I think I need to put my TL out to pasture...
I've got a few on the list that I'm contemplating.
Willing to go up in price if I can find something new I really love.

Needs
4 doors with good rear seat room (3 young kids)
Fun to drive - very important
Good power (V6 minimum)
Decent gas mileage
MUST BE RELIABLE - wamt to get 100K+ without major concerns

Used
2009 Pontiac G8 GXP (prices are ridiculous right now though)
Lexus GS 450H - found a 2008 with 25K miles for $36K
Infiniti M45 (is the AWD reliable?)


New
2012 Acura TL - hoping to take advantage of my recent trip out to Acura to my advantage $$$$
Hyundai Genesis

 

If you could swing a new car IMO, that would be your best choice. Acura may throw you some loyalty $$ if you buy a TL. It is also a nice all around car for the money.

I remember reading that the GS 450h & 350awd are not consumer report recommended because of poor reliability.

 

Slightly used G37 and 335i?

 

The new sh-awd TL looks solid and is a good performer to boot. You will get a new car too and have some piece of mind

 

Was going to say IS-F but then you said good rear seat room so strike that.

 

Prob not in the direction of an E / A6 / 5 series.

GS450 and M45 make the most sense. M will probably be more enjoyable.

Id take a used pristine RL before a 40k+ 2012 SH TL.

 

As a salesman who sells ALL major makes and models i would recommend you stay far, far away from ANY european brand especially if you plan on making it to 100k without major issues. Honda, Nissan and Toyota products will hold their value the most even if you put a lot of miles on them. The lexus ES or GS, Infiniti M or G and of course the TL, RL or TSX are all great cars that will last you a very long time. If you MUST buy a euro vehicle it makes a lot of sense to buy an extended warranty. You most likely wont be needing an extended service plan on the jap models so dont let the F&I guy talk you into buying one.

 

Used 550i? Used 1st gen CTS-V? Used Jag XF? Used E60 M5?

 

Back seat may be a bit tight for three little ones if you get a G37 or 3 series. M45 seems like a safe bet.

 

The current 3-series is a bit small in the back. Not sure about the G sedan.

Can't believe I'm saying it myself but considering what's important to you, I'd pick up a 2012 TL if I were you. I think you could swing about 30 mpg highway with a SH-AWD.

GXP is still my favorite in this segment, they're just too rare. Good luck finding one, period.

 

GXP

 

unless you can swing a '12 TL... i would say a used G8 / CTS-V would prob be top of the list for me... u did say performance sedan...

 

CPO TL-S?

Is MT a must? If not, I'd look at the current-gen Nissan Maxima, Sonata Turbo, maybe even a new Charger?

2G CTS? I heard the 1G CTS-Vs have glass differentials.

Subaru Legacy? Would you be willing to consider a Turbo-4?

 

G8 GT aint too shabby either. Love the one I test drove years ago.

Dont think the M45 comes in awd... ? M35 does.

How about slightly used RL?

1st gen CTS-V is a turd, stay away.

 

Also think about a 2009 or 2010 V8 Hyundai Genesis. They come with all the bells and whistles like air conditioned seats, nav, rear view camera, dvds play in the nav screen when the car is in park. And it would be well under 30k with low miles and still under full factory warranty (5yr/60k Transferable).

 

I second a V8 Genesis.

I rented one on a recent trip to Fort Lauderdale and I was pleasantly surprised by all the technology and creature comforts. It was a 6 speed manumatic V8, rear wheel drive beauty. The back seat was pretty roomy and the leather is ultra soft. Oh, the the gas mileage was on par with the TL/RL.

To me, the Genesis sedan is equivalent to an upgraded or remodeled RL.

And they just remodled the Genesis for 2012. Indeed, it's one of the hottest rides out there for sure!

 

2006 E55 AMG...large rear seat w/ plenty of power!

 

New Dodge Charger RT...

Just give it a honest try and see what you think.

 

You guys rock.

Yeah the Genesis is definitely one to look at especially after reading this: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ad_test_update

Thanks for the ideas. MB and BMW are great just not 100,000 mile cars (in my opinion).

 

V8 Genesis will fit your bill pretty well

Plenty of room for your kids

and it's super fast!

 

Maximas are very good CTS-V and Chargers are good too.

 

M45 is the best looking.... And fun to drive

 

Hey!! Just so you know, I am about to hit 130k on my bimmer and it runs perfect, plus its 25 years old too.

I'm really liking that Genesis Sedan, seems to have everything at a good price. Good luck!!

 

The e28 is considered one of bimmers most and last truly reliable cars.

 

G8

Taurus SHO

 

No doubt. Its not uncommon for an e28 to go 300K+ miles with no problems.

I think all the electronics and computers are the achilles heel of the modern day car. Its too bad that German cars get the bad wrap for not being reliable, especially near the 100k mark. There should be no reason for a modern day car to have any reliability issues around 100k miles IMO, but sadly thats not the case.

 

Do people really struggle to make it 100k on a car? I figured by now all makes will do 200k easily. I treated my '96 Legacy like a red-headed step child and she went 235k before I was rear-ended.

The best thing you can do to avoid paying more than you have to is stay far away from stealerships. They will tell you whatever it takes to make a sale, whereas private party sales have actual knowledge of the car they are selling.

Beyond that, I would stick with Japanese or Korean. Also, I would just get 2 cars. A Toyota Camry for family driving, and something you have always wanted for everything else.

 

That was the era that BMW got the rep of being unreliable due to the electronics on the car.

In todays standards the E28 is reliable because of how simple it is. Back then it wasnt.

Modern European cars are a hit or miss. Some are bulitproof and others have problems that can be costly. Then again what car isnt these days. Even the Japanese have their fair share of issues.

With that said i never recommend a european car to someone who has reliability on top of their list. Its a gamble.

"sure arent built like they used to"

 

M45x.

By the way....I would look at the M35x or M45x. They love drinking gas though.

 

I be damned. They must be rare since i couldnt find anything other than rwd M45s when i was shopping for my brother recently. Ah well.

That be a fun car!

 

I'm gonna throw out a crazy idea, what about the Subaru Legacy 2.5GT or the 3.6R?

You can buy it new for well under 36K and from what I've seen and heard from one of my friends who just bought one, it's a great car.

 

^ It was my idea first

 

Who pays attention to you?

 

When I owned mine it was 14 years and all the mechanics that saw it over the 4 years I owned it all said the "most reliable, bulletproof" comment.

And yes it was in regards to the engine mainly. Aside from other little things, it was ultimately the electronics that led me to finally getting rid of the car...that i loved dearly.

 

I'm yet to experience electrical gremlins in my E28, lets hope it stays that way.

 

I never had gremlins....just things that stopped working.

 

Another vote for slightly used RL, best bang for buck but no resale value when you get rid of it. I also would look hard at M35-M45. Then of course a new TL.

 

e90 335i
e90 335d

 

Great bang for the buck!

 

Try a used IS300, decent amount of room and can be had for under 20k, same engine as a supra so you know it will be pretty robust, as working on them is not that difficult.

It also has the luxury amenities.