Luxury sedan rec's for less than 65k?

[limester816]

Hey all, my Dad's car was totaled, so he's getting a new car.

He previously had a Lexus GS400 from 1999, and loved it. It had the right amount of power and space, but I think he also wanted it to be a bit more fun of a car. I think maybe something with a manumatic transmission would be good. Sticks aren't out of the picture, either.

He wants to buy new, and I think the budget is good for that. He's looked at Audi A4's and A5's, and that didn't do too much for him. Also checked out the Acura TSX, same thing. The new Lexuses aren't really doing it for him either. He's really liking the new BMW's... the 335i, M3, M5, and 535i in particular. He also wasn't adverse to the X3.

Anyways, 4 door is ideal, but larger 2 doors are okay. The 335i is nice because the rear seats come down, and sometimes he has to put an upright bass in the back.

Any and all recs are welcome.

 

[ConcernedParent]

Originally Posted by limester816

He wants to buy new, and I think the budget is good for that. He's looked at Audi A4's and A5's, and that didn't do too much for him. Also checked out the Acura TSX, same thing. The new Lexuses aren't really doing it for him either. He's really liking the new BMW's... the 335i, M3, M5, and 535i in particular. He also wasn't adverse to the X3.


DOesn't get any better in terms of performance and convenience.

 

[kaizoku]

Originally Posted by limester816

He's really liking the new BMW's... the 335i, M3, M5, and 535i in particular. He also wasn't adverse to the X3.

If he likes these, he shouldn't really need recs, no?

 

[limester816]

He hasn't test driven other cars.. Infiniti's, Mercedes, etc. Also I was hoping for some advice like whether the M3 is worth the extra power, I also saw a new 335is was coming out.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Screw the four door, buy a Porsche Cayman.

 

[Southern-Nupe]

He's also at the price point where a CTS or CTS-V could be thrown in to the equation.

 

[otc]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

Screw the four door, buy a Porsche Cayman.

I think that may actually be *smaller* than a string bass.

 

[Sherlock]

Tell the old geezer to buy a Buick for 30k and give the other 30k to you.

 

[imageWIS]

I like the new E-Class Coupe; either the 350 or the 550.

 

[JayJay]

A new M5 will cost more than 65K. My recommendation is MB E550 sedan or coupe.

 

[xpress]

I agree with the above posters... I test drove the E coupe a few weeks back, and it was brilliant.

But to be honest, in your situation I would look for a good deal on a Jaguar XF

Go drive one, and tell me your not in love with it!

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by otc

I think that may actually be *smaller* than a string bass.

I'm 6'3" and fit comfortable in them.

 

[otc]

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I'm 6'3" and fit comfortable in them.

With your bass in the front-trunk?

In all seriousness, I just googled it and found a thread where somebody said he got his double bass into a 911. He said the body was jammed against the gearshift so he could only to through first and second but it fit. In my experiance, 2nd gear in a 911 is still comfortable at 60mph (I dunno about the newer gearboxes though...I've only driven a much older 5spd)

 

[Mr.Pinchy]

Well what is your dad like? Does he want performance or does his back get sore when he drives a sporty car? Long trips (touring) or daily commute? This information could help narrow down the field. An E-Class sedan would definitely be a great car for someone who is retired and who spends his time driving on long trips.

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by otc

With your bass in the front-trunk?

In all seriousness, I just googled it and found a thread where somebody said he got his double bass into a 911. He said the body was jammed against the gearshift so he could only to through first and second but it fit. In my experiance, 2nd gear in a 911 is still comfortable at 60mph (I dunno about the newer gearboxes though...I've only driven a much older 5spd)

Is there a need to store a double bass?