I just looked and if the info Eternal has listed is correct he has only owned his 5 series for a couple days over a month? I would wait before boasting about your bimmer buddy. I have had mine for three years not 30 days! Hope you got the extended warranty because after the first three years is when the cost to maintain starts. This is why Im getting rid of mine. Our daily drivers are a 2006 maxima and a 2005 element. I just like to keep a nicer car in the garage and only keep one car payment. Its not that I WANT to spend 50 grand on a car but it just seems that everything my wife and I like is in that range.

Wiezer Walley wrote:I just looked and if the info Eternal has listed is correct he has only owned his 5 series for a couple days over a month? I would wait before boasting about your bimmer buddy. I have had mine for three years not 30 days! Hope you got the extended warranty because after the first three years is when the cost to maintain starts. This is why Im getting rid of mine. Our daily drivers are a 2006 maxima and a 2005 element. I just like to keep a nicer car in the garage and only keep one car payment. Its not that I WANT to spend 50 grand on a car but it just seems that everything my wife and I like is in that range.

I'm sure you work hard for your money. Key point is it's your money. If you can afford it and want to spend 50k on a car go for it. Don't let someone who can't afford a 50k car tell you anything different. You know what you can and can't afford. If you can afford one and want one why not?

Ok I can now post again since my last post was my 100th. I feel like I need to retract and rephrase a little of what I have said. I feel like it was taken the wrong way.

First of all, the reason I said I didn't want to step foot in a 3 series is because of size, not because they are "bottom barrel". It is simply too small for my tastes. I also have 2 kids and I wanted as much leg room as I could afford. So I went with a 5.

Secondly, I'm not saying I'm better than anyone just because I have a Bimmer. Hell, I started of with a J-body just like most of us here. I'm definitely not trying to seem like I'm arrogant because most definitely not.

Wiezer Walley - Yes it's true. I have only had my car a little over a month. It's also been a great month. I know there is a chance that one day something may fail, but hey, sometimes you gotta pay to play. Hopefully it won't be as bad as your experience though.

Wow thanks for the write up. Sorry to hear abuot the news.



"Remember do what you like because you have to drive it."--Me

OP

If you liked the handling on the 3-series I would definitely check out a Infinity G37 Sedan. They like the twisties while on the gas and the engine is peppy and super reliable. Plus with your cost range you could be generous with the options. I like the Genesis's too but I would wait a few years, as these engines are still new technology in their "beta stages'. But as far as the Lexus's, I have always got the feeling that they were to sporty side of them were lacking, except for the IS's. I did see that the new Buick's were very nice, but again new technology should always have a model year to prove itself.

I thought these pictures would be appropriate in this thread.
Granted it is in prototype form, but leave it to BMW to be towed on the Nürburgring.




Story.



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

I have never owned a BMW, but this is the story I hear a lot. They love the design and functions, but the reliability/electrical isn't so good. I hope you have better luck with your next car.


My Car: 1998 Mazda Roadster (Miata): Tein flex Coilovers, Potenza GIII 195/50/15

http://www.highperformancejdm.com

I did look at the G37. I own a 2004 maxima and its ok, wish is was a rwd but guess the G37 would be basicly the maxima in rwd and better handling/interior/cosmetics.

lol,

There is a reason why you can buy a 3 year old bimmer for a 1/4 of what it was new.

When Top Gear had the M5, Clarkson said he broke 2 of them dicking around the track and the Stig broke another one trying to get a quick lap out of it.

My old co worker that worked with me at Mercedes sent me this, he worked for BMW and knew how crappy they were.
All I can say is: that's what you get buying for buying a used German car. lol




>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

Hahah, the key went bad. Thats classic @!#$ right there.

I have heard the same about BMWs from buddies of mine who have had the same issues.

How about the new S60? I haven't driven in one yet, but they look pretty cool.


We just traded in our 08 Honda Pilot on a 2007 Volvo XC90 Sport and love it! This is our 3rd Volvo and so far so good!

Damn that's a nice looking Volvo.

That's the new S60 with Heico Sportiv body kit.....pricey kit, but looks cool!

Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. wrote:My old co worker that worked with me at Mercedes sent me this, he worked for BMW and knew how crappy they were.
All I can say is: that's what you get buying for buying a used German car. lol

I lol'd

Still 0 issues with my car though. Every car is different. Even though Cavaliers are deemed as a very reliable car, everyonce in a while a member pops up and complains about constant issues. It's all chance really.

Any car can have constant issues.

Tribals wrote:I have heard the same about BMWs from buddies of mine who have had the same issues.

How about the new S60? I haven't driven in one yet, but they look pretty cool.


We just traded in our 08 Honda Pilot on a 2007 Volvo XC90 Sport and love it! This is our 3rd Volvo and so far so good!

I tracked that car and it has a great feel in the torque dept, strong consistent brakes, smooth as hell, interior design and out is is modern, and AWD to boot. Volvo set it up against the A4 AWD, and 3-series AWD, hands down this Swede had NOTHING to worry about. I would give this car as one of the best "entry-level luxury price range" cars out there.



>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----

From my experience I would at least stay away from the '03 to '09(?) E-class. My mother had an '03 E320, and there were a few things we had issues with. Most of the time we couldn't tell if the heated/cooled seats worked, couldn't tell if the heat/vent system powered by solar panels forward and rear of the panoramic sunroof worked, radio had it's own issues, among other things. Hell, that series of E-class is even on Consumer Reports Used Cars to Avoid list. My mother traded in the Merc for a new Toyota Avalon in Aug '07.

Each car line has it's own issues, some more than others.

I actually had recently found out when surfing Cadillac's site and saw that you can get the CTS-V in three ways; sedan, coupe, and now WAGON, that would make a fun DD.

All I will say now is I wish you the best of luck in your search.


"United by Individuality"
"If life is a joke, why aren't we laughing?"
"Normality depends on one's perception of reality."
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3820803

1.) Resale on Volvo's isn't that fantastic

2.) You are going to have horror stories about every brand of car. It's going to happen. You don't hear about a $10,000 breaking over and over because, well, because it's a $10,000 car.

3.) Do not buy a Mercedes unless you buy a AMG. That's pure opinion, but I stand by it 100%. Viper will probably say the same thing.

4.) It's your money. Do the research on Edmunds.com and the various other useful websites out there on particular car models and compare. Not to knock the folks on the jbody, but you are on a forum board and you are going to get most nay sayers and biased opinions.

5.) As of right now, the best vehicle I've owned has been a Chevy Suburban for family side. My SLK32 is an 02 and I've had no problems with it minus the normal quirks. If you want to screw around with a Benz for cheap(er), look at the 2002 to 2004 C32 AMG's.

If I was going to drop $50 on a car? I'd go for a used C63 AMG or E55/E63 AMG.


Josh
SLK 32

Jaguar used to get all the bad rap when it came to unreliable foreign cars like this, but I think they are getting better while it sounds like in the last 6 or 7 years some other luxury brands have had some quality control issues?. As mentioned earlier, it's probably got a lot to do with the fact that Jaguar was owned by Ford. Our family has an '02 x-type and it has not had any more problems with it than the Honda Odyssey we had before it. Small electrical things here and there, but then again I forget that the car is 9 years old now. Still not as dependable as my Cavy though lol. There were mornings when it was -20 F last january and the x-type, which was parked in the garage, wouldn't start it was so cold (and same with our '99 dodge ram also in the garage) but my 02 cavalier sitting in the driveway started right up lol.

Also, the Audi sedans are alright looking, but still not edgy enough for me (don't turn enough heads). And Volvo is really starting to get there for me, too.

Wiezer Walley wrote:I did look at the G37. I own a 2004 maxima and its ok, wish is was a rwd but guess the G37 would be basicly the maxima in rwd and better handling/interior/cosmetics.

Glad I took the time to read through the posts before posting.

I went from a Cav to a g35...and now own a g37. yes coupes, but honestly now that I've gone Nissan, I don't think I'll ever go back? From the top (GTR), to the bottom with the Maxima's, I never, EVER hear bad things about Nissan motors. They're strong, reliable, sometimes short on torque ratings, but the HP output, the class, the luxiery, and reliability are all there, and they're there for good.

My fiancee and I now own an 08 G37 coupe and an 05 FX 35, both in which we've had zero problems. You will also have a hard time finding any "mechanical issues" w/ these cars.

I know you're looking for a "midsize" sedan, and the G37 coupe may be a bit small for you, but have you looked into the M? Its hefty with a V8, has everything but is a bit more spacias and more for what you're looking for. My buddy just traded his 04 coupe in for an M35 and he absolutely LOVES IT! He said he gets noooothing but compliments as well. The newer M45 is also sick looking w/ of course a little more HP gain :-)

Only German car I have interest in and the last real good bmw, the e30. The e36 arent too bad, but e46 is when the @!#$ really hit the fan and they just got to be too big to be considered a 3 series any more, now the new e90's are as big or bigger than the size that a 5 series should be.




Also, yeah nissans are nice, until you want to go buy parts for them. Most expensive parts out there, more than bmw, more than audi, more the mercedes.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Saturday, January 08, 2011 8:24 PM

1994 Saturn SL2 Home Coming Edition: backup car
2002 Chevy Cavalier LS Sport Coupe: In a Junk Yard
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YES the M is nice I have a co worker that just got one 4 months ago but I think that just out of my price range.