:48:54 PM

dad has a inf. m45 with all the options. nice car, drives great, got lots of good reviews against european counterparts.

i would still go with a used range though in this price range, because i would like to have 4wd. i'd stear clear of older bmw's. they are great cars but the old designs look dated now (not saying the new ones are an improvement though). i wonder if you could get a used cls in this price range? oh i wouldn't buy new either, but that's me.

Quote :

"try to find a 2000-2003 Japanese luxury car that automatically lowered all four windows at the touch of a button, adjusted volume based on engine RPM or whether the moonroof was open or not, and actually had sheet metal that felt sturdy. Great cars, but I find them a bit lifeless."

what an idiot. my old z71 had a stereo that adjusted the volume for how fast you were going. besides this guy can get an all but brand new m45 for his price range.

[Edited on October 20, 2006 at 1:19 PM. Reason : quote]

10/20/2006 1:16:52 PM

Your z71 would be American now wouldn't it?

[Edited on October 20, 2006 at 1:47 PM. Reason : >.<]

10/20/2006 1:46:58 PM

sure would, but maxima's had speed sensitive volume adjustment in the early 1990's, nothing too new

and my vote is for a CTS-V

[Edited on October 20, 2006 at 4:17 PM. Reason : choice]

10/20/2006 4:13:43 PM

Quote :

"i'd stear clear of older bmw's. they are great cars but the old designs look dated now (not saying the new ones are an improvement though)."

That's an awfully vague and very subjective reason for steering clear of a car maker. I guess I'm a little biased, but jesus...

10/20/2006 4:22:05 PM

Audi S6

10/20/2006 4:54:03 PM

Jaguar XJ8

10/21/2006 9:06:00 PM

Quote :

"you people are all idiots. everyone should be driving an old saturn like me. /noen "

Seriously, there is ONE CAR you better damn well buy

ok TWO.

Lotus Elise

or

Lotus Exige.

Reliable, beautiful, made for a 20 something with money.

10/21/2006 10:12:43 PM

Quote :

"I've never seen this guy flaunt shit in a way that would fill the stereotype that you're wanting to put on him. The fact that you care so much about someone else's finances makes you just as dysfunctional as the trust fund babies of which you speak."

We can all play the assume game! Isn't this fun?

10/22/2006 9:40:18 PM

Quote :

"That's an awfully vague and very subjective reason for steering clear of a car maker. I guess I'm a little biased, but jesus..."

Imo if I was going to pay that much for a car I would want the new body style (skipping exotics), because I'm shallow like that.

10/23/2006 12:25:41 AM

Id go with the new A6. The styling on that car is simply badass in a classy sort of way. I also really like how its slightly out of the norm, after living in Cary, it seems like every other car is a BMW. I can't hate on the 5 series though, nice styling with BMW performance, at about the same price

10/23/2006 4:22:36 AM

^^^^ and, uh, with two arms

[Edited on October 23, 2006 at 8:32 AM. Reason : ^]

10/23/2006 8:31:50 AM

One of the 3 mags has a comparison test with the following cars:

Infiniti M45
BMW 550i
MB E550
Lexus GS450h

They finished in that order! (or maybe the Germans were swapped). But the Inifniti definitely came out at the top.

You can definitely get the M45 just around 55K. If you want to spend less, go for the M35. But, if you are going for the M35, the G35 is a better option, because they have the same engine, but the G35 is lighter, and a sportier.

The Lexus GS 350 has replaced the GS 330, and so comes with the same engine as in the IS 350, the 306 hp V6. So, that's also something you should look at. BTW, the GS 350 has more power than the GS 430, which comes with a 300 hp 4.3 litre V8, but has more torque than the V6 (320 lb-ft vs. 275 lb ft.)

So, the cars to look at are:

Infiniti M45, M35, G35

&

Lexus GS 350, GS 430, IS 350

[Comparable Germans more expensive to buy and mantain]


[Edited on October 23, 2006 at 9:44 AM. Reason : ]

10/23/2006 9:43:59 AM

^ agreed.

10/23/2006 9:55:09 AM

Quote :

"The cars I'm planning to check out so far are: - Mercedes C-Class - Audi A6 - Infiniti M - BMW 5 series - Cadillac DTS"

these cars dont really go for up to 55k. I bet if you slapped a mercedes symbol on a pinto you'd drop 50k for it. dont buy a car for the name, get something you'll enjoy. the cadillac dts' are a cheap gm interior, with a boxy exterior.....if that thing said hyundai on it nobody would touch it

and you're going to have to narrow down that price range, need to keep in mind maintenance, insurance, gas guzzlers, and all the taxes, titles, and stupid fees they tax on

10/23/2006 10:02:16 AM

and if you're worried about safety......get a tank.....they're on ebay all the time

10/23/2006 10:04:18 AM

joe, my man, you have some of the shittiest luck of anyone i know off
if you are ever in raleigh, let me buy you a beer

10/23/2006 12:54:59 PM

^ I'm going to hold you to your word the next time I come up that way

My dad and I went out for a little while on Sunday to a Mercedes dealer, and we checked out a couple of cars.

I got behind the wheel (for the first time in a few weeks) and started to get woozy before I even got out of the parking lot. I guess my head just isn't ready for me to drive yet

We looked at 3 different models, the C-350, the E-350, and the E-550. Out of those that we sat in, and my dad drove around , the E-550 seemed to feel the best in the way it handled and maneuvered. It also was a very comfortable ride and had a gorgeous interior. It also was the highest priced, and slightly out of my upper budget. I'm certain he could be talked down a little, or at least I hope he would.

I'm going to put the car search on hold for now, until I'm able to actually test drive them without having my dad do it for me. We may go look around at a few cars just to take a look at them... Definitely going to check out the Infiniti and BMW places, and the Audi dealer.

10/24/2006 1:47:55 PM

acura RL, cadillac CTS-V, bmw 335i or m3 or 5

10/24/2006 2:32:20 PM