Best sedan under 50K

[ArideII]

I am interested in hearing what people think is the best riding(smooth) sedan there is, under 50K. I don't want to pay outrageous prices in up-keep either so please consider this when informing me of your opinions.

I am hoping to use these responses to help me buy a nice sedan.

Thanks in advance

[blindside.AMG]

Cadillac CTS-V hands down. It'll get you the most bang for your buck.

[drake 60]

the CTS is under 50 k?? are we talking US or canada figures here?

[blindside.AMG]

US figures.

[Mr Payne]

I second it, CTS-V

[NISSANSPDR]

I would take the S4 V8 over that anyday...

[YogsVR4]

The S4 is hard to argue against. But, I thought the price tag was over 50K

[ArideII]

Are these recommendations from personal experience or just research you guys have done?

Thats funny, no one has mentioned the 5 series, granted you would have to go for the 3.0L engine in this price range. I've never driven one but I hear they are hard to beat when it comes to the overall package.

[mycivic]

bmw!!! or i could be bias...a civic is a great gas saver. if you want more power...an accord would do. other than that...id go bmw.

[NISSANSPDR]

Originally Posted by YogsVR4

The S4 is hard to argue against. But, I thought the price tag was over 50K

It starts at $46,340 according to www.audiusa.com

So it squeaks under there...

[syr74]

Believe it or not, if ride really IS a consideration, I recommend the Volvo S60R over everthing else disussed so far...excpet maybe the 5 Series. Now, let me tell you why.

At only 300hp (only being a relative term) it is definately outgunned by things like Audi's S4. However, it is most definately a luxury car first with a lot of performance and exceptional handling to go along with it. While the S4 is a four door sports car, period. (Forgive me Nissan)

Not that the S4 is not a nice car, just that it IS a sports sedan and it rides like one. It rides nicely enough, but it rides nowhere near as nicely as the S60R or many, many other sedans in this range...not even close. And frankly, it isn't supposed to.

The S60R is easily quieter, smoother, and more comfortable than the S4 as an everyday ride. It feels like you borrowed your uncle's LS430 for the day until you stand on it.....seriously. If you don't care that much about power a standard S60 AWD rides even better. And yes, I have driven both.

As far as the CTS goes I will say it once again.......the S60R rides better than my mom's std Caddy CTS and the Caddy is a bigger car! I advised her to get the Caddy as she really fell in love with it at the dealer (God only knows why) and it is a well built auto that will serve someone fine. But honestly, if ride is this important to you the very nice CTS and the Lincoln LS are both gonna dissapoint you, as they are definately sport oriented.

If ride really is a prime consideration you need to give the Swede a look. In a sea of makers building entry level, hi-po, sports sedans that ride okay they are the only ones I have seen trying to build an entry level luxury sedan that happens to go fast. Not to mention the S60R is a bargain compared to most other cars in this range.

If you want a bigger car, considering your emphasis on ride, I would recommend the Lexus GS series cars. A mini LS430 in so many ways...including ride. Someone mentioned the 5 Series BMW and while it is another car that rides well, there are cars that ride better. Granted, those cars, like the GS series Lexus, sacrifice some performance for that ride. However, that is a choice you always have to make.

I would love to give more in depth advice but I cannot advise on cars I have not driven. Again, the S4 and CTS are fine cars.....but not if ride is your prime concern. The 5 Series does great all around, but there are cars that ride better for 50k.

If I had 50k to spend I would probably pick the very comfortable outgoing BMW 5 series for myself.....before the ugly one comes out. It meets my criteria very well indeed, as the all out magic carpet ride, no noise, no nada treatment isn't my thing....For your wants you sound like a Lexue guy to me.

For ten g's less I would pick the S60R as if I were buying a full on sports car I woul pick up a gorgeoyus two door and get it right to begin with.

[blasian_man]

the audi has 340 hp, and its not turbo charged, if the IS is really nice you can always wait for the 430, i read that the inline 6 is a cast iron block, while the v8 is aluminum, so there is no weight difference, just a great jump in power.

[Mr Payne]

See, the CTS-V got 400hp.
400 > 340

[Kurtdg19]

Give me an S4 over the others. The quality of an Audi is outstanding, as well as the quality of their prestige interior. Now it may not be as powerful as the CTS-V, but power isn't everything when your picking a sedan. I believe the S4 can give the driver everything they need in a reliable and daily driveable sedan. It may not have a smoother ride than the Volvo, but it is no where near an uncomfortable leisure. I haven't actually rode in the Volvo so I wouldn't really know if it is as smooth of a ride as the Audi, but i'll take your word for it. As demand grows as fast as supply for a new trend in a sportier, aggressive, but smooth and comfortable sedan, the Audi S4 is the first car that comes to my mind in the 50k range. A 340hp sports sedan with the renowned quattro drivetrain make it quick, yet friendly in most conditions. Whether you want to sweep through curvy roads, or go on a casual cruise, the S4 provides all the necessary tools to make this all possible.

Now I like beemer and the caddy both, but give me the choice, i'm taking the audi no questions about it.

[Jimster]

S4

AWD
4.2 V8
Luxury Car
6 Speed manual
Sports car
Dam-site better lookign than anything previously mentioned
Audi Reliability
Race-car like handling (Even beats an M3 on the track)

What more could you possibly want????- for sure it is better than the 3-series wannabe CTS, the outdated Lincoln LS and so on......

Though another option could be buying an Infiniti G35 and throwing some bucks into it- definitely a winner