[spiff]

nobody suggesting a corvette / pre-owned range rover?

[Nitin]

I agree with Mohit, the G37s would be her best bet. Tonnes of goodies,and a super reliable coupe.

[FlyingSpur]

Originally Posted by spiff

nobody suggesting a corvette / pre-owned range rover?

You missed the part where GTO mentioned an SUV is already in the stable.

Originally Posted by Nitin

I agree with Mohit, the G37s would be her best bet. Tonnes of goodies,and a super reliable coupe.

+1. G37's sound awesome, and apparently they have enough brag value too.

[aah78]

Yep, CA is definitely 3-series convertible territory.
The A5 in it's convertible variant looks good too.

@Sahil: The 325 isn't sold here - only the 328 & 335.

[Raj1008]

I would say go for the boxster. Its a much superior drive and better badge than the Z4. And in CA you can drive it with top down most of the year. Another contender maybe the Lotus Elsie. Its a better handler than the boxster but its also more basic inside. I am guessing the porsche is more balanced in that respect.

A used boxster say 2005 or so could be about $28 but a newer one could be had closer to the $40K mark. I may even suggest getting a brand new one so you dont have any issues to deal with. It should be in that ball park.

There is nothing like a German car so I am not a big fan of the Infinits or Lexus. Heck if they find a used Viper of 2002 that could be a deal too. But in the end if its going to be your sister and brother in law sharing the car I cant think of anything better than the Boxster.

[fiery enzyme]

Originally Posted by GTO

Any particular models within the Lexus & Infinity family?

Infinity G7 .

[the VTEC guy]

That is quite a budget. the choices are really tremendous.
Any european car is easily in this budget. Right from the sporty M3/M5, Porsche, AMG kitted Mercs to luxury oriented Merc CLS, 7 series or S class. Most of the recent cars (2006/2007 onwards) may still have remainder of warranty. Some dealers do offer extended warranty of further 7 years or 100000 miles for as little as 1500$.
See this link for fantastic cars available in NW. Portland, Or is not far away from California.
Freeman Motor Co - European Import Motor Cars in Portland and Bend, Oregon

my experience - I was getting a good deal on 1997 S320 with 93K miles for 6500$ plus above said warranty for 1500$ extra. Its really mouth watering (I wish they allowed to import a LHD like this to India).

With a budget of around 40K$ you will be able to get hands on very new cars - 3 years old typically cars that have been returned after 3 years of leasing that have only 30K miles on them.

Which ever car is choosen my advice is to go ahead and purchase a extended warranty.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by amit

Lexus are launching the IS Convertable as a 2010 model which mean's the launch should be just a few months away. Also, the IS sedan starts at about 32K so the ISC should be in the 40K range. I know it will be new and not pre-owned but since it's a Lexus, it's worth a shot.

Thanks. Will have her know.

Another option is the VW Eos. It may not give the 'feel good' factor of the sport luxury Lexus's and BMW's but it offers a folding metal roof with integrated sun roof. Since it's a VW, I'd be wary of the complicated folding roof mechanism.

VWs in the states have a terribly reputation WRT reliability. She won't be keen.

Originally Posted by flyingspur

The link I attached was for a pre-owned M with not many miles on it....

Yup, saw that. I should have been clearer : She really wouldn't want an extreme M, as 0 - 60 / 100 is so not her.

Originally Posted by mohit

Infinity G37 Coupe. Its a looker and sounds heavenly.

Originally Posted by Nitin

I agree with Mohit, the G37s would be her best bet. Tonnes of goodies,and a super reliable coupe.

Originally Posted by fiery enzyme

Infinity G7 .

Originally Posted by flyingspur

G37's sound awesome, and apparently they have enough brag value too.

I'm not familiar with this model, but with so many recommendations from you guys, will add it to her shortlist.

Originally Posted by the VTEC guy

my experience - I was getting a good deal on 1997 S320 with 93K miles for 6500$ plus above said warranty for 1500$ extra. Its really mouth watering (I wish they allowed to import a LHD like this to India).

It's mouth watering till you realise that the $6500 is a mere down payment. Think of it as a transaction fee . The monthly EMIs (repair bills) of the W140 form the actual cost of acquisition. There is a reason why these old luxo barges go so cheap.

[mohit]

This is insane! There are like a gazillion cars from highest end BMWs to Maseratis to SL500s in this price range.
This link is like a tip of the iceberg as far as options go.

Cars.com search for coupes and convertibles between 35K and 45K

[Nitin]

With a budget of $40K, the number of options are limitless. Talk about the Infity G37, the BMW 335i, the IS350/LS430, maybe the BMW 535i (1-2 years old), and the list can go on and on.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by aah78

Yep, CA is definitely 3-series convertible territory.
The A5 in it's convertible variant looks good too.

@Sahil: The 325 isn't sold here - only the 328 & 335.

My bad, the 325 was indeed replaced by the 328.

The A5 is a great suggestion! If the reason for not getting the 3 is that it's model change is due in 2011 then the A5 fits the bill. It's new, hot, fast and now in convertible form!

[Bailee_Jatt_Boy]

GTO first of all congrats man! In this state of economy this is a feat in itself

My suggestion in the first place would be good old Cadillac CTS ( or if they try a little harder CTS-V)

If no "GM" cars then I would suggest 5 Series and nice 540, 545, 550 nothing can go wrong there special offers on pre owned financing I think 0.99% plus 5 years 50,000 miles maintenance package. It does not get any better

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Bailee_Jatt_Boy

My suggestion in the first place would be good old Cadillac CTS ( or if they try a little harder CTS-V)

Thanks Bailee, I love the CTS-V, but it's really not the type of car my sister is looking at.

then I would suggest 5 Series and nice 540, 545, 550

My first recommendation to her. She declined as she thinks the 5 is too big for her usage. 80% of the driving alone, 20% with spouse and they do have an SUV for those outstation / airport runs.

This weekend, she is test driving the Boxster, Infinity G37 and BMW 3 / Z4.

[narry]

hi
u can check honda premium brand Acura.com – Official Home of Acura Cars and SUVs
may car for 40k usd budget

for example acura Tl

ACCELERATED INNOVATION

TL: 280-hp, 3.5-liter VTEC® V-6 engine
TL SH-AWD: 305-hp, 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine
From $34,955*
i have driven this in china is simpy superb
can give top german car a run for ther money
regards
narry

[Sn1p3r]

Originally Posted by GTO

This weekend, she is test driving the Boxster, Infinity G37 and BMW 3 / Z4.

So, how was the test drive? any updates GTO.

I noticed that many fellows here are recommending the cars, but not cars that are apt for a big 4 accounting firm, just promoted employee.

She needs to put her best foot forward. The culture in her office parking lot will stereotype her and that will be for life.

At end of the day she will make her own decision. But she better be informed.

IMHO:
Honda's and Toyota's are a strict no no these are equivalent to misers, no aspiration for good things in life.

Acuras and Lexus are again, middle management with kids and a family to support.

Infinity = sporty, peppy but very young and naive = no no in a corporate.

Cadillacs and Lincolns = grand daddy

Mercs/Audis Cs/4s and Es/6s = Arrived and want to make most.

Porsches = Old money, sense of class, fun to be around.