Need suggestions on car purchase

Me | Me

[Treeless Branch]

Sorry for the vanity, but I do respect the opinions of the posters on this board, who also possess a great wealth of information. With that said, I am in the process of buying a car, and wanted your advice.

Here is the deal. I am a young attorney at a large corporate law firm. I have about $40,000 to spend. I need something that I can drive clients around in, yet hopefully is fun to drive, reliable, and that my estemeed colleagues will not view with disdain. I am not opposed to buying a used car, and would prefer not to lease.

I am not a car guy, so any thoughts would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[jamaly]

Bump for later.

[Moonmad27]

Even though this Honda CRV is by far the best car I've ever owned and still going strong after 6 years, it sounds like you need a car to impress rather than practical for the long haul. I also suggest a recent model pre-owned Lexus or BMW, or the fanciest thing at car rental company sales (where they're only being discarded because the rental company's fleet of cars is updating).

[Spktyr]

Yup. That's not uncommon with those, from what I understand. Ford's having similar problems with the Powerstroke 6.0 trucks.

[bboop]

We rented an Infiniti, as it was in the competition, and drove it around. It was SO noisy inside, really poorly built. Sleek-looking maybe but we hated it almost immediately.

[Enterprise]

[gymbeau]

I you liked the GS 300, but want a little more fun to drive, try the new Infiniti M. I drove the M35x for a week and it blew me away. Not quite as nice looking inside or outside as the Lexus, but three times as much fun.

Cheers
Jim

[Poser]

Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, or Nissan Altima

All are good, comfortable cars. Why waste money on something that you don't need? If you only need a two-seater, take a close look at the new Pontiac Solstice.

Save the other $20K for a Harley.

[xsrdx]

BMW should be worried - Bangle has forked up every car in their inventory.

I-Drive was poorly executed, and their new cars are ugly.

I drive a previous generation 540i, and it may be the last BMW I buy if they don't get it figured out.

[Treeless Branch]

Already got a babe, do not need a magnet.

[Spktyr]

Weird. You must have gotten a lemon, as all the ones I've driven (and the one my friend owns) have been quieter than the 330i and my former 325is.

[Willie Green]

I have about $40,000 to spend. I need something that I can drive clients around in, yet hopefully is fun to drive, reliable, and that my estemeed colleagues will not view with disdain. I am not opposed to buying a used car,

Well this site lists 5~6 used Excaliburs for sale.
They're all within your price range, but I kinda like one of the '84 models:

I doubt if anybody would scoff at this!!!

[Spktyr]

I'm partial to the 7 series myself. I loved the last series before Bangle got ahold of it. What he did to the 7-series is criminal and Bangle should be hung for it.

[tubebender]

Nice Ride!!!

[Spktyr]

Everyone would scoff at that. That's a pimpmobile by today's tastes.

[small voice in the wilderness]

Ahummmm. I shall stand, on my own, and state, knowing the consequences in advance, that I love my 2003 Jaguar XJR. It is beautiful, fast, and a pleasure to drive. Do not bother to mock, fellow FReepers, it won't change my mind!

[Kewlhand`tek]

depends on your clientel :p these will be a big hit

[Kewlhand`tek]

oh yeah thats the research they come up with at the African-American Research Institute.

[Willie Green]

Everyone would scoff at that. That's a pimpmobile by today's tastes.

Hey, the dude said he worked for a corporate law firm... a pimpmobile is PERFECT!!!

[Koblenz]

Check out a slightly used (2-3 year old) Saab. Saabs are a little quirky (ignition on the floor, not the steering column for the 9-3), but they're a bit cheaper than the BMW or Mercedes or Audi counterparts. The 9-2 is a 4WD car, but is essentially a Subaru: the 9-2 is made in Japan at the Subaru factory. 9-3 isthe smaller, sportier model, and not terribly expensive: you'll have some of the $40,000 left over for other purchases. The 9-5 is the roomier sedan. Whatever model you get, go for the turbo. Getting a Saab without turbo is like getting a pickup without 4WD: the car looks the same, but can't be driven the way it was meant to.

If you go for a used car, get the extended warranty. Repairs aren't cheap for Saabs. But they are fun to drive, and are cheaper than the German cars.

[Smokin' Joe]

Why buy a car that will depreciate? Rummage around here: classic car dealers. You might find something you will enjoy that is a good investment as well.