$70k for a Car....Which Would You Pick?
06-20-2010, 05:28 PM
#82
Banned
06-20-2010, 10:42 PM
#85
My first Avatar....
06-21-2010, 04:17 AM
#88
I shoot people
06-21-2010, 05:54 AM
#89
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Where's Neuronbob when we need him?
The CTS-V is the choice I like here, but I would look at the A8. Always loved the big Audi, and they're more nimble than you think.
My order:
CTS-V
A8
XJF
And in your price range, you shouldn't have to go used.
The CTS-V is the choice I like here, but I would look at the A8. Always loved the big Audi, and they're more nimble than you think.
My order:
CTS-V
A8
XJF
And in your price range, you shouldn't have to go used.
06-21-2010, 10:24 AM
#90
Senior Moderator
Given your choices above...GT-R, hands-down. If you can afford it, go for it.
Otherwise, if the upkeep is an issue: CTS-V would be my vote.
Otherwise, if the upkeep is an issue: CTS-V would be my vote.
06-21-2010, 02:51 PM
#91
Three Wheelin'
My budget is fairly flexible and I am looking to buy not lease. I'd probably want to keep it at least 3-4 years (or more).
As you probably know, when leasing, you're only taxed on what you use - so your tax owed is based on your monthly payment, not the aggregate price of the vehicle (saving thousands). Food for thought.
That being said, I'd go for the CTS-V hands down. Exclusive, fast as hell, and you have one of the baddest sedans ever built.
06-21-2010, 11:14 PM
#94
Senior Moderator
^ You'll have to post pics too once you buy your car...you know that, right? 
06-21-2010, 11:14 PM
#95
Senior Moderator
After all, our advice is not "free"... 
06-22-2010, 08:15 AM
#96
06-28-2010, 03:49 PM
#97
Ok, just to prove that I have been busy....
I have been out test driving like crazy.
Let's Go Chronologically:
1. BMW 2011 550i - mostly loaded; $70kish
Interior: Very nice. Very technology-oriented with the nice screen, multiple rear/side/surround cameras; audio system ok but not outstanding for the money; all of the fit and finish components meshed well. The LED ambient lighting was pretty cool. Seats comfortable. Back seat rather large. Intrument cluster/center stack nice, iDrive still a mess. Overall, quite nice but would be a HUGE learning curve to master all of the options.
Exterior: Very nice. Definitely a departure from previous generation with the hood/rear most notably different.
Driving: Very quiet, power to spare with their new engine. Overall, a very refined driving experience....but did not get my blood pumping. Power - check. Handing - check. Responsive - check....but just not exciting.
Overall - B+ (C for price to performance ratio - man, everything costs extra on this car).
2. BMW 2011 M3 - Most of what I wrote pertains to the M3 as well although it had far fewer options and definitely boosted the performance aspect. Again, very pricey comparatively speaking.
Overall: A- (B- price to performance).
I have been out test driving like crazy.
Let's Go Chronologically:
1. BMW 2011 550i - mostly loaded; $70kish
Interior: Very nice. Very technology-oriented with the nice screen, multiple rear/side/surround cameras; audio system ok but not outstanding for the money; all of the fit and finish components meshed well. The LED ambient lighting was pretty cool. Seats comfortable. Back seat rather large. Intrument cluster/center stack nice, iDrive still a mess. Overall, quite nice but would be a HUGE learning curve to master all of the options.
Exterior: Very nice. Definitely a departure from previous generation with the hood/rear most notably different.
Driving: Very quiet, power to spare with their new engine. Overall, a very refined driving experience....but did not get my blood pumping. Power - check. Handing - check. Responsive - check....but just not exciting.
Overall - B+ (C for price to performance ratio - man, everything costs extra on this car).
2. BMW 2011 M3 - Most of what I wrote pertains to the M3 as well although it had far fewer options and definitely boosted the performance aspect. Again, very pricey comparatively speaking.
Overall: A- (B- price to performance).
06-28-2010, 03:51 PM
#99
Senior Moderator
So, based on your grade...you like the M3 more? Buying it...?
06-28-2010, 03:53 PM
#100
Audi
1. A4 - Totally underwhelmed. Nice interior but bland. Bland driving, handling, etc. Yuck. (That's all the notes I wrote down about it).
2. S4 - Amazing style inside and out. More Power. Not as bland and more engaging to the road (if that makes any sense). Not nearly as much HP / $$ as BMW. Honestly, I think they are well overpriced and just not a good value. The S6 was more fun to drive but out of my budget.
Overall (both cars) - C. (D for performance/value).
1. A4 - Totally underwhelmed. Nice interior but bland. Bland driving, handling, etc. Yuck. (That's all the notes I wrote down about it).
2. S4 - Amazing style inside and out. More Power. Not as bland and more engaging to the road (if that makes any sense). Not nearly as much HP / $$ as BMW. Honestly, I think they are well overpriced and just not a good value. The S6 was more fun to drive but out of my budget.
Overall (both cars) - C. (D for performance/value).
06-28-2010, 04:01 PM
#101
MB:
2010 C63 Sedan:
Interior: Very nice, some of the pieces did not line up quite as well as I would expect on a car of this caliber (ie: the spacing between panels was inconsistent and on one car, you could see some insulation sticking out!). Very nice materials. Like BMW, very techologically oriented but not bleeding edge. It felt a little cramped to me, as well.
Exterior: Just like other BMs of this caliber. Nothing too exciting although I think it probably had one of the nicer paint jobs I've seen. Lots of depth and 3D to it.
Handing/Driving: Reaches max torque at 5000ish RPMs. BIG DIFFERENCE from the BMWs that reach high torque at low RPMs. If I had of driven the BMWs first, then I would have been impressed with its performance...however...it felt a little slow to take off and in acceleration given the v8/451 (I think I remember that correctly) HP. Relatively heavy car to boot. Nice, smooth ride.
Overall MB: B
2010 C63 Sedan:
Interior: Very nice, some of the pieces did not line up quite as well as I would expect on a car of this caliber (ie: the spacing between panels was inconsistent and on one car, you could see some insulation sticking out!). Very nice materials. Like BMW, very techologically oriented but not bleeding edge. It felt a little cramped to me, as well.
Exterior: Just like other BMs of this caliber. Nothing too exciting although I think it probably had one of the nicer paint jobs I've seen. Lots of depth and 3D to it.
Handing/Driving: Reaches max torque at 5000ish RPMs. BIG DIFFERENCE from the BMWs that reach high torque at low RPMs. If I had of driven the BMWs first, then I would have been impressed with its performance...however...it felt a little slow to take off and in acceleration given the v8/451 (I think I remember that correctly) HP. Relatively heavy car to boot. Nice, smooth ride.
Overall MB: B
06-28-2010, 04:01 PM
#104
06-28-2010, 04:11 PM
#106
I had stability control turned to dynamic mode and we went though the 3 dampening settings and then the electronic programs (normal and sport, I think?).
There were a TON of different settings and they really do make a difference.
I'm not sure how good of a daily driver it would make...a weekender on some fun roads would be killer, though!
06-28-2010, 04:12 PM
#107
Fahrvergnügen'd
But I'm just retarded for Audi. I really love they way they do things.
But you're entitled to your opinion of course. Thanks for sharing your test drives with us
06-28-2010, 04:15 PM
#108
Senior Moderator
06-28-2010, 04:22 PM
#110
Now, for the 1 I'm going with (and test drove in the middle):
CTS-V!!!
I'll likely be able to pick it up Thursday (they didn't have the 1 in stock with all of the options I wanted).
Interior: Very nice fit and finish. Not quite up to the level of the BMW but pretty darn close. Grade of materials fairly nice. Good but not bleeding edge/cutting edge technology. Cool pop up nav screen (but not the best resolution). Awesome center stack. Good guage lay out. Love the steering wheel position. Back seat a little cramped but not any worse than by Type S. Trunk a little small but servicable.
Exterior: Caddie has come a long way. Nice lines, aggressive stance. Appears to sit rather high but I think that is by design because it really doesn't. Hides the monster underneath the hood rather well.
Handling/driving: Amazing. So much power and so effortless. It definitely doesn't have the roar that muscle cars do and the SC whine is much more subtle than the spooling of turbos...but it still sounds very good. The ride is rather smooth. I think I missed where I could change the handling (sport vs comfort mode....or I just didn't write it down..crap).
I had test-driven a GT-R before and while the Caddie can't launch to the level the GT-R is capable of...it is pretty darn close....and it is a 4 door sedan.
The changes from 2010 to 2011 are quite minimal and I don't want a coupe...
The timing is perfect: there is a $2000 manufacturer to dealer incentive and the 60 month 0% financing.
The Type-S has held onto its value remarkably well (although at the expense of the 4th genners).
In short, I got a great deal on the car and a great deal on my trade-in and a great deal on the financing.
I only had to get up and walk away twice (I made it outside to my car on the 2nd time).
I can't believe that I am going to be driving a CADDIE. Geez.
CTS-V!!!
I'll likely be able to pick it up Thursday (they didn't have the 1 in stock with all of the options I wanted).
Interior: Very nice fit and finish. Not quite up to the level of the BMW but pretty darn close. Grade of materials fairly nice. Good but not bleeding edge/cutting edge technology. Cool pop up nav screen (but not the best resolution). Awesome center stack. Good guage lay out. Love the steering wheel position. Back seat a little cramped but not any worse than by Type S. Trunk a little small but servicable.
Exterior: Caddie has come a long way. Nice lines, aggressive stance. Appears to sit rather high but I think that is by design because it really doesn't. Hides the monster underneath the hood rather well.
Handling/driving: Amazing. So much power and so effortless. It definitely doesn't have the roar that muscle cars do and the SC whine is much more subtle than the spooling of turbos...but it still sounds very good. The ride is rather smooth. I think I missed where I could change the handling (sport vs comfort mode....or I just didn't write it down..crap).
I had test-driven a GT-R before and while the Caddie can't launch to the level the GT-R is capable of...it is pretty darn close....and it is a 4 door sedan.
The changes from 2010 to 2011 are quite minimal and I don't want a coupe...
The timing is perfect: there is a $2000 manufacturer to dealer incentive and the 60 month 0% financing.
The Type-S has held onto its value remarkably well (although at the expense of the 4th genners).
In short, I got a great deal on the car and a great deal on my trade-in and a great deal on the financing.
I only had to get up and walk away twice (I made it outside to my car on the 2nd time).
I can't believe that I am going to be driving a CADDIE. Geez.
Last edited by Johnsteph10; 06-28-2010 at 04:26 PM.
06-28-2010, 04:30 PM
#112
Senior Moderator
CTS-V FTW... 
Now, you owe us pics.
Now, you owe us pics.
06-28-2010, 06:20 PM
#115
Senior Moderator
Awesome.
06-28-2010, 06:42 PM
#116
the CTS-V. Congrats!
06-28-2010, 06:48 PM
#117
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
AWESOME.
I just CTS-V.
Congrats man.
Take some good pictures and post!
I just
CTS-V.Congrats man.
Take some good pictures and post!
