My Dad is in the market for a new car. He'll probably be buying something in less than a year. He's in no rush, but he'd like to start doing the research now...

He's not willing to spend GOBS of money, but around 50K would be fine. So far, he's looked at the BMW 530i.

He's looking for...

Again something around 50K.
4 doors (A MUST)
He's not into the horsepower thing anymore. He's 57, and wants a good ride with some pep.


Currently what comes to mind are:

BMW 530i
Mercedes E320

What else???


And... Of the sugesstions posted here, what would fit someone who's looking for a nice, refined, luxury ride???

Suggestions and comments are most certainly welcome.

Thanks!!!

 

He may also want to look at:

Lexus GS430
Audi A6 4.2
Jaguar S-Type

 

How does the GS series compare to the 5-series? Is it more of a driver's car than the 5? He wants a smooth ride...

 

The 5-series will probably blow the pants off of the GS in terms of handling and the "drivers" aspect of the car, but Lexus is pretty well known for it's smooth/quiet and refined rides.

 

He might also want to take a look at what Cadillac has to offer as well. I think all of their model lines are either around 50k or under. I'm not a big fan of them, but the older folks seem to like them.

 

Man....I never thought I'd see the day when 50K wasn't gobs of money for a car....Jesus!!!!

 

My father was going to get a Cadillac until I told him to test drive the GS 400. After the test drive he was hooked. He's had it for two years now and still raves about it.

 

the 530i gets my vote
i would personally leave the Jaguar S-type out..... looks nice, but built by ford on the inside. seems too cheap for all the money they want for it.

 

50k isn't gobs of money? Your dad a baller?

 

I say if he wants a nice refined ride, the E320 would be the way to go. That car is designed for older, more refined drivers and it's bigger than a 530.

 

A6 4.2 is pimp.

Cadillac DTS would be a nice choice. So would the STS.

Infiniti Q45 can be had for that and probably has more content than any of the other cars listed.

I don't think he can make a bad choice with any of them, but personally, I'd take the Audi over the BMW just because the Bimmer won't have the amenities that the A6 does.

 

Q45 is not a bad idea at all. Very nice car

 

I would vote for the GS430, however I don't know if that design is due for a facelift and mechanical upgrade. I test drove the 430 last year and it was incredible. For a car that big, it has quite a bit of kick to it, but the ride is very quiet and smooth. But then again, BMW is the driver's car...but I would rather venture towards the 540 rather than the 530.

The other cars are good too, but I feel Lexus probably has the best quality out there although service isn't cheap at all (none of these cars will have cheap service).

 

I agree. I'm not crazy about the exterior looks, but I don't think it's selling well, so he might be able to get a pretty good deal.

 

q45 all the way.....voice commands....rear seats that are better than most recliners in houses.

 

Ha... I'll have to share that comment with friends and family. They'll all get a kick outta that...

Naw... My Dad just retired after 30yrs of management work at a steel mill in East Chicago, IN. Made a good living for shit work. 70+ hrs a week for the last ten years of his career there. And with the way things were/are going with the mills in this country, combine that with a management position, and you can understand why he's a bit thin with the hair...

So it seems that the 530, E320 and GS-series are getting the most votes. I doubt he'll ever go to a Jaguar. He read that review about the X-type from Edmunds, where the exhaust fell off the car duing a test drive.... And I really doubt he's gonna go to a Caddy... I think he wants to taste the import market.

 

scrib,
Mill work huh? Sheehs that man deserves a nice car. Check out the q45!! Very big car with awesome creature comforts.

 

Yeah.. Mill work. His whole working career. Started out first in the chemical dept., and graduated to management work. The business just got really ugly the last 10 years or so...

Q45 eh??? I don't know much about that car. I guess I'm serving as his car advisor. Time to get rid of the Grand Prix and Z28...

 

He should go for a TL and a new V-Rod Harley!!

That'll let him enjoy retirement for sure.

 

save some PAPER! get him a bad ass deal on an RL. no need to waste $ if hes 57 and just wants a nice car

 

but if no rl i say choose in ths order
gs300
e320
last 530. I HATE BMW

 

Well my father has a GS300, so I guess my opinion is a little bias, but Lexus does get my vote. My father, like yours, wasn't into the whole horsepower ting, which is why he chose the 300 over the 430. But it truly is an awesome car (especially with the 300hp kick the 430 offers). From what I hear, the bimmers are more expensive to service than the Lex...and I'm sure the GS wouldn't get "the pants blown off of it" in terms of handling....it can compete nicely. Don't know a whole lot about the other cars cuz I haven't owned them....but if you're looking for a refined luxury car, the GS is definetly a great choice! BTW, it is going to be redesigned within the next year and a bit (as with the 5-series bmw) so I'd suggest you tell your dad to wait a bit longer, unless of course he decides to go with the newly designed E-class.

 

He's not a big motorcycle fan...


I've suggested the TL to him. He wants a better car than me.

 

Look at the Q45, its a nice car and the design is basically new (looks great with the optional 18's). The current 5 series and Lexus GS has been aroudn since 97' and 98' respectively. The 5 series is getting redesigned next year and the Lexus will be soon also.

 

Wait until October for the new Infiniti M45 to come out, or if he doens't mind, buy the G35 fully loaded, it should cost only $36,000. Otherwise, I would recommend Lexus LS430, it definitely fits a 57 year old man's image. My dad is 58 years old, and he is going to buy another new 4-door sedan, and he doesn't want to spend more than $38,000 so I recommend him to get the G35 fully loaded.

 

I'd go with the Q45 or Lexus GS....My dads got a BMW 740IL and its kinda too rough...My moms got a LS400 and it rides NICE and Smooth! BMW's are too rough and hard to drive i think...depends on what your dad wants. . .

He lookin got new or used?

50 K is a good sum of money!! DAMN!! You dads ballin!

 

I'll definitely get him to take a spin over to the Lexus dealer... He'd probably go for the GS300 over the GS430. His drag racing days are over, I think...

 

gs300! it's a great car..

 

If he doesn't mind a pre-owned car, my vote is for a used A8.

 

q45 sounds good

 

GS 300 sportdesign sounds right for him, A-6 and 5 series is wonderful too, new E-class is out currently. If he wants to settle for average, get a Q45, RL or Caddy and the cheaper payments may offset the frustration of owning em.