[Shorn]

Hi RS, another one of these threads!

Looking to purchase a used car for around $30k budget (+- couple thousand)

Background story is: current car is g37 coupe manual (which is for sale!!), which the SO can't drive. she wants a more 'family' oriented car for the long run so..

Main criteria is:
4 doors
Auto
Decently luxurious (navi, backup camera etc)
Doesn't have to be fast, but > 280 hp preferred
Somewhat reliable
Probably less than 50k km would be nice
RWD/FWD/AWD - doesn't really matter.

Current ideas:
Q50, but they are a bit out of budget since still fairly new
TLX - way too expensive for what you get at the moment
3rd gen TL - getting a bit dated, and transmission issues scare me off
4th gen TL - still thinking about this one, anyone who owns one can tell me which is the best year?
G37 sedan - don't really just want a sedan version of my current car
335i - fuel pump issues and reliability
S4 - am fairly tempted to go test drive one, but have no idea about reliable issues with this car
2nd gen IS350 - design a bit dated, but might consider
3rd gen IS - 250 too slow, 350 too expensive

any ideas/suggestions/opinions on the above or other cars i haven't thought of?

thanks!

[DGN23]

2011 BMW 335i Xdrive
2011 Sonderlackierung BMW 335i xDrive Sedan M Sport - $32,980 - For Sale, Finance Lease or Buy Car's Vancouver, BC - Bluestarmotors.com (http://www.bluestarmotors.com/index.php?page=showroom&vehicle_id=4172)

[bcrdukes]

Some of you might laugh, but consider the recent Camry V6 models. Sadly, they are rated at 268hp but they are pretty damn reliable and not bad to drive, even for a, yes, Toyota Camry. It may not fall under the luxury category, but for the most part, they seem to fit all your criteria. A brand new one is ~ $36K so a used one should be within your budget.

It's my car of choice when I'm out on business. The last 10 rentals I've had at LAX have been the Camry SE which has more than enough power for LA freeway driving and handles decently. I can only imagine the V6 trims being nicer and obviously more powerful.

[supafamous]

?2015 Honda Accord Touring Sedan | DEMO VEHICLE! WAS: $40,061-SAVE$$! (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/5404822378.html)

How about an Accord Touring V6?

[meme405]

Q50, but they are a bit out of budget since still fairly new
G37 sedan - don't really just want a sedan version of my current car


Move up a class in the infiniti family, go check out some of the M37 Models.

Its getting to be up there in age, I believe the generation started in 2011. But its a beautiful design IMO, and a very nice car overall.

There was also a recent mid cycle refresh on the car, so some of the older cars are very affordable.

[nabs]

2013 TL awd + tech

[E-SPEC]

I'm sure someone is selling an ITR for 30k somewhere.

[underscore]

If you want something more family oriented, I'd wait til the SO is pregnant, then you still have ~8 months to buy a new vehicle.

To slightly more useful advice, hop on Autotrader, set the range to all of BC and just search for auto sedans under $40k (since AT tends to have higher price cars) and see if there's anything in there that interests you that you haven't thought of yet.

[brrrz]

What about a 2015 WRX?
Going to be very reliable, lots of warranty left
Its fast
Will go anywhere
5 star crash test
>> 2015 SUBARU WRX *LOCAL*ONLY 8,000KM*LEATHER*NAVIGATION*FULLY LOADED (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/ctd/5388850904.html)

[PLUJ]

2010ish c63 amg would be nice.

[Fcukedd]

2011+ TSX V6 tech? A little under your budget (which isn't necessarily a bad thing)

I personally like it over the 4G TL because I hate the styling of it (probably a better car overall though or maybe I'm bias).

Can't go wrong with either in terms of reliability

[Qmx323]

Hi RS, another one of these threads!

Looking to purchase a used car for around $30k budget (+- couple thousand)

Background story is: current car is g37 coupe manual (which is for sale!!), which the SO can't drive. she wants a more 'family' oriented car for the long run so..

Main criteria is:
4 doors
Auto
Decently luxurious (navi, backup camera etc)
Doesn't have to be fast, but > 280 hp preferred
Somewhat reliable
Probably less than 50k km would be nice
RWD/FWD/AWD - doesn't really matter.

Current ideas:
Q50, but they are a bit out of budget since still fairly new
TLX - way too expensive for what you get at the moment
3rd gen TL - getting a bit dated, and transmission issues scare me off
4th gen TL - still thinking about this one, anyone who owns one can tell me which is the best year?
G37 sedan - don't really just want a sedan version of my current car
335i - fuel pump issues and reliability
S4 - am fairly tempted to go test drive one, but have no idea about reliable issues with this car
2nd gen IS350 - design a bit dated, but might consider
3rd gen IS - 250 too slow, 350 too expensive

any ideas/suggestions/opinions on the above or other cars i haven't thought of?

thanks!

I've always found the Infiniti FX35/45 a fantastic car, retains a bit of the sporty feel but it is a SUV.

4rd Gen TL's are also a great choice. The SH-AWD system is supposedly terrific.

I'd steer clear of the IS family line if you are... well.... into space for a family. I have a 2nd gen, and while I love the smoothness and comfort of the drive, it is not a family sedan per se.

[Manic!]

Tech her to drive stick. problem solved.

[thumper]

what's wrong with the TLX again?

for example tofu has one of these for sale:

Used 2015 Acura TLX For Sale | Vancouver BC (http://www.brianjesselbmwpreowned.com/used/Acura/2015-Acura-TLX-636f9f470a0d0cae146f06bee970f4c3.htm)

http://pictures.dealer.com/ddc/resize/320x/quality/70/sharpen/1/ddc/b/brianjesselbmwtctc/0543/8b13296c07433bc9ccef6f772a52c185x.jpg

[heleu]

For $35K, you can get an 08 or 09 ISF.

[tofu1413]

what's wrong with the TLX again?

for example tofu has one of these for sale:

Used 2015 Acura TLX For Sale | Vancouver BC (http://www.brianjesselbmwpreowned.com/used/Acura/2015-Acura-TLX-636f9f470a0d0cae146f06bee970f4c3.htm)

http://pictures.dealer.com/ddc/resize/320x/quality/70/sharpen/1/ddc/b/brianjesselbmwtctc/0543/8b13296c07433bc9ccef6f772a52c185x.jpg

sup.


:lawl:

[thumper]

For $35K, you can get an 08 or 09 ISF.

sadly there are none showing on craigslist at the moment :(

[Gucci Mane]

?2015 Honda Accord Touring Sedan | DEMO VEHICLE! WAS: $40,061-SAVE$$! (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/ctd/5404822378.html)

How about an Accord Touring V6?

cvt, no thanks.

[kkttsang]

In the same boat, and I'm also coming from a e90 like yourself from your profile picture.

I'm looking at
2014-2015 wrx
2015 qx50 but 2016 qx50 is a new refresh but more expensive.
Focus st or gti
BMW X1

If I want to go hybrid
Ct200h
Accord hybrid


But will probably wait and see if there will be more offering next year or the year after.

[Timpo]

If you have $30,000 to blow, just get one of these. You can't go wrong.

Toyota Camry
http://ymimg.b8cdn.com/uploads/car_model/1873/pictures/2396763/2016_Toyota_Camry_Front_2.jpg

Nissan Altima
http://www.nissan.ca/vlp-assets/media/vehicles/2016/altima/overview/photos/1.jpg

Honda Accord
http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2016-Honda-Accord-sedan-101-876x535.jpg

Mazda 6

http://www.atenza.mazda.co.jp/img/pinterest/pic_02.jpg

[EDawg]

+1 to new WRX

[JSALES]

+1 for C63

[mlum6969]

how about mercedes c250, 300, 350 or c63?

[ilvtofu]

Curious how many people recommending WRX have driven the new CVT, have heard good things about it and driven the regular Imprezas with CVT but haven't tried a CVT WRX myself.

Lightly used Mk7 GTI with DSG would be a nice choice IMO. Doesn't have the HP number you're looking for but has more get up and go than many of the cars you listed.

[supafamous]

cvt, no thanks.

Accord V6 has a 6 speed auto. Only the 4 cylinder has the CVT.

[Shorn]

Curious how many people recommending WRX have driven the new CVT, have heard good things about it and driven the regular Imprezas with CVT but haven't tried a CVT WRX myself.

Lightly used Mk7 GTI with DSG would be a nice choice IMO. Doesn't have the HP number you're looking for but has more get up and go than many of the cars you listed.

I was looking into the WRX after someone posted it above and noticed the CVT as well.. as someone who has never actually driven ANY CVT, what makes a CVT good or bad? since they don't actually "shift" anyway, to my knowledge?

[punkwax]

cvt, no thanks.

Thought only the 4 banger Accords had CVT?

[thumper]

I was looking into the WRX after someone posted it above and noticed the CVT as well.. as someone who has never actually driven ANY CVT, what makes a CVT good or bad? since they don't actually "shift" anyway, to my knowledge?

never driven a cvt wrx but the few other ones i've driven with cvt's are just howling misery to me :(

[Mr.Stubbz]

I was looking into the WRX after someone posted it above and noticed the CVT as well.. as someone who has never actually driven ANY CVT, what makes a CVT good or bad? since they don't actually "shift" anyway, to my knowledge?

The CVT gearbox was designed for the purpose of improving fuel economy, since it has an infinitely variable gear ratio, it is able to keep the engine at its optimum rev range.

The general complaint about cvt's is that they feel "unnatural" and trying to modulate the throttle to speed up a bit can cause the gearbox to spike up the revs unwantingly making you accelerate more than intended and then letting off the throttle will drop the revs immediately.

Some manufacturers have programmed in "shift points" that jumps the cvt to set gear ratios to mimic a traditional gearbox with fixed gear ratios, but in doing so, reduces the cvt gearbox useless for its primary function which is to have infinitely variable gear ratios

[bcuzracecarz]

I looked at S4's in detail and was close to pulling trigger on one. They are fantastic and actually quite reliable with the supercharged v6, motor is proven and it's a great car to drive. 30k is a little low for a decent one tho, 35 and you could find a great buy on one.

I was in the same scenario with my SO and traded my STI in for an Acura ZDX. Absolutely love it, sporty, feels like a car to drive, quick for its size and weight, and very comfortable and luxurious interior ....I'll get another toy sooner or later :(

[twitchyzero]

For $35K, you can get an 08 or 09 ISF.

lmk

[GS8]

I gotta post this because it fits your criteria and it's different. Quick and nimble with no torque steer thanks to hiper-strut technology.

2015 BUICK REGAL GS AWD (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/5394136268.html)

Based on the mileage, I doubt this car has ever been owned and depreciation already hit it so you don't have to worry about that.

[LP700-4]

Curious how many people recommending WRX have driven the new CVT, have heard good things about it and driven the regular Imprezas with CVT but haven't tried a CVT WRX myself.

Lightly used Mk7 GTI with DSG would be a nice choice IMO. Doesn't have the HP number you're looking for but has more get up and go than many of the cars you listed.

I spent a lot of time driving WRXs with CVT and 6 speed around, bottom line is that I would say it is car people friendly. Obviously if you can get the 6 speed then by all means its the one to get, but the CVT is a very good alternative.

Put the CVT into Sport Sharp (S#) mode and it becomes (pretty much) an 8spd automatic. Feels like an auto without that rubber bandy cvt you get in other cars (cough Nissan cough)

[jpark]

id get one of these

~~? 2010 AUDI S4 3.0T PREMIUM QUATTRO, LOW KMs, EXCELLENT CONDITION (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/5399527170.html)

[Shorn]

^ i was literally just looking at that one.
also this one:
Audi Canada Certified Pre-Owned > Vehicle Details > 2012 Audi S4 at Capilano Audi (http://cpo.audi.ca/en/vehicle/WAUBGCFL3CA116179)

[Timpo]

cvt, no thanks.

oh god, people used to hate automatic and now cvt

[Timpo]

Here's something to consider.

Acura ILX
http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2016-Acura-ILX-A-Spec-130-626x382.jpg
http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2016-acura-ilx-a-spec-inline1-photo-660132-s-original.jpg

[Marshall Placid]

Get the B8 S4.

At your price point, you can get a 2010 to 2012 B8 S4 pre B8.5 facelift.

Been on Audi forums and groups for a while, and I don't remember ever hearing about an issue about 2010+ S4s.

I only have heard about issues on the B5 and B6 platforms.

B7s and B8s are fine, and you are looking at around 50,000kms, so that should be good as well.

I feel that a supercharged engine has more ooomph (and instant gratification) than a turbocharged one.

Go test drive one.

Good luck.

[thumper]

is haulin oats still here? i remember he had an s4. i only recall him mentioning something about the plastic water pump having a meltdown, but i don't know the specifics. also stay away from the ones with the older MMI setup because it had issues.

[heleu]

I was in the same boat a year ago. I was looking for a used $30Kish car that was fun to drive and somewhat reliable. I didn't mind auto or manual, but edged towards manual. Only criteria was that it had to have 4 seats for daycare duty.

I test drove:
Acura TL SH - Nice AWD, but the automatic was too boring.
Lexus ISF - drove two different ones for over an hour. Jekyll and Hyde once the exhaust flap opens up. Loved it.
'13 BMW 330i touring - 6 spd. Also loved it, felt solid. But too scared about it being out of warranty.


I also TRIED to testdrive :
'12 to '15 WRX STI

I'm super busy and just found that there were too many flakers on craigslist "selling" cars, but not actually. I must have contacted every private STI seller on craigslist but there seemed to be a reluctance to meet up with me or even return my calls. I also had people outright lie about accidents/ICBC claims. I ran carproof on a "claim-free" car to find a huge claim on it. Used car dealerships were actually better, but still too many lies. I test drove at a reputable dealer and they had put electrical tape over the CEL. lol.

The final thing about used cars locally is that I find the prices are a bit inflated. I was having trouble justifying how much 2 year old STIs went for compared to new ones.

...I ended up buying a new car (2015 GTI) and couldn't be happier. I think if I had more time, I would have found my dream used ISF or something, but it was just too much of a hassle.

[heleu]

lmk

2008 Lexus IS F ISF *ON SALE* for $34,800 in Richmond | autoTRADER.ca (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/IS+F/Richmond/British+Columbia/5_25633035_20100118115411192/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=3_15_3)

I think this one my be out of province, but I'm not sure.

I was looking religiously for a while. ISF are rare, but they pop up on craigslist and autotrader from time to time.

Jim Pattison Toyota had a local, no accidents 08 for $35K in December of 2014.

[Shorn]

Get the B8 S4.

At your price point, you can get a 2010 to 2012 B8 S4 pre B8.5 facelift.

Been on Audi forums and groups for a while, and I don't remember ever hearing about an issue about 2010+ S4s.

I only have heard about issues on the B5 and B6 platforms.

B7s and B8s are fine, and you are looking at around 50,000kms, so that should be good as well.

I feel that a supercharged engine has more ooomph (and instant gratification) than a turbocharged one.

Go test drive one.

Good luck.

I saw some threads on Audizine about DSGs failing on B8 S4s, supposedly fixed with B8.5.. have you heard anything about that? Thats the one thing holding me back really. I am gonna go test drive one probably tomorrow though

[vitaminG]

B7s and B8s are fine, and you are looking at around 50,000kms, so that should be good as well..

ive heard bad things about b7 s4 timimng chain, a quick google search confirms this.

a b8 would be my choice though

[Marshall Placid]

I saw some threads on Audizine about DSGs failing on B8 S4s, supposedly fixed with B8.5.. have you heard anything about that? Thats the one thing holding me back really. I am gonna go test drive one probably tomorrow though

Nothing I read about specifically.

[whitev70r]

Here you go

2012 GTI, white, $24,500 - http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5398269911.html

Here's another - 2013 Wolfsburg GTI, Black, $24,900 http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/ctd/5386307720.html

Or, if you prefer something little on the wild side - 2012, GTI, on air suspension, $23,700 with APR Stage 2 - http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/cto/5425658407.html

save the remaining $5K for toys, tune, etc.

[Gucci Mane]

So your gf needs you to have a car that's auto and more friendly for the future?

http://local-car-finder.com/images/test2/make/Toyota/model/2015_Sienna_1.png

:troll: :lawl:

[knight604]

best suggestion yet

[Alby]

make sure you get the 2013 used sienna's. those would fall in your price range. mad savings!

[eclipseman]

I saw some threads on Audizine about DSGs failing on B8 S4s, supposedly fixed with B8.5.. have you heard anything about that? Thats the one thing holding me back really. I am gonna go test drive one probably tomorrow though

I've had my B8 S4 for 4 years and will most likely upgrade to the B8.5/B9 depending on release date. I, too, came from a '04 G35 coupe and had to opt for DSG due to my wife being unable to drive stick. As Marshall said, you'd be hard pressed to find a decent one for 30-33k though.

I have seen some DSGs failing on Audizine, but it looks pretty rare. The only major thing to look out for with the B8/B8.5s would be thermostat failures. I had to change mine under warranty, but it wasn't a huge ordeal and I don't think it's that expensive.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_S4-Quattro-3.0T/ES2763706/

All in all, a great car.

***edit: Found a post relating to bad mechatronics/transmissions. Most of the problems seem to stem from 2010/early 2011 vehicles.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/565184-Have-you-had-a-Bad-mechatronic-or-transmission-Please-post/page5

[twitchyzero]

I think this one my be out of province, but I'm not sure.

I was looking religiously for a while. ISF are rare, but they pop up on craigslist and autotrader from time to time.


oh what...all this time i thought IS-F had MT as an option...fake quad tips and auto :(

[Timpo]

Sienna might not be a bad choice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X1fYvHr9as
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiOSNFVWdSc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMpV7R5tpLs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGa35PGLDgg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltRmdE4qRFI

[dmak4]

In a similar situation,

Driving a 2nd gen IS250 right now and looking to switch. Personally, I'm looking into the 2016 GTIs (probably wait till some used 2016s pop up). Updated navi and tech things that make it a lot better. Plus its always nice to get a new/practically new car.

Side note: I'd be careful about the S4, I was looking into an S4 as well, but my coworker bought a used 2012 or 2013 S4 from a Capilano Audi and had to take it in for issues with transmission and engine problems 3-4 times in the first year. His experience steered me away from used audis.

[Nlkko]

Main criteria is:
4 doors
Auto
Decently luxurious (navi, backup camera etc)
Doesn't have to be fast, but > 280 hp preferred
Somewhat reliable
Probably less than 50k km would be nice
RWD/FWD/AWD - doesn't really matter.


2nd gen IS350 - design a bit dated, but might consider



Check all the box. It's a simple car. Plenty fast. Solid daily driver. Throw the leftover 10-15k in the investment fund or the bank.

I would suggest the ISF but you don't need the extra 135hp and handling capability for anything. Don't think your gf/wife would care.

[E-SPEC]

Those Vans needed 22's.

[Shorn]

Check all the box. It's a simple car. Plenty fast. Solid daily driver. Throw the leftover 10-15k in the investment fund or the bank.

I would suggest the ISF but you don't need the extra 135hp and handling capability for anything. Don't think your gf/wife would care.

I took a look at what's on the market right now and doesn't look like much. Best one I could find was this: Used 2012 Lexus IS 350 For Sale | North Vancouver BC (http://www.jimpattisonlexus.com/used/Lexus/2012-Lexus-IS+350-6aebf7e20a0e08f728845564c923d218.htm)

KMs are a bit high.. and it's not as cheap as I thought it would be. probably will take a look anyway.

[flagella]

Does your SO not care about comfort/room/height of the car? IS350 is plenty fast but does she really care or will she even enjoy such amount of power? Or is it just more for you? I've looked into IS in the past and while it's fast, it's seriously lacking on other areas. My wife is average height Asian and even her head touches ceiling when sitting at the backseat.

I'd just suggest something less powerful SUV that's comfortable to drive and provide utility for when you need it down the road. The joy of power wears out so quickly especially when it's automatic. No offense but some suggestions made here are terrible lol.

[bcrdukes]

Does your SO not care about comfort/room/height of the car? IS350 is plenty fast but does she really care or will she even enjoy such amount of power? Or is it just more for you? I've looked into IS in the past and while it's fast, it's seriously lacking on other areas. My wife is average height Asian and even her head touches ceiling when sitting at the backseat.

Did you look at both the 1st and 2nd generation IS350s? I had highly considered the first generation IS250 and while it drove "okay" for the most part, there were so many more areas in which the car lacked, especially the back seats.

I did not look at the 2nd generation as there were no manuals version on the market (at the time) so hopefully Lexus improved them. I'll likely consider looking at the 2nd generation IS250/350 as my next car despite how much I hated the 1st generation. In the end, it's the fact that it's more than fast and nice enough to make it a good, reliable, and civilized daily driver.

[thumper]

shorn,

2008 lexus isf (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5452985815.html)

http://images.craigslist.org/00N0N_awXhL4BvNCJ_600x450.jpg

[thumper]

another one, but outside your price range (no picture)

2011 Lexus IS-F | Private Sale** - $46900 http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/cto/5435900135.html

2011 Lexus ISF Luxury Sport Sedan with 416 horsepower - Like NEW!

- Local Vancouver car
- No Accident
- No Claim
- Black Exterior / Fuji White Interior
- Low 54,000 km (only 13k/yr)
- Fully Loaded
- Navigation
- Parking Sensors
- Rearview Camera
- Rain Sensing Wipers
- Memory Seats
- Heated Seats
- Keyless Entry (keep key in pocket)
- All-weather Floor mats
- Automatic with Paddle Shifter
- Good on gas 13L/100km (just like BMW 335i - 6 cylinder) and this has 8 cylinder
- Japanese super car with reliability and cheap to maintain, unlike European cars

Private sale and save on tax. Leave number with your email. Local cash deal only. No paypal, no shipping.

call or text:
☎ (778) 775-8466

[tomatogunk]

which car did you eventually decide on? pretty much in the same boat right now