My dad's 2001 Lexus GS 300 needs a lot of work and he been saying he wants a newer car. The ideal car would be awd, nav system, and have above 28mpg. So were thinking A4 2.0T quattro, or IS250AWD. However we want to the mercdez-benz dealer yesterday and my dad really like the E320,350. Most of them were cpoed, we need to make a decision quickly. How realible are used E classes, and what are some other suggestions. No TL because my dad doesn't like them, but he was also thinking of a 2005+ RL. So any have good recomdenations for a car that fits what hes looking for? The maxium spending limit is $38,000

 

MB isn't all that reliable, so that'd be out for me if I were looking for reliability. Audis...look nice, but again, not all that reliable. Sounds like he would be a good candidate for an ES 350. I think they start around $33k.

 

Get the eclass. Great car, but yes maint does cost a pretty penney.

 

But how is the CPO on mercdez anyone know? He was also thinking new C class, however I think the A4 is a better deal.

 

g35x?

 

Eh its a possibility, but the G35's interior sucks. He really wants something with better mog, thats why I think the A4 is probably the best choice.

 

From personal experience with a VW GTI with the 2.0T engine in the Audi, I wouldn't recommend it because of reliability. I have a cousin which has owned two MB's (2003 S500 and 2006 CLS500) and they both had tons of little issues.

 

One of my family friend's '05 or '06 S500 is A L W A Y S in the shop

 

Yea I see, anyways I found a brand new A6 for $38,000.

 

Oh well my dad is keeping the GS for about 1 more month.

 

is a new Maxima to low on the chain?
Maxima a nice car. you can get a Maxima SL Platinum edition and navi, basically every option 35 grand before you "talk to the dealer" and tax
i'd say out the door with tax,tags, ready to roll 30 grand.

 

How about a Volvo? S40 seems nice. They are AWD as well.

Saabs aren't bad either.

Used 05+ RL makes sense to me if you're going to spend 38K and buy used. They are reliable, great styling, AWD, and people respect Acura as well.

 

RL FTW! RL is a great car, and if you can find an RL with CMBS, that would be a plus for your dad.

 

Saabs look nice but after going from a mercdez dealer to a saab dealer you notice the difference. It seems an 05+RL, A4, or A6 look the best right now. Volvos are nice but again the interior and performance does not match the Germans, or Japanese.

 

also look in to a used 5 series or maybe a 3 series BMW, also the new C class might work.

 

HEHE I told him to get a 3 series a couple years ago and he did. However he doesn't like the new 3 series.

 

Used 5 series.

 

Not good on gas. My co-worker had one and didn't get better than 25 on the highway.

I would go with the ES350 out of all the cars listed here.

 

Eh used 5 series, we just might bite on that left over A6. But I still think the A4 is the best for what he wants. ES350 is too expensive with all the features.

 

Umm the new G35 interior blows away most cars in its class or above.

 

Why do that, when you can get the G35 for cheaper with a much better interior?

 

i'm old school i like the maxima's design better

 

RL or E320 BlueTec!The A6 is very appealing car as well but over 28mpg not too sure!

 

They did step up the interior with the new G, but its still way behind the benz, bimmer, acura, and lexus.

 

Eh the maxima isn't all that appealing. My dad would probably end up going German unless its Lexus again. And geez a new G35x with nav system is already $40,000

 

+1 for a used (05'+) RL with low miles... I've always like'd it, you don't see as much of them on the road which a even bigger +

IMHO, way better looking than the A4, lots more HP.... more leg room in the back.

not sure if you get 28mpg tho...

 

My dad doesn't need a big car with a lot of HP, thats why I thought turbo would be the best.

 

 

The RL will be the best bet because not only there are decently price used, but it returns good mpg when driven well. It's loaded with gadgets, it's powerful and looks good. The ride is very comfy yet sporty.I wouldn't hesitate for that price range.I think the RL would be better since it's the flagship model of the Acura range and it is certainly a more rewarding drive for an older man than say an A4.If he wants german, then sounds like he's already decided.Go for the A4.My 2 cents

 

Well take a look at the RL when we get a chance, it looks nice just got to test drive it. Oh and hes not set on German I keep on telling him German cars have a little more style to them but he would go Lexus(IS250AWD) or Acura RL.

 

I would act quickly if he wants a german car as the prices might go up a bit since the dollar is weakening. Or just stick with the cars from asia.

 

Don't ever buy a used mercedes. My friend was interested in buying one and I told him he would have probelms with it. So he didn't listen to me and bought a used C class. About a month later he had to drop $500 dollars on repairs.

 

Although im not much of a MB person, you should tell him to go for an E320 CDI.. its the diesel version of the E320 and gives more mpg and is quicker..

 

used rl

 

500 dollars isn't much, my cars repairs cost from $800-$2000. 500 is liveable lol.

 

Yeah but still he just bought it and he already had to put money back into it.

 

True, how many miles did it have.

 

The elephant in the living room here is mileage. The only car mentioned in this discussion that will even approach 28 mpg (supposedly on the list of (requirements) is the Audi, and pretty much all the rest won't do much better than low 20's on good day with a light foot. (and the G35 is RWD only)

 

bmw 3 series......

 

i'd look at an RL.