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vh_bu98 · 6 May 2007, 12:38 PM

I'm thinking about buying a car next month. A 2005 model since I'll let someone else deal with the depreciation. If anyone of you own one of these models, what's your opinion on it?

Acura TSX
Audi A4 2.0T
BMW 325i Sedan
Infiniti G35 Sedan
Lexus IS 300
Saab 9-3 Aero
Volvo S40 T5 Turbo

Reliability is a big issue since I drive about 500 miles/805 kms a week.

ezmoney46 · 6 May 2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vh_bu98

I'm thinking about buying a car next month. A 2005 model since I'll let someone else deal with the depreciation. If anyone of you own one of these models, what's your opinion on it?

Acura TSX
Audi A4 2.0T
BMW 325i Sedan
Infiniti G35 Sedan
Lexus IS 300
Saab 9-3 Aero
Volvo S40 T5 Turbo

Reliability is a big issue since I drive about 500 miles/805 kms a week.

I would go with the Acura, or Lexus for reliability. I've had a 735i BMW. Nice car but too much maintance. I too drive a lot since I'm in Sales and went back Japanese you can't go wrong.

Steve

Alcan · 6 May 2007, 01:02 PM

As a 40+ year auto tech, I'd recommend the Acura, Infinity, or Lexus. I've worked on all the brands you mentioned, and you really don't want to find out how expensive replacement parts are for some of them.

Another oft overlooked brand is Hyundai. The Sonata is probably the best bang for the buck out there right now. Less expensive than Camry or Accord, better warranty, and J.D. Powers best initial build quality. Again.

mailman · 6 May 2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

Another oft overlooked brand is Hyundai. The Sonata is probably the best bang for the buck out there right now. Less expensive than Camry or Accord, better warranty, and J.D. Powers best initial build quality. Again.

I agree with you there Al. We bought my wife one last Sept and it has been a great trouble free car so far. We went from an Altima to this and she couldn't be happier.

One day a few weeks ago we were leaving somewhere and my wife went out to the car first as she had some things to carry out. When I sat in the driver's seat and buckled up I had to check the tach to see if the car was running. The darn thing is veerrrry quiet. No drivetrain noise whatsoever

Prince · 6 May 2007, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

...I had to check the tach to see if the car was running. The darn thing is veerrrry quiet. No drivetrain noise whatsoever

It's amazing how quiet those little squirrels in their cages can be nowadays!

BTW, is that a dildo in Buu-whea's hands???

mailman · 6 May 2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

It's amazing how quiet those little squirrels in their cages can be nowadays!

BTW, is that a dildo in Buu-whea's hands???

As right as you are about the squirrles, I've never, I mean never, not once owned anything with velour interior.

Did you carry a walking stick with you when you drove around in that El-do?

I have no idea what's in Mr Wheat's hands. I do think however that it's a potato.

Prince · 6 May 2007, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mailman

As right as you are about the squirrles, I've never, I mean never, not once owned anything with velour interior.

Did you carry a walking stick with you when you drove around in that El-do?

I have no idea what's in Mr Wheat's hands. I do think however that it's a potato.

LMAO - I had a purple velvet coat, alligator shoes and a top hat!

And that ain't no potato in Wheatie's hands, bro. Looks an awful lot like "Steely Dan" to me!

TARDIS · 6 May 2007, 02:19 PM

All of those you listed are petrol (gas) powered engines are they not?

Take a test drive of a VW Gold Diesel. You may be pleasantly surprised.

If you are doing 805kms per week, this car will sip fuel at around 5 liters per 100 km (65 miles to the gallon approx) at 110km per hour cruising.

I know this because I own one. Best damn car I ever had and I have owned plenty.

Steve

diablojota · 6 May 2007, 05:42 PM

I'd say go for the Acura or the Lexus.

bwalkerVintage · 6 May 2007, 09:55 PM

Infiniti G35 Sedan

I actually prefer the coupe, but if you need the 4 doors then go for the sedan.

The G35 has gotten great reviews!

Obsession · 7 May 2007, 03:34 AM

I will say BMW 3.25i or another BMW but just BMW, as a BMW fanatic.

nko51 · 7 May 2007, 10:07 PM

Forget about those cars you listed! Buy a toyota Camry!

Obsession · 7 May 2007, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nko51

Forget about those cars you listed! Buy a toyota Camry!

I also have driven Toyota Camry and I had several accidents with that car and we sold it finally, but Toyota Camry doesnt give pleasure of driving BMW, the sounds of BMW seems like a song or melody to my ear, and the orange lights black leathers with nice and small look style are super, just buy BMW and take alllllll $ value that you pay back in the time that you use it and enjoy, believe me BMW will never disappoint you!!!

vh_bu98 · 8 May 2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nko51

Forget about those cars you listed! Buy a toyota Camry!

I actually thought about a Toyota Camry SE since a new one is about the same price as the 04 and 05 near luxury models that I have been looking at. Not to mention I actually like the new look of the Camry. My only concern is it may be too roomy. I like smaller cars.

From looking around, Acura, Infinity and Lexus are maintaining their value very well...too well and there are not as many available in comparison to the European models.

I was really surprise how many A4s are available for reasonable pricing. Is there something about the A4 that I should know about?

From doing research, I'll probably pass on the Saab and Volvo. Audi (at least the A4) and BMW seem to have a better reliability record. I need to do some test driving to really decide.

diablojota · 7 May 2007, 06:04 AM

After having a BMW 3 series I would say avoid it. Although if you can get it with a warranty still then it may be okay for a while.

Prince · 7 May 2007, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablojota

After having a BMW 3 series I would say avoid it. Although if you can get it with a warranty still then it may be okay for a while.

What kinds of problems did you have with yours, Frank?

President · 7 May 2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Did you experience problems with one, Frank?

No, he absolutely loves it.

Prince · 7 May 2007, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

No, he absolutely loves it.

Shut up, or you'll get impeached!

President · 7 May 2007, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Shut up, or you'll get impeached!

That'll be just peachy!

Obsession · 7 May 2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablojota

After having a BMW 3 series I would say avoid it. Although if you can get it with a warranty still then it may be okay for a while.

Why avoid? I have a BMW E36 (1994 model ) since 3 years and I just spent for few things like tires,brake pads, periodical service cares, just vision of 4 doors on my BMW doesnt satisfy me my next car will be again a Bmw but 2 doors. There can be a bad luck at buying a car or not care improper use may cause some problem but Bmw is simply 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' unlike other cars BMW always looks young as years pass, and nearly all engines are so long last high quality just few of them like M52, N40 has chronological problems and with the information that BMW A.G. gave it's possible to update with some parts. Only flying is better!!!!!

8 May 2007, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablojota

After having a BMW 3 series I would say avoid it. Although if you can get it with a warranty still then it may be okay for a while.

Any car manufacturer can produce a car that falls short of expectations - doesn't matter who it is. Between my wife and I we have owned 5 BMW's and have enjoyed all of them. Are they the most reliable out there? Far from it. For us the pleasure that they give has been worth the generally minor problems that have come up. Of the 5 cars, one had more problems than the rest combined (my e39 540). Mainly electronics related, and I would say the only one with anything near "significant" problems. Certainly later models have more issues with electronics as more "stuff" is loaded into the cars.

Although opinions vary, I would not discount them, but I would also not own one without a warranty.

BTW - posting in reply to this to avoid fanboi discussions below.......

diablojota · 7 May 2007, 08:32 AM

Let's see, the nav system crapped out within a few months, the brakes went on the fritz, the limited slip (for snow) stopped working, and the cd changer decided to go on vacation to crapville. Other then that it was a cherry car. In all honesty, the reliability of MB and BMW have gone through the floor as of late. While they are incredible driving machines, they have to cut too many corners these days due to high payroll costs. Give me a japanese car any day. Heck give me an american car before a MB or BMW. And I guess VW is starting to go cheaper on their cars as well.

Obsession · 7 May 2007, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablojota

Let's see, the nav system crapped out within a few months, the brakes went on the fritz, the limited slip (for snow) stopped working, and the cd changer decided to go on vacation to crapville. Other then that it was a cherry car. In all honesty, the reliability of MB and BMW have gone through the floor as of late. While they are incredible driving machines, they have to cut too many corners these days due to high payroll costs. Give me a japanese car any day. Heck give me an american car before a MB or BMW. And I guess VW is starting to go cheaper on their cars as well.

These problems like Cdplayers volume control, navigator, drinking oil are at all BMWs or may be at all cars with the time and type of use it doesnt mean that all BMWs have the same problem, by the way I aggree yyou that after 2005 BMW spent less and new E90 disappointed me but with the E92 and E93 also E91 the quality and updates will come back. and which serie did you have E90, E46 or E..?

diablojota · 8 May 2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aykun325

These problems like Cdplayers volume control, navigator, drinking oil are at all BMWs or may be at all cars with the time and type of use it doesnt mean that all BMWs have the same problem, by the way I aggree yyou that after 2005 BMW spent less and new E90 disappointed me but with the E92 and E93 also E91 the quality and updates will come back. and which serie did you have E90, E46 or E..?

There is absolutely NO excuse for a car that costs 40k+ to have any of these issues. Toyota, Lexus, Acura, and several other manufacturers with cars costing the same do not give you these issues.
Mine was a 2005 BMW 320d (company car).

President · 7 May 2007, 09:06 PM

How about an old VW Phaeton?

(It's shares something like a quarter of it's parts with a Bentley)

Obsession · 8 May 2007, 12:21 AM

at 2005 at first half of 2005 E46 and at second half E90 was produced, which one you had? you say 40k for this car and same car is 55000Euro in Turkey.

kieran · 8 May 2007, 12:39 AM

hi,greetings from ireland,the lexus is a fine car but why not try a deisel mercedes?

President · 8 May 2007, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kieran

hi,greetings from ireland,the lexus is a fine car but why not try a deisel mercedes?

Oh dear...

Prince · 8 May 2007, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by President

Oh dear...

What's wrong with you? I know a guy that runs his Desoto off of pig poop!

ezmoney46 · 8 May 2007, 11:16 AM

I've had 6 honda's, 1 BMW 735i.... Had to rebuild the tranny at 108,000 miles, front end work, A/C in less than 3 years I put 6500 in her other than that the car was "the ultimate driving machine" NOT! Go Japanese you'll enjoy the extra cash in your pocket or in this case4 maybe a new Rolex on your wrist!!

6 May 2007, 12:38 PM	#1
vh_bu98 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Vu Location: Dallas area Watch: Platinum YM Posts: 2,646	Advice on a car I'm thinking about buying a car next month. A 2005 model since I'll let someone else deal with the depreciation. If anyone of you own one of these models, what's your opinion on it? Acura TSX Audi A4 2.0T BMW 325i Sedan Infiniti G35 Sedan Lexus IS 300 Saab 9-3 Aero Volvo S40 T5 Turbo Reliability is a big issue since I drive about 500 miles/805 kms a week.

6 May 2007, 01:02 PM	#3
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	As a 40+ year auto tech, I'd recommend the Acura, Infinity, or Lexus. I've worked on all the brands you mentioned, and you really don't want to find out how expensive replacement parts are for some of them. Another oft overlooked brand is Hyundai. The Sonata is probably the best bang for the buck out there right now. Less expensive than Camry or Accord, better warranty, and J.D. Powers best initial build quality. Again. __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

6 May 2007, 05:42 PM	#9
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	I'd say go for the Acura or the Lexus. __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

7 May 2007, 10:07 PM	#12
nko51 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Alex Location: USA Watch: TT Blue Sub Posts: 2,542	Forget about those cars you listed! Buy a toyota Camry! __________________

7 May 2007, 06:04 AM	#15
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	After having a BMW 3 series I would say avoid it. Although if you can get it with a warranty still then it may be okay for a while. __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

6 May 2007, 02:19 PM	#8
TARDIS "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Queensland, AUST Posts: 2,003	All of those you listed are petrol (gas) powered engines are they not? Take a test drive of a VW Gold Diesel. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you are doing 805kms per week, this car will sip fuel at around 5 liters per 100 km (65 miles to the gallon approx) at 110km per hour cruising. I know this because I own one. Best damn car I ever had and I have owned plenty. Steve

6 May 2007, 09:55 PM	#10
bwalkerVintage Banned Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Brendan Location: Cougar Country Posts: 825	Infiniti G35 Sedan I actually prefer the coupe, but if you need the 4 doors then go for the sedan. The G35 has gotten great reviews!

7 May 2007, 03:34 AM	#11
Obsession Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Aykun Location: Istanbul/Turkey Watch: Tissot Seastar Posts: 804	I will say BMW 3.25i or another BMW but just BMW, as a BMW fanatic.

7 May 2007, 08:32 AM	#22
diablojota "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Real Name: Frank Location: Chattanooga, TN Watch: SS Submariner Date Posts: 4,042	Let's see, the nav system crapped out within a few months, the brakes went on the fritz, the limited slip (for snow) stopped working, and the cd changer decided to go on vacation to crapville. Other then that it was a cherry car. In all honesty, the reliability of MB and BMW have gone through the floor as of late. While they are incredible driving machines, they have to cut too many corners these days due to high payroll costs. Give me a japanese car any day. Heck give me an american car before a MB or BMW. And I guess VW is starting to go cheaper on their cars as well. __________________ RTFT - Read The Friggin' Thread FcB

7 May 2007, 09:06 PM	#25
President Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: M.Thatcher MP Location: Le Locle Watch: Bear Grylls Posts: 2,913	How about an old VW Phaeton? (It's shares something like a quarter of it's parts with a Bentley)

8 May 2007, 12:21 AM	#26
Obsession Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Aykun Location: Istanbul/Turkey Watch: Tissot Seastar Posts: 804	at 2005 at first half of 2005 E46 and at second half E90 was produced, which one you had? you say 40k for this car and same car is 55000Euro in Turkey.

8 May 2007, 12:39 AM	#27
kieran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: dublin ireland Posts: 56	hi,greetings from ireland,the lexus is a fine car but why not try a deisel mercedes?

8 May 2007, 11:16 AM	#30
ezmoney46 Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: steve Location: florida Watch: several Posts: 711	I've had 6 honda's, 1 BMW 735i.... Had to rebuild the tranny at 108,000 miles, front end work, A/C in less than 3 years I put 6500 in her other than that the car was "the ultimate driving machine" NOT! Go Japanese you'll enjoy the extra cash in your pocket or in this case4 maybe a new Rolex on your wrist!!

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