Ok this is a pointless thread, I admit. I still have 23 months on my current lease but my wife has been making some strong hints about a lower car payment next time around so I am in the beginning stages of trying to figure out what I'm gonna do in July of 2013. I figure a max budget of $30k should get me around a $500/mo payment and a still decent car. Obviously I'm going to have to go used to get all the features I'm used to in my G37.

Anyway, just opening this up to the forum for ideas. I have some but its always nice to get another perspective. Here's what I'm thinking:

1. Cadillac CTS-V - A stretch I know, but truth be told this car would be absolutely perfect for my situation. 4-doors, large enough for my daughter in the back, and still a blast to drive. I've found several 09's in the mid $40k's right now, its just a matter of whether they will depreciate another $15k in two years. If I can find a nice low-mileage one of these when I'm ready to buy, this will be what I get. Maybe Bob will sell me his!

2. Lexus GS350 - Ok, ok, so maybe I'm getting closer to old age than I thought! We've had an 06 GS now for the past week while my wife's IS350 gets worked on and I have really enjoyed it. It doesn't drive particularly sporty but the inside is top notch and I'm in love with the vast amount of space. This car coddles like no other and I'm starting to appreciate that. There are already very nice 08's with low mileage available for my budget so that's nice.

3. Hyundai Genesis 4.6 - Along the same lines as the GS, this car is great for cruising, has a nice interior, good power, and plenty of room. Plus I really like the styling of the big Hyundai. I'm sure these will be in plentiful supply at my budget and fairly new at that.

4. Buick Regal GS - A bit of a wild-card here. I'm absolutely in love with the look of this thing but its not even out yet. Fully loaded they will run low $40k's I guess which means there should be some used ones for around $30k when I get ready to buy. I'd feel a bit odd driving a Buick, but this thing is just flat sexy with those 20" rims.

5. Kia Optima - I looked at one of these the other day and was very impressed. The exterior and interior are very well done and the turbo-4 engine gets the job done. I could probably swing one of these brand new as well which is something to consider.

6. Ford Taurus SHO - Incredibly you can find 2010-11 models of these in the low $30k's already! They are dropping like stones which is good for me. I really like the look of the new SHO and the interior when fully loaded covers all the bases. I really love Ford's Sync technology and this car has more than enough power for having fun.

7. Ford Mustang GT/GT500 - Another stretch here as I'm really looking for 4-doors but if the right one were available (meaning fully loaded and priced right) I'd have a hard time saying no. I love the new Mustang, especially the Shelby. Of course the GT500's seem to be holding their value pretty well so I'm not sure if a good 2010 would be available at $30k by mid 2013. If not, the GT would still be a great car so long as it had nav and the premium interior.

8. Audi S5 - These stupid things are hanging on to their value like ticks! 2008's at 50k miles are still in the $50k's! Doubtful that I will find one in two years for $30k; at least one that has under 50k miles and CPO. Anyway, I still love this car and would love to have one if the prices would just come back to earth.

9. BMW M3 - Still my all-time favorite car but they are still too expensive like the Audi. I'm hugely leery of owning any German car outside of warranty which leaves CPO and that inflates price. If I find a nice 2009 CPO for $30k I will snap it up in a heartbeat though.

So what do you guys think? Too early? Thanks for reading my novel!

 

dude ur all over the place...u go from kia to bmw, audi, & lexus

anyways...i think the M3 & S5 is your clear winner in that list

 

Unfortunately, the price cap prevents purchasing either of those cars.

 

Eh, I'm just posting cars that I like which may be in my bdget in two years. I guess I just have eclectic taste in cars...

 

note to self...read post fully before commenting and looking like a douche

my apologies OP...

 

I would snatch a s5 and an m3 for 30k each, you americans are lucky with your car prices. I can still expect to pay 50 grand (tax incl.) for an m3 or s5 in two years....

 

Those cars are all different: styling, performance, options, value, maintenance.... and in two years who knows what will be out.

I say no to American cars (notice this is Azine, lol), I'm a huge fan of AWD, I love technology... BMW/Audi - excellent choice for gear-heads minus why da f@ck doesnt my iphone works today in the car... I've had this, I know, lol it changes like the weather.

Lexus, horrible residual value and very plain inside, but an excellent premium (very quiet) ride. Acura is the releasing ugliest cars on the roads at the moment. I think they've hired the Pontiac Aztec designer. Infiniti makes good cars, but my M37 is killing me with its 25 gallon tank and 19mpg.

BMW are coming out with N20 in 2012....This should be interesting.

 

Personally, I'd think about the car you already have. You've had it since new, so you know the history of it. Find out what the buyout is at the end of the term, and offer less. Not a ridiculous amount, but a moderate amount. The manufacturer and the finance department do not want the car back. You'll most likely end up with a lower payment than you have now. Drive the car for a few more years, while the economy is still soft, and come out further ahead.

 

Report back to us in about 2 years.

 

You were right in the opening sentence, this thread is pointless.

 

No offense, but it's really hard for anyone to predict the resale value of all those cars in 2 years..

I think it's better for you open this up like 2-3 months prior to your actually purchase month!

 

My lease is up in 21 months... and I haven't started a thread yet

If you can. I'd start by shrinking the list. But my pick would be a Mustang GT if you can swing a coupe. Good looking, affordable and a great performer.

 

tell us little bit more about yourself... we need more information in order to let you know what we think

 

CTS-V. Why? Because...

1. If you can nab one for ~$30K it would be a heck of a bargain, plus you'll have the 4 doors you really want and power.

2. There's a crapload of CTS-V enthusiasts online to help keep your 4 y/o CTS-V alive and well. *(4 y/o considering that the second gen came out in 09 and assuming that you want a second gen)

3. I would not recommend a German vehicle with a "lot" of miles if you're not going to get an extended warranty and maintenance agreement, which will hike up the price to possibly over your target $30K and / or you may spend a lot a days at the dealership (so scratch my beloved S5 and M3 ).

4. If you were in the market today would you buy a GS over a CTS-V if they were the same price?..... I didn't think so. (scratch the prestigious and reasonable GS)

5. Regal, Genesis and Taurus all go into the same bucket. Old man's car, and you won't be 40 in 2 years (These are all nice cars though, don't get me wrong).

6. Optima - Sporty, but just a sporty family car and although you're a family man your G37 is a testament that you still have a pulse.

7. Mustang GT? If you're gonna get a V8, stick to the CTS-V.

 

Go test drive a Mazdaspeed6 and report back.

Good mix of luxury, awd and power...all for under 20k now (not in 2 years). Not to mention they are pretty nice looking stock, with springs and rims they are amazing.

But from your list above, the CTS-V is one of my favorite vehicles of all time and (to me) a clear winner.

 

26 months left on my dad's Forester lease. not sure what to replace it with. gonna make a thread about it in a few minutes...

 

You're about 20 months too early here. Must've been a slow day at work.

 

Absolutely agree with every one of your points...

 

Get the Optima. With the money you saved you'll be able to afford a nice E46 M3 to satisfy those speed cravings on the weekends while you drive the Kia to work and let it get the door dings at the shopping center.

 

SOS from OP every 2 years