Another "which car to buy" thread
 

OK, just throwing this out to get ideas. You guys often come up with interesting ideas.

The missus and I are downsizing. We are selling our home and moving into town. She thinks that we'll be able to get by with just one car.

budget $20k-35k.
It'll be the only car so it needs to be reasonably reliable.
THere are only 2 of us now, but we have pups, so a 2 seater won't do. Even 911 back seats will work.
Needs to be fun/entertaining to drive with reasonable performance.
Needs to have a little luxury so the missus is comfy.

She's thinking 911. I'd love to have a 993, but I'm doubtful that I could find one in great shape with low miles in the budget that I want. I think a 996 would be an acceptible option, but it would be even better to have a 997. I haven't priced those out, to know if they can be had in my budget. If it wasn't for the 4 seat thing, I'd probably be planning a boxter or cayman.

I'd consider a BMW, but I question their reliability. I've heard some folks say they've never had a problem and others say they've had lots of problems.

I've never driven any sort of Lexus, but it seems like there may be a couple that might fit the bill.

I'm pretty open minded, but the car needs to fit the specs, so I don't think something like a camaro or mustang would really fit the bill.

It'll have to be a little sporty, because I won't be able to drive in a non-sporty manner, and it just won't do to be wallowing around corners in a barge.

It'll be our only car, so it needs to be reliable. I can't have something that's in the shop every month and since we are downsizing, I won't have a garage where I can do my own work.

It needs to have a little luxury to keep the missus happy, so a regular old honda/toyota/chevy/ford need not apply.

Thoughts?

Look into the Hyundai Genesis.

Good question. I was looking at a used BMW X1 yesterday but the thought of it coming off warranty in a year or two does not seem like a great idea. Fun to drive, lots of pep but I would add that it has run flat tires and no spare. Apparently you can get a mini spare.

I have tried a Honda CRV - very choppy ride but the X1 ride is excellent for a small suv. It makes me wonder how they engineer a good ride into a small suv although of course it is a car platform.

Today or tomorrow I will likely try out a used Lexus RX350 around year 2011. It comes with a two year warranty. I have checked the reviews for the BMW and Lexus dealers. The latter are excellent. BMW service is reported not that great at either dealership. I cannot imagine a BMW under warranty and not getting good warranty service.

Guy.

I've even thought/wondered about getting a Cayenne. Seems like an option. My only worry is the maintenance costs since it's a large, heavy, complicated vehicle, it seems like maintenance could be considerable. I suspect the Cayenne will end up like the 928, lots of depreciation. But still, considering it.

Wondered about the Lexus, Acura, Mazda SUV/crossover type thing. I suspect the mazda wouldn't be sporty enough or luxurious enough. And I think the Acura and Lexus may not be sporty enough to keep me happy.

I had a buddy with a CRV (or was it a RAV4), that liked it at first, but eventually had reliability problems. But that can happen with any make/model.

996 no question. Get a good one for sub 20 and put the excess cash in the bank. 993 and 997 you'll only get a trashed car for 25k.

Lexus IS250 is a very nice car. Worth taking for a drive.

Actually, the Mazda crossover is quite nice. We had a CX-9 and it was sporty and luxurious.

The Automobile magazine on my desk has a list of 30k to 40k cars. The Audi A3 is on that list. Might have to sell it after 5 years though... not sure about all that electronic stuff on there, even the pop up screen.

I am amazed that you would/could downsize to one car in Houston regardless your location. Maybe if I was in the Doubletree downtown but can't see doing that myself. I like the BMW x1 or if doing the crossover vehicle the Volvo 6o is a beaut and I love my 90.

That was my thought. And I figure that if I look around a bit I will probably even eventually find something with low miles.
Yeah, I was thinking that one of the F family vehicles might fit the bill.
I'll check them out.
I had a buddy with an A3. It was a nice little car. I wonder about the reliability of the Audi/vw family these days though.
Volvo, good call. How are they since China owns them?

Wife doesn't work, and we are going to be living very near downtown. We'll only be about 2.5 miles from my work and about 1/4 mile from a whole foods. She thinks that we can do it. I think maybe, but not certain. We'll see.

Steve,

What part of town ya moving too? Heights?

Check out the Mazda CX-5. Plenty of buttons for the missus and plenty of zoom zoom for you. The grand sport trim level is fantastic.

the new wrxs seem pretty awsome to me. Houston streets are closer to a rally than a roadcourse anyways! To me the WRX has always been a leader at versitility. It isnt fantastic at anything but can do almost anything. Im on my 3rd, all have been fantastic

Just a bit south of Memorial near downtown. I'm not sure if the area is considered Montrose or Midtown or something else. Waugh and West Gray.

Cool, I'll check them out.

I know you are ignoring this suggestion... but if you are considering a Mazda you really should... nay, I dare you to go look at the Hyundai! :p It doesn't cost anything to look. :cool:

I have been intrigued by the WRX/Lancer type platform in the past. I briefly road in a Lancer in the UK once. It was pretty cool. I'll check them out.

I have a buddy that got one. I had heard good stuff about them. I'm having a hard time with the rational side thinking that they might be worth a check and the irrational side thinking "but, it's a hyundai"

:D

Might I suggest: If you are looking for a luxury type car and you're worried about maintenance try look at Carmax. Jalopnik did an article about their warranty and how it benefitted him after the purchase of a Land Rover.

My Horn Stopped Working: Another CarMax Warranty Update

Waugh and West Gray, nice spot. You just may make it with one vehicle there. Pretty dense for shopping, food and with Memorial Park nearby. You are now "in the Loop"

Your price range would buy a lot of new Hyundai with an insanely long warranty. I know what you mean about the irrationality in not choosing a Hyundai.:cool:

Steve,

Also go drive a Focus ST. 4door hatch with good space, and when it comes on boost it's like driving a rocket ship! Tons of fun in a small package! Many reviewers say it's the best handling car available today, period!