Time to Upgrade

[Suzukidude]

So im starting to get a little bit older (im 21 now) and moving out of my honda phase. Ive been into hondas since i got my license (5 years now) but riding around in gutted cars with stiff clutches and constantly getting harassed by police and mustang owners is starting to get old.

I do own a motorcycle, and ride avidly. I doubt ill ever outgrow that (until im too old to hold myself up)

I want a nice car, something luxurious inside.

Some cars i have taken a look at and some specs about them:

Altima 3.5

0-60: 7.1s
Quarter mile: 15.4s
MPG: 25

Lexus GS300

0-60: 8s
Quarter mile: 16.1s
MPG: 26

Acura 3.2TL

0-60: 6.7s
Quarter mile: 15.2s
MPG: 29

Infiniti I35

0-60: 7s
Quarter Mile: 15.3
MPG: 26


So now im kinda considering a 3.2TL I could stay in the honda family, which would be cool, and it is the fastest in a straight line (by a hair) and gets good gas mileage. It would have the proven honda reliability, 4 doors 5 seats, 6 cylinders, and they can be had for mid-high teens in good condition for newer (2002ish) years for a type-S which does the 1/4 .4 faster than the regular one, and no doubt handles better.

Well, i think i might have made my decision for myself, but if anyone has suggestions, im open.

Thanks.

[mason_RsX]

What year's are we looking at for these cars? I am assuming current generation for each one

If comfort and interior appearence and luxury is what your out for then the Lexus is the winner...I mean take a look

http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/galle...or_photos.html


But if you are looking for overall comfort, refinement, and power rolled very nicely together I would definately go with the TL...or if you want to go cheaper then the Altima

[del]

yeah, it'd help to know what price range and model years you're targeting. that'll help us make a suggestion. i'm with mason_RsX here, the lexus and TL are good choices from that list.

[Suzukidude]

Originally Posted by mason_RsX

What year's are we looking at for these cars? I am assuming current generation for each one

If comfort and interior appearence and luxury is what your out for then the Lexus is the winner...I mean take a look

http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/galle...or_photos.html


But if you are looking for overall comfort, refinement, and power rolled very nicely together I would definately go with the TL...or if you want to go cheaper then the Altima

well for the altima yea, the current generation that looks like this:



The lexus that looks like this (1998-2005 i think



Acura TL that looks like this:


And ths I30 that looks like this


And for my budget... I can probably get 5-6 grand from my civic, and put up another 10-15 grand on top of that. So lets say between 15-20 grand.

Thanks again for the advice.

[silentscreams85]

according to autotrader.com

i did a search on each of those cars within 25 miles of my zip.(used from 2001-2006 models) the average price for the

Acura TL: 8,900

Lexus G300: 8,500

Infinite I30: 8,990

Nissan Altima 3.5: 10,500

as you can see they are all roughly the same price with the exception of the altima which is almost 2k more. either way they all seem to fit well within your budget. oh and the lexus . it hits 0-60 in about 7.6 seconds. = )

[kman10587]

If you just want something as nice and luxurious as possible, I'd go with a Lexus ES.

If you want something that's still a little sporty, the Acura 3.2 TL, Lexus IS, and Infiniti G35 are solid choices.

If you want something a little cheaper and don't need a luxury marquee, I'd very strongly recommend the Toyota Avalon. I guarantee you that there is nothing more comfortable or luxurious this side of a $90,000 Mercedes, and it's plenty powerful too (0-60 in the low sixes). For $30,000, it's an absolute steal.

[DinanM3_S2]

The new Avalon is a great car, but the old one drove like a Buick. I'm pretty sure you won't find a new one in your price range because it is so new and appears to be selling pretty well.

Out of the ones you mentioned I would take the Acura. It looks good, is reliable, and is pretty fun to drive. The Lexus is reliable but boring, the Infiniti is based on a Nissan Maxima, and the Altima just isn't really in this league.

If I were you, I would also check out a BMW 3-series. You appear to be a fan of Japanese cars, but you should definitely check this out.

[kman10587]

Oops, I didn't see the mid- to high-teens price range. Yeah, stay away from the older Avalons if you want to have any fun whatsoever. The 3 Series is a great choice if you're looking for more sport than luxury, but if you just want something cheap, reliable, and luxurious, you're better off with a used Lexus or Acura.

[Suzukidude]

right now im leaning towards the acura, with the lexus in the background.

I dont really want a german car, but ill look into the 3 series (probably the 330) and see how i like it.

Ill update when i get a chance. Thanks guys!

[del]

i don't htink you'll regret choosing the TL. it's a nice car. i think it's rather bland looking and the fwd isn't the most attractive thing on a "sport" entry-level luxury car. but overall it's a great package - typical of most honda/acura products, there isn't a category that it exceeds in over its competitors but it performs well in jsut about every category making it a very balanced car overall.

[mason_RsX]

Those 330s hold their value pretty well, good luck finding a good condition one for 17-19k....your engine & tranny should be fine...but little things will mess up that will be expensive because its German

The TL was built very solid inside and out...I would reccomend the Type-S as well for a little extra hp...