in the next probably year or 2 I'm looking to replace one of 2 cars for the family.
here are the requirements.
#1. MUST be a a 4 door( i got a 11 month old and 2 doors suck to get them in and out of)
#2. 25-30 MPG on the highway(gas is getting high so i need to conserve)
#3. Import( no UAW or Union made shit)
#4. about the size or slightly bigger or equal in size of an accord.
#5. still fun to drive ( doesn't have to like a WRX or Evo but still have an "edge" to it)
#6. No hybirds( I keep the cars too long to and I read where Toyota/Lexus batteries for the hybirds after about 8 years are shot and it cost 7-8 grand to replace properly ) diesels are okay.
#7. I don't really have a firm price range picked so I'd have to look at features to see if it's worth it.
#8. I'd prefer Front wheel drive or AWD. The wife used to driving front wheel drive on snow and the last thing I want to do come pick her up when she's put the new car in the ditch.
I know your saying why don't you go with another Accord?
here's the thing I HATE the front end on the current generation Accord. I know they will do a model change for '08, however Honda doesn't do real big "over the top" changes. It's more "low key tweaks" that yes you can tell a difference between a 98 and 03 Accord but it's not big changes. In Honda's defense they did clean up the rear end on the 06 and probably 07 Accord. when they "freshened" the styling on that it really helped it. before that even though I've loved Accords for better than 10 years, I wouldn't have a 98-05 Accord just cause they were nasty looking. sorry 03-05 Accord owners.

 

Acura RL

 

does it do 25 mpg?

 

how bout you look into this in a year or 2 when ur ready and see whats available at that time? would be easier then planning it this far in advance... :twocents:

the rl doesnt get 25 mpg. mine does about 18

 

TL with A-Spec suspension (only, the rest of the kit is too expensive so just get the suspension) and 6MT. You didn't specify that it had to be automatic.

 

What about a Subie Legacy GT? I saw one the other day w/ some nice wheels on it and it looked pretty good, in fact, I told my brother who's looking for a new car to check into it.

 

toyota camry

 

I REALLY REALLY like the E320CDI. not only cause it's a Benz but also it gets 37 mpg on the highway. plus 0-60 time is 6.6 which IMHO it's no Sunday drive but yes i'll admit it's not a Z06. but I'm not looking for an Autobahn burner. I'm looking for something kind of fun but yet doesn't take a million dollars to fill it up ever week. F-- The oil companies.

 

couple other things:
#1. Did you guys see the '07 E class unvailing at the NY auto show I think it was. It was in my Car and Driver. It looks very similar to the 06 however they cleaned it up some.
#2. does anyone have knowledge or experience with Benz ownership. as far as service dept Experiences? Pleased or were they jackasses
I know their electrical systems can be a P.O.S. however Acura's transmissions can suck too. I'm not trying to pick a fight but every car has a weak part.

 

If you get a 6MT Acura you won't have to worry about anything. But it sounds like you REALLY want the Benz. Get what you really want or you won't be happy.

 

Believe it or not, but there are a couple MBZ products (CLK, E) on eBay that are being sold as buybacks for...whaddya think?...transmission problems! Not to mention a fair share of electrical gremlins.

If you know what you're getting into, go for it. Just be cautious...there was an interview in Car and Driver or Automobile with a lemon-law attorney. Said the brand he deals with most is Mercedes. Says they're junk.

But as a side note, MBZ diesels are bullet-proof engines. It's no surprise why the hold their resale better than gas powered E-class and S-class models.

 

Subie LGT

 

that surprises me about Lemon Law due to the fact I thought other than the electrical system they were decent cars. it also surprises me about the transmission issue. due to the fact didn't they just come out with a 7 Speed AT. you'd think if they could engineer a 7 speed transmission they'd engineer it heavy enough to hold the HP. but then again those crazy mo fos at AMG they add 300-400 hp every ride in the Mercedes stable.

 

TL (w/ ASPEC package)
Camry (w/ the Sport package or whatever they call it)

If you don't care about looks, Subaru Legacy GT.

 

My mom has a benz wagon-their service for her has been unbelievably wonderful. Her salesperson still calls every couple of months to make sure the car is doing ok, answer any questions, etc. We had to bring the car in for something stupid, and it was done quickly, and the car was left immaculate. Her salesperson took her through the car when she bought it, explained everything, and really was wonderful. It has 25k on it, done many trips back and forth to maine, and has been awesome-definatly a great road trip, people hauler car.

 

I kinda like the look of the new Legacy GT's.. Looks like a tough car.

 

06 Mazda6 I4 Sport

 

Well, have you seen PRICES on that car? I've driven one and I would've bought it on the spot (700 miles per tank!), but 'twas too rich for MY blood even though my wife works (don't ask, haha!)

It certainly has an edge, plenty of power and the economy speaks for itself, if you can afford the car.

 

Accord special edition...I know you said no Accord, but that is a pretty good deal. Or as someone else said, Camry.