Less than $30K daily driver,what you'd buy?

[Lenie]

Just want a few ideas and as the title says, if you had $30,000 or less, what would you go out and buy as a daily driver and why? New or used (up to 3 years old w/less than 25,000 miles on it). Let me know.:question: :question: :question:

[HIFLYR]

I purchased my wife a Infinity M35 that fits you numbers. It is a great car, handles well and very fast.

[WSSix]

Pontiac G8 or Cadillac CTS with the V6

[coolwelder62]

Low mileage G8.

[SLO_Z28]

Low mileage G8.

^ agreed! :thumbsup:

http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/09_pontiac_g8gxpred.jpg

Although I am a fan of daily driving a truck. You can get a brand new Dodge Ram with a Hemi for $20,000:
http://cf.juggle-images.com/fit/white/600x600/-vert-dodge_truck_ram_1500_regular_cab_4x2_st_swb_2009_e xterior_angularfront.jpg

[Vegas69]

I'm about to be in the same prediciment. Lenie, figure this all out and let me know. :unibrow:

[scherp69]

I just picked up a 2011 Ford Fusion (I know it's a Ford!!!). I paid just over 30 for it, but that's also in the Canadian market so should be less down south. Or a slightly used one would be less. It gets mid 30's for fuel economy. Very good reviews. Has won several awards. I'm very happy with it so far. The 2013 are redesigned. Has a front end that looks more like an Aston Martin.

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd68/scherp69/P1010382.jpg

[Matt@BOS]

Do you want something barely practical, slightly more practical, or very practical? New or used?

My old driver bit the dust late last year, and I tried to talk myself into getting some kind of fun sedan with perhaps a little bit of luxury, but then I caved and bought a used GT500. Mustangs might not be the greatest cars out there, but if you want something you can drive everyday and take to the track on occasion, without a ton of maintenance, they aren't a bad deal, you know if you don't mind Fords, or looking like a secretary :lol: Otherwise there are G8s, G35 (which I would suggest, BTW), etc.

I'd suggest one to Todd, but he pretends to be a classy guy.

Matt

[Lenie]

Oh, and it's for my wife..sooo no trucks:lol:

[fleetus macmullitz]

A '09 Buick Lacrosse Super.

(It's got a 5.3)

:D

[Qdiesel]

I agree with the G8...

[porkchop]

Cadillac cts sport wagon. V6 models under 30,000

[Rick D]

Oh, and it's for my wife..sooo no trucks:lol:

Whats wrong with trucks??
I had a new Dodge Ram 4wd crew cab short bed for a rental, had it for a few weeks and my wife would not give it up she loved it. She has a Jeep Commander (which she loves) but really liked the pickup.

[Lenie]

Do you want something barely practical, slightly more practical, or very practical? New or used?

My old driver bit the dust late last year, and I tried to talk myself into getting some kind of fun sedan with perhaps a little bit of luxury, but then I caved and bought a used GT500. Mustangs might not be the greatest cars out there, but if you want something you can drive everyday and take to the track on occasion, without a ton of maintenance, they aren't a bad deal, you know if you don't mind Fords, or looking like a secretary :lol: Otherwise there are G8s, G35 (which I would suggest, BTW), etc.

I'd suggest one to Todd, but he pretends to be a classy guy.

Matt

Keeping a pretty open mind here, you know devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other...:woot:

[Lenie]

Whats wrong with trucks??
I had a new Dodge Ram 4wd crew cab short bed for a rental, had it for a few weeks and my wife would not give it up she loved it. She has a Jeep Commander (which she loves) but really liked the pickup.

Don't get me wrong I like and own trucks.. she prefers a car.

[igoslow]

G8, or buy my Grand Prix and I'll buy the G8:cheers:

[skatinjay27]

I'm about to be in the same prediciment. Lenie, figure this all out and let me know. :unibrow:
damn already? that went by quick!

[Sieg]

VW Sportwagon turbo diesel? Decent perfromance and mid 40's mpg on the road.

[fleetus macmullitz]

A finished Dynacorn bodied car....not more than 3 years old of course. :unibrow:

[Track Junky]

Can you say Fiat 500........Whats up with the fricken gas prices today :willy:

[rwhite692]

How many miles per day will it be driven?

[jy211]

Just want a few ideas and as the title says, if you had $30,000 or less, what would you go out and buy as a daily driver and why? New or used (up to 3 years old w/less than 25,000 miles on it). Let me know.:question: :question: :question:

For $30K I'd sell you my 2010 Challenger RT :D only has 14K miles or less

[Neil B]

For sheer daily-driving enjoyment, look at a 3-series BMW. But, if it's anything like mine, you'll want to sell it at 6-7 years of age or 65Kish miles. They get pretty expensive with maintenance items and little things going wrong after that.

[Bucketlist2012]

Well my wife answered for me..

A 2009 370Z Sport/Touring 31K with 6000 miles and a7 year New car warranty...

Looking at it now...Black beauty...

[Flash68]

05 MB E55 with ext warranty. :thumbsup:

[fleetus macmullitz]

05 MB E55 with ext warranty. :thumbsup:

I thought of those too, but Lenie has his own little set of rules. :P

Just want a few ideas and as the title says, if you had $30,000 or less, what would you go out and buy as a daily driver and why? New or used (up to 3 years old w/less than 25,000 miles on it).

[Vegas69]

05 MB E55 with ext warranty. :thumbsup:

I've hated every Mercedes Benz I've ever driven. Slow steering, numb brakes.

[Flash68]

I thought of those too, but Lenie has his own little set of rules. :P

You know how rebellious I am Skip. :D

I've hated every Mercedes Benz I've ever driven. Slow steering, numb brakes.

I liken it to a big Caddy type cruiser instead of anything sporty with tight steering and braking. I don't even want tight steering in a daily driver anymore. Been there done that for years.

Have you driven a model with the E55's 516 ft-lbs engine?

[Vegas69]

I'm with you buddy. My S4 is driving me nuts. All you need to do is blow on the steering wheel and it changes direction. I've had it into the dealer twice for alignment and a new set of tires. Best driving car I have is the Camaro. :D

[intocarss]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/smart-monster-car.jpg

[fleetus macmullitz]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y3/real3/smart-monster-car.jpg

That is funny. :thumbsup:

[GregWeld]

I've hated every Mercedes Benz I've ever driven. Slow steering, numb brakes.


Really? Ask Brian Finch about how slow the steering is and how numb the brakes are on my S63... I think he'll have a slightly different view "at speed" than this.

However -- you always have to remember "the market". The market for different cars is what they're built for. MB is built for "comfort" and long distance high speed autobahn touring... kick back at 140 and talk to your buddies on your way to the golf course...

A Ferrari is built to be fast and nimble... and loud. Completely different markets and different purposes. Ya can't really compare them.

If I want loud and rowdy -- I'll drive my Nomad... Wind in my hair the '32... a drive to California.. the S

Daily driver... The S or anything in the line EXCEPT the C class...

[GregWeld]

For sheer daily-driving enjoyment, look at a 3-series BMW. But, if it's anything like mine, you'll want to sell it at 6-7 years of age or 65Kish miles. They get pretty expensive with maintenance items and little things going wrong after that.

Owning one - I'd agree with this!

Or the Audi S4... which Todd doesn't like -- but I love the one I bought for my son... it's fun - fast enough - 4 doors - looks great...

However.... it ain't (nor is the 3 series) 30 grand either....

For 30K I'd buy a Ford F-150

[Vegas69]

Don't get your panties in a bunch. I haven't driven a S63.

[GregWeld]

Don't get your panties in a bunch. I haven't driven a S63.

I'm not... just saying that these cars are built (MB) for what they are -- big comfortable "numb" cruisers... Great for long distance touring. Pick up the pace a bit -- and they do quite well.

[carbuff]

I'll put a vote in for the MB as well. I never would have thought that I'd own one, but after driving the C63, I'm pretty hooked. I won't keep it much past the warranty period, as they are pricey to repair. But damn it's a nice driving car!

The regular C-Class though, that's a whole different story...

[phillym5]

2004-2005 Mercedes E55.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Lenie, we know of course that at least 500hp is the right thing to do for a daily driver, but does your wife want more than 200 hp? ;)

[Matt@BOS]

Lenie, we know of course that at least 500hp is the right thing to do for a daily driver, but does your wife want more than 200 hp? ;)

Skip, you're definitely on to something with that statement. Greg's AMG barge, Josh's (tuned) E55, or even my GT500 are excessive on horsepower for a daily driver. If 500+ seems excessive, I would think 350 would be barely adequate for Lenie's wife, right?

Matt

[Bucketlist2012]

You know how rebellious I am Skip. :D



I liken it to a big Caddy type cruiser instead of anything sporty with tight steering and braking. I don't even want tight steering in a daily driver anymore. Been there done that for years.

Have you driven a model with the E55's 516 ft-lbs engine?

Yes I did back in 2008..I almost dropped the 31,000 for it right then...E55 AMG..

I will wait for a used newer one down the road...The newer motors are sweet too..:cheers:

[camcojb]

05 MB E55 with ext warranty. :thumbsup:

anyone know if these cars really start having issues at a certain mileage, or if they can go 150K+ miles like most modern cars if maintained correctly? A low 12 second car that seats 4 for under $30K............... :thumbsup:

[Rhino]

I'm a Chevy guy at heart, but I'm really warming up to VW's. The Germans do some funky things under the hood, but they have good build quality, the interior in particular when comparing to my other vehicles.
I picked up a GTI when I had about an hour's commute to work, simply to save on fuel costs. I ended up falling in love with the little car. If/when anything happens to this thing I'll be replacing it with another GTI in a heartbeat.

[fleetus macmullitz]

Skip, you're definitely on to something with that statement. Greg's AMG barge, Josh's (tuned) E55, or even my GT500 are excessive on horsepower for a daily driver. If 500+ seems excessive, I would think 350 would be barely adequate for Lenie's wife, right?

Matt

Perhaps Lenie could post here before $$$ change hands to get our approval, rather than us takin' up all this bandwidth guessin' what the Missus wants. ;)

[Lenie]

Perhaps Lenie could post here before $$$ change hands to get our approval, rather than us takin' up all this bandwidth guessin' what the Missus wants. ;)
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Lenie]

I'm a Chevy guy at heart, but I'm really warming up to VW's. The Germans do some funky things under the hood, but they have good build quality, the interior in particular when comparing to my other vehicles.
I picked up a GTI when I had about an hour's commute to work, simply to save on fuel costs. I ended up falling in love with the little car. If/when anything happens to this thing I'll be replacing it with another GTI in a heartbeat.

We own a 2001 Jetta VR6 w/180,000 miles on it. It's been a great car except for the $800 starter;) We drive em' till they drop, so whenever we get another car I kinda like it to be different so we don't get bored.

[Lenie]

Lenie, we know of course that at least 500hp is the right thing to do for a daily driver, but does your wife want more than 200 hp? ;)

I'm with you, 500hp +:lol: but fuel economy here is a bit of a concern so yes something in between 300-500hp:unibrow: and she's the one who need it to be a little sporty also.

[fleetus macmullitz]

I'm with you, 500hp +:lol: but fuel economy here is a bit of a concern so yes something in between 300-500hp:unibrow: and she's the one who need it to be a little sporty also.

Just don't get something that will run circles around the rides here built with lottso sweat and cost mucho roberto dinero.


:lol:

[96z28ss]

Get a Saab there are some good deals out there now. GM parts on the drivetrains. There won't be much of a resale on them though.

[Flash68]

anyone know if these cars really start having issues at a certain mileage, or if they can go 150K+ miles like most modern cars if maintained correctly? A low 12 second car that seats 4 for under $30K............... :thumbsup:

Like a lot of cars I think they can easily nickel and dime you to death once you get up there close to 100k. I've spent time on the MB forums and I don't think there are many 05 models near 150k miles.... I would not own one without the ext warranty. One trip to the Stealership can easily cost you $1000.

Just don't get something that will run circles around the rides here built with lottso sweat and cost mucho roberto dinero.


:lol:

:lol:

Get a Saab there are some good deals out there now. GM parts on the drivetrains. There won't be much of a resale on them though.

qhToYJMMDw0

[GregWeld]

Get a Saab there are some good deals out there now. GM parts on the drivetrains. There won't be much of a resale on them though.

Friends don't let friends drive Saabs....

[fleetus macmullitz]

qhToYJMMDw0

:D

Friends don't let friends drive Saabs....

The man knows his Swedes...

HHZhw94C5vQ

and his governators (via Bakertucky).

:lol:

[John510]

Lexus IS250.

That will be my next daily driver.

[Lenie]

Lexus IS250.

That will be my next daily driver.

ding ding ding ding ding......ISF

[fleetus macmullitz]

ding ding ding ding ding......ISF

Freakin ricer.



:lol:

[Tom.A]

Freakin ricer.

:lol:

That is funny, but if you do get a ricer I like these. The 2011, 2012 WRX have the wide body like the STI but they are a little more tame. I almost bought one but wife said I was to old.

http://newcarspedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-front-view-4f2dfe956a20d.jpg

[fleetus macmullitz]

That is funny, but if you do get a ricer I like these. The 2011, 2012 WRX have the wide body like the STI but they are a little more tame. I almost bought one but wife said I was to old.

http://newcarspedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-front-view-4f2dfe956a20d.jpg

And you believed her?!

lol

The STI certainly makes a statement.

My son's a development engineer with Toyota/Lexus, so its fun to kid about the ricer stuff.

[DEIGuy38]

My wife owned a small car and was against getting anything bigger but I talked her into a 2004 4runner. She loves the 4runner and would not go back to a car. We bought it new in 2004 it now has 98,000 miles. I have changed the oil, brake pads and tires. Very low maintenance, good gas mileage with the V6 with good power and tows 5K lbs. I would buy another one in a heartbeat. It works very well with 2 kids also.

[John510]

Id rather drive a IS than an american car anyday. It will last WAY longer and be way more reliable. Not to mention built a hell of a lot better.

[Lenie]

That is funny, but if you do get a ricer I like these. The 2011, 2012 WRX have the wide body like the STI but they are a little more tame. I almost bought one but wife said I was to old.

http://newcarspedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-front-view-4f2dfe956a20d.jpg

I like these and have been looking at them but the age thing is my biggest hurdle also...

[Ron in SoCal]

I like these and have been looking at them but the age thing is my biggest hurdle also...

You're only as old as you look Lenie...:D

[fleetus macmullitz]

Lenie, why should you have the only bad-boy ride in the family with your wide-track Pontiac excitement machine? Queue it up at 1:10 sec mark if you can stand a little competition.


:P

DaZExdTHHjY

[FETorino]

Rides well, the overall driving feeling is tight like a little BMW. Mine gets 40_mpg in hwy/city combined driving. Tons of room for stuff in the back. The motor will run for a couple hundred thousand mi if you change the oil when you should. If you get a pre 09 there are way less emissions. You have to get a 2010+ to get a wagon which is my preference.

Now if gas milage doesn't matter and you want a more performance car what about a Subaru STI or Lancer EVO? Does your wife want a rice rocket?

[Lenie]

You're only as old as you look Lenie...:D
I better get a mini van:P

[Lenie]

[QUOTE=compos mentis;399063]Lenie, why should you have the only bad-boy ride in the family with your wide-track Pontiac excitement machine? Queue it up at 1:10 sec mark if you can stand a little competition.


:P

wants and needs, wants and needs, wants and needs. Man you are good at pushing my buttons:lol:

[fleetus macmullitz]

wants and needs, wants and needs, wants and needs. Man you are good at pushing my buttons:lol:


We sell dreams here Lenie, we sell dreams.



:lol:

[CRCRFT78]

Hey Lenie did you ever pick a vehicle? I've been considering picking up something myself. Tired of all the old rattling piles of **** I've had and am ready for something newer. Are there any daily driver track ready vehicles out there like the WRX or EVOs? Id like to grab something I can drive to work and play with.

[Lenie]

Jose, I'm on hold. Choice is just to difficult.:willy:

[jy211]

Jose, I'm on hold. Choice is just to difficult.:willy:

my 2010 Challenger RT 6 speed fits :unibrow:

[Bucketlist2012]

I test drove the AMG..

It is a German Muscle Car.

Those would be my three choices to look at ,but not for this Thread.

I just picked up for the Wife, a 2009 Sport/Touring 370Z with 6000 miles on it, for 33K out the door with a Warranty..For her DD..

Not really practical for a family.. But slightly used with very low miles, i think you will find something you like..Just maybe not brand new.

But I must be crazy, but the Brutal Power or the AMG was intoxicating....

Wants...Needs.....Now you got me all crazy..:willy:

[randy]

well after this person did this to his car by hitting me and another lady i now need a car.http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/icemanrld19/427852_811026305106_48502792_35951156_1924737708_n .jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/icemanrld19/561800_811026125466_48502792_35951153_989089964_n. jpg

Trying to stay under 28k. To top it off i also have a baby due in Nov.

[GregWeld]

HOLY CRAP!


Sorry to see (and read about) that!

[randy]

bought this today with 24k on it

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/icemanrld19/534365_811972294336_48502792_35955176_838363147_n. jpg

[Lenie]

Been looking everyday as it's tough for me to make decisions but bought a car yesterday. Will dissapoint a few of you but found a deal I couldn't pass up. Had 31,000 miles on it, stayed within my means, was able to pay cash out of pocket so now I can put my real money towards more important things...ie.. investing, vacations and OLD CARS. Oh yeh, the car is a 2010 MB C350 AMG pkg I picked up for $22,000. Never owned one but seems to run well and ride nice, more importantly the wifes happy w/it!:woot:

[SnakeEater]

I have one of those as well (wife's), does run well and gets 29 mpg on the highway. When you hit 30k mileage, gonna get a A1 message for service. About $300+ to change the fluids. Hopefully, the service was already completed. Next one hits about 10k miles after the first and so on. That's the only thing I don't like is the service costs, and each letter A,B,C...etc are more expensive, just so you know in advance. Also the only issue we have had is the main CPU control mod. blew but it was covered under warranty. The shop said that it was the first one they had heard about on the East Coast. Weird. Anyway, they do drive nice and my wife loves hers. Glad you found something. :)

[Steve1968LS2]

For $23k you could buy my low mileage 2009 G8 GT... great daily driver with sweet LS power..

;)

Spend the extra $$ on mods.. lol

[camcojb]

For $23k you could buy my low mileage 2009 G8 GT... great daily driver with sweet LS power..

;)

Spend the extra $$ on mods.. lol

welcome back! :thumbsup: :D

[Spiffav8]

Been looking everyday as it's tough for me to make decisions but bought a car yesterday. Will dissapoint a few of you but found a deal I couldn't pass up. Had 31,000 miles on it, stayed within my means, was able to pay cash out of pocket so now I can put my real money towards more important things...ie.. investing, vacations and OLD CARS. Oh yeh, the car is a 2010 MB C350 AMG pkg I picked up for $22,000. Never owned one but seems to run well and ride nice, more importantly the wifes happy w/it!:woot:

Nice find! Never driven one but I like the looks of them. The fact that the wife likes it....well that's huge!

[Steve1968LS2]

welcome back! :thumbsup: :D

Thanks... it's been a "hectic" three months.. finally getting my life back in order :)

[skatinjay27]

welcome back! :thumbsup: :D

whoa! x2 first post of 2013! haha

well it look like you can get ride of flashing dave now!:lol:

[manny z]

Since it is for your wife, does she prefer american, euro, Japanese?

[Lenie]

Hi Manny, I ended up buying her a MB350. Thanks

[manny z]

Hi Manny, I ended up buying her a MB350. Thanks

Cool.

[randy]

i was in the same boat. I ended up picking up a 2010 fully loaded maxima with 20k miles for 27k

[srh3trinity]

Great thread, I will be treading this path soon as I may be replacing my DD in the next few months.