What are the most overlooked cars in these price ranges?

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Old 01-02-2007, 04:32 PM
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Question What are the most overlooked cars in these price ranges?

Do you think there are some really great cars out there that people just don't consider or forget about? What new (2006/2007) cars do you feel are most overlooked in these price ranges:

* Under $20,000

* $20,000 - $25,000

* $26,000 - $35,000

* $36,000 - $45,000

* $46,000 - $55,000

* $56,000 - $70,000

* $70,000 - $100,000
Old 01-02-2007, 04:46 PM
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I can think of one off the top of my head.

* $36,000 - $45,000

M45. As nice as this car is, I'm surprised I don't see more of them on the road.
Old 01-02-2007, 04:52 PM
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* Under $20,000 -- I would say the Mazda 3.

Although there are a lot on the road here (proving they are very popular), I think people who are looking to spend more money (eg: $25,000) often overlook the good value and quality of a vehicle that is less expensive. I know the Mazda 3 surprised me when I drove it, and originally I only went to check out the 6 (which I ended up not liking).
Old 01-02-2007, 04:58 PM
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hyundai azera 26-35
Old 01-02-2007, 05:01 PM
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Acura RL

Maserati Quattroporte

Audi A6 and A8

Last edited by SeCsTaC; 01-02-2007 at 05:04 PM.
Old 01-02-2007, 05:05 PM
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Audi's all together are pretty overlooked
Old 01-02-2007, 05:50 PM
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26-35 Legacy GT/ Legacy GT spec b

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Old 01-02-2007, 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
* Under $20,000 -- I would say the Mazda 3.

Although there are a lot on the road here (proving they are very popular), I think people who are looking to spend more money (eg: $25,000) often overlook the good value and quality of a vehicle that is less expensive. I know the Mazda 3 surprised me when I drove it, and originally I only went to check out the 6 (which I ended up not liking).
I agree. I had one as a rental and I really liked this car. I wouldn't buy one but I was very surprised with it.
Old 01-02-2007, 06:37 PM
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Relative to their competition:

* Under $20,000 - Cobalt

* $20,000 - $25,000 - G6

* $26,000 - $35,000 - A4/TL

* $36,000 - $45,000 - A4/TL

* $46,000 - $55,000 - RL

* $56,000 - $70,000 - XJ8

* $70,000 - $100,000 - A8
Old 01-02-2007, 07:26 PM
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Disagree with the TL. It sells very well, only 2nd to BMW IIRC.
Old 01-03-2007, 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Audi's all together are pretty overlooked
Mercedes and BMW cast a big shadow over Audi. Show me where dollar for dollar any Audi car beats a BMW car. (except the RS4, which I'll admit schools the current M3)

The only thing I saw in the Audi line was the A8L, which fills the notch between the 745Li and 750Li.
Old 01-03-2007, 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by cob3683
Relative to their competition:

* $20,000 - $25,000 - G6
Agreed!
Old 01-03-2007, 10:43 AM
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Anything Hyundai. Especially the Sonata and new Sante Fe.

But generally speaking, if a car doesn't sell well, there's probably a reason for it IMO.
Old 01-03-2007, 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by dom
Anything Hyundai. Especially the Sonata and new Sante Fe.
Very much agree with that one! Have been dropping by a dealer to check them out every model year for the past few years. Very good bang for the buck, although interior quality still wasn't what I was expecting when I visited last. Definitely gaining popularity though.
Old 01-03-2007, 11:00 AM
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When I was in Rome, I saw black Quattroportes all over with like 100% tints (not really but it was limo-dark). Completely awesome. +1 for those cars.
Old 01-03-2007, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by dom
Anything Hyundai. Especially the Sonata and new Sante Fe.

But generally speaking, if a car doesn't sell well, there's probably a reason for it IMO.
I believe that reason is brand reputation.

Case in point Mercury. Why does anyone buy these? I don't even remember the last time I saw one of these on the road. They're just rebadged Fords with a premium tacked on to it. That's their reputation and that's why I won't drive one or even walk in a dealership...if I could even find one.
Old 01-03-2007, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by aesir11
I can think of one off the top of my head.

* $36,000 - $45,000

M45. As nice as this car is, I'm surprised I don't see more of them on the road.

Probably because the M35 comes fairly close (in performance and amenities) to the M45 for less $$$ and offers optional AWD. That said, M45s I have come across sticker in the mid-upper $50k range.
Old 01-03-2007, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
Probably because the M35 comes fairly close (in performance and amenities) to the M45 for less $$$ and offers optional AWD. That said, M45s I have come across sticker in the mid-upper $50k range.
Yeah I cheated a bit, they start at $43

I still don't see them often.
Old 01-03-2007, 01:25 PM
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I do not see them often neither.

....on one of those rare occassions, I ran one well into the triple digits on the NYS Thruway back in 2005 while in my 02 Maxima and held my own up to about 125-130mph when it moved ahead of me.
Old 01-03-2007, 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
When I was in Rome, I saw black Quattroportes all over with like 100% tints (not really but it was limo-dark). Completely awesome. +1 for those cars.
Maserati Quattroportes?
Old 01-03-2007, 02:23 PM
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i agree with brand recognition and reputation being the reason hyundais are not selling. but they are being "overlooked" because many don't realize that hyundais are making sold cars now. or many just refuse to even look at a hyundai.

i also agree with the rl, a6, and a8.

i can't agree with the tl though.
Old 01-03-2007, 02:30 PM
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I don't know about the audis being overlooked. I see lots of them daily, mostly a6's and a4's, in fact I'd saw more than I see MB's and just slightly less than BMWs.
Old 01-03-2007, 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by cob3683
Relative to their competition:

* Under $20,000 - Cobalt
It's overlooked 'cause it's a piece of crap.
Old 01-03-2007, 02:41 PM
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For the under $20,000 category, I think the xA/xB are overlooked by a lot of people because of their styling. The build quality was surprisingly good for a car of that price.

And of course the Mazda3. I was blown away by it, particularly the S with the manual. Great performance, handling and quality for the price.
Old 01-03-2007, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by AcuraFan
It's overlooked 'cause it's a piece of crap.
I have no actually driven the Cobalt but have sat in them and they seem to be MUCH nicer than the Cavaliers they replaced.
Old 01-03-2007, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
I have no actually driven the Cobalt but have sat in them and they seem to be MUCH nicer than the Cavaliers they replaced.
that's still not saying much considering how bad Cavaliers/Sunfires were.

When the last generation first came out, they were already 5 years outdated the first day they went on sale!
Old 01-03-2007, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by crazymjb
26-35 Legacy GT/ Legacy GT spec b

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+1, but i like that i dont run into 100 more each day. same reason why i bought my 1st gen cl. however the lgt is a much better bang for the $$$$ then my 97 cl was.
Old 01-03-2007, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by dom
But generally speaking, if a car doesn't sell well, there's probably a reason for it IMO.
Hence the Acura RL.
Old 01-03-2007, 06:05 PM
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Originally Posted by mrdeeno
that's still not saying much considering how bad Cavaliers/Sunfires were.

When the last generation first came out, they were already 5 years outdated the first day they went on sale!
...point is retarded advance > no advance at all.
Old 01-03-2007, 06:21 PM
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Originally Posted by aesir11
Mercedes and BMW cast a big shadow over Audi. Show me where dollar for dollar any Audi car beats a BMW car. (except the RS4, which I'll admit schools the current M3)

The only thing I saw in the Audi line was the A8L, which fills the notch between the 745Li and 750Li.
Try driving any BMW vs an Audi in the snow and get back to me. Quattro > any other AWD system...
Old 01-03-2007, 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by CCns24
Try driving any BMW vs an Audi in the snow and get back to me. Quattro > any other AWD system...
Better yet, live somewhere where there is no snow and drive a BMW.
Old 01-03-2007, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Better yet, live somewhere where there is no snow and drive a BMW.
^^^Speaks the truth
Old 01-04-2007, 01:28 AM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
...point is retarded advance > no advance at all.
You are correct. The Cobalt is more advanced than the Cavalier. And the Cobalt is overlooked. So by the definition of the thread, the Cobalt makes the list. What we're saying is there's a reason people overlook that one. Just as why people overlook the Chevy Aveo or the Suzuki Forenza, etc.
Old 01-04-2007, 11:23 AM
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I haven't shopped these cars but whatever, lets take a look at just how terrible these Cobalts are...

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...3971&v=t102706

So ... outside of resale, what makes the Cobalt such a terrible car? The engine in the Cobalt is more powerful, the Civic has SLIGHTLY better crash ratings. You can get limited slip in both cars... the Civic comes with a 6 speed, but the Cobalt will have to shift less especially with 70 more ft/lbs of torque.

What are you all bitching about now?
Old 01-04-2007, 11:35 AM
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Originally Posted by aesir11
I haven't shopped these cars but whatever, lets take a look at just how terrible these Cobalts are...

http://autos.msn.com/research/compar...3971&v=t102706

So ... outside of resale, what makes the Cobalt such a terrible car? The engine in the Cobalt is more powerful, the Civic has SLIGHTLY better crash ratings. You can get limited slip in both cars... the Civic comes with a 6 speed, but the Cobalt will have to shift less especially with 70 more ft/lbs of torque.

What are you all bitching about now?

I've driven the Cobalt (it was actually a Pontiac Pursuit) and I didn't think it was all that bad. Leaps and bounds better than the Cavalier. Interior materials were still kinda cheap but overall, not a bad car, especially for the price.

My brother in law has had one for almost 2 years now and as far as I know, not one problem.
Old 01-04-2007, 08:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Moog-Type-S
Better yet, live somewhere where there is no snow and drive a BMW.
I hate you SoCal guys......

(well, it's more jealousy...)

But yes, in that case BMW > Audi (sans RS4...it is a beast!!)
Old 01-04-2007, 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
Very much agree with that one! Have been dropping by a dealer to check them out every model year for the past few years. Very good bang for the buck, although interior quality still wasn't what I was expecting when I visited last. Definitely gaining popularity though.
Let's talk about the labor intensive valve adjustment, along with the solid tappets/lifters....

Those cars are still coming up short...
Old 01-05-2007, 01:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
Very much agree with that one! Have been dropping by a dealer to check them out every model year for the past few years. Very good bang for the buck, although interior quality still wasn't what I was expecting when I visited last. Definitely gaining popularity though.
Old 01-05-2007, 04:06 AM
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mazda 3 is way above the cobalt. i almost bought a 3 instead of the a TL but i got a deal on it i could not refuse.
Old 01-05-2007, 09:16 PM
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$26k-$35k: Pontiac GTO

I know that they stopped making them, but they are some truly nice cars. SO much nicer than the Mustang GT it's not even funny.


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