Searching for a Sports Sedan (under $40k)

[titaniummd]

I am searching for a sports sedan and am I am opening discussion up for suggestions.

I have driven SUVs for the past 10 years and I want something more maneuverable and has decent acceleration.

Things I like in a car:
SAFETY in crash tests
Space for Golf clubs (2 bags)
Power everything
Keyless entry
Radio/CD Changer
Leather seats
Heated seats (less important)

Performance:
Decent acceleration (doesn't have to be sub 7 secs, 0-60)
Good handling, especially for emergency
Good braking - especially antilock brakes
Prefer traction control

Factors affecting my decision:
Reliability
Low maintenance
Prefer Regular gas - instead of Premium
Prefer reasonable gas mileage for its class (no V8s)

I also do not know what the standard warranties available (3 yr/36,000mi, 5 yr, 60,000 mi).

Things that aren't important, given the price:
Loaner vehicles
Prestige of vehicle

Brands that I have considered (some may not be realistic, considering the model):
Acura (TL)
Lexus (ES300/ES350)
Infiniti ?
Honda Accord
Toyota Avalon / Camry
Nissan Maxima ? / Altima 3.5
Hyundai Azera - Are Hyundais better than before?

[DinanM3_S2]

Originally Posted by titaniummd

Brands that I have considered (some may not be realistic, considering the model):
Acura (TL)
Lexus (ES300/ES350)
Infiniti ?
Honda Accord
Toyota Avalon / Camry
Nissan Maxima ? / Altima 3.5
Hyundai Azera - Are Hyundais better than before?

Not very many people would consider the Accord, Avalon, Camry, Maxima, Altima, or an Hyundai a sports sedan. They would fall into the category of family sedans.

Of the cars you listed, I would lean towards the Acura TL. You seem to be looking into larger sedans, which is fine, but if its sportiness that you are after, you will want to look elsewhere then the Acura TL and Lexus ES.

The general rule for sports sedans is that the BMW 3-series (328i, 335i) is the best car in the segment, or at least the car by which all of the others are judged against. BMW has been making this sort of car longer then anybody and for the most part they have all been outstanding automobiles. They are known for their handling above all else. The only downside with them seems to be price; BMWs usually cost 1-4 thousand dollars more then their competition.

The other two major players in this category are the Infiniti G35 and the Lexus IS250/IS350. The G35 undercuts the BMW in price by a fair amount, but it still doesn't handle quite as well as the BMW and its styling is a little wierd. The Lexus costs about the same as the BMW, but doesn't handle quite as well and is a little smaller. On the other hand the Lexus will probably be the most reliable of any car you will look at. The Audi A4 is also an option with its excellent AWD system.

Here is a link to a Car and Driver sports sedan comparison-
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...ts-sedans.html
(note: the 330i BMW is now the 335i and has a more powerful, turbo engine and the Infiniti G35 has gone through a major overhall)

My biggest piece of advice is to test drive as many cars as you can to get a good idea.

[Tonto Kowalski]

The G35 undercuts the BMW in price by a fair amount, but it still doesn't handle quite as well as the BMW and its styling is a little wierd.

I think that's only true for the 1st gen G35 (2003-2006). The 2nd gen G35 sedan (2007+) has been improved and is IMHO the best sedan in the entry-level luxury class. It has 306 hp and goes 0-60mph in just over 5 seconds, and handles like a true sports car.

[72' Stang 351 H/O]

I instantly thought of BMW.

[G-man422]

Originally Posted by 72' Stang 351 H/O

I instantly thought of BMW.

Same here. but the only thing is reliability. I like the lexus idea too. Great reliability, looks, and performance.