What about an Acura RL? I assume that the base ones are being discounted to <$40k. Heck, I would not be surprised if the mid-level RL was discounted down there as well. @ that price, I think it would give you a nice mix of luxury & sport w/ room for your kids.

 

I've never heard about sludge problems in the M5 (or any BMW, for that matter). However, personally, I'd never buy a used BMW without the CPO certification, and the generous warranty that comes with it.

 

Lots of cases with the E39 V8 in the 540i as well. It is more like the Toyota V6 in the Camry and ES/RX though where many had problems while others don't. I guess those that changed the oil very often had no problems, but those that pushed it a bit got sludge. From what I hear, it can be avoided with frequent oil changes, so if you don't have it you have little to worry about.

 

I'm going to be in the market to replace my A4 this fall and my budget is somewhere between 30k... up to 50k if it's a lease with good residuals and MF.

Cars I've put on my mental checklist so far:
Leasing:
Audi TT
Audi A5
BMW 335i fixed roof coupe or hardtop convertible
Infiniti G37
Infiniti M35

Or if buying instead of leasing:
Lexus GS460
or
Chevy Corvette (LS3)

 

one word..... LOTUS

 

Not a bad choice. If you're into bare bones, purpose-built machines like I am, and you don't need a backseat, the Elise would have to be near the top of the list. And since it's a Toyota engine, the perceived reliability of the drivetrain should be reasonably good.

 

These cars are miserable on anything but a perfectly glass-smooth surface. Anything else will knock your fillings out. They're too small, too light, and too stiffly sprung for most roads, especially the torn-up ones in the Snow Belt.

 

Or at least your powertrain repair bills will hopefully be no more than that of a Toyota MR2.

 

+1, even is a new TL Type S is so hot!

 

Almost.

The Elise doesn't use the last-generation MR2's engine, which, in production form, was 140 HP. It uses the 180-190 HP version of the 1.8L VVT-i used in the now-discontinued Celica GT-S....and the also-discontinued Corolla XRS.

 

I know.
I was referring to both being mid engine cars, which often involve inflated repair costs due the additional labor required to get to certain parts.

 

Do you guys know if it uses a Toyota transmission too?

 

Yes, I believe so....but Lotus made some tweaks, like they did to the engine.

 

Yes, and all other things equal, mid-engine cars sometimes have a shorter life-span for the engine, too, because, even with slots and air ducts built into the hood and rear fenders, the engines still tend to run hot, particularly with turbos, because it is difficult to get a lot of air back there for cooling. That's one reason why a lot of MR2 owners use synthetic oil.

 

well he wanted a NSX might as well go with a lotus if he wants something under 40k. if i had 40k to blow and is not my daily i would get a lotus in a heart beat.