Posted on 07/24/2005 6:15:20 AM PDT by Treeless Branch
Sorry for the vanity, but I do respect the opinions of the posters on this board, who also possess a great wealth of information. With that said, I am in the process of buying a car, and wanted your advice.
Here is the deal. I am a young attorney at a large corporate law firm. I have about $40,000 to spend. I need something that I can drive clients around in, yet hopefully is fun to drive, reliable, and that my estemeed colleagues will not view with disdain. I am not opposed to buying a used car, and would prefer not to lease.
I am not a car guy, so any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Over the past 6 years I have purchased two "certified" used vehicles from Lexus. Both purchases have been very good experiences, and I still have both vehicles.
I am considering the purchase of a third vehicle and will probably buy either a certified used Lexus LS 430 or a certified used Lexus ES 330. Both of these vehicles will meet your requirements.
All cars are afflicted with certain similarities which render them "just a car". I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the early '60s Lincolns (with the suicide rear doors) too.
I agree. I am on my 3rd Camry V6 (leased) and have never had a lick of trouble. It's a great value car as well.
My parents were always "Buy America" when it came to cars, but even they got sick of the poor quality and value of GM products. (That's what you get when both management and labor are socialists).
http://www.carbuyingtips.com
Check it out. It may help in the journey.
BMW 633i
Do you want looks or speed?? Ambulances can travel at pretty good speeds, you know....O.K. I'm kidding you. I know you're not that kind of lawyer. But once in a lifetime, if you're lucky, you get a car buying question from a lawyer. I had to do it. I was compelled. Sue me.:)
Buy yourself a 2005 Infiniti G35 Sedan. That should put you right under 40,000 with all the options. Trust me, you will enjoy the power. I've been driving a 2003 G35 Coupe since 2002, and the only problem I've had is a brake switch that was recalled.
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/infiniti/2005/g35/firstdrive/001.shtml
This is good advice. I just went through the same "what to buy" myself. I bought a BMW Roadster which is fun to drive, but I was very impressed with the plush interior of the Infiniti M45 and would have purchased that if I wanted a sedan. SUVs are fine for families toting groceries but not so great for clients.
Get a Lexus ES330! Great resale value. Or better yet buy a certified Pre-owned ES330. Great value and still great resale plus a great warranty. It is a Toyota Camry with all bells and whistles. Reliable, economical and will impress clients. A small step down would be a Toyota Avalon.
GMC Denali
Whatever you get, make sure you get a vehicle that'll pi$$ off the environmental nutjobs.
No question: BMW 5-series or 7-series. The 7-series is longer and thus more comfortable and has a powerful V-8. Most of the 5-series have powerful inline 6 cylinder motors but some have V8s, i.e., 540 or 545. For $40,000 you'll have to buy used, but only a few years old, or use that as a downpayment.
I recently rented a big 2004 Cadillac but my '93 BMW 740iL is waaaay better but you'll want something newer. You won't be disappointed in a big BMW.
www.autotrader.com is a good source. Also, ebay has great deals, especially if you live near New York City or south Florida so you can look at the car before you buy.
Congradulations on making partner.
Is that your rig?
a texas cadillac = full size pickup, lots of rubber, 4-wheel drive, and attitude.
It depends on what you consider "fun."
Were I in your shoes I'd buy a loaded Ford Expedition. I like comfort, power, room for passengers...and I think there's a certain "something" about sitting above the crowd and looking down at those who drive around you.
The ONLY CAR TO CONSIDER is a low mileage BMW M5.
It is the arguably the best sport sedan on the planet.
See if you can test drive one.
A 2000 M5 with just under 50,000 miles should cost you about $40K.(NEW start at $86K.
It's in a class all by itself.
In that price range, only other competitor is the BMW 3 Series and I think the new ones are Fugly.
The Infiniti is gorgeous, fast and impressively assembled.
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