What To Buy (or lease?) Next? - $35-45k-ish range

[prolific]

Another one of "these" threads, I'm sure.

I'm coming from a '12 A5. It's been fun and reliable enough, but definitely got the itch to look for something new.

Top of my list is an M340i or S5 (sportback). While both are "in budget" (or could be), they're both at the higher-end certainly and I think it'll be the more mature decision to look a tier or so lower, and more budget-friendly.

Outside of those two models, I'm not really being pulled in one particular direction. Since I'm not set, I'm open to leasing, as well (if that matters in this instance).

So, I then ask: Where would you start looking?

I, like many of you I'm sure, have transitioned to almost full-time work-from-home (going into the office once a week; maybe two or three times/month at most).

1) All to say, work commute isn't a notable factor, but my fiancé and I do tend to take a monthly ride a few hours out of state to visit her folks. Daily drive is important, still.
2) That, and I'm in the northeast, so being on the road in the winter comes into play at times.
3) Budget is probably around $40k, or so, but have some room to play here for the right car.
4) Sedan or bigger; no more coupes for me.

Other models I've either looked at/driven and considered, recently or previously:

S4
CLA35 AMG (likely a the "top end" of the next tier, price-wise, that I'd be looking at)
3 Series (330i?)
Grand Cherokee

Look forward to discussion!

[x3sm]

Porsche Macan S/GTS/Turbo... I have one, it feels like my old B8 S4, but amazing build quality. I can't believe how quiet this car is on the highway.

[RM7]

So you are looking for used cars? M340i, S5, S4s new will all be more like 55-60K, at least.

[prolific]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

So you are looking for used cars? M340i, S5, S4s new will all be more like 55-60K, at least.

Yeah, certified preowned route, likely.

Been looking at leases for M340i's and even those are getting up to 6-7's (easily). So probably out on that too, unfortunately.

[Alfisti]

Man there is so much in that swing plane, so much.

[Ginster6]

2022 GR Corolla

AWD & Stick

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Ginster6

2022 GR Corolla

AWD & Stick

Or a Mk8 Golf R. Either would be more fun than anything listed above.

[stein_325i]

Genesis G70 3.3T or Kia Stinger 3.3T

[damnitBobby]

I'm looking at the sports sedan category as well but not the top shelf M/RS/AMG categories as I want something more daily driver friendly.

The M340i is without a doubt the superior performance vehicle but I'm focusing more on comfort and refinement as opposed to track times. Also I just got out of a F80 comp so want a change of scenery. The C43 looks cool but after test drives I'm not a fan of the interior and also the ride quality was unnecessarily stiff. I've narrowed down my choices to the IS500 and S4/S5 sportback.

[overcoil]

What do people think of the new Acura TLX ?

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Caravaggio

What do people think of the new Acura TLX ?

A new Honda Accord is honestly a better car other than the lack of AWD. The Acura is overpriced and not really a standout in anyway.

[RM7]

Or a stinger

[damnitBobby]

Originally Posted by Caravaggio

What do people think of the new Acura TLX ?

I think the Type S is a heavy car for this segment. The curb weight is along 4,200-4,300lbs. That's around 300lbs heavier than competitors like the M340i/S4/C43. At that weight might as well be classified as an executive sedan. The weight shows in its underwhelming quarter mile times.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

I think the Type S is a heavy car for this segment. The curb weight is along 4,200-4,300lbs. That's around 300lbs heavier than competitors like the M340i/S4/C43. At that weight might as well be classified as an executive sedan. The weight shows in its underwhelming quarter mile times.

Was reading up on the TLX
TLX length is 194.6
BMW 5 series is 195.8
BMW 3 series is 185.7

No doubt the TLX is no lite-weight. But it seems like a nice car for a weekend getaway and the appearance seems modern and classy. Though no spare tire.


FROM TLX forum. https://www.tlxforums.com/threads/is...021-tlx.44647/

[dscabra]

What's wrong with a low mileage CPO 530i or 540i for 35-40k?

[sspade]

I'd get the lowest mileage, cleanest, cheapest 340i you can find. Upgrade the suspension (eventually), add a catless downpipe and flash tune.

[sspade]

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...Type=spotlight

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

[thebmw]

Used 6 series GC. The best-looking production BMW the last many years and seems like the best looking one for many more years to come.

[Sedoy]

Agree, 6GC is the best looking BMW sedan and maybe 8 GC as well...

Originally Posted by thebmw

Used 6 series GC. The best-looking production BMW the last many years and seems like the best looking one for many more years to come.

[Germanauto]

$40k budget is tough. If you were at $45-50k I'd say there are a lot more options. CPO M340, S5, new 330 M sport, new Giulia would all be contenders.

There is the Genesis G70 too but I find it to be so uninteresting. The interior design could be straight out of any Asian car; the G70 just lacks "character" in my opinion. The car is fine objectively but I can't imagine spending that type of money on such a MEH car.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

I'm looking at the sports sedan category as well but not the top shelf M/RS/AMG categories as I want something more daily driver friendly.

The M340i is without a doubt the superior performance vehicle but I'm focusing more on comfort and refinement as opposed to track times. Also I just got out of a F80 comp so want a change of scenery. The C43 looks cool but after test drives I'm not a fan of the interior and also the ride quality was unnecessarily stiff. I've narrowed down my choices to the IS500 and S4/S5 sportback.

Is the M340 really that stiff? You're coming from an M3, I'd imaging the M340 is plenty comfortable. If anything I wish it were more hard-edged. I agree the C43 has an unnecessarily stiff ride and overrated interior.

S4/S5 are nice choices. IS500 will have the novelty of the V8 but I find its interior so cheap and handling so disappointing. That car has a massive delay between steering inputs and the car actually doing anything. Most reviews on the IS350 are ho-hum for a reason.

[nick3753]

If you liked your previous A5 and like the S5 sportback then maybe check out the A5 sportback. Compared to your prior A5 it will likely feel sportier (if you pick the more powerful 4 cylinder turbo and your prior A5 wasn't a manual). Plus it will be much more budget friendly.