Used Cars In The 20K Range (For The Parents)

[Kent]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some advice about used cars in the 20,000 dollar range.
This is an odd market to look into because of all the options... Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, the list goes on and on.

The question I have for you all is this.

What Luxury cars look great, drive well, and feel good to ride in when you are over 50 and want to spend about 20 thousand?

To start I'd like to mention some of the suggestions I've made...
BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class as well as the CLK.

I've also started to suggest Coupe cars as they focus more on the driver and "shotgun" seat than the backseat. Plus, when you don't have kids to carry, a coupe can provide a much better experience for the driver and passenger.

With that in mind, my more specific suggestions were the 325ci and CLK.

What do you all think?
Thanks for openly discussing your thoughts, I will be sure to pass-on any great ideas.

Until I hear back from you all...

 

[FaLLeNAn9eL]

i have a few suggestions if u dont mind.
- acura tsx: my aunt recently purchased this car brand new from the local acura dealer for ~28k out the door, the car comes standard with loads of features (leather seats, am/fm/xm/cd player, moon roof, power everything) the ride is really nice and it looks great. u can probably buy a used one for sub 20.
Picture: http://www.edmunds.com/media/seo/500/2006.acura.tsx.jpg

- lexus is300: this car is beautiful, even the older ones look great, very well equiped, and u can find some below and a little bit above 20k
Picture: http://images.forbes.com/images/2002/04/15/test_open_415x309.jpg (2002)
Picture: http://auto.dayoo.com/node_2427/img/2006/06/15/1150349803115529_1.jpg(2007)

- bmw 329 (I or CI) u can find the 2001-2003 models of these for under 20k the car looks beautiful, personally i love the 2003 version of this car. this car is offered in many body types (sedan, coup, wagon, as well as convertible)
Picture: http://www.germancarfans.com/photos/3021111.002/1002.jpg (2003)

- infiniti g35 this car looks great, it has a great exhuast note, the interior is beautifuly done and best of all its a USDM skyline. the 2003 models run from the high 11k's to the low 20k's
Picture: http://www.carphotoalbums.com/photos/data/713/11infiniti_g35_03-med.jpg

 

[Raghavan]

TSX, IS300, maybe even a ES300/330.I'm not sure if you'll find those for $20k, but maybe if yo ulooked hard enough you could find a base model or something.

 

[IMADreamer]

In the last month or so I have driven both a new C 230 and a BMW 3 series and honestly they are perfect for old people. Actually in a few years when I finally decided to start a family I will be looking long and hard at a C class. They are very nice cars, drive well, have some nifty gadgets and are a nice family car. Plus people will say "oh they have a mercedes" so if you parents are into that sort of thing then they should look at it. My faults with the car were that they were not fun to drive, felt rather disconnected from the road, and if something goes wrong once the warrenty is up it's costly. VERY costly.

I understand that 50 somethings feel the need to show off a bit and impress the neighbors so I think if they went with a Benz or a BMW they will be happy but I would like to suggest something less cool. The Mazda 6. I really pushed hard for my parents to get a 6 when they purchased their new car last month and they really liked the car. However they didn't go that direction in the end. The 6 offers nice amenities, a fun drive, and a decent cost. While with a Mercedes and BMW you are looking at a 5-6 year old car for 20k OTD you could get a one year old 6 for the same price. The car will have low miles, warrenty, and maybe even the new car smell.

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, undoubtedly the 3-series is the king of the category that you are looking at, but it is also packed full of other options at the same price. If I may for a moment suggest a few others...

1) 2003+ Cadillac CTS 3.6 (5-speed Automatic): The car sits right on the $20K price-point, and pulls on the "Buy American" strings if your parents have them. The car is rated quite high in quality and reliability tests, fuel mileage is pretty good, and there is MORE room than the 3-series, given that the CTS is slotted between the 3 and 5 series models respectively.

2) 2002-2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4MOTION Sedan/Wagon:
All of these models fall below the $20K price-point, and IMO, offers far greater refinement in comparison to the CTS and 3-series. I'm not completely certain on reliability ratings for the car, but from I understand they have held up well over time. The good thing about these cars is that they not only have the W8 power, but AWD as well. Added to that, the cars are very comfortable and very quiet, and are among some of the best Volkswagens ever made.

---

If I was in their situation, ^thats^ probably what I'd be looking at (along with the 3-series of course). The Mercedes C and CLK classes are nice and all, but the build quality is so shoddy and the mechanical reliability is only so-so. Not to say they are bad cars, but I'd only be considering a Mercedes that is under warranty at the moment, but thats just me.

In reference to Lexus, well, to me they just aren't exclusive enough anymore. Given that they are generally overdressed Camrys (or atleast thats the case with the ES), the only models I'd be considering from the Lexus lineup would indeed be the GS models. But they are outstandingly boring, both inside and out, and still don't have that solid feel to them that the Germans have.

As for the G35, I can't say a whole lot about their cars because of my limited expiriences with them. Although I have sat in and looked at many times, I have never driven or ridden, thus my critique of the car is based largely uppon my expiriences in the dealer and what I have read. IMO, they are good cars based on a great chassis (I have driven the FX45 however...) and use a great engine. However, the biggest dissapointment in the car is the interior plastics and trim that seem quite cheap in comparison even to the CTS. Granted, the G35 is several thousand less than a comparibly equipped 3-series, but it really isn't my call here...

 

[Onikaze]

Ford Mustang, 2005 GT's can be had for $20k if you look.

Corvette C5 Coupe, early models are sitting right around 19-20k

Mid 90's Porsche 911's are down towards the 20k range aren't they? If not, go back a few more years til you find some that are.

Lexus IS300, great little cars, very fun, and looks very nice.

BMW 5 series, early-mid 90's, what's not to love?

BMW 3 Series, see above, but with a bit less room

BMW 740i/750iL, grandpa will love it

Caddy CTS, go America!

Infiniti Q40-Q45, M40-M45, G35 Coupe/Sedan, great cars all around, not as boring as Lexus.

Mazda Miata/RX-8, you can have either a late model, or brand new one for that price, very fun, and good to great gas mileage.

Just my thoughts.

 

[a6m5]

Probably because I'm poor, but I would consider top-of-the-line Accord or Maxima, maybe Camry. You can get a fairly new one for 20K, a lot newer than a luxury car at the same price. Accords, Maximas, Camrys with full options including navigation, wood, leather, etc. feels like luxury cars IMO, but they are thousands cheaper. Those three drives really smooth with automatic transmissions too. And the best part is; especially because it's going to be a used car, it's A LOT cheaper to maintain and fix. -Mr. Cheap

Onikaze: You said RX-8 and great gas mileage in a same sentence.

 

[JCE]

Sedans: 2005 Maxima 3.5SE, 2003/2004 G35 sedan, 2003 Audi A6, 2003 Jaguar S-Type 3.0L, 2005 Subaru Legacy GT, or a 2003 Acura TL.

Coupes: 2002/2003 Mercedes CLK320 w/AMG package, BMW 3-series (any year), 2003/2004 G35 coupe, 2004 Mustang GT (I doubt you will find an '05 for $20k), 2003 Mustang Cobra, or a Subaru WRX coupe.

To name a few.

 

[Onikaze]

I said Miata/RX-8 and good to great.

Miatas get great mileage.

RX-8's get comparable to large V-6's/V-8's, which would be crap, except for the number of S(tupidly)U(nnecessary)V(ehicles) on the road dropping the Average mileage numbers.

 

[Poverty]

3 series or CLK. Id go with the latter. Actually scratch that, the price range is for the older gen CLK which are poo so 3 series.

 

[a6m5]

I said Miata/RX-8 and good to great.

Miatas get great mileage.

RX-8's get comparable to large V-6's/V-8's, which would be crap, except for the number of S(tupidly)U(nnecessary)V(ehicles) on the road dropping the Average mileage numbers.

In a same sentence again! But seriously, I love RX-8's, but V-6 power out of an engine that has a fuel economy of a V-8 shouldn't even qualify as "good". My brother has a loaded one. Very beautiful car, in & out. 👍

 

[///M-Spec]

Are your parents 'car people'? This would have a pretty big impact on what would make the best choice for them.

A 325Ci may or may not be a good fit for your folks depending on what virtures they cherish from an automobile. It's edged towards the sharp end of the ride/handling compromise. It's a bit on the smallish side. It doesn't do a good impression of a sensory deprivation tank. It also develops a healthy appetite for hundred dollar bills --usually four, five or six at a time-- as the car ages. So if your folks are thinking long term on this purchase, they will want to keep this in mind.

Of course, there's not much else in the price range that will match it's level of driver involvement. But if balancing the car with the thottle out of a double apex, off camber turn is not high on the list of things your folks do with regularlity, you may want to look elsewhere-- they could get more for their money.

However, a 325Ci vert is quite a bit of fun whether you can double clutch or not. A top that comes down at the press of a button tends to take 10 maybe 20 years off someone.

Anyway if they do go with a Bimmer, I recommend an extended warranty. BMW has a certification program that moves the warranty to 100,000 and 6 years. They are solid cars for the most part, but in the higher miles, they will start nickle and dimin you a little bit, especially with things electrical.

Have you also looked into a Volvo C70 coupe? It's a natural competitor to the 3er. A GTO 5.7 might also be within reach.

I know you've been trying to get them in a coupe, but an Acura TL is a great deal. And early ones should be well within their price range now. And while it's not a 'luxury' car per se, a late model Maxima also packs a lot of ommph for the dough.


M

 

[YSSMAN]

Cheers to the idea about the Volvo C70, but there is a problem... The car flexes more than Olive Oyl's arms, quivering on every rough-road surface. Generally speaking, only the new C70 floats the boat in terms of luxury sport coupe/convertables, but against the cheaper VW Eos and Pontiac G6 Convertable, the extra $10K seems like a waste on the Sweede.

Adding onto what ///M-Spec had said, I'd say he is right about the 325ci. My Grandfather was considering buying a 328ci (later a 330ci) based largely uppon the positive reviews given to the car, but after driving it, he wasen't particularly pleased with the ride overall. Granted, the sedan would have probably been more up his alley, but being the "empty-nester" that he is, he only "needs" two-doors.

I like ///M-Spec's suggestion on the GTO, but being that I'm apparently the only GM guy left anymore (now that BX is gone...), I thought it might have been too obvious to say something like that. But, the car is great, and you can find early GTO 5.7's for pretty cheap, often with just a few ticks on the odo. The cars ride great, the seats are quite comfortable, and the back seats can actually be used for people, or for storage.

...The only bad side to the car would be the gas mileage, but even then, it still is pretty damn good with the LS1...

 

[1X83Z]

Have you also looked into a Volvo C70 coupe? It's a natural competitor to the 3er.

True - unless handling, acceleration, and reliability are any means of comparison. Also the convertible has been considered one of the least-rigid modern cars, which can't mean the hardtop is much better. And the platform is circa 1993, which is upsetting when you're paying these amounts. "Looks" is the only category where the Volvo C70 would defeat a 3-series - and it does so, soundly, along with every single other car. Ever.

I will now answer the question posed by the thread starter:

2001 BMW 740i

Discussion over.

In a newspaper in rural western Colorado, I saw an '05 GTO 6.0 available for $21500. Are we really considering Pontiac on the same level as "Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, [and] Lexus", though? And did someone suggest the Mazda 6? Lord.

 

[///M-Spec]

True - unless handling, acceleration, and reliability are any means of comparison.

Which is why I made the fuss about what kind of people Kent's parents are. It's possible they may give a flip about handling or acceleration, but really care about safety and comfort, two things the Volvo does well.

I have no great love for the C70, but rather played it as a counter-point against the 325Ci.

Now that I think about it, I don't know why I didn't throw out "Infiniti G35 Coupe" as a top option.

I will now answer the question posed by the thread starter:

2001 BMW 740i

Discussion over.

I doubt it.

I've also started to suggest Coupe cars as they focus more on the driver and "shotgun" seat than the backseat. Plus, when you don't have kids to carry, a coupe can provide a much better experience for the driver and passenger.

M

 

[1X83Z]

Now that I think about it, I don't know why I didn't throw out "Infiniti G35 Coupe" as a top option.

Are those going for 20k now?! Man - it was awesome in '03 and it's even more awesome now, five model years later. I nominate it as the official GTP car.

I doubt it.

$10 says the 740 could outhandle the C70 that you value so preciously.

 

[JCE]

Are those going for 20k now?! Man - it was awesome in '03 and it's even more awesome now, five model years later. I nominate it as the official GTP car.



$10 says the 740 could outhandle the C70 that you value so preciously.

1+ and +2. People would be surprised how well the 7-series handles. I had the pleasure of driving one...they are quite nimble for something that large.

 

[1X83Z]

1+ and +2. People would be surprised how well the 7-series handles. I had the pleasure of driving one...they are quite nimble for something that large.

Yeah - and people would be surpised at how poorly the C70 handles, too. But god it's gorgeous.

 

[JCE]

Yeah - and people would be surpised at how poorly the C70 handles, too. But god it's gorgeous.

Agreed. These new Volvos are brilliantly beautiful...but I haven't driven a good handling Volvo yet with exception to the S60R I drove...obviously that one can handle.

And my god look at it! So beautiful...

 

[1X83Z]

The ride sucks though, and it's got no power with the automatic transmission.

I drive a Volvo and it handles like a Daewoo.

I bet the S40 handles pretty well.

 

[JCE]

The ride sucks though, and it's got no power with the automatic transmission.

I drive a Volvo and it handles like a Daewoo.

I bet the S40 handles pretty well.

I haven't driven the S40R yet...but I've heard that it handles decent enough. And were you referring to the S60R's ride and auto transmission? I found the car ok in the power department...certainly not slow.

 

[1X83Z]

I haven't driven the S40R yet...but I've heard that it handles decent enough. And were you referring to the S60R's ride and auto transmission? I found the car ok in the power department...certainly not slow.

According to Volvo, the S60R's manual version does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, while the automatic (which suffers a significant torque cut - from 295 to 258) manages the run in 7.1 seconds, which is no better than the T5. That's okay if you're into the manual thing, though, but the way I see it, if you want a quick manual, you wouldn't be getting a Volvo.

 

[JCE]

According to Volvo, the S60R's manual version does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, while the automatic (which suffers a significant torque cut - from 295 to 258) manages the run in 7.1 seconds, which is no better than the T5. That's okay if you're into the manual thing, though, but the way I see it, if you want a quick manual, you wouldn't be getting a Volvo.

I actually completely agree with the bold statement. However, I would still think 7.1 seconds isn't slow. And the car is very classy, comfortable, and looks stunning (especially in black). But, your point is taken. 👍

 

[1X83Z]

7.1 seconds is definitely not slow - my own car does 0-60 in ~7.1 - however the S60 T5 automatic does 0-60 in 7.3 and costs just $33200, while the R does it in 7.1 and costs $39200 (with automatics, both). Is better handling and better looks worth $6k? Hmm...

 

[JCE]

Sadly...yes. I know I know, it goes against all logic...but I'd spend the extra $$$. That's like trying to decide to get a top of the line Cayman or the base 911...either one would be great but you know you'd rather have the 911. [/bad analogy]

 

[1X83Z]

Sadly...yes. I know I know, it goes against all logic...but I'd spend the extra $$$. That's like trying to decide to get a top of the line Cayman or the base 911...either one would be great but you know you'd rather have the 911. [/bad analogy]

Perhaps - but in the case of the Volvos, I find the higher price quite a bit more difficult to justify than with the example of the Porsches.

 

[Onikaze]

I'd rather have the Cayman, myself, new 911's don't try hard enough to kill you.

As for the Volvo, it's funny you bring up Porsche, as one of Volvo's selling points was always being able to outrun a Porsche with a wardrobe in the back.

I do think the S40 is a nice looking little car though, wouldn't be a bad choice, but I get the feeling he's wanting something a little more fun.

 

[STLbarcelona5]

Saab 9-3 perhaps.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'd go for the S40 before the 9-3, need I remind you that I am a GM guy...

The Volvo just seems like it is put together a bit better, has a bit more punch, and more of a sporty character to it. Granted, the 9-3 is a great car, but I don't know if I would every buy one new off the lot. Granted, it depends greatly on model and overall packaging, but the S40 just FEELS like a better car.

But, and this is a HUGE but, the VW Passat is still king over both of them. Not only are you getting more car for a lower price, it (IMO) is more fun to drive as well. Granted, the options on the Passat these days aren't quite as good as ones pasted on the car a few years ago, the $20K price limit makes the old Passat W8 an option...

 

[1X83Z]

Yeah kudos for mentioning the Passat. It's often skipped over in the discussion of front-drive sport sedans, but it's definitely a good one. That 2-liter turbo is quick, and the three six is seriously quick. Lots of 'em are all-wheel drive though. Either way - I agree. Passat W8? Ugh.

I'd rather have the S40 than a 9-3 too, but that new 9-3 wagon, the SportCombi, looks positively tempting - it's not that expensive, it's dangerously quick, and it's gorgeous.