With $4-plus gas (93 octane hit $4.38 in my neighborhood today) what kind of gas mileage is he looking for......or will accept?

The answer is important because there are a number of reliable 4-door vehicles I can recommend for $33,000, but I have to know what kind of operating costs........and insurance.....your friend is willing to swallow.

Infiniti G35
Lexus IS250
Acura TSX

Hmm seems like he is on a tight budget ... he should get someone with high gas mileage... and cheap to insure...

I'd say GTI. Not luxury compared to Lexus, but fast, inexpensive, fun to drive, good gas mileage, and can be packed with "goodies" to make it nice. Even have some coin left over for mods and gas.

I highly recommend your frend compile a list of about the top 10 cars he is interested and then test drive them all. Idk if dealership service is a biggy to him, but that may be another area to consider. Every car has slightly different driving dynamics and he should get a first hand feel of what he wouldn't mind having day to day.

Afterall it is he who will make the final decision.

A4 2.0T Quattro and chip it.

I'm personally looking into the STI... =)

No. Chipping it will probably void the warranty.

ok then... IF it HAS to be new...

17k for a 09 mdl corolla S, 16k for bags/rims/and a ton of JP goodies *JP recaro seats n stuff* and be the FIRST VIP style 09 rolla

+1 for the TL It is hard to beat that car in the given price range. I was quoted 29,000 plus fees for an '08 TL with no Nav. The car looks great and holds its value well.

buy a CPO 2 year old TL, dont even think about buying new. Buying a new car is way overrated IMO

back when we got bro his 04 TSX in early 05, we bought one that was originally a dealer loaner, was in great condition and had 12k miles, dealer threw in a 7 year 100k mile warranty, drive out was $24k. New MSRP was near 27k I believe with basic warranty. This deal was better than a used car. Havent brought it back to the dealer to fix anything that broke, screwing us on the warranty

Some people just don't like used stuff....

How many of us have had a virgin?

im just saying, but since its your friends money he can waste it as he pleases. New is overrated, like 3-4 months after I bought my IS new, I didnt care anymore. Thats when I realizes buying new was a waste in most cases

I think this would be a good choice. Although there are other makes and models that compare well with this car, I don't think he'll be disappointed with a TL-S. Especially if he'll be using it as a daily driver.