ProV1

hi guys,
gf needs a car very soon, the only limitations are:

must be a 4 door sedan
automatic
awd preferred (fwd ok) for MI winters, definitely not RWD
high HP/TQ not necessary
budget of ~$25k +/- $2k
prefer something with below 20k miles and at least 2 yrs remaining on original warranty, so MY2007+ would be ideal


i'm thinking BMW 328xi, Audi A4, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS250 AWD.. what do u guys think? thanks a lot for help car gurus!

exb00st

G35X. I don't think you can get a G37 sedan for 25k yet. They were just released this year.

pbm317

You might be able to get a base model 09 TSX for that much. They're pretty nice overall.

Previous Gen TSX's are decent as well.

madkimchi

audi a4.

hyperpm

2010 Legacys

FrostyWinters

Impreza GT. The old WRX A/T.

Saki GT

Passat CC Sports are going for about $25k new.



Probably the best looking fwd sedan under $30k, and the motor is no slouch to boot.

You could also score a Subaru for awd.

ProV1

thx guys.. from quick research, 2007 MB C-class cars are a LOT cheaper than the rest.. is this b/c MBs are unreliable as $hit?? would you avoid last gen C-class cars altogether? if it's a 07, it has factory warranty until 2011, but nonetheless if it spends a lot of time at the dealer for repairs it sux...

Saki GT

You said rwd was out, so why even look at a C? Is it 4matic?

bobushka king

you can get a C class in a 4 matic (AWD), but it only comes on the C300 (base model). Mercedes post Chrysler has really stepped their game up on reliability, overall driving feel, fit and finish, and IMO style. While the cars are now overall pretty reliable you need to remember Mercedes loads their vehicle with electronics which may not pose a problem now, but may in a few years. Also maintenance cost and parts prices are on the higher side, so be prepared to pay a premium for normal services and if you end up needing a part it costing quite a bit.

Bottom line: Is a newer C class a nice car, yes; but there is better out there for the same amount of money.