Ok, as many know I traded my IS for the Sonata due to multiple reasons (high mileage, space, clients, etc.) but many of the reasons may soon be eliminated.

That being said, I may soon be in the market for up to a $60K car... that's my ceiling. I have researched the hell out of everything and came down to 10+ cars I'd like but each has a drawback or two (mileage, reliaibility, customer service, etc.) So I need opinions/advice. You will see several don't make the grade once you see my criteria (example: IS350 no AWD)

Must haves:
Good mileage (25+ hwy)
AWD (WI winters)
Decent back seat
Reliability (cannot be sitting at dealership, time way too precious)
Still some hardcore fun i.e. HP & handling
Higher end automobile- although I have been pleasantly surprised with Sonata

My list:
Lexus: GS350, like the GS450h but no AWD
BMW : 3 & 5 series Xi, but reliability?
Audi : A4 (2009) I REALLY like!! A5, S5 too much $$ New Q5 maybe?
Mercedes : C- class power please? C350 no AWD yet... not fan of e-Class
Infiniti : never been a G35 fan, maybe M class?
Acura : No on TL, MDX has some interest... new NSX looks sweet but $$
Cadillac : CTS in the running
Subaru : Not a big Legacy fan
Toyota : NO
Honda : NO
Nissan : NO
VW : NO

Haven't listed all so all opinions greatly appreciated and welcome, add in others, may sway my thoughts as I am conflicted.

Thanks and happy posting!! Looking forward to it!!!

 

If I were you I'd be looking at GS 350 AWD, M35x/45x, and the CTS. Just me though.

 

I knew someone from Atlanta would give good advice I do miss Woodstock... THANKS!!!

 

so I see everything from a 2 door GT to a big sedan hybird to a SUV. What do you want??

If I had 60k, I'd get a used 996 C4S. AWD, i think it gets 25mpg+, fairly reliable, has a back seat, extremely fun, definitly "higher end" (<--whatever that means).

04 996 C4S for 60k

and i didn't know they were this cheap now but you can even get a 996 turbo for 60k

 

Haha I work at Nalley Lexus in Smyrna...just a few miles from Woodstock.

And concerning those 3 cars, they're all good looking, right size with nice features, and should come in a bit below the 60K mark. Any of them would be great IMO.

 

My first recommendation at 60K or under would have been the superb Acura TL (48-50K), but, if that is off your list, so be it.

Of the cars that are left, take a look first at the Infiniti M45 AWD. Of the remaining cars on your list, it is probably the best combination of reliability, luxury, AWD traction, HP, and overall driving fun combined. I reviewed one last December (here is the review), although the reviews I did then are less comprehensive than the ones I do now and have the old format:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...review+m45+awd

The M45 AWD is not cheap. It runs some $$$$$ (my test car ran 63K-plus), but with the downturn in the auto market and the price of gas being what it is, Infiniti dedalers would probably be willing to discount and get it down to your 60K threshold or below just to clear them off the lot (but don't forget sales and possible gas-guzzler taxes in the total).

Subaru, of course, has made superb AWD systems for years, and I would have said look at the Legacy GT, but, again, if that is off the list, so be it. You could look at a turbo Outback, (and it sits higher than the Legacy for more ground clearance in those those deep WI winter snows), but its 24 highway MPG may not be quite enough for you. Its handling, however, is surprisingly good for its height....about as sedanlike as you will get in a vehicle of this type (I own a nonturbo version myself).

I would avoid the German cars, despite BMW's excellent driving fun factor and AWD availability, unless you want to take a chance on questionable electronics/unreliability and put up with the idiosyncracies of the BMW I-Drive, Audi MMI, and Mercedes Dash Controller. I don't know how you feel, but those systems drive me nuts.

Also, keep in mind that most, if not all, of the cars you listed will need premium gas and not always give you the 25 MPG highway you want. Subaru does N/A, non-turbo versions but, with the non-turbo 2.5, can be sluggish. The N/A 3.0 is a little better, and this year can burn regular.

 

So you want AWD and below $60k?

Audi S5.

How's the S5 too much $$? One with tiptronic has a MSRP of $52,275.

When did the Acura TL break the $40k barrier?

 

You need to get some preliminary questions out of the way first.

Do you want a new or used car?
SUV, 2-door or 4-door?

Until you answer those, there's not much that can be said...

 

Audi S5 has a huge waiting list...
I would like a current A6 would still be nice.
If you can wait to see the new A4, I think that'd be worth it as well.

TL is definitely not 48-50K, maybe he's confusing it with the RL?

CTS would be a solid choice, and I believe the Lincoln MKS is also due out soon. If domestic is something you're willing to consider.

The Volvo S80 could also be thrown in for a good look as well. The T6 and the V8 are both great engines.

 

The best choice based on your criteria is a Lexus GS350 AWD. It isn't overally sporty but hits in all the other areas I think. The mpg isn't great though. The Audi or BMW might not be the best choice with all of the other interests as a concern.

I just rented a Caddy and wasn't overly impressed by the car. The interior wasn't that great. I had the low end engine, which sucks as well. The new interior is not your typical Caddilac style.

 

Bought my wife's CL there a few years back....

 

Well the GS is the only one to remotely get 25MPG on the highway...unless u wait for the new A4 AWD.....

 

Would prefer new.... 2 door is okay only if easy access for passengers/clients, prefer 4 door

SUV only IF sporty and can do 25mpg... eliminates almost all of them...

The 996 is sharp!!! Would worry about passenger access to rear... but a new car to research for sure, THX!!!!

Travel is mostly hwy, so 25mpg is preferred, premium unleaded isn't as big an issue if all happens anyway...

I thought 2009 S5 is $63K-$72K??? Did I see that wrong?

TL- thought AWD is not an option
Great point on German electronic reliability... keep hearing it, keeps shying me away....

The Infiniti M Class- best mpg is 23.... for M35...

Sounds like I'm riding the fence or waffling, my apologies, major decision to last a long time....

Keep it coming, info confirms my thoughts and thx again!!!!

 

I've heard similar... that's ONE eliminated... thx!!!

 

BMW 328 cxi (coupe AWD) gets 25MPG highway. What is AMAZING is according to the EPA the 335 cxi gets the SAME MPG.
The Infiniti G37 will come in AWD in coupe form but I am sure it won't get 25mpg, even with the new 7 speed auto. I just looked and the G35x gets 23MPG and the G37 gets 24 MPG so the BMWs are clearly superior here.
The AWD GS 350 gets 25MPG highway and 1 more MPG City (18) than the BMWs.
The ACura MDX/RDX get crappy MPG.
Whats AMAZING is the Porsche 911 4CS gets THE SAME mileage as the BMWs/Lexus and better than the Infinitis and Chrysler 300 AWD/E350 4 matic etc..