OK 5th gen forum dudes. Here's the conundrum. My wife and I are in the market for a late model used sedan. This will be our 3rd car, moving my Trans Am to weekend warrior status and me then taking over daily duties on our '99 Blazer 4x4.

This car needs to be practical as it will probably end up hauling around a child seat in a couple of years. But, it also has to have class, a touch of style, and some performance wouldn't hurt.

Ideally I'd have a BMW 3 series, but we are trying to stick to a $17-$21K price range and the 3 series in that range are on the high mileage end.

So with that out the window, I am looking at these possibilities:

2000-2001 Maxima
2002-2003 Altima (Altima's 2.5L 4 cyl has 175hp, the same as the BMW 323's I6) The Altima Seems very affordable.
2000-2001 Lincoln LS.

I've never been a big fan of the LS but it puts class and V8 performance together in a reasonably priced luxury package. I'd hate to own a ford but there are no CTS's old enough to fall in our price range yet.

So, with all that in mind, I am putting the question forth to the 5th gen forum because everybody here is very aware of what the market looks like. I thought it would be a good chance to discuss the pros and cons of the various models in the sedan class.

I am not considering a Pontiac GP because in my opinion they do not hold their value terribly well at all, and I think they are going to have more maintenance issues than the Nissans. As for the Impala, its just a bit too big for what we want. Camry and Accord are too common (read: boring).

So what would you buy in this scenario and why? What makes a car in the sedan class attractive to you?

I hope I've made this on-topic enough to not get moved or locked, I think I've posted in here enough to be counted as a "regular".

 

From the cars you listed, the only one I do not like the styling of is the Maxima...

I agree it is a shame that a used CTS will be hard to find in this range, because I think it would be a great choice.

Out of all the cars you listed, I'd probably really try to find a BMW 3-series... but, like you said, that could be tough.

What about a Chrysler 300M? It has nice styling, and comfort features.... not sure about holding it's value much, though...

Another option might be a Cadillac STS... you may be able to find one in your price range, and they are pretty sharp as well.

 

The problem with the Lincoln and the Caddy as well is that my wife still thinks they are old people cars. I am hoping if I can get her to drive them she'll change her tune though.

It seems the American Lux brands are not yet finished with their image makover. My wife's not a car-nut like me but she is not uninformed. To the casual non-enthusiast, I don't think they've gotten the message yet.

 

CTS !!!!!!!!!

If she still thinks Caddy is for old people show her a CTSv, XLR, and an Escalade rolling on 24"s

 

I think that the Maxima is the best among the lineup you mentioned. My cousin has one and is very impressed with it. Plus the car is quick and practial at the same time.

From the cars I would choose would include: Impala, Accord and perhaps Avalon. Just my .02

 

You find me a used CTS for $20K then we'll talk, LOL.

Sorry GM, I do not buy new cars. I could see buying a new Vette if I had $750 to waste every month, but new cars are the worst investment you can make and the payment differential makes a lot more sense going into a Roth IRA or paying my wife's MBA tuition.

I know if everybody bought used then the economy would collapse, but I'm not going to go jump off a bridge just because the rest of America is doing it, LOL.

 

Of the cars you listed, I personally would look at the Maxima. I think the maxima looks better and has more hp. Try to find the lowest mileage one you could afford. I have not driven the new maximas but the one i drove in the early 90s was actually fun IMO for a 4door sedan. (it was just a test drive because i had a buddy whose dad sold them)

I really think you should reconsider the Impys though. My mother has a 2001 she bought new. As far as room and comfort it is right on. The only thing bad i can say about it is that its FWD v6. The impys dont seem to hold value well either. She iput no money down and is upside down in it by about 5 gs.

 

In that price range I would also consider the Mazda 6. It is a little smaller than those you listed, but it is a very nice car and you can get it brand new in your price range. I have heard nothing but good things about this car and it is at least worth looking at.
CLICK HERE, I put together a comparison of these four cars.

 

THe 4 cyl. Altimas are dogs, 175HP seems like a lot but when teamed with an automatic, the 0-30 feels like 10sec. I've never driven a manual, I don't know how they are. If you are considering an Altima go with the V6 it will be worth it.

as far as the GPs goes I have a 99 with 104K on it and the most expensive repair ever was a $45 power window switch. the 3800 V6 is a very reliable engine. Buy one 3 years old and it will already have taken the bulk of the depreciation hit, You can get an '01 GTP for like $15K-$16K (depending on milage)

Out of your pics I'd go with the Lincon LS (but I'm RWD biased )

 

That was main reason. Maxima, mazda 6, Altima, etc.... are all really nice cars, but they're Fwd. Of the cars listed, only the 3-series and Ls come in Rwd. That and the 252hp/261lb-ft 3.9L v8.

My top choice would naturally be the 3-series, but that sounds like it's out of your price range. Next on the list would be the Ls.

 

I'd definately have to go with the Maxima. I think it looks good (looks are subjective though), its practical, well built and sporty. It may be fwd but its not like youre shopping for hardcore performance cars here. The Maxima is definately one of the sportier cars in its class.

I think on Cz28.com youre going to get an overwhelming bias towards a domestic and/or rwd car. I personally wouldnt overlook a car that may be the best value just because it was fwd. For grocery getting, commuting to work and an occasional vacation, fwd would work just fine.

 

I'm gonna recommend something you didnt mention , but its DEFINATELY worth checking out . Look into a 1999-2001 Audi A6 or A4 . The A6 you can get with a twin turbo V6 , 6 speed manual or 5-speed manumatic . The A4 you coulda got a NA v6 or 1.8 turbo charged 4 with a manual or manumatic trans . Both cars are VERY cool looking imo , and both have quattro all wheel drive . The interiors are some of the best of any car made ...again , in my opinion . I driven several of both cars and absolutely love them , either one . Shop wisely and you can find either in your price range with decent mileage .

 

Here ya go

CTS $23,900
CTS $23,500
CTS $22,950
CTS $19,950
CTS $19,888

 

This is exactly what I did. $13,500 last October got me my '01 GP GT coupe with a sunroof, leather, all power, everything but the polished wheels and a heated seat...with only 22k miles. I've put 8k on it since, and its averaged over 24 MPG, is beautifully smooth on the highway, and as Z28x has pointed out...will more than likely be bulleproof. Under warranty, I had a few niggling things replaced (one not so niggling being a clunking steering rack, but again...lease cars are not pampered , and I have never seen a GP do this before), and I love it. Even if you don't go GTP, the performance is very satisfying...and sure beats a 4 banger Altima!

I am absolutely thrilled with this car...

 

Maxima all the way.