Help me pick out a potential new car

[dazzleman]

Do you have a little time off from work?  I hope at some point I can car shop and just go drive everything.

Not right now.

[thewizard16]

I think you were around 9 years old at the time, which is about the right mental age for PMC's shenanigans

I remember PMC... that silly nut.

I do like the CTS-V suggestion, but I'm still rooting for the A6.

[cawimmer430]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  I'll come back with comments in the next couple of days.  Lots going on.

Or if you want some really roomy, comfortable and iconic.



Dodge St. Regis - and they must be cheap to buy now to! 

[dazzleman]

Lots to think about here.

I'm surprised that only one person voted for the new 5-series.  Very interesting.  I was sort of underwhelmed by the BMWs at the auto show this year.  They seemed to be kind of dowdy.

I'm thinking about taking the leap down to a smaller size, but my concern is quality of drive.  I'm not a big fan of the 3-series, and I noticed a definitely difference in drive quality between the 3-series and 5-series when I've gotten a 3-series as a loaner a couple of times.  My 2001 BMW was the best driving car I ever had, bar none.

It seems that the mid-sized cars are getting bigger and bigger, and I don't really like big cars.  So it could make sense to consider cars like the A4 rather than the A6.  Or maybe even the S4.  Fuel economy is a concern, though, and I don't want to get one that only gets 22 mpg or so on the highway.

I think I need to go out and do some test drives, and create a matrix of prices as well as pros and cons of all the cars I'm going to consider.  I don't plan to do anything for at least a year, so I have some time.  I really enjoy car shopping and it gets me back into the whole car scene in a more connected way than when I'm not looking for a car.

[dazzleman]

There may be a new G coming out soon.  While I really like the G, it's a class below the other options and you might be able to tell while driving it.  (Maybe not, as far as I know it's the most sports oriented of the group)

The A7 will be more practical than the others (Due to the hatchback, it has alot of cargo room) while not losing any driving pleasure from the A6.

Last but not least, well in my opinion it is the least... the 5 series.  Depending on what you like about your current car and what you dislike about it you might be slightly disappointed with the new 5 series.

I'd like the also recommend the new Volvo S60.  It's about the size of the G, and for the price of a decently equipped A6 or 5 series you should be able to get a fully loaded S60 with AWD and 325hp.

Volvo is an interesting idea.  Before I bought my first BMW in 2001, I test drove a Volvo and liked it.  It has a bit of a stodgy image, that of a car driven by a man whose wife makes the car-buying decisions.  At least that's my impression.  And their marketing is all based on safety and not fun driving.  Maybe I'll take a look at it, though.

[dazzleman]

Wild card.  Speakers in the headrests for abba jam sessions.

That would be sweet as a second car.  Don't tempt me...

[dazzleman]

YES. I've never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Dazzle yet, but I sense him to be the perfect A7 man. Maybe that has a bit to do with the fact that I want one myself

I loved the A7 at the auto show.  I will definitely consider it and probably test drive it.  The issue there will probably be fuel economy and price.

[dazzleman]

Having driven the G37 sedan, that is my pick.  It's a fantastic car. 

You might actually find the new 5 Series too big because it is quite a bit bigger than your car.  If I didn't want the V8 muscle of the Dodge Charger, the G37 would be my next car.

Thanks for the input.  I love the look of the G37 and it seems the mid-sized class of cars is getting too big for me.

[dazzleman]

I voted "other." You should check out the Jaguar XF.

Everyone and their mom has a 5-Series, A6, or E-Class. Not only is the Jaguar somewhat more of an unusual, cool choice, it also sounds like the best car in the class, IMO. It has the best interior and best balance of ride/handling. I also think it's the best looking, although your tastes may differ from mine.

The Jag does look pretty sweet.  My concern is with the repair record.  I keep hearing that they're very finnicky and break a lot.

[dazzleman]

I recommend a DAF 600: classic lines, boxer engine, CVT transmission, celebration of your Dutch heritage.

Perfect!

[dazzleman]

CTS-V


You know you want a black or classy pearlescent white one.  Fuck the imports.  You don't drive much, so you might as well have something really fucking cool/awesome/badass.

When I see those vertical back lights, I always think there must be a dead body in the trunk.  I guess I watched too many "Sopranos" episodes. 

[Vinsanity]

The Jag does look pretty sweet.  My concern is with the repair record.  I keep hearing that they're very finnicky and break a lot.

Yup, Jags are beautiful, and I've always regretted not buying a late-model XJ (they're the same price for the age/miles as the CTS). Until Caddy started acting up on me, and I realized how much more a Jag would cost to repair.

[Atomic]

cool, dave! i selected the BMW 5-series, simply based on your carspin signature featuring a bimmer sedan and remembering how much you praised the product at the most recent nyc auto show. i seem to recall you taking more than a passing glance at the new range rover and land rovers models, as well.

you mention audi in your posts and listed it as a choice. there is not a "bad car" in the bunch -- the makes AND models. all of your stated choices are stellar cars, imo.

i would suggest driving each. that will likely rule some in, rule some out and should help you prioritise. i know a lot of audi owners. some think the A7 is way over priced, other say it appears cramped -- due to the stylish (and somewhat controversial) shape of the roof... a sexy car all round, imo.

one critical thing about sitting in each car will help determine comfort, sightlessness (as to a lack of major blind spots, view of most used controls, ability to back up easily enough), seat comfort, reachability, etc. i ruled out a few cars i was looking at in the past because of this, one was the cadillac CTS, another, the caddy STS (costly, but $15,000 off tempted my) and three included audi models: the A3, the previous generation A4 (the current one fits me like a glove -- a positive thing) and the lacking of front headroom of the super hot A5 coupe... plus i was never overly tempted to selected a coupe over a sedan, SUV or crossover for added room and convenience.


another factor: location, location, location -- to you, dealership and service station.

[Atomic]

I'm a G37 fan myself. I came very close to getting one.

yes. but the infiniti M-series is even roomier and i think it can be had in awd, too, eh? dave is a tall, broad shouldered guy, as i remember from NYC. while the "G" is a fantastic car, the "M" should satisfy anyone interested in the room of an audi A6 or BMW 5-series with the look of infiniti. iffy was first to mention the hyundai genesis. now, that is one roomy, very reasonably priced sedan ( would avoid the coupe considering choices you listed, dave). the sedan can be had with either a V6 or costlier V8.

[the Teuton]

If we consider that Dave likely carries less than five people in his car a week, the G37 makes all the sense in the world.

[Morris Minor]

Lots to think about here.

I'm surprised that only one person voted for the new 5-series.  Very interesting.  I was sort of underwhelmed by the BMWs at the auto show this year.  They seemed to be kind of dowdy.

I'm thinking about taking the leap down to a smaller size, but my concern is quality of drive.  I'm not a big fan of the 3-series, and I noticed a definitely difference in drive quality between the 3-series and 5-series when I've gotten a 3-series as a loaner a couple of times.  My 2001 BMW was the best driving car I ever had, bar none.

It seems that the mid-sized cars are getting bigger and bigger, and I don't really like big cars.  So it could make sense to consider cars like the A4 rather than the A6.  Or maybe even the S4.  Fuel economy is a concern, though, and I don't want to get one that only gets 22 mpg or so on the highway.

I think I need to go out and do some test drives, and create a matrix of prices as well as pros and cons of all the cars I'm going to consider.  I don't plan to do anything for at least a year, so I have some time.  I really enjoy car shopping and it gets me back into the whole car scene in a more connected way than when I'm not looking for a car.

This is a good way to frame your search for a new car. The opinions here REALLY helped when we were looking for a convertible for Mrs. M earlier this year (she still loves it). Seems to me that you want to downsize, but you want something a little bit interesting.

When I'm driving I have a sort of passive sonar for automobile observation; I see all the cars around me and they are 95% boring wallpaper. You are looking for the 5% that wake you up and switch on the active "That's cool" sonar.

This may sound crazy, but how about a Mini Cooper (S or JCW)? Compact, frugal, cool, and a ball of fun.

[BimmerM3]

Because a lot of the former BMW pricks are migrating to Audis. 

Or because they think they're better than BMW owners just because they don't drive a BMW.

[BimmerM3]

The special badge is actually a dealer-installed option. It comes with a Hyundai logo from the factory.

Interesting. I thought the sedan had the Genesis logo while the coupe had the Hyundai logo.

[ifcar]

Interesting. I thought the sedan had the Genesis logo while the coupe had the Hyundai logo.

That might have made more sense, though.

[Submariner]

[68_427]

I think it was C&D that just did CLS Vs A7 and the A7 is way more what Dave is looking for.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/11q3/2012_audi_a7_3.0t_quattro_vs._2012_mercedes-benz_cls550-comparison_tests

However the A7's base price is over $60K, and the CLS even higher.

Dave since you're going to waiting a while maybe also add the Cadillac ATS.  It'll be about the size of the 3 series/G37, and GM can't afford for it not to be really good.

[Payman]

Does it have to be new? Looking for something a year or 2 old with the huge initial depreciation gone, but with lots of warranty left opens up a lot of options. Assuming your budget is $50k, you could entertain a luxury SUV (BMW X5, Land Rover, etc) for winter months, and a Boxster for the summer. Or, if you just want one car, an M3, AMG or CTS-V.

[BimmerM3]

That might have made more sense, though.

Yeah, I looked it up before my last post. I think it was the front-end that threw me off.

[Madman]

I'm assuming this is going to be your only car?  If so, I vote for the Audi A7.  Not only is it drop-dead gorgeous, but it can also carry a chest of drawers in the back should the occasion ever arise!  Overall, it's a beautiful package that is enthralling to drive, will go anywhere (thanks to Quattro) and will lug any load you can throw into it.  It is by far the best all-rounder here.

[68_427]

Does it have to be new? Looking for something a year or 2 old with the huge initial depreciation gone, but with lots of warranty left opens up a lot of options. Assuming your budget is $50k, you could entertain a luxury SUV (BMW X5, Land Rover, etc) for winter months, and a Boxster for the summer. Or, if you just want one car, an M3, AMG or CTS-V.

Well if he was looking at used cars there'd be no point really to get rid of the one he has.

[Colonel Cadillac]

The A7 looks amazing and is very reasonably priced against the CLS, but I don't think it's worth it over an A6.

Or because they think they're better than BMW owners just because they don't drive a BMW.

We are better than BMW owners because we don't drive a BMW. Thankfully the Mercedes owners stay put in their blatantly overpriced vehicles. I saw a comparison between the A7, Jag XJ, and the CLS in MT and the CLS was $14,000 more than the A7 as tested and had a $12,000 premium in base price also. It also had the V8 which I suppose makes a difference, but $12-14,000? Ehhh...there's a lot of good arguing to do to convince me its worth it.

[68_427]

The A7 looks amazing and is very reasonably priced against the CLS, but I don't think it's worth it over an A6.
 


We are better than BMW owners because we don't drive a BMW. Thankfully the Mercedes owners stay put in their blatantly overpriced vehicles. I saw a comparison between the A7, Jag XJ, and the CLS in MT and the CLS was $14,000 more than the A7 as tested and had a $12,000 premium in base price also. It also had the V8 which I suppose makes a difference, but $12-14,000? Ehhh...there's a lot of good arguing to do to convince me its worth it.

Especially since Dave wants good MPGs... relatively anyways.

[68_427]

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT

[CALL_911]

It also had the V8 which I suppose makes a difference, but $12-14,000? Ehhh...there's a lot of good arguing to do to convince me its worth it.

I think that V8 perfectly justifies that price difference.

[Colonel Cadillac]

BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT

I think it looks a little ridiculous.




But sounds incredible