Looking for Recommendations

This isn't a "car X or car Y: which one should I get" type of post, for better or worse.

Well, right now I have a '95 Lexus LS400. It's a nice car - great interior, engine and overall quality - but I would like something sportier and maybe smaller in dimensions. However, I've been spoiled by the V8 engine, so I'm not quite sure about smaller engine cars. On the other hand, this IS my first car (lucky, aren't I) and I haven't tested many types of cars, so a fast 4 cylinder COULD be viable.

Anyways, I'm not looking for specific model suggestions more than I am for general ideas. Like a range of cars... For example, a welcomed response would be like "look at a Mustang or a car similar to it."

My budget is around $20k, which I may be able to push to $25k.

Thanks for reading, and I hope I can get some detailed (and educational!) comments. =)

I might suggest japanese mid size cars. The Altima is a surprisingly nice package. Most of the mid size imports are built with a real stress on quiet rides with very minimal road harshness transferred to the cabin. Most offer a very potent V6.

You could look to a Mustang. I've yet to drive one, but I've heard that they are a nice quiet ride with well built pieces. I doubt that it would rival the imports in tank-like assembly and isolation, but worth a look from what I've heard.

Most of Chevy's stuff is proving to be less than what you might expect after a lexus.

One last suggestion; BMW, but I doubt you can find one for $20k. They start at $30 new. Still, a used E46 3-series is a potent performer, bulletproof driveline, and a truly fun drive.

Hi, Curtis. Very helpful suggestions, thanks.

Also, I should point out that I don't mind a little harsher ride than what I'm used to. I'm not really concerned about a "nice ride" really, as I don't really drive the Lexus like a luxury. It's mainly the interior quality that I appreciate - the leather seats for example. But that's not really TOO big of a deal.

Thanks again, Curtis.

You're welcome. I guess what I was thinking was that newer cars (in particular the japanese imports) have used new technology to design cars that handle better while improving ride quality; two things which used to be opposites. I guess what I'm saying is that in the years since your 95, things have come along to make the trade-offs far less severe. I think a new Altima would give you a better ride AND better handling. I think if you wanted to retain you current ride quality, you could get a much better handling car. If you were wanting to take a step firmer, you could get one heck of a tight car in the twisties with today's cars.