Hi Guys!

I am having an extremely tough decision on what car to get for a DD. I should be able to get a decent '08/'09 E350 4M with approx 45-50K miles for around $25-26K (after some negotiation), this is the same case for the CTS AWD (with around 30k-40k miles), and a '13 new Altima 3.5SV should also be around $25-26K. I am stuck, I don't know what to do. The Altima has been redesigned this year and is newer (and is supposed to be good), the E350 and CTS are more luxury oriented though. I would want something quite dependable (not a problem at all) and fun to drive (not too fun - but not like a boat) and with good fit and finish. The reason I am considering the CTS and E is because they have a little bit of a higher status - but do you think it is worth it? This is an extremely stupid question, but please help me...with a little bias as possible . Please feel free to express all of your wise opinions...whatever you want to say.

1) after you have bought the car, do you want to spend any more money? If no, then a new car with a warranty (the 2013) is the way to go. And I am not saying anything nasty about the other cars on your short-list. You WILL spend more maintaining an older car, or will have to buy a warranty if you want to try to cap those costs. In other words, the older cars are more expensive than their sticker prices.
2) DD = 20 miles per day or 200 ? Which one is the most comfortable without being boring, in your opinion? You don't to convince me, just yourself.
3) All your choices seem to be subject to substantial depreciation, (I think. I may be wrong.) Does this matter to you?

Check Consumer Reports and you will not buy a General Motors car.

I would say to remove the CTS from your list immediately. It's gauche and common, and the reliability is questionable.

The Nissan 3.5 is a great engine, so if you're looking for an inexpensive DD, that's probably your best choice, but it will not likely remain a nice ride for more than 5-6 years.

That said, the E350 is more luxurious and a longer lasting car.

As always, depends on what you're looking for.

I would definitely go with the Nissan as a DD. Like other people said you don't have to mess with nomal repairs, which can be costly at times. Plus you don't have to deal with the dreaded gas odor issue which can be very costly to repair. Besides, it's never easy to buy a good used car because you don't know how the previously owner maintain the car.

I would say altima is the cheaper DD alternative

My brother-in-law finally unloaded his 2010 Altima (bought new) after 2+ years of problems, problems, problems!

All problems/repairs were covered under warranty, but nearly every trip to the dealer meant leaving the car for one or two days while they awaited parts, etc.

While one instance does not make a case, it certainly suggests Nissan's quality control has slipped in recent years.

You pay your dues and take your chances, I guess.

relinuca