the time has come...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
the time has come...
Yup, got some financial things twirling around and got a go and support from me wifey to go ahead and get a new car... So i want to ask eveyone on their opinion on some of the choices i have. Couple of things to keep in mind:
1- should be at least c class size ( although with two car seats i think i need to graduate to next class) so must seat 2 car seats +1 kid easily in the back
2-my commute is all highway approx 100 miles daily
Here are the vehicles i came up with ( along with my wife's suggestions) budget of 30-35K:
the naughty list:
1. 2006 BMW M5
2. 2006-07 E55
3. 2007 CLS500
The not so naughty list with less car payment:
1. Caddy CTS
2. 2010 Maxima SV
3. 2010 Camry SE
4. 2008 Volvo S80 T6
and too slow list( but extreme confort for kids + friends):
1. 2008-09 R350
2. 2008-10 Tahoe
3. 2008-10 Caddy SRX
Given the requirements what would you get? All advices on all levels of "responsibility" would help!
1- should be at least c class size ( although with two car seats i think i need to graduate to next class) so must seat 2 car seats +1 kid easily in the back
2-my commute is all highway approx 100 miles daily
Here are the vehicles i came up with ( along with my wife's suggestions) budget of 30-35K:
the naughty list:
1. 2006 BMW M5
2. 2006-07 E55
3. 2007 CLS500
The not so naughty list with less car payment:
1. Caddy CTS
2. 2010 Maxima SV
3. 2010 Camry SE
4. 2008 Volvo S80 T6
and too slow list( but extreme confort for kids + friends):
1. 2008-09 R350
2. 2008-10 Tahoe
3. 2008-10 Caddy SRX
Given the requirements what would you get? All advices on all levels of "responsibility" would help!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: MIAMI FL
2006 C230 6speed/14 C63
Sounds like you want power, comfort, and looks.
IMO (if u like the body) I think a Toyota venza would most definitely give you a bit of all worlds, you can get the v6 which is the same platform as the Lexus. Pretty fast and Torquey. The things chirps 2nd gear lol
The interior/exterior can be had in some nice color combos and it's also in your price range. A fully loaded (awd v6 w/tech package, hid's, panoramic roof, etc..) shouldn't run you more than $39k brand new. Now if your like myself and can't justify spending $40k on a Toyota then go mildly used. It's drives VERY comfortable. The way I see it unless gas $$ isn't a problem, those on the naughty list will become very expensive on it's run. Also you will loose a lot of money once come time to sell if your doing 100 miles/day...
IMO (if u like the body) I think a Toyota venza would most definitely give you a bit of all worlds, you can get the v6 which is the same platform as the Lexus. Pretty fast and Torquey. The things chirps 2nd gear lol
The interior/exterior can be had in some nice color combos and it's also in your price range. A fully loaded (awd v6 w/tech package, hid's, panoramic roof, etc..) shouldn't run you more than $39k brand new. Now if your like myself and can't justify spending $40k on a Toyota then go mildly used. It's drives VERY comfortable. The way I see it unless gas $$ isn't a problem, those on the naughty list will become very expensive on it's run. Also you will loose a lot of money once come time to sell if your doing 100 miles/day...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
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From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
yes yes yes...that another vehicle that was on the consideration list...untill i saw the interior...for some reason the camry interior is lovely, but Venza...i cant get past that midsection you know what i mean? For the same reason there are no Audi's on the list, i cant stand their interior although exterior is superior to most of the picks above.
I am aware of the mileage thing...but there is nothing i can do...the reason i would invest something like that is quality...i have spend nearly $0 on my car since the day i got it ( minus regular maintanence)...hence putting 200K in my mind would be fully justified with $$ and $$/mile
I am aware of the mileage thing...but there is nothing i can do...the reason i would invest something like that is quality...i have spend nearly $0 on my car since the day i got it ( minus regular maintanence)...hence putting 200K in my mind would be fully justified with $$ and $$/mile
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
With 100 miles a day travel and gas prices anything with a V8 is a no go if I were you. Just get any full size V6 sedan to save you on gas and so you can load up the kids no problem. But if you arent worried about gas then I would go for the E55 all the way!! Good luck!
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CLK63 Black Series
If I were in your position I would save a bit of money and go with a low mileage 03 M5 then spend a few bucks on a tune up, coil overs, exhaust, clutch and maybe wheels. 
Or lease my black series and throw the kid in the trunk
Or lease my black series and throw the kid in the trunk
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
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From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
Havent realy looked or considers Acuras or Hondas...benefits/negatives?
I had an 8 cyl STS before( 94) and i since i am cruising mostly 65, the difference in gas wasnt all that big...i figure i am in a budget of $80-100 weekly..Hence the 8's and 10's in the list
So why would i got with 469 HP E55, if M5 offers 505 off the bet...with equivalent tune i could easily have an M5 with over 550hps
I would go with E63 but out of my price range...
03 M5? i got an 02...and technically its 10 years old..was thinking something it least 06...plus 03 is such a dinosaur when compared to an 06, no?
Kid in the trunk ..hahahaha...that CLK of yours is siiiiiiickooooooo nuice!
With 100 miles a day travel and gas prices anything with a V8 is a no go if I were you. Just get any full size V6 sedan to save you on gas and so you can load up the kids no problem. But if you arent worried about gas then I would go for the E55 all the way!! Good luck!
I would go with E63 but out of my price range...
03 M5? i got an 02...and technically its 10 years old..was thinking something it least 06...plus 03 is such a dinosaur when compared to an 06, no?
Kid in the trunk ..hahahaha...that CLK of yours is siiiiiiickooooooo nuice!
Last edited by eesjunin; Aug 4, 2011 at 03:54 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,833
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From: Queens, Ny
Nike Turbo Shox
Realistically speaking wait on the new Ford Edge with the Eco-boost 4-cylinder turbo. Ford has been making good products lately. The E55 is nice, but it's hard to find one still in warranty, and CPO is costly. A friend of mine is actually in the market for a E55. As far as the E60 M5 goes, they can get had in the high 30's, but that is a high mileage example and with a V10 you'll probably average 10-15mpg. Logically speaking get a Ford Edge, you will basically be worry-free with a new vehicle. Remember, KIDS!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 276
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From: Boston
2006 C230 SS
Good point about the M5, in that case either would be a good choice.
Not sure if you have thought about/looked into maybe a 2010 Mazda 6? Personally I am not a huge fan of its styling, but everyone is different.
My girlfriend was recently stuck between the mazda 3 and 6 and I ended up test driving both of them. She ended up going with the 3 because the 6 was bigger than what she needed, but man are those cars awesome on the road.
I haven't driven all that many cars, but they aren't kidding when they say the new mazdas are drivers cars. Yea would clearly take rwd, but for what they are, they are amazingly sure footed cars
Not sure if you have thought about/looked into maybe a 2010 Mazda 6? Personally I am not a huge fan of its styling, but everyone is different.
My girlfriend was recently stuck between the mazda 3 and 6 and I ended up test driving both of them. She ended up going with the 3 because the 6 was bigger than what she needed, but man are those cars awesome on the road.
I haven't driven all that many cars, but they aren't kidding when they say the new mazdas are drivers cars. Yea would clearly take rwd, but for what they are, they are amazingly sure footed cars
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
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From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
I got one M5 near me with 40K miles for 33K...
not big fan of Us cars...since in the past it as been nothing but maintanence even though i didnt even drive that much ( minus that STS that i had)....
I guess going with lower cost vehicle would also not make me go get larger underwear, where with M5 or E55 the ***** would be almost dragging on the floor and out the sides
not big fan of Us cars...since in the past it as been nothing but maintanence even though i didnt even drive that much ( minus that STS that i had)....
I guess going with lower cost vehicle would also not make me go get larger underwear, where with M5 or E55 the ***** would be almost dragging on the floor and out the sides
Realistically speaking wait on the new Ford Edge with the Eco-boost 4-cylinder turbo. Ford has been making good products lately. The E55 is nice, but it's hard to find one still in warranty, and CPO is costly. A friend of mine is actually in the market for a E55. As far as the E60 M5 goes, they can get had in the high 30's, but that is a high mileage example and with a V10 you'll probably average 10-15mpg. Logically speaking get a Ford Edge, you will basically be worry-free with a new vehicle. Remember, KIDS!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
S2000 and pocket the difference for limo rides for the kiddies when necessary.
OK, realistic option:
Brand-spanking new Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT 6-speed, $32k
Not realistic, but a fun option:
2003 540i 6-speed
OK, realistic option:
Brand-spanking new Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT 6-speed, $32k
Not realistic, but a fun option:
2003 540i 6-speed
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
Had that as a rental earlier this year...not digging either the interior nor that lack of power...
Good point about the M5, in that case either would be a good choice.
Not sure if you have thought about/looked into maybe a 2010 Mazda 6? Personally I am not a huge fan of its styling, but everyone is different.
My girlfriend was recently stuck between the mazda 3 and 6 and I ended up test driving both of them. She ended up going with the 3 because the 6 was bigger than what she needed, but man are those cars awesome on the road.
I haven't driven all that many cars, but they aren't kidding when they say the new mazdas are drivers cars. Yea would clearly take rwd, but for what they are, they are amazingly sure footed cars
Not sure if you have thought about/looked into maybe a 2010 Mazda 6? Personally I am not a huge fan of its styling, but everyone is different.
My girlfriend was recently stuck between the mazda 3 and 6 and I ended up test driving both of them. She ended up going with the 3 because the 6 was bigger than what she needed, but man are those cars awesome on the road.
I haven't driven all that many cars, but they aren't kidding when they say the new mazdas are drivers cars. Yea would clearly take rwd, but for what they are, they are amazingly sure footed cars
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 19
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
for one, the maintenance for the M5 and E55 or the CLS500 would be more costly if anything were to go wrong. 100 mile commute I doubt you want to get stuck in cars that does 14-15mpg or less avg.
my suggestion: $35k you can get yourself a very nice 08-09 535i perhaps with the M-tech sport pkg. it has power, it can be tuned, and it has class and the room you want. PLUS it does around 28mpg highway.
my suggestion: $35k you can get yourself a very nice 08-09 535i perhaps with the M-tech sport pkg. it has power, it can be tuned, and it has class and the room you want. PLUS it does around 28mpg highway.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 912
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From: Dunstable, ,Ma
Nowhere ...Fast
Now whats up with an 03 BMW? this is a second suggestion. Arent they a rust bucket and lack electronic intelegency vs 06? i dont know just asking
for one, the maintenance for the M5 and E55 or the CLS500 would be more costly if anything were to go wrong. 100 mile commute I doubt you want to get stuck in cars that does 14-15mpg or less avg.
my suggestion: $35k you can get yourself a very nice 08-09 535i perhaps with the M-tech sport pkg. it has power, it can be tuned, and it has class and the room you want. PLUS it does around 28mpg highway.
my suggestion: $35k you can get yourself a very nice 08-09 535i perhaps with the M-tech sport pkg. it has power, it can be tuned, and it has class and the room you want. PLUS it does around 28mpg highway.
I like the 08-09 5 series idea...appreciate that its not another 03 suggestion which i am not understanding or more likely now curious what so special with 03's that i dont know...
28 mpgs would deff help out
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CLK63 Black Series
So why would i got with 469 HP E55, if M5 offers 505 off the bet...with equivalent tune i could easily have an M5 with over 550hps
I would go with E63 but out of my price range...
03 M5? i got an 02...and technically its 10 years old..was thinking something it least 06...plus 03 is such a dinosaur when compared to an 06, no?
Kid in the trunk ..hahahaha...that CLK of yours is siiiiiiickooooooo nuice!
I would go with E63 but out of my price range...
03 M5? i got an 02...and technically its 10 years old..was thinking something it least 06...plus 03 is such a dinosaur when compared to an 06, no?
Kid in the trunk ..hahahaha...that CLK of yours is siiiiiiickooooooo nuice!
Since you are looking more for a commuter and a family sedan the new m5 may be right for you. In the end it just comes down to personal preference... if it were based on logic there wouldn't be enough amg's to go around
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
I would not buy a 2006 M5. The 2006 was the first year they had here and they had some issues with SMG.
Furthermore, it will have a lot of miles and will be out of warranty. You don't want to own an M once it's out of warranty. $14 a quart of oil... Well.
Also, coming from C230, it'll take some adjustment going to a 500+hp car, I say get something more of a stepping stone rather than try to go into the big leagues right off the bat.
Furthermore, it will have a lot of miles and will be out of warranty. You don't want to own an M once it's out of warranty. $14 a quart of oil... Well.
Also, coming from C230, it'll take some adjustment going to a 500+hp car, I say get something more of a stepping stone rather than try to go into the big leagues right off the bat.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
