Which Sports sedan under 25k?

[SSLEVO]

So i've been kicking the idea around about getting rid of the civic and getting into a sports sedan of some type. The 138 ft-lbs of torque just isn't doing it for me, lol. I'm looking for something i can drive year round that will get us by for a while. It will probably be a year or two before i will be able to get a "fun" car in addition so this will have to get me by until then.

I would love another evo but the ride just plain sucks and the wife would probably never ride in it. I may be able to get into an evo X (probably hard to find under 25k) but have never driven one so i'm not sure how the ride is.

I test drove a couple 04-07 CTS-v's and they are pretty badass. The ride is unbelievable, the only issue is even with 400 hp it feels really slow to me. I'm sure its because its so smooth and quiet but idk how fun it is to drive bone stock. An exhaust may take care of that problem.

What would you guys recommend for under 25k?

[nismodave]

I like these, AWD good power reliable and safe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-5-GT-LIMITED-NAVIGATION-HEATED-LEATHER-SUNROOF-AWD-TX-/130424137014?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e5de26536

[STANMAN]

The 09 and up WRX's (not the STI's) have the same stuff (brakes, drivetrain) as 08 and lower STI's. When I was looking they were about the best thing out there if you wanted something fun in that price range.

[LIZMO]

yeh, if you can find a Subaru Legacy Spec B (pretty much a grown up STI) but then your back to your evo style car. and i don't think you like the subies much.


best sport sedan out there for right around 25K is a 2003+ Mercedes Benz E55 AMG :D

[LIZMO]

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=45340434&listingRecNum=2&criteria=prMx%3D30000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%2 6mkId%3D20028%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21014%26rd%3D2 50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-trId%26zc%3D53051%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-1%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26trId%3D23645%26rpp%3D50%26feed SegId%3D28705&aff=national

[nismodave]

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=45340434&listingRecNum=2&criteria=prMx%3D30000%26sf1Dir%3DDESC%26prMn%3D0%2 6mkId%3D20028%26stkTyp%3DU%26mdId%3D21014%26rd%3D2 50%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice-trId%26zc%3D53051%26rn%3D0%26PMmt%3D1-1-1%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir%3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dpric e%26sf2Nm%3Dmiles%26trId%3D23645%26rpp%3D50%26feed SegId%3D28705&aff=national

:drool::drool::drool: Ive been lusting after that car for 5 years!!

[JC70SS]

If you buy a Used E55 you better take out an extended warranty.

[team beater]

I test drove a couple 04-07 CTS-v's and they are pretty badass. The ride is unbelievable, the only issue is even with 400 hp it feels really slow to me. I'm sure its because its so smooth and quiet but idk how fun it is to drive bone stock. An exhaust may take care of that problem.

What would you guys recommend for under 25k?

I was in the same position as you a little while back.

I drove a V as well and felt the same way, then I drove a legacy gt and it also was slow. I felt the V would be more fun but the legacy would better the better buy for a daily, you can play a little bit with the legacy to pep it up and still get good gas milege, unlike the V.


plus the GT would be better in the snow

I ended up deciding against a payment all together and just traded my e46 for my regal gs............me being a cheap ass lol.............

my .02

[Slow Joe]

Personally I was a fan of the G35X, which can be had for under 25k.

I'd pass on the CTS-V only for the fact that it it would SUCK in the snow...

As for the Subie... Talk about boring to drive... We test drove a legacy... No feedback from the steering at all...

However if it was E55 AMG vs G35X... Well, that's a simple choice. the E55 AMG hands down... And I wouldn't be too worried about the warranty. My dad's S500 has over 100k with minimal issues. However, just remember what the car cost new when it comes to repairs... Even if it's down to half the price of new (or less) the repairs won't drop the same percentage... :rolf

[davidrab]

If you buy a Used E55 you better take out an extended warranty.

No kidding. I was really looking at buying one last year but read something
about the SC'd engines being about $70k to replace. It was an older forum
thread but it still has to be a bunch today. Guess that's why a 2 year
warranty was about $3k. I really, really wanted one too.

When I got the WRX it came down to that or a used G35x. I choose the WRX
but probably should have chosen the G35. The WRX is pretty quick but
cheap. the G35 wasn't too bad but was a really nice car. Maybe better for
my "older" age.

For some reason, I didn't like the Legacy GT's (regular or spec B). They
seemed to ask too much for what they were (and the clutch was brutal).

My 335xi was nice but was missing something. Maybe it was because it was
an auto. I also don't know if I would have trusted the reliability over a
number of years.

2006 or so S4 might fit the bill too (I still want a new one). It's a bit small in
back but that V8 is pretty sweet. Not sure about reliability though. I think
there might be an issue with the DI.

Lexus IS 350 is more luxury than sport but scoots pretty good (from test
drives).

[GTSLOW]

There's a nice goat in the F/S section with snow tires. :)

[Prince Valiant]

Chrysler Sebring.

[nismodave]

Chrysler Sebring.

:chair::chair::chair::chair::chair::chair::chair:

[Prince Valiant]

:chair::chair::chair::chair::chair::chair::chair:N o, wait...I meant Dodge Avenger. RT of course. AWD too.

[Crawlin]

New car? Maybe a Hyundai Genesis if you don't need the AWD

The CTS-V was great in the snow with a set of blizzaks and different rims from Tire Rack. Dad did that for 2-3 winters and no issues at all. Actually said it was better in the snow than the STS4 that followed it up for a business car.

I'm in the same boat. Need a car in the next month and just have no clue as to what to get.

[Slow Joe]

No kidding. I was really looking at buying one last year but read something
about the SC'd engines being about $70k to replace.

Maybe if you had to ship the car back to Germany, and that included shipping both ways, and an engineer from Mercedes named Hans repairing the car by hand, oh and building you a new engine by hand... :rolf

[Slow Joe]

New car? Maybe a Hyundai Genesis if you don't need the AWD


Add Mr Yuk Sticker here...

http://blog.lib.umn.edu/loyd0008/villain/images/mr-yuk.gif

Might as well get a Lexus LS and get the original, not the copy...

[Crawlin]

i haven't driven one yet, just thought they were "all the rage" since it was a well built piece.

as for getting the lexus, why spend the extra $20,000 for a toyota product that could have the air bags blow up in your face?

as of late, i'm starting to like the cheap car companies.

[SSLEVO]

I have looked into the 335i's as well, just haven't had the chance to drive one yet. I do kind of like the 04-06 S4's too, i think they only get like 22-24 mpg hwy but the awd would be nice. I'm in the classic battle between wanting a cushy ride and a track car all in one.

[nismodave]

Add Mr Yuk Sticker here...


Might as well get a Lexus LS and get the original, not the copy...

You must be on crack...lol. :goof I drove one a month ago, and its a fantastic vehicle. New vs New you get the basicly the same vehicle for THOUSANDS less.

Unfortunately you cant get one for 25k.

[Nix]

Have you ever considered a Chrysler 300? Either a C or Srt model. I have a C with the hemi and it has plenty of power along with comfort and space. It has been a all around great car. If you havent driven one give it a try, you may like them. It has all the options including navi heated this and that and low miles and the price was under 25k with about 20k on it when I bought it. Lots of car for little money compared to others. Maybe get the awd 300?

Good luck on your search.

[SSLEVO]

Have you ever considered a Chrysler 300? Either a C or Srt model. I have a C with the hemi and it has plenty of power along with comfort and space. It has been a all around great car. If you havent driven one give it a try, you may like them. It has all the options including navi heated this and that and low miles and the price was under 25k with about 20k on it when I bought it. Lots of car for little money compared to others. Maybe get the awd 300?

Good luck on your search.

I know the srt goes pretty good but that is a huge car. I'm looking for something a little smaller.

[Nix]

I see what you're saying. Maybe just test drive one to be sure. You never know.

[WhatsADSM]

Best of cushy and track car? IMO the Germans do that best, but then as mentioned previously get an extended warranty and don't expect it to be too cheap to modify.

[SSLEVO]

I'm doing some research on the 335i and it looks like its a tune away from 350 rwhp bone stock. Throw in an exhaust and intake and its around 400 rwhp in a 3600 lb car. Luxury and boost at the same time. I think i may have found it...

[GTSLOW]

My cousin had one, was a nice car for sure!

[shoooo32]

335i- There is a reason the three series has been on car and drivers "10 best" list just about every year for the last twenty five years. My only recommendation is avoid the xi (maintenance costs are tremendous and it understeers like a pig) and get the sport package (the seats are worth the price of admission).

[jbiscuit]

German cars = $$$$ repairs. Hard to beat the turbo Subies!!!!! If you want plush, get the Legacy GT. Great cars. PLUS for fun, mod it and go beat up on new Mustangs and Camaros.

[BAD LS1]

Man i tried the fast DD scene, it just ends up beingthe second car you throw mods at lol. Maybe a turbo cobalt SS sedan? hahah they ARE faster than just about every car mentioned thus far and respond incredibly to tunes.

Dont even bother with a CTS-V unless its an 06-07 with an LS2.

[PureSound15]

Dont even bother with a CTS-V unless its an 06-07 with an LS2.

What makes you say that? It's the LS6 before that, right?

[Josepy]

G8 That is what I would do.

[BAD LS1]

What makes you say that? It's the LS6 before that, right?

Yes, but why short your self when you can find nice LS2 V's in his price range. on paper they are similar power levels, bu the LS2 is one hell of a mill in comparison.

[Cryptic]

British Ben's has a Mazda Speed 6 (AWD) that has pretty good get up and go. Comfortable back seats. Can be had way cheaper than 25k too.

[Crawlin]

oh yeah, i like Ben's speed6 ALOT. Very comfortable, lots of room, AWD, turbo, good gas mileage i'm assuming. only downside is it's not an automatic if you are looking for something that you just get in and go

[Larrygto]

I just bought a MINI Cooper Clumbman S it has a surprising amount of room inside gets 40+ mpg on the hwy 25+ around town runs on regular and is pretty quick with the turbo.
Plus it goes around corners like its on rails it's no rocket, but for a DD its pretty good.

[flyin_blue_egg]

So i've been kicking the idea around about getting rid of the civic and getting into a sports sedan of some type. The 138 ft-lbs of torque just isn't doing it for me, lol. I'm looking for something i can drive year round that will get us by for a while. It will probably be a year or two before i will be able to get a "fun" car in addition so this will have to get me by until then.

I would love another evo but the ride just plain sucks and the wife would probably never ride in it. I may be able to get into an evo X (probably hard to find under 25k) but have never driven one so i'm not sure how the ride is.

I test drove a couple 04-07 CTS-v's and they are pretty badass. The ride is unbelievable, the only issue is even with 400 hp it feels really slow to me. I'm sure its because its so smooth and quiet but idk how fun it is to drive bone stock. An exhaust may take care of that problem.

What would you guys recommend for under 25k?


get an 04-05 CTS-V for a lil under 20k and by a magnaflow supercharger for it. Test drove the black one they had a Reina a few months ago and thats what it had, and it was pretty quick....in terms of them feeling slow don't forget that you are still driving a 4 door and a big one at that

[PureSound15]

get an 04-05 CTS-V for a lil under 20k and by a magnaflow supercharger for it. t

lol Wut?


You mean a magnacharger?

[British_Ben]

British Ben's has a Mazda Speed 6 (AWD) that has pretty good get up and go. Comfortable back seats. Can be had way cheaper than 25k too.


oh yeah, i like Ben's speed6 ALOT. Very comfortable, lots of room, AWD, turbo, good gas mileage i'm assuming. only downside is it's not an automatic if you are looking for something that you just get in and go

Yep, they are decent cars with decent power. Not going to blow you away though. Locking rear diff + AWD + snow tires is a dream in the snow.

The car has a few quirks though that get on my nerves and there are some definite things to look for if you're interested in one.

Great value for money though.

[wrath]

CTS AWD with the direct-injected 3.6L/6speed.

[VroomPshhTsi]

get an 04-05 CTS-V for a lil under 20k and by a magnaflow supercharger for it. Test drove the black one they had a Reina a few months ago and thats what it had, and it was pretty quick....in terms of them feeling slow don't forget that you are still driving a 4 door and a big one at that

Did you just imply that he should drive a supercharged V8 for a DD? :confused

[0TransAm0]

Did you just imply that he should drive a supercharged V8 for a DD? :confused

whats wrong with that? :goof

[VroomPshhTsi]

whats wrong with that? :goof

LOL nothing besides half your paycheck will go towards insurance, maintenance, and gas.

[Slow Joe]

i haven't driven one yet, just thought they were "all the rage" since it was a well built piece.

as for getting the lexus, why spend the extra $20,000 for a toyota product that could have the air bags blow up in your face?

as of late, i'm starting to like the cheap car companies.

I'm far from a Toyota fan, but for resale value, and overall quality I'd pick the Lexus over the Genesis...

I guess looking at sporty DDs, I'd probably buy what I own... a Saab 9-5 Aero. It's quick (260ish hp stock), there's the ability for mods. It has paddle shifters (for the autos). They're under the 25k range all day long. And they handle... Well for a FWD "luxury" car... Plus as long as you change the oil on the 2.3L Turbo engines, no worries...

[flyin_blue_egg]

lol Wut?


You mean a magnacharger?


yea....for some reason that's what came to my head at the time....

[flyin_blue_egg]

LOL nothing besides half your paycheck will go towards insurance, maintenance, and gas.


as long as you don't beat the piss out of it off every light you won't burn that much more gas....now if you go all F&F off every stop light then yea you're gonna burn a lot of gas.

[hrsp]

have you had a chance to test drive anything yet?

[Crawlin]

I'm far from a Toyota fan, but for resale value, and overall quality I'd pick the Lexus over the Genesis...

I guess looking at sporty DDs, I'd probably buy what I own... a Saab 9-5 Aero. It's quick (260ish hp stock), there's the ability for mods. It has paddle shifters (for the autos). They're under the 25k range all day long. And they handle... Well for a FWD "luxury" car... Plus as long as you change the oil on the 2.3L Turbo engines, no worries...

I like the saab stuff. Can get the saab version of the WRX for some cool looks as well.

As for resale value Joe. I understand where you are coming from and I know you know what you are talking about, but

07 LS 460 was about $65,000 new and sell for about $45,000 now.

So $20,000 loss

Figure a new Genesis is about $38,000. So in 3 years it would have to be only pulling $18,000 to be EVEN. Most of the used '09s are still sitting at 30 so I think that resale argument isn't gonna be relevant :)

As for other stuff....

Audi A4's with the s-line package for looks. You'll be right there for price-wise. If you are financing, usually Audi has a 0.9% for 60-72 months on certified cars(the ex bought one under this program)

Quick little car, AWD, PLENTY of mods available for it for looks as well as performance. Certified warranty so you don't wave to worry about the little stuff.

[IcePickFreak]

I'd have to second the G8. Should be able to find a low mileage GT in your budget. I picked up a set of 18s with 245 blizzaks and last year the car was excellent in the snow - had a 60 mile round trip commute for work.

[0TransAm0]

LOL nothing besides half your paycheck will go towards insurance, maintenance, and gas.

not if you drive like a normal human being..

[kirks5oh]

why not buy a $20k sports car, and a $5k beater for the winter?? anything rwd has the potential to be difficult in the winter. get a fun sports car for half the year, and the beater for the other half. there's something to be said about a daily driver that you can drive anywhere, anytime, and don't really care a ton what happens to it. that's my $.02, i'll let you decide what car to get, but my vote is american rwd. GTO, G8, CTS-V, etc.

[SSLEVO]

why not buy a $20k sports car, and a $5k beater for the winter?? anything rwd has the potential to be difficult in the winter. get a fun sports car for half the year, and the beater for the other half. there's something to be said about a daily driver that you can drive anywhere, anytime, and don't really care a ton what happens to it. that's my $.02, i'll let you decide what car to get, but my vote is american rwd. GTO, G8, CTS-V, etc.

You have a valid point here. I did love having my 92 Honda accord that i absolutely gave a shit less about, yet got 36 mpg with it.

I'm in a condo now so having 3 cars is out of the question, that's my problem at the moment. I want to look into buying a house but we don't really want to be tied to this area.

[BoosTT]

why not buy a $20k sports car, and a $5k beater for the winter?? anything rwd has the potential to be difficult in the winter. get a fun sports car for half the year, and the beater for the other half. there's something to be said about a daily driver that you can drive anywhere, anytime, and don't really care a ton what happens to it. that's my $.02, i'll let you decide what car to get, but my vote is american rwd. GTO, G8, CTS-V, etc.

This is the way to go IMO.

[Slow Joe]

I like the saab stuff. Can get the saab version of the WRX for some cool looks as well.

As for resale value Joe. I understand where you are coming from and I know you know what you are talking about, but

07 LS 460 was about $65,000 new and sell for about $45,000 now.

So $20,000 loss

Figure a new Genesis is about $38,000. So in 3 years it would have to be only pulling $18,000 to be EVEN. Most of the used '09s are still sitting at 30 so I think that resale argument isn't gonna be relevant :)


Ah, yes... The Saabaru... I wouldn't suggest that just because it's hard to find a nice Aero (WRX).


And on resale with the Genesis, I think we're seeing higher than average prices on used right now since new cars are hard to come by (dealers aren't exactly getting the inventory they need to keep up with demand).

Plus the Genesis hasn't been out long enough to see where they're going to land after 3 years. They could end up having issues, and all of a sudden plummeting in value.

Great example of that happening is the Phaeton. Those things were ungodly expensive new... A year later they were still upper 50s low 60s... Then they dropped into the 30s around 3 years...

[wrath]

My truck is worth between 25k and 30k right now. 6L/6sp 367hp/375ftlbs in a 5300lb vehicle rated for towing 10,400lbs. Not as roomy as a mid-size sedan in the back seat but more room up front. I can stop on the way from work to pick up 30 bundles of shingles. Not going to do that with a "sport sedan". Insurance is way cheaper.

My commute is currently 46 miles round trip. Takes about 2.5 gallons of gas for it. That's ~39 miles at 75mph and the rest stop and go. At 70mph it gets ~20mpg and around 22mpg at 55mph.

If I were to get a car, it'd be a CTS or Stinkin' Lincoln.

[SSLEVO]

So i finally drove a few cars tonight. First up was an 05 CTS-V. Had to work the numbers for 20 min before i was even allowed to drive the damn thing. It was a nice ride, had some good pull in 2nd. It also had a bit of gear wine i could hear with the radio off at 40 mph. Nothing too bad, but i can see that rear end biting me since i like to "drive" my cars.

I then made the mistake of driving a 335i. Dang that's a fun car. The dealer threw me the keys and off i went. It was an 07 auto sedan with the sport package. I wasn't so thrilled with it being an auto but it was kind of cool with the paddle shifters. I'm sure it was the boost coming on but man it felt A LOT faster than the cts. And with 50-60 more hp available with just a tune i don't see how you can go wrong. I've always been a manual guy but this thing would make a sweet DD. I don't like the bmw d-bag more than the next guy but this thing is a damn fine car....

[WhatsADSM]

So i finally drove a few cars tonight. First up was an 05 CTS-V. Had to work the numbers for 20 min before i was even allowed to drive the damn thing. It was a nice ride, had some good pull in 2nd. It also had a bit of gear wine i could hear with the radio off at 40 mph. Nothing too bad, but i can see that rear end biting me since i like to "drive" my cars.

I then made the mistake of driving a 335i. Dang that's a fun car. The dealer threw me the keys and off i went. It was an 07 auto sedan with the sport package. I wasn't so thrilled with it being an auto but it was kind of cool with the paddle shifters. I'm sure it was the boost coming on but man it felt A LOT faster than the cts. And with 50-60 more hp available with just a tune i don't see how you can go wrong. I've always been a manual guy but this thing would make a sweet DD. I don't like the bmw d-bag more than the next guy but this thing is a damn fine car....
A used 335i is under 25k? yea the 335 is a nice car but I would get an extended warranty if I were you.

[Slow Joe]

A used 335i is under 25k? yea the 335 is a nice car but I would get an extended warranty if I were you.

Yeah, they are. I looked at a 335i Coupe a few months back... It was 23,995 if I remember right...

And I agree and disagree on the extended warranty.

Agree because it's nice to have, but disagree because they cost an arm and a leg. Plus most of them only cover powertrain components, and not the little things that actually break.

[WhatsADSM]

Yeah, they are. I looked at a 335i Coupe a few months back... It was 23,995 if I remember right...

And I agree and disagree on the extended warranty.

Agree because it's nice to have, but disagree because they cost an arm and a leg. Plus most of them only cover powertrain components, and not the little things that actually break.

Correct I should preface this by saying do your homework and don't just buy the dealer one, or research the dealer one before you do. There ARE good extended warranties out there you just have to expect that they will be decent $$ and you will have to research a bit to find them.

But yea I have heard like most BMWs they are "okay" but a lot of little shit goes wrong, and IIRC the S52 (I think it's called) powered cars are plauged with fueling issues.

[ricksws7]

It would be the genisis for me. best value and best made car with the best warranty if needed. Been driving the 4 doors of different makes testing them all for about a month now and the genesis is by far the best car for the money. I like the 4.6 motor. This is what I am going to buy. Rick,my 2cts.

[GTSLOW]

I'd have to second the G8. Should be able to find a low mileage GT in your budget. I picked up a set of 18s with 245 blizzaks and last year the car was excellent in the snow - had a 60 mile round trip commute for work.

GTO > G8 :goof

[flyin_blue_egg]

GTO > G8 :goof

w/ the exception to this being the G8 is a 4dr. the GTO looks a lot better both inside and out.

[HP ADDICT]

Go with the 335i. The coupe looks awesome and a JB3 tune will give you about 80 more rwhp. My 135i with a tune only was running 12's on runflats at 113mph and poor traction. I did have a fuel pump replaced. I believe if you get the BMW certified they have a 100k warranty.

[FoxStang]

Go with the 335, I may be biased from working at a BMW dealership, but for the money the sportiness and luxury combination can't be beat. The E90 chassis is great in my opinion, tight and responsive when you want it to be, yet takes bad roads like a champ. Sounds like exactly what your looking for.

[shoooo32]

IIRC, the BMW certified pre-owned 100k mile warranty forces you to have the dealership do all the preventative maintenance on the car.

I think I'd do the service I/II on my own, saving $3000 and buy the car from a private party (saving another $3k or so). As for fuel pump issues- not a problem. They should last 100k miles and if they don't, it's a 20 minute project. I did one in a pickn'save parking lot.

[HP ADDICT]

IIRC, the BMW certified pre-owned 100k mile warranty forces you to have the dealership do all the preventative maintenance on the car.

I think I'd do the service I/II on my own, saving $3000 and buy the car from a private party (saving another $3k or so). As for fuel pump issues- not a problem. They should last 100k miles and if they don't, it's a 20 minute project. I did one in a pickn'save parking lot.

Actually on the N54 motor it is a very common issue. Mine went out in less then 3k miles and even with the new design its still a problem.

20 mins for the high pressure pump in a twin turbo bmw? You sure we are talking about the same car?:rolf

[SSLEVO]

I was doing some research on the hpfp last night, BMW extended the emissions warranty to 10 years/ 120k miles (covers the fuel system), which is also transferable. Not a problem there.

[shoooo32]

20 mins for the high pressure pump in a twin turbo bmw? You sure we are talking about the same car?:rolf

oooh, didn't know the turbo cars had two. (the one in the tank takes twenty minutes:goof)

[GTSLOW]

:confused

[Deggy]

What's a GTO? Is that what replaced the Grand Am?

:goof