C U AT 9K

THE INFINITI M35X IS WELL WORTH THE DRIVE!! LOOK AT THIS INTERIOR--

steve c

CTS-V.

TR-S2K

Avalon

JonBoy

I'd say Accord Hybrid for a fast, moderately cheap, reliable vehicle with decent dynamics (especially if you upgrade the rubber and springs). It isn't a "generic" Honda (at least, not as much as the standard Accord).

A CTS-V, as steve c mentioned, would be a hoot. However, I don't think you can buy one (new) for $40K. Used, it'd be a great vehicle (if you can get over the ugly interior) with lots of room, tons of power, good brakes, and a pretty muscular exterior.

The Passat is beautiful inside though the outside is a bit bloated (to my eye). I'd go with the V6, not the turbo 2.0L, though. I think you have to wait to get a V6 right now - I am under the impression (not sure where I read it) that it's not available immediately. I could be wrong on that. Maybe it's a V8 that is a ways away...

A Legacy GT offers strong power (with easy mods, if you're into that) and moderate luxury at a slight price premium over the Accord (which I personally believe has a nicer interior). I don't consider it quite as good overall as the Accord - probably my personal bias for Accords kicking in, but hey, you asked for opinions.

rai

under $50K I like the CTS-V and the RL. I'm not a fan of the 5-series mostly b/c of the looks).

The CTS-V is one of the few domestic cars I'd consider buying.

sam_spider

The new Passat would get my vote, very spacious, very nice interior you basically get an A6 without the price tag.

Malu59RT

I have a GS430, and I think it's a great car. Also, you can have any Lexus serviced at a Toyota dealer, and it should still be covered under warranty also. Look into this, and you may be able to get a Lexus after all. I don't think you'd get a lexus loan car though.

Jason

QUIKAG

Jason,

The GS430 is a touch more than what the OP was looking for. Not to mention, at this point, I'd hold out for the GS460.

MDXLuvr

Thanks for all the replies guys. The RL is out because I feel that a TL would be better bang for the buck. I kinda want to own something other and a Honda Accord or Camry. So those are out(espeically the camry).

So far, I think the list is:
1. Passat 2.0t. I would have to wait until fall for the 3.6.
2. 325i or 330i.
3. Lexus IS?
4. Acura TL?
5. Accord V6.

Naturally with the Lexus and Acura I have to go dallas for service. There are no Audi dealers locally either. So that is most likely out. The avalon is really impressive. Its just that at my age(35) I don't fit its owner profile

CTS - V- thats a good thought but I don't think they come in Auto?. My wife insists that the car can't be a manual.

Does the TL come with bluetooth? I need to do more research. I am going to Dallas this wknd for a test drive.

Goal is buy a car within a month.

TIA

MDXLuvr

The M35 looks tempting. I find the dash to be a bit too busy. I've heard that the chassis dynamics isn't as sorted as a BMW. I need to more research.

TIA