Best car to start with...

Going to buy my first car with my pay from my first "real job." Thoughts? I'll be in (Queens) NYC, won't be driving on a daily basis, don't need much space in back, and am looking for something fun to drive.

Options are:

2004-Present BMW 3-Series
2008 BMW 1-Series
2004 Lexus IS300
2004-Present Mercedes C-Class
2005-Present Audi A4
2008 Audi A5
2006-Present Infiniti G35, G37

Fun to drive factor - I'd go with the 3-series.

That's what I've heard -- the ultimate driving experience and all that jazz. Worth it even though it seems every Tom, Dick, and Harry has picked up a BMW 3-something in the past two years or so? Mercedes exclusivity (yes, I know, C-Class isn't much better than 3-Series in that respect) trump the BMW driving experience in any way?

Does the Infinity G35/37 rival the BMW's driving experience?

Easy answer, on my part -- test drive all of them.

I'm just lazy.

Originally Posted by syght

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Going to buy my first car with my pay from my first "real job." Thoughts? I'll be in (Queens) NYC, won't be driving on a daily basis, don't need much space in back, and am looking for something fun to drive. Options are: 2004-Present BMW 3-Series 2008 BMW 1-Series 2004 Lexus IS300 2004-Present Mercedes C-Class 2005-Present Audi A4 2008 Audi A5 2006-Present Infiniti G35, G37
All of these are good choices...Here are some of my random thoughts. I the BMW 1-Series hatchback but they are tough to find in North America. If you can get your hands on one, buy it. The Audi A5 looks awesome, especially in white. I have a 2005 G35 coupe. It's one of the best sounding cars on the road. The new C-Class is fantastic. I want one.

Stazy -- that doesn't help!!!

Just playing. Thanks a bunch.

I like the idea of the G35; I've heard it sounds great and is a thrill to dry. Any complaints with it?

1-series hatchback? Hmmm...need to investigate that.

A5 is gorgeous, but it may be out of my price range.

C-Class is amazing, especially the newest ones, but I heard the response is a bit sluggish. I love driving, and if there is anything that noticeably diminishes that experience, I'll be rather disappointed with my selection...

Unless you're just doing a lease, I'd stay clear of Infiniti. Nissan just does not instill confidence in me for a product that lasts. They're good at building things inexpensively, with a fast engine and tight suspension, but IMO, not so high on the durability issue.

Easy answer!

Originally Posted by Piobaire

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Unless you're just doing a lease, I'd stay clear of Infiniti. Nissan just does not instill confidence in me for a product that lasts. They're good at building things inexpensively, with a fast engine and tight suspension, but IMO, not so high on the durability issue.

Didn't honestly consider durability issues. (Like I said, first car). Thanks for the insight; something to mull over.

Audiophilia, I must admit I'm leaning towards the BMW. I loved the A4 for a good while but the newest incarnations of the 3-series have me. The girlfriend has wanted a white Mercedes all her life. The toughest challenge will be convincing her the BMW is the way to go. Maybe a drive will be all it takes...

Originally Posted by syght

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Stazy -- that doesn't help!!! Just playing. Thanks a bunch. I like the idea of the G35; I've heard it sounds great and is a thrill to dry. Any complaints with it? 1-series hatchback? Hmmm...need to investigate that. A5 is gorgeous, but it may be out of my price range. C-Class is amazing, especially the newest ones, but I heard the response is a bit sluggish. I love driving, and if there is anything that noticeably diminishes that experience, I'll be rather disappointed with my selection...
I have had zero problems with my G35 coupe and the only complaint I have is that it doesn't have an ipod jack (the newer models do). I bought it brand new in 2005 and have put around 32,000 miles on it. It really is fun to drive. None of the dealers in north america carry the 1-series hatchback which is too bad because I think it looks really cool. You would have to get one from Europe. (If you are buying brand new and settle on a BMW, consider picking up your car in person at the BMW headquarters in Munich. I hear it is a blast.) I am really impressed how Audi designs their cars. The styling is fairly simple but they still stand out in a crowd. I am a huge fan of their grills. I went and visited an Audi dealership a little while ago and they said that the waiting list to buy an A5 or S5 is at least a year (Keep in mind I live in Canada, it might be different in the US). I haven't driven the new C-Class yet so I can't comment on how they preform. They are in pretty high demand though so its tough to get a good deal on them.

Originally Posted by syght

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Didn't honestly consider durability issues. (Like I said, first car). Thanks for the insight; something to mull over. Audiophilia, I must admit I'm leaning towards the BMW. I loved the A4 for a good while but the newest incarnations of the 3-series have me. The girlfriend has wanted a white Mercedes all her life. The toughest challenge will be convincing her the BMW is the way to go. Maybe a drive will be all it takes...
FYI, hugely biased opinion to follow. Audi A4 and 5 The Audis have the best interior but do not have the balance of the BMW. Love the look, not the feel. Mercedes Don't get me started. To get good ones, lots of $$$$$. There's a reason girls love them. Lexus The best service, bar none. Nice car. That's about it. Infiniti Best bang for the buck. Great look. Best stock exhaust, by far! Does not feel like a BMW. My wife worked for Infinti head office. Ahem... BMW Driver's car. Best balance. The new e90 entry level 323 kills my tricked out e46 330 in handling. To get better, buy a Cayman S. Have fun...

BMW for the experience, Merc for comfort.

My e46 was very fun, but not too good for long journeys. The Merc is like an armchair, but not as reliable as BMW in my opinion

Yeah, if I did the BMW it'd have to be e90, not e46 -- just thought the e46 design was a bit plain Jane. The Mercedes would be nice, but same dilemma -- this most recent iteration looks great, the rest are rather bland. Infiniti doesn't jump out at me in the looks department, but I've heard good stuff about the driving experience.

The Audi was my initial favorite -- I've wanted an A4 for the last couple of years. Anybody with insight/thoughts re: the A4?

Originally Posted by audiophilia

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Infiniti

Best stock exhaust, by far!

I think it's the worst, and I'm not even sure that snorting, nasal sound they make is the exhaust or the intake. It's worse coupled with an automatic transmission.

There's no 1-series hatchback in the US. You can get them in Mexico or Canada, but good luck getting one in.

You'll just need to test drive the cars --- you will know immediately which cars are right for you.

--Andre

No, you can't get the 1 series hatchback in Canada. It's not listed on the Canadian BMW web site and the dealership I went to said that no one carried them.

A5 is sex on wheels and it's on your list so I'm picking that one.

If you are looking for a drivers car the 1 series or 3 may be the best bet although the 1 series is about as attractive as a Pontiac Aztek if looks are any concern to you.