[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by vasoo

Thanks. I was looking at consumerreports website and they recommend cars such as Acura TL and MDX, Infiniti G35 and M35 etc... mostly 2005 to 2008 models. How good are they? I have no experience with these vehicles.

Amongst that list of recommended cars, there is only one SUV . I think most of the SUV's don't handle particularly well. Of course the one's that handle well and perform well, will not give you 30 mpg on the highway. I'm wondering what to recommend to you given all the conditions you mention. Are you looking for a luxury brand or something cheaper?

[NinadJoshi]

@Vasoo:

To summarize, you want a sporty family sedan that gives good mpg’s, for under $20K and which would retain resale value (or lose its value at a relatively slower rate, to say it properly).

High mpg vehicles are usually a sap to drive, so if you want a family mover with sport suspension that also has a bit of zing under the hood, then you’ll probably not get 30 mpg out of it, (although you may!)

Here’s a few recommendations from the ‘non luxury’ aisle, that have something for the driver and can yet ferry the family in comfort. Since you’ll be buying them used, the majority of the depreciation is already done. Look at these as buy for $18K-use 15Kmiles-sell for $14K type cars.

Mazda 6 V6
Nissan Maxima SE trim
Ford Fusion 3L V6
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Toyota Camry SE V6 (The sport tuned suspension makes this drive a lot differently than its other trims).

Also, I’d recommend buying a car that is from a later year of its generation (i.e., buy a 2009/10 car from the production generation 2007-2010).

If you want luxury vehicles, then finding “low mileage (<30K)” vehicles under $20K would be a task. You would probably be looking at vehicles in the 50K Mile range if not more, for that $.

Some used luxury sedans worth a look are:

Lincoln MKZ
Buick Regal
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G series
Acura TL, TSX (smaller sibling)
Lexus IS series (compact but pretty satisfying).

If you want something more extravagant than these, there are many choices available for a higher budget. Raise your stakes to $30K and the big cars will start rolling into your scope.

If possible hunt and test drive as much as you can (the best part of the purchase is the hunt, at least for me), and you will eventually find one that suits your temperament and spirit. Who knows, a 6 year old Volvo S60-R may end up impressing you more than anything else you'd driven

[dr.abhijeet]

Originally Posted by NinadJoshi

@Vasoo:




Mazda 6 V6
Nissan Maxima SE trim
Ford Fusion 3L V6
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Toyota Camry SE V6 (The sport tuned suspension makes this drive a lot differently than its other trims).




Lincoln MKZ
Buick Regal
Cadillac CTS
Infiniti G series
Acura TL, TSX (smaller sibling)
Lexus IS series (compact but pretty satisfying).

A really good list,
few other suggestions though for affordable fast saloons-
-Subaru legacy GT rather than 3.6(WRX for the mature)
-Pontiac G8 GT- (Holden camaro in disguise) -6.2 L V8 ~25k
-Charger R/T(not the best car but BIG engine ) 2007 -08~20k
-Accord V6- reliable , not expensive, within budget
-VW GLI/GTI
-CIVIC Si
-Altima V6 3.5 SR

Lux sport saloon <20k is probably not the best idea and among the chioces above TSX/ IS are your best bets.

[Gandhi]

Finally took my baby for a photo-shoot on the Highway 1.

[VLOCT]

FINALLY;

Look what I got my hands on!!

Picked up this sinister looking '96 Corvette, the last year of the C4 model, my favourite. This models comes with the LT4 engine, only made available for the '96 model and only on 2009 cars and came only with the slick ZF 6-speed tranny. One of the all time great GM engines. 5.7L V8, 330 bhp@6300 and 340 lb.ft torque but, most of the engines dynoed above 350 bhp. Best part FE of 25 mpg highway. GM deliberately published derated values to not hurt the new C5 buyers (345 hp@5600). But the 8000 rpm tach gives it away while, most corvettes had a 6000 rpm tach, 7000 rpm for C5. This is a true 185 mph car. GM only offered 350 hp on a Base Corvette after '96 was in 2001. This one had 50,000 miles and babied by the previous owner. Been on the lookout for this combo in pristine condition for a while.

While the C5 was better in every way than the C4, try a well maintained LT4 C4. I test drove both and the C4 was what I wanted. Not comparing with the Z06s though. But then I'd rather have the '95 ZR1.. Also, I absolutely prefer the driver cockpit of the C4.

Coming back to my new love, picked it up in 'Frisco and then did a thunderous test drive on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on the way home to Vegas. What a car, purrs like a baby and whooshes like a jet when stomped. A real stonker, this one. One word, JET FIGHTER. Amazing car, indeed. And the respect I got from the drivers when I show up on their rearview mirror, RESPECT from all drivers, 911s and what not.

And price for all this sinful fun? All of $11,250. This was a real steal, alright. One of my best buys ever. Have some minor niggles - one front speaker not working, passenger side window switch not working. Otherwise, in unbelievable condition and still real tight.

Look for a detailed review, very very shortly. Too busy having a blast.

[GullwingGT]

Congrats VLOCT,thats one hell of a buy.Have loads of fun with it,with corvette being an all time great american super car,you will have a great time.Waiting for more pics and detailed review.

[mohit]

@VLOCT: Sweet looking car! Looks real clean.

The only black mark I can see is that the previous owner decided to go with different pattern tires for front and back - Great deal otherwise!

[VLOCT]

Thanks guys.

Will change the tires to Nitto on all 4 corners once these are done. No problem with the handling however. The car is absolutely stock, which is fine. Typically, there are lots of mods done to these. It will be used at least 3 days a week, around 7500 miles a year for my usage, no intention of being a garage queen. These cars are meant to be driven. I wanted one where the owner put at least a couple of thousand miles on the odo every year. These cars do not take kindly to being not used. Moreover, it's always been a southern car and therefore, not a spot of rust.

I think my wife contracted the dreaded white knuckle disease from the PCH blast.

[Technocrat]

Originally Posted by Gandhi

Finally took my baby for a photo-shoot on the Highway 1.

Attachment 983846

Attachment 983848

Attachment 983859

Congrats, That's a good looking car, do post an ownership report

Originally Posted by VLOCT

FINALLY;

Look what I got my hands on!!

Picked up this sinister looking '96 Corvette, the last year of the C4 model, my favourite.
Look for a detailed review, very very shortly. Too busy having a blast.

Congrats, That looks like a very clean piece, looks well maintained too. would be looking forward to that detailed review

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by VLOCT

FINALLY;

Look what I got my hands on!!

Picked up this sinister looking '96 Corvette, the last year of the C4 model, my favourite. This models comes with the LT4 engine, only made available for the '96 model and only on 2009 cars and came only with the slick ZF 6-speed tranny.

And price for all this sinful fun? All of $11,250. This was a real steal, alright.

Congrats on one of the best buys in current market. Looks awesome and am sure you must be all smiles while returning to LV.

Great price for a great piece of GM engineering. Looking forward to your ownership report.

Many times i am tempted to just go out and get a stingray but my practical wife and sense prevails and stops me from doing that. The pop up headlights are always a turn on.

Wish you miles and miles of happy motoring.

[VLOCT]

@ chevelle,

Thanks Chevelle. All your test driving just lit a fire under my butt to go out and get that 'vette before the good one's disappear. She's just awesome and a true 'vette.

Hope your hunt is getting better. I'm sure you'll land the one you really want. You do have the patience although, it can be testing at times.

Cheers.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by VLOCT

FINALLY;

Look what I got my hands on!!

That is one helluva beauty as well as the beast!!

Congratulations!!

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by VLOCT

@ chevelle,

Thanks Chevelle. All your test driving just lit a fire under my butt to go out and get that 'vette before the good one's disappear. She's just awesome and a true 'vette.

Hope your hunt is getting better. I'm sure you'll land the one you really want. You do have the patience although, it can be testing at times.

Cheers.

I agree. Its one hell of a ride. Good for you, you find one that you wanted. I am still having no such luck.

Yes, i am trying to be patient as much as i can. Sometimes, i think i should just go out and get a 2012-2013 corvette. But then, i am not a new car fanatic, so i rest easy and think about the whole chunk of money i'll save on pre-owned.

[dr.abhijeet]

Originally Posted by chevelle

I agree. Its one hell of a ride. Good for you, you find one that you wanted. I am still having no such luck.

Yes, i am trying to be patient as much as i can. Sometimes, i think i should just go out and get a 2012-2013 corvette. But then, i am not a new car fanatic, so i rest easy and think about the whole chunk of money i'll save on pre-owned.

The problem with me is I am not sure what I want, hence I want to try every car I like and I like too many cars.I Just dont know how is this going to turn out in long run ,
FYI- I have bought 4 cars in 1 year I have been here.. Not good.

[chevelle]

Originally Posted by dr.abhijeet

The problem with me is I am not sure what I want, hence I want to try every car I like and I like too many cars.I Just dont know how is this going to turn out in long run ,
FYI- I have bought 4 cars in 1 year I have been here.. Not good.

Its the same with me. I want all kinds of car. Whichever i test drive, i like it so i want to buy it. If i had my way, i would have 4-5 cars in my garage already but its good to have a practical head that stops.

The good thing is, rental companies can do that for us at very affordable prices.