I did nearly 50kmi+ this past year and I have come to the point that although I am a track/hpde whore I cant take shifting anymore. I am on the phone the whole time I am in the car for the most part so the sti really doesn't get much excitement unless its a wet track day or I am driving home on the back roads. I bought the lotus as a track car so the sti is really just a daily driver at this point. My budget is 35-40k new or used. Must be awd, 4dr, and have some power. I have narrowed it down to the above, but I am open to suggestions.

 

s60r

 

I would suggest acura RL or infiniti M35X or M45X, though the acura has a better interior. The BMW's have some expensive repairs as do the audi's. Also you can get a great deal on an RL with CMBS, PAX and ACC. The ACC feature is awesome and the CMBS system can be really helpful to avoid an accident.

 

You can still get a manual trans, just get a car that has Bluetooth.

06 S4 would get my vote, then again its not all that great on gas.

 

CPO 330xi. Throw on the 6yr/100 mile maintnence and it will be cheap to own for 100k miles.

 

I am done with the manual and fwd is not an option.

 

Also...due to my past experience with the local acura dealer with 2 acuras...never again for any price!

 

Used phaeton was another thought.

 

S60R if it has BT

 

I also am in love with the new c350, but they dont offer awd as of yet so...

 

In another post you mentioned that you needed a stealth car, ie NOT "showy" so that customers don't think you're ripping their face off.

I take the above choices to mean that you no longer care about image.

How 'bout an A5?

 

I have had a change in business plans so what I a doing now it really wont matter...work smarter not harder.

 

kinda want 4 door for convenience

 

IMHO, 50k/yr rules out the S4 and 330xi as they are too small for my own personal liking. I like the S60R the most out of this group.

I would also like to make an honorable mention of the Nissan Murano AWD, Infiniti FX35 AWD and Lexus RX350/400h, as all have distinct sports sedan driving manners while retaining the utility of crossover SUVs.

 

no suv's and I am used to the sti's size.

 

I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of the Murano and Lexus. Murano is nice, but certainly isn't sporty. The RX is very soft. The FX is a decent handler though.

 

like csmeance says, a RL or M35X/45X....if not, save your money for something else...those are nice cars in your sig.

 

I'd say in order S4,330xi and the volvo R if you want to maintain the fun factor. However, personally, I'd love all the comfort in the world for daily driving use and keep the sportiness for your elise.Which is why I highly suggest a W12/V8 Phaeton or an A8.

 

i vote Volvo S60R.

 

fun factor is kinda gone with the lack of a manual unless I can get an smg.

 

G35X?

Could wait for the new A4

 

I've always liked the understated styling of the cuurentA6 4.2 as well.Looks pretty premium to me.

 

Dodge Charger SRT 8

 

If he doesn't want an SUV, why would he want to drive a 5000 lb sedan? That and used Phaetons are few and far between.

 

He needs all-wheel drive ya nizzle.

 

Not against suv for the weight it is because I don't like being high off the ground. I actually like the a8 and phaeton's...weight aside. If I need fun Ill drive the lotus or my Harley.

 

Because he listed the A8 in his poll and mentionned thinking about the Phaeton.Seems to me he doesn't mind the weight then

After all, a heavy car sits well and gives you the feel of being safe on the road .I wouldn't even think twice about getting a lightly used A8/Phaeton.

 

Meh, it's a matter of personal preference if you prioritize passive vs. active safety.

Personally, I prefer a lighter, nimble car over a luxo barge. Perhaps I'll feel differently in another 20 years.

Plus, VW reliability is akin to asking people to kick you in the jimmy.

 

 

^^

 

I would go with the Volvo S60R.

 

+1 or the 335xi

 

wow, thats a wide variety of cars! theres a big difference in buying a BMW 3 and an Audi A8.. you have small, medium, and a very large car up on that list.. you have any idea about what size car you want, cuz that'll make the voting somewhat easier..

but all very nice cars..

oh and i agree with the G35x guys up there.. i test drove the coupe a few days ago and its amazing.. and the sedans supposed to be really nice too. All wheel drive, Luxurious, Powerful, and i built one online.. top of the line, fully loaded with almost every option, and it came out to be about 40K brand new MSRP.. (although itll be a little more with taxes and all, im sure you can talk them down a few Gs..)

 

There's nothing wrong with having a wide variety...If he listed all of them it's that he is open to most suggestions or whichever you like best in the bunch

 

G35x fits the description

But like the local Acura dealership, the local infiniti dealership is pretty poor.

 

hence the reason I did not list it!

 

Are there any "good" dealerships in this area, your left traveling or dealing with poor dealers, the joys of living in the capital region.

You list VW and they were huge scumbags on all levels, the only ones who bested them in the scumbag department was Cadilliac. I think its just about impossible to satisfy the enthusiast in this area.

 

beast...

 

1st pick - G35x
2nd pick - S60R

 

S4 or BMW 330xi. I don't know do volvos s60r come with bluetooth?