Suggestions please - $30k replacement (used or new) for a 3G TL
#1
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Suggestions please - $30k replacement (used or new) for a 3G TL
So I am a very happy 3G TL owner with roughly 150k on my 2004. I don't need to replace it, but am thinking I might do so in another year, but there are very few cars out there that have my interest. I'm wondering if I'm missing some good suggestions.
Here's what I want in a car:
Here is my short list of cars I think I might like, but I'm starting this thread for you to give me other suggestions:
For used vehicles, I wouldn't want a used car with more than 2 years or 30k on it. I welcome your input.
Here's what I want in a car:
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- iPod/MP3/USB integration of some kind. (Want to have song control from steering wheel.)
- little body roll
- good handling
- stylish look (I know this is subjective, but it is important to me)
- mid-sized 4 door. My 3G TL is the perfect size. For example, the 4G feels too big for my taste.
- decent power, but decent highway MPG as well. 250hp and 35 MPG highway is a good compromise for me.
- long-term reliability. I want to be able to keep the car for 6 years, 150k miles (I put about 25k per year) with little hassle.
- FWD or AWD preferred over RWD. (I do a lot of midwest driving and don't want to worry about RWD in the snow. I realize snow tires and traction control goes a long way, so I won't rule out good RWD options.)
Here is my short list of cars I think I might like, but I'm starting this thread for you to give me other suggestions:
- Kia Optima SX Turbo. (Test drove and liked it a lot.)
- Used Lexus IS350 AWD (or maybe a 250 AWD if the 350 AWDs are too expensive).
- Nissan Maxima
- Used Infinity G37x
For used vehicles, I wouldn't want a used car with more than 2 years or 30k on it. I welcome your input.
#3
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Are you related to Stoned CL by any chance?
Nevermind.
- Subaru Legacy
- Infiniti G35x
or..
- TSX SportWagon
- 3G TL-S?
Will you be interested in modding your car at all?
Nevermind.
- Subaru Legacy
- Infiniti G35x
or..
- TSX SportWagon
- 3G TL-S?
Will you be interested in modding your car at all?
#4
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
I probably should consider the TSX V6 although I'm not too fond of the looks.
I test drove a Sonata SE Turbo which is supposedly the sports trim. I was very unimpressed compared to the Kia Optima SX. Lots of body roll, poor handling and a lot of turbo lag. Kia wins over Hyundai.
Hadn't thought of the Legacy. Will have to take a look.
As for 3G TL-S, that would be near the top of my list. It's just that I'm probably looking to replace in another year and I don't want to purchase a 4 year old car.
#5
The sizzle in the Steak
Vw cc
#7
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
That's my problem is that I find very few interesting options.
I probably should consider the TSX V6 although I'm not too fond of the looks.
I test drove a Sonata SE Turbo which is supposedly the sports trim. I was very unimpressed compared to the Kia Optima SX. Lots of body roll, poor handling and a lot of turbo lag. Kia wins over Hyundai.
I wouldn't be modding other than some simple cosmetics.
Hadn't thought of the Legacy. Will have to take a look.
As for 3G TL-S, that would be near the top of my list. It's just that I'm probably looking to replace in another year and I don't want to purchase a 4 year old car.
I probably should consider the TSX V6 although I'm not too fond of the looks.
I test drove a Sonata SE Turbo which is supposedly the sports trim. I was very unimpressed compared to the Kia Optima SX. Lots of body roll, poor handling and a lot of turbo lag. Kia wins over Hyundai.
I wouldn't be modding other than some simple cosmetics.
Hadn't thought of the Legacy. Will have to take a look.
As for 3G TL-S, that would be near the top of my list. It's just that I'm probably looking to replace in another year and I don't want to purchase a 4 year old car.
If you get a 3G TL-S today, it'll be a 3 year old car, so that solves the problem.
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#8
The sizzle in the Steak
I think it's a bit sketchy to try to go 150k on most turbo-charged engines.....but the OP brought up the Optima.....so I threw out the much more refined CC.
#9
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
I hear you on the long-term reliability of a turbo. I would much prefer a V6. Anyone know if Kia has plans for a V6 in their Optimas? They used to have a V6 in 2010.
I worry about VW reliability and maintenance costs. I hear a very mixed bag from VW owners. Some have had tons of trouble. Others say they've had no problems.
The Subaru doesn't do it for me in the looks department and I also worry about Suby reliability.
I worry about VW reliability and maintenance costs. I hear a very mixed bag from VW owners. Some have had tons of trouble. Others say they've had no problems.
The Subaru doesn't do it for me in the looks department and I also worry about Suby reliability.
#10
My first Avatar....
Get an accord and be done with it.
#11
I've been looking for a nice handling, fun, reliable car with a manual transmission and a naturally aspirated engine, and it's not easy. I think it's going to become even more difficult over the next few years as turbos are a way to keep power while moving to more efficient engines.
Anyway, you'll have to watch out for rust, but you may want to take a look at the Mazda 6, particularly the last generation. My other suggestions are already mentioned (Infiniti G, used Acuras and Hondas).
I think if you stay away from the turbo Subarus, they are very reliable, at least until they get old enough for the head gaskets to have issues.
Sadly, that's pretty much all I've got unless you want to roll the dice on a BMW 328xi under warranty.
Anyway, you'll have to watch out for rust, but you may want to take a look at the Mazda 6, particularly the last generation. My other suggestions are already mentioned (Infiniti G, used Acuras and Hondas).
I think if you stay away from the turbo Subarus, they are very reliable, at least until they get old enough for the head gaskets to have issues.
Sadly, that's pretty much all I've got unless you want to roll the dice on a BMW 328xi under warranty.
Last edited by Carraway; 06-29-2011 at 05:10 PM. Reason: Clarity.
#12
Burning Brakes
sounds like everything you want is in your tl. If it drives fine and there are no problems with it I would just keep it. The v6 tsx is more similar to a 3g. AWD is recent option for the is350 so it will be pretty hard to find and the 250 is kind of slow.
#13
The sizzle in the Steak
I hear you on the long-term reliability of a turbo. I would much prefer a V6. Anyone know if Kia has plans for a V6 in their Optimas? They used to have a V6 in 2010.
I worry about VW reliability and maintenance costs. I hear a very mixed bag from VW owners. Some have had tons of trouble. Others say they've had no problems.
The Subaru doesn't do it for me in the looks department and I also worry about Suby reliability.
I worry about VW reliability and maintenance costs. I hear a very mixed bag from VW owners. Some have had tons of trouble. Others say they've had no problems.
The Subaru doesn't do it for me in the looks department and I also worry about Suby reliability.
Move on to another vehicle.
#15
stick with lexus/acura if u want reliability
If you budget is little flexible, you can find new hybrid lexus in your range (but you have to scarifies handling)
I dont recommend any Germany as "generally" their reliability is lower
If you budget is little flexible, you can find new hybrid lexus in your range (but you have to scarifies handling)
I dont recommend any Germany as "generally" their reliability is lower
#16
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Dodge Charger SE or RT with AWD
#19
The sizzle in the Steak
Taurus or Fusion.
Ford's MS Sync system is nothing short of phenomenal.
Ford's MS Sync system is nothing short of phenomenal.
#21
The Third Ball
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#22
The Third Ball
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#24
The Third Ball
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#25
Team Owner
You already have your TL for 7 years, do you really want a V6 TSX. It is going to feel pretty much like the same car but slightly smaller.
i'd recommend Maxima or G37X. City mpg sux 16-18. but Highway is pretty good.
But finding a used G37X for $30k with low miles is going to be hard.
Or 328xi
I'd get 3 series within that price range.
i'd recommend Maxima or G37X. City mpg sux 16-18. but Highway is pretty good.
But finding a used G37X for $30k with low miles is going to be hard.
Or 328xi
I'd get 3 series within that price range.
#26
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
While a good practical car, I don't find them stylish at all... and while I haven't driven one, I'm guessing they don't have the sporty feel that I'd like.
I'm finding few choices in AT. MT makes it even more difficult. Good luck!
True
That very well may be what I end up doing, but then I'll need to replace all my burnt out dash bulbs so they don't drive me crazy.
Hmmmm... I'm still keeping it on the list for now. Maybe a turbo could be okay if taken care of. Optima has everything else going for it. (I didn't mention that the Optima SX has LED tails, HID headlights, heated/cooled seats, USB interface and a lot of other goodies going for it.)
You're right. I just haven't paid much attention to what's out there so I wanted to start thinking about it ahead of time.
I agree and I also don't like the high repair & maintenance costs.
As others pointed out... too big, too heavy and MPGs are a little lower than I'd like.
Hmmm... And I do like the improvements Ford has made in reliability over the years. Taurus seems too big. Fusion is a little bland in the rear, but worth a look.
I'm okay with that.
Okay so here's my updated lists.
Cars on my possible contendors list:
Cars that have been suggested that I don't like.
True
Hmmmm... I'm still keeping it on the list for now. Maybe a turbo could be okay if taken care of. Optima has everything else going for it. (I didn't mention that the Optima SX has LED tails, HID headlights, heated/cooled seats, USB interface and a lot of other goodies going for it.)
As others pointed out... too big, too heavy and MPGs are a little lower than I'd like.
Okay so here's my updated lists.
Cars on my possible contendors list:
- Kia Optima SX Turbo. (Test drove and liked it a lot.)
- Used Lexus IS350 AWD (or maybe a 250 AWD if the 350 AWDs are too expensive).
- Nissan Maxima
- Used Infinity G37x
- Acura TSX
- Mazda 6
- Subaru Legacy AWD V6
- VW CC
- Ford Fusion (maybe Taurus?)
Cars that have been suggested that I don't like.
- BMW 328xi
- Dodge Charger
- Hyundai Sonata Turbo
- Honda Accord
- VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition
Last edited by jhumbo; 06-29-2011 at 09:33 PM.
#27
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
Weird. We're in the same situation in terms of what we want and when. I'll likely be selling my beloved TL for something else come next spring/summer. The miles keep on piling on and I'll likely look for something with AWD for college in Michigan.
My list (granted, AWD is more of a priority)
07+ G35/G37X
VW CC VR6 4motion
Acura RDX
Lexus GS AWD
BMW 335xi
MB C300 4Matic
TL SH-AWD (still pricier than others though)
I like the new Optima A LOT but I'd have to drive it before I'd really want it. I also am curious about the 2012 Civic SI. But then again, both of those don't have AWD, something I want. The IS250 AWD just seems like it would be boring. I LOVE the VW CC, but reliability scares me. The second that thing started giving me issues, I'd get pissed off knowing I could have purchased a more reliable car. Cheap new sedans with AWD seem to be a rarity.
Cars on my possible contendors list:
- Kia Optima SX Turbo. (Test drove and liked it a lot.)
- Used Lexus IS350 AWD (or maybe a 250 AWD if the 350 AWDs are too expensive).
- Nissan Maxima
- Used Infinity G37x
- Acura TSX
- Mazda 6
- Subaru Legacy AWD V6
- VW CC
- Ford Fusion (maybe Taurus?)
07+ G35/G37X
VW CC VR6 4motion
Acura RDX
Lexus GS AWD
BMW 335xi
MB C300 4Matic
TL SH-AWD (still pricier than others though)
I like the new Optima A LOT but I'd have to drive it before I'd really want it. I also am curious about the 2012 Civic SI. But then again, both of those don't have AWD, something I want. The IS250 AWD just seems like it would be boring. I LOVE the VW CC, but reliability scares me. The second that thing started giving me issues, I'd get pissed off knowing I could have purchased a more reliable car. Cheap new sedans with AWD seem to be a rarity.
#28
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
While a good practical car, I don't find them stylish at all... and while I haven't driven one, I'm guessing they don't have the sporty feel that I'd like.
I'm finding few choices in AT. MT makes it even more difficult. Good luck!
True That very well may be what I end up doing, but then I'll need to replace all my burnt out dash bulbs so they don't drive me crazy.
Hmmmm... I'm still keeping it on the list for now. Maybe a turbo could be okay if taken care of. Optima has everything else going for it. (I didn't mention that the Optima SX has LED tails, HID headlights, heated/cooled seats, USB interface and a lot of other goodies going for it.)
You're right. I just haven't paid much attention to what's out there so I wanted to start thinking about it ahead of time.
I agree and I also don't like the high repair & maintenance costs.
As others pointed out... too big, too heavy and MPGs are a little lower than I'd like.
Hmmm... And I do like the improvements Ford has made in reliability over the years. Taurus seems too big. Fusion is a little bland in the rear, but worth a look.
I'm okay with that.
Okay so here's my updated lists.
Cars on my possible contendors list:
Cars that have been suggested that I don't like.
I'm finding few choices in AT. MT makes it even more difficult. Good luck!
True That very well may be what I end up doing, but then I'll need to replace all my burnt out dash bulbs so they don't drive me crazy.
Hmmmm... I'm still keeping it on the list for now. Maybe a turbo could be okay if taken care of. Optima has everything else going for it. (I didn't mention that the Optima SX has LED tails, HID headlights, heated/cooled seats, USB interface and a lot of other goodies going for it.)
You're right. I just haven't paid much attention to what's out there so I wanted to start thinking about it ahead of time.
I agree and I also don't like the high repair & maintenance costs.
As others pointed out... too big, too heavy and MPGs are a little lower than I'd like.
Hmmm... And I do like the improvements Ford has made in reliability over the years. Taurus seems too big. Fusion is a little bland in the rear, but worth a look.
I'm okay with that.
Okay so here's my updated lists.
Cars on my possible contendors list:
- Kia Optima SX Turbo. (Test drove and liked it a lot.)
- Used Lexus IS350 AWD (or maybe a 250 AWD if the 350 AWDs are too expensive).
- Nissan Maxima
- Used Infinity G37x
- Acura TSX
- Mazda 6
- Subaru Legacy AWD V6
- VW CC
- Ford Fusion (maybe Taurus?)
Cars that have been suggested that I don't like.
- BMW 328xi
- Dodge Charger
- Hyundai Sonata Turbo
- Honda Accord
- VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition
The folks over at Subaru have not made a V6 since.........
H6 man, H6. Flat 6 or Boxer.
Take a look at a 2008 or 2009 Legacy GT. Better styling, and they are very dependable. If you can find a spec B, you're in for a handling treat. Just drive one if you can.
Now, the VW CC. I love the style, kind of like a miniature CLS. but the car only seats 4.
#29
AZ Community Team
I think your 3G TL will go well into 200K+ miles without any major problems. My wife's Pilot has 185K miles and only a couple minor problems. Which reminds me I have to order two instrument lights for the climate control panel backlighting when i order some more oil filters
#30
Safety Car
is350 awd slightly used - hands down. the 350 is only 2-4 mpgs worse than the is250. its quick as hell too - think is hits 60 right at the 5 second mark.
try to find the navigation package with the mark levinson upgrade. should be able to find one for 30k with ease.
done.
try to find the navigation package with the mark levinson upgrade. should be able to find one for 30k with ease.
done.
The following users liked this post:
jhumbo (06-30-2011)
#31
AZ Community Team
Keep driving your TL
#32
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
is350 awd slightly used - hands down. the 350 is only 2-4 mpgs worse than the is250. its quick as hell too - think is hits 60 right at the 5 second mark.
try to find the navigation package with the mark levinson upgrade. should be able to find one for 30k with ease.
done.
try to find the navigation package with the mark levinson upgrade. should be able to find one for 30k with ease.
done.
#33
At around that pricerange - my list would come down to the Optima SX, the Maxima and a used G37x.
Coming from a TL, just keep in mind that the rear leg room in the IS is significantly tighter - so, if you have rear adult passengers on a somewhat common basis, it may not be the most suitable.
Coming from a TL, just keep in mind that the rear leg room in the IS is significantly tighter - so, if you have rear adult passengers on a somewhat common basis, it may not be the most suitable.
#34
I'm Craig
iTrader: (2)
+1 unfortunately. Anything like that used is around $40K. That's disgusting money for how small of a car it is, not to that body style has been available since 2005. $40K, I'd buy a new TL SH-AWD or G37x for a tad bit more.
The following users liked this post:
JS + XES (06-30-2011)
#35
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Yes. I don't think Lexus IS is a great choice for his case.
#37
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
dude......... that's just so stupid
#39
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Oh yeah, how's the new Passats doing? Did it come out yet?
#40
08 MDX, 04 TL (sold)
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Why not?
I think the biggest problem would be getting a clean one in my price range, but if it was in that price point then I think I like it a lot. Perhaps I'll stick with my TL even longer so that I can find an IS350 AWD for $30k.
My biggest drawback with IS are that while I really like the looks, it is a 6 year old body style. Not too big a deal, but something I'm thinking about. I'd hate to pay big dollars and then be jealous of the newer body that comes out a year later. Also, I keep hearing that the back seat is tight. I haven't checked one out yet, but I don't have adults in the back seat, but kids. I think it should be okay. I prefer a smaller car to a bigger car, but I do need the option to seat adults in the back if needed as I sometimes drive customers to lunch.
Nice looking.
So what's the difference between the Passat and the CC? Passat is bigger I assume? Never heard of the CC before this thread.
Last edited by jhumbo; 06-30-2011 at 04:44 PM. Reason: decided to multi-quote