My friend is almost done with school and is looking to buy a car.

Here are his requirements:
- $14-17k budget
- 4DR sedan/CUV
- 70k miles or less
- 2005 or newer

Cars that he's thought about:
IS300
Murano
CTS

 

I really like the CTS.
My mom had the previous gen (just traded it in for the new gen a month or two ago), and it never had any problems.


What about a TL?
Can you get a TL with those specs for that cost, or are they more expensive?

 

the IS300 should be well under 14-17k. i'd also look at an 04-08 TL

 

2005 TL w/ nav is within that price range for sure.

 

Acura TL \/

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/ctd/1079318498.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/1074261630.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/cto/1071158453.html

Cadillac CTS \/

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/ctd/1080459242.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/ctd/1079357074.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/cto/1075194124.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/cto/1071083856.html

Lexus IS300 \/

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/ctd/1080539967.html

Nissan Murano \/

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ctd/1080521168.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/ctd/1080283422.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/ctd/1079354018.html


All in your area, well at least thats what your screen name says, check them out

 

Cts

 

He's not limiting his options to these 3 models. All makes/models are welcome for consideration. Thanks

 

only if it is a cts-V

 

+1 they are on sale for 14K-17K.

On side note why not a TL.

 

03-04 M45 - I think it's a lot of car for the money, if you want that VIP style.
05+ Legacy GT - can be had within that budget. Good if you want AWD and a car with a decent amount of tuning possibilities. Might be able to find an EVO too towards the higher end of the budget if he swings that way instead.

the only CUV i think i'd want is the FX35, which might be able to be had within that budget.

 

There are a lot of options in this price range. All the ones you listed, also check out the TL as others have said, TSX perhaps . I'd look into the Subaru Legacy GT or Audi A4 for the AWD.

A lot depends on what he's looking for in a car. Most of these have drastically different characteristics. If he's not sure, definitely tell him to test drive all the models he's thinking about before buying. That includes different generations of the same car.

Research, then research some more, drive them, research again (enthusiast forums have a lot of info on specific models ), figure out what you want, find a great deal, and eat it up.

P.S. Can you tell I'm a fan of sedans?

 

The 1G CTS is ugly, especially compared to the 2G version.

He can definitely get a 3G TL for the money. Or one of those Mercedes C230 with the AMG sport package.

How about the 1G Infiniti G35 Sedan?

 

06 Legacy GT FTW

It won't attract the cops, and has a lot of tuning potential.

 

something like this... (and it's MT too!!)
http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/...0-1c2c0c37050c

 

the brown leather is sexy.

 

That looks pretty damn red to me...

 

+1 for the Legacy GT

The interior for the 2006 Spec B's is actually brick red

 

He can get a 2007 Mazdaspeed 3 for that now.

MS3 > all the rest of that nonsense

Yeah it's a hatch but it's a 5dr.

 

If the hatch is important, then a Legacy GT wagon. A bit bigger and can be moded like the sedan. Win win.

 

Hmm I mentioned the Legacy to him but he didn't seem to like it very much.

I really like the Mazdaspeed 3's but I didn't think they were within the budget... sweet!

I really didn't expect as many yes's to the CTS... I've never owned one but is the cost of ownership as high as I've heard?

I'm still a big fan of the IS300.

 

lease return CR-V.

 

oh definitely the speed3 if you can find.

of the 3 cars listed in the first post, i'd go with the IS. otherwise, +1 for the 3g TL.

and i loved the 1g CTS, but it is bland compared to the current one.

 

Not a fan of the CTS @ all.....

I'd go for the TL or for a 05 G35 or G35x AWD - there are plenty in the area especially since Nissan/Infiniti sales are held monthly at Manheim Chicago. I've seen plenty 05's with miles in the 30-50's for under $16K

 

the Legacy GT is something you really gotta test drive... especially for someone that knows very little to nothing about it...

 

tell me more... do you have to be a dealer to be a part of these?