I'm in the market for a new (used) car. My current ride ('06 IS350) took a turn for the worse trying (successfully) to avoid a deer in the road. In the process, I clipped two curbs and went sideways over a 4' landscaped median. Needless to say, it's very likely going to be totaled. My criteria for a new ride would be as follows:

<$30,000 (or real close to it)
<50k miles (or close)
4 door
sporty
luxury
decent gas mileage
reliability (sorry, no BMW's)
'07 or newer

I'm tempted to stick with another IS350 but so far I've started browsing:

Lexus GS350
MB C350
Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2 door, I know but still on the list)
Kia Optima (I don't know much about them but I like the looks)
Lexus CT200h (always been interested in this car but not sure I'd like it for 4 or 5 years of ownership)

Any comments, suggestions, recommendations?

Here's a couple pics of the (potentially) last days of my ride:

 

Ouch, poor IS! I hope you came out of this uninjured. Was this your first car?

I personally find IS and C class too small, especially in the back. I think GS350 is your best bet, since you don't want BMWs. You can look at E class, but its too boring.

I'd stay away from Hyundais - once you've been used to a Lexus, they will seem like a huge step backwards.

 

Sorry about the incident. Glad you're not hurt. I agree it will probably be totalled. Good luck on the replacement-shopping.

One good option you haven't mentioned is the Infiniti G-series. Generally reliable and well made, good-handling, adequate power, decent interior especially in the later versions, and, like the IS, available with a choice of RWD or AWD. Its depreciation, on average, is a little more than the IS, so they can be fairly good deals as used cars.

You also mentioned the new Optima. I've reviewed two versions.....base and EX turbo. Both, IMO, were quite impressive. I like the fact that, unlke most vehicles, turbo versions of the Optima come with a choice of EX or SX suspensions (I generally prefer the EX ...the SX rides too stiffly for my tastes)

 

Thanks, I came out unscathed. Airbags didn't even deploy. And no, this is about my 6th or 7th car. First Lexus though.

I hardly ever use the back seat so space isn't really an issue but I'm sure my friends wouldn't mind a little more leg room that the GS provides. And yes, E class is too boring.

That's what I was thinking too. I was looking at Subaru's and felt the same way.

 

Yup, I'll find out tomorrow whether or not it's totaled. First impressions over the phone the adjuster thought it would be.

I had a friend that owned a G35. It's a decent car but I prefer the IS/GS over a G35 coupe or sedan. Personal preference I guess but again, I'd take another IS350 before I'd consider a G.

Good information. I'll have to do some more research on them. Thanks!

 

not interested in brz/frs ?

 

Great car but fails the 4 door criteria. However, has "Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2 door, I know but still on the list)" so yea why not.

 

How about 2009+ Acura TL SH-AWD?

 

Here's a 2008 ISF with 60k miles (slightly over your mileage criterion) selling for $29,997 -

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...24637562&Log=0

Here's a private seller 08 ISF with 37k miles for $28,500 -

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18438274&Log=0

Both prices seem a little low but I haven't really checked kelly blue book values so I'm not sure.

I think if you upped you price to $35k you could probably get a really nice used ISF.

 

Acura TSX 2010-2012. lots of them are coming off from leases and can be had 21-23k for base and around 24-25k with tech package. Fits most of your description needs.

 

2013 Honda Accord sedan or 2013 Kia Optima.

 

GS450h?

 

Lexus GS350 - quick, reliable
MB C350 - not so reliable
Hyundai Genesis Coupe -- Why not Genesis sedan?
Kia Optima - I don't think you would enjoy long term since you've owned a Lexus.
Lexus CT200h - If you've had a 350 this would be a drastic change, speed, interior quality, MPG, etc

also a CPO'd BMW is a possibility...

 

Get the Lexus GS350 or get a BMW, stay away from MB.

 

Damn sorry to see You got a good list there, maybe check out C350 Benz sport too, nice car. I would not do another IS unless its the IS F with the new model coming soon.


Its clear he has good taste, did you see his IS?

Weaksauce to go from an IS to a car 5 speed auto, FWD, slow, less tech car that is being discontinued.