Author Topic: Searching for a sport/luxury compact - need recommendations please (Read 1576 times)

xraycat · « **on:** March 11, 2010, 09:49:16 pm »

Currently I am driving a 2003 Infiniti G35 sedan. It's rear wheel drive and has been quite fun to drive for the last few years.

I would like to move to sedan that has:

similar size (ie: not larger)
rear or all-wheel drive (not FWD)
automatic transmission/automated manual
heated front seats

Some nice-to-haves are:

fold-down rear seats
power seats, power mirrors, etc (luxury features)

Right now I am considering:

New Lancer Sportback Ralliart
New Ford Fusion Sport AWD
Used Lexus IS350/IS250

I'm wondering what people would recommend I research and take for a test drive. I'll be testing the Fusion Sport this weekend hopefully, I've already tested the Lancer Ralliart and an IS350. I'll attempt to find an IS250 but I think I'll be dissapointed after having the G35 and driving the IS350.

Thank you.

wing · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2010, 09:55:56 pm »

You have one of the best sport sedans out there, get a G37 as an upgrade or go german IMO. The Lexus is nice but it would have to be 350 if you enjoy the power.

xraycat · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2010, 11:28:10 pm »

I was pretty excited to know that I could afford a one-time car of the year (2003) but now I am more concerned with cost of repairs and maintenance on an older car that is out of warranty. I wouldn't be comfortable paying for a new G37 that's why I am considering lesser cars like the Lancer Ralliart and Fusion Sport.

Although, I am now considering leasing as I can see myself wanting a late model car at least every 4 years... I know that leasing vs financing is a completely different discussion altogether.

sailor723 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2010, 06:02:45 am »

This is a tough one. I think any of the cars you're considering will be a step down from what you have. Maybe a"nearly new" G37 from stateside?

Wheelboy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2010, 06:17:56 am »

Quote from: xraycat on March 11, 2010, 09:49:16 pm

I'll attempt to find an IS250 but I think I'll be dissapointed after having the G35 and driving the IS350.

For sure you will be disappointed in the IS250 and its low power especially compared to the 350. I'm almost in the same boat - I have a 2002 Acura 3.2TL-S and I'm looking for a new car and have no intention of replacing it with another $41,000 car. But can I live without the luxury of its torque? I tested the IS250 a few times and the power is barely adequate. But something's gonna have to give.

I also tested the G37 and the IS250 back-to-back (the dealerships are next door to each other) and there is nooooo comparison in their power

xraycat · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:26:26 am »

You're right but there is also no comparison in their price. Like you said, something has got to give. Whether it is performance or features my budget won't allow for both in a new car. So, either I buy a used IS350/G37/328i, a new IS250/323i or a new Lancer Ralliart. They will all be around the same price and have positives and negatives whether it is cost, features or performance.

I'll be financing the cost of all of these cars so then it comes down to what the final cost is after interest and warranty terms. Right now, if the sticker price of all of these cars were to be the same, the best deal is the Lancer with a low interest rate and full warranty but of course I am giving up the luxury options. My girlfriend doesn't actually like the Recaro seats that come with the "luxury" package in the Ralliart and I can put in a nicer DVD nav system as aftermarket for much cheaper than the one in the package so that pushes the sticker price down closer to $30k rather than $35k.

Just wondering if there are people out there who have gone through the same type of decision. I'll be hitting the auto show today so I'll be able to see all of these models up close and ask some questions there too.

Mitlov · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:30:01 am »

Nobody wanting "luxury" should even look at a Lancer.

Any thoughts on the A4 or the 3-Series? Not sure where your budget would put you engine-wise with those, but it seems to me that the four most obvious choices for your tastes would be the IS350, the G37, the 3-Series, and the A4.

xraycat · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:34:09 am »

Well I'm considering the Ralliart because it has the performance numbers of the IS350/G37/328i but costs less because I would be giving up the luxury features.

My question really is do I buy a used IS350/G35/328i and get the performance and luxury but lose the warranty and low financing or do I buy a new Ralliart and give up the luxury or IS250/323 (or Ford Fusion Sport...) and give up the performance?

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:39:29 am »

Maybe toss the Legacy in there too?

Mitlov · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:43:21 am »

Quote from: xraycat on March 12, 2010, 11:34:09 am

Well I'm considering the Ralliart because it has the performance numbers of the IS350/G37/328i but costs less because I would be giving up the luxury features.

My question really is do I buy a used IS350/G35/328i and get the performance and luxury but lose the warranty and low financing or do I buy a new Ralliart and give up the luxury or IS250/323 (or Ford Fusion Sport...) and give up the performance?

Buy the car YOU WANT, not the car that a CPA or an android or your mother would advise is a logical purchase. You'll be happier in the end. In this case, that means buying a used IS350/G37/328i.

wing · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:51:35 am »

May help if we what your budget was.

xraycat · « **Reply #11 on:** March 12, 2010, 11:55:59 am »

Quote from: sirAQUAMAN64 on March 12, 2010, 11:39:29 am

Maybe toss the Legacy in there too?

Ya, you're right. I was considering the Legacy earlier in the year but I was hoping to get the 2.5GT model except that it only comes with a manual transmission. I will look closer at the Legacy now though, the 3.6R seems to be a decent car and probably fits into what I'm looking for better than most other vehicles, thanks.

sailor723 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:01:19 pm »

Saw an ad for a 1.9% lease rate and "free" automatic for BMW 3 series in this morning's paper. They were also showing 1.9% finance for 60 months. Might be worth a look.

xraycat · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:02:19 pm »

Quote from: wing on March 12, 2010, 11:51:35 am

May help if we what your budget was.

Under $40k but also a decent interest rate and terms.

I'm not really sure what I want though, that's why I started this thread and am really glad I did, you guys are a great help.

The biggest complaint I had with my G35 was that because I bought it used it was out of warranty and there were a few instances where the cost of repairs quoted from the dealership were astronomical. They wanted $2000 to replace the AC compressor; I bought a used unit off eBay for $300 and had it replaced and recharged for $300 by a local shop. Then there was the audio unit that failed twice since I had it and had been replaced once before I even bought the car; I replaced that myself again with a used unit. I'm wary of buying a used luxury car because I know the costs to repair and maintain them are greater than a lower-end car and that's why I'm not sure if I want to buy them used.

So, to get the warranty I have to purchase a new(er) car and give up either the luxury or the performance and I just wanted to see what people's opinions are.

Although, I am seriously considering the Legacy 3.6R now.

Mitlov · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:04:15 pm »

Drive before you buy! Legacies are far more involving to drive than your typical CamCord, but they're still a big step down in subjective driving experience and refinement from your typical 3-Series or 3-Series competitor, in my opinion.

Brigitte · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:10:50 pm »

Hyundai Genesis coupe? There are a few satisfied enthusiasts on this board. Have a look at Just Bob's "What Car" thread in Buying and Selling -- which, by the way, is where I'm moving this thread.

xraycat · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2010, 12:28:42 pm »

Quote from: Brigitte on March 12, 2010, 12:10:50 pm

Hyundai Genesis coupe? There are a few satisfied enthusiasts on this board. Have a look at Just Bob's "What Car" thread in Buying and Selling -- which, by the way, is where I'm moving this thread.

Number one requirement is that it be a Sedan. Thanks for moving the thread, I'm brand new to the board and hadn't explored enough to find a more suitable place.

Weexy · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2010, 07:06:31 pm »

Thinking along the lines of Brigitte - but in sedan form.

Genesis Sedan - 3.8 V6, 290 HP, RWD.

Or, if you are thinking a 1 yr or so used, how about a Pontiac G8?

Both a bit bigger than your G, but if you want RWD, might be worth a look

Erik · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2010, 07:24:33 pm »

Quote from: WxyOne18 on March 12, 2010, 07:06:31 pm

Thinking along the lines of Brigitte - but in sedan form.

Genesis Sedan - 3.8 V6, 290 HP, RWD.

Or, if you are thinking a 1 yr or so used, how about a Pontiac G8?

Both a bit bigger than your G, but if you want RWD, might be worth a look

Couple of interesting recommendations here. Not much sport in the Genesis Sedan, but the price is good. Get a lot of car for the money.

The G8 is an incredible performance car for the money. Think last generation BMW M5 at half the price. Not as smooth and refined as the Genesis, I would guess (I have plenty of wheel time in a couple of different G8's, but have yet to drive the Genesis sedan), but a real hoot to drive.

Vmango · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2010, 07:35:00 pm »

I would recommend the Legacy 2.5GT. I'm sorry to hear that you don't want a manual. I came very close to getting the Legacy. Personally, I would only opt for the 2.5GT - not the 3.6R - but give it a try.

I'm almost shocked to see the Lancer on your short list. It doesn't seem to fit what you're asking for.