Time to buy a new car... Need suggestions...

I'm baised towards BMW, but for the money you should test drive the G35 - it out gunned the 330i in a number of the car mag tests... "5-series" sized for a "3-series" price. The Audi S4 is sweet but the price is going way over $45K (US$), if you can find one.



If you're repalcing the XLT shouldn't you look at a SUV or a truck? How about a Cadilac EXT, GMC C3 or the Ford Lightning someone else suggested?
 
S4_rumusespec.jpg
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these images from

http://195.241.99.177/A4/S-line/index.html



These images may have been posted previously in this thread, but I could not get them to load.



V8 naturally aspirated is the engine you want-

I have both the 2.7 turbo and the v8 4.2(a6, a8), and the v8 gets better mileage and has way better throttle response, being non-turbo..



You may want to seek a slightly used a8 or s8- for 40k you can get one still in warranty probably and buy an extended warranty if you want- you should at least drive one- the torque is amazing.

:p
 
I don't think you can get one anywhere near the invoice price but I would be all over the Nissan 350Z.



I would go for a Beamer before the Audi.
 
how long are u willing to wait to buy your car? most dealers, even Audo and Lexus and stuff, are dying to make sales so you may be able to get a deal on an S4 or A4 turbo sport package you can tweek to near S4 performance.





The IS300 probably won't be in the same performance league as what you want.



I'm biased, but unless you're going to be driving straight lines and light to light, I wouldn't buy American muscle - can't handle nearly as well as the imports. Also, I sort of like a bit of understatement in a car that can whomp someone else. It's great driving in my friends S4 wagon, nobody expects a wagon with a bike rack on top to be able to perform but it can beat most rides out there.
 
Take a look at the 2003 Accord. 240hp V6, 6-speed manual (EX V6 coupe model only), available navigation system, reliable, sporty, but practical. The only thing wrong with it is FWD and maybe bad service.



The IS300 is a great sporty car, it is compact, and ride is a bit harsh. Fully loaded price under 36k.



BMW 330i fully loaded is kind of expensive, and dealers don't like to budge on these cars. But are extremely nice.
 
and will be available in STi trim soon. I would have bought one myself if I hadn't bought a MINI Cooper "S".
 
Right on AlBoston,Benzs service is not up to Porsches,Jaguars and ,I would say, the best-Lexus. I was going to get S500 but after couple of totally negative conversations with sales department people, I've got JagXK8 (traded in my 1998 S420 )
 
AlBoston said:
well contrary to most people on this thread, i really like the IS300. And yes bret i have the no frills model, still looks and drives better than the lethargic SAAB:D .
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I don't recall attacking you personally with my post. Nice attitude :rolleyes:



Fact is that most buyers of luxury brands want loaded versions of their cars. That makes strippo versions harder to sell. That's good if you are buying new and want a good deal as dealers want/need to move these cars and are more willing to sell them cheap. It's bad when you go to sell it as a used car because most shoppers are looking for cars with all the toys. Important to consider when buying a luxury brand over a mainstream brand, especially at trade in time. Expect a several thousand dollar hit.
 
Originally posted by tkr128 BMW 330i fully loaded is kind of expensive, and dealers don't like to budge on these cars. But are extremely nice.
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That depends on where you live. I got $3.7k off MSRP which was 6% above dealer invoice when I bought my 328Ci in 2/00. If a BMW dealer won't budge off MSRP, go find another dealer.
 
serg said:
Right on AlBoston,Benzs service is not up to Porsches,Jaguars and ,I would say, the best-Lexus. I was going to get S500 but after couple of totally negative conversations with sales department people, I've got JagXK8 (traded in my 1998 S420 )
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I think all service department's are hit and miss these days. I have had good luck with our Mercedes dealer. When having anything done on my dads 2001 Porsche TT, ha, was anything but good. Prior to my mothers 2000 S-Class designo, she had a 98 Vanden Plas. Service was OK. But the hit you take on resale, makes even the worst service seem well worth it.

(not to mention that her Jags tranny went out after 800 miles and Jaguar would not replace the car, only the Tranny. Luckily the dealer stepped up to the plate and replaced the car)
 
HellrotCi said:
That depends on where you live. I got $3.7k off MSRP which was 6% above dealer invoice when I bought my 328Ci in 2/00. If a BMW dealer won't budge off MSRP, go find another dealer.
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I agree completely for both sales and service. The dealers make their money on the service side and for moving volumes of vehicles especially the domestic dealers. If you are not happy:mad: , move your business down the street. If $200 over invoice is your goal, then find a dealer willing to show you that invoice. If the Audi S4 is your choice, phone around.
 
The more I keep hearing about the new and upcoming Audi S4, the more I am falling DEEEEEEPLY in love with it. It is going to be one helluva combo. I like the body style and as long as it has as sunroof, leather and a navigation system, I'm sold. Only problem of course is that it is being introduced in July of 2003. I can wait and save my money until then, but I REALLY want to test drive it NOW! :) :bounce



By the way, you can ALWAYS get a better deal somewhere. You might even have to drive to another state to get it, but you can always get a great deal somewhere. I am making the goal $200 over invoice for the newly redesigned S4 with a $100 variance (ie $300 over is the most I'll go). I will get the deal, because they want to sell me the car.



Anyways, thanks for all the info and feel free to keep it coming
 
Ok! Let's get you that S4.



A few things to do. First, get yourself on the waiting list NOW. By the time the car actually comes out, there will be a long line of people ahead of you. Second, this means you will have to pay MSRP or minimal off. The S4 is being made in similar quanities as my C32. The best deal I've seen for a C32 was $1500 off and the car has been out for more than one year. Third, get it in writing that the dealer will not charge MORE than MSRP. They can and will do it. When the Audi TT convertible came out, they were charging $6k above sticker. Lastly, plan on the car being closer to $50k.



Good luck. Hopefully things are better for you in MD. However, in the craze that is California, sales for hot new cars such as these are like I described. I'm just going by experience, things on th east coast should be better.
 
JustinTRW said:
Ok! Let's get you that S4.



A few things to do. First, get yourself on the waiting list NOW. By the time the car actually comes out, there will be a long line of people ahead of you. Second, this means you will have to pay MSRP or minimal off. The S4 is being made in similar quanities as my C32. The best deal I've seen for a C32 was $1500 off and the car has been out for more than one year. Third, get it in writing that the dealer will not charge MORE than MSRP. They can and will do it. When the Audi TT convertible came out, they were charging $6k above sticker. Lastly, plan on the car being closer to $50k.



Good luck. Hopefully things are better for you in MD. However, in the craze that is California, sales for hot new cars such as these are like I described. I'm just going by experience, things on th east coast should be better.
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Nope, its no better here on the east coast. Dealers mark high-line cars up the same everywhere. Its a shame actually. But I guess its the way things go.

I very highly doubt you will get anything off of MSRP for awhile. Then it may get better. But keep this in mind that it will be a hot car for awhile.



--Bolton
 
bjwebster said:




Nope, its no better here on the east coast. Dealers mark high-line cars up the same everywhere. Its a shame actually. But I guess its the way things go.
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Well, I guess that's the world. They will be more willing to sell the car to someone else who will pay full list or even more. The new S4 will be a hot car, I think it's worth it. Personally I feel it's wrong to pay a dime more than MSRP.
 
I have a feeling that the new S4 will cost more than $45K, and considering how hot it sounds, deals won't be easy.



I'm thinking a BMW 330i/Ci, Audi A4 3.0 Quattro, or Infiniti G35 would be perfect... it might be hard to find aftermarket parts for the G35 though.



Good luck!
 
A S2000 and after you break it in add a Comptech Super Charger. Stock 0 to 60 in around 5.3 seconds ,top end of 158 , and 240 hp. After I added the SC - 358hp, 0 to 60 in around 4.5 seconds and top end of 171 mph when we took the car to the speed runs at El Mirage dry lakes. Mine w/ everything was less than 40K.



Anything with 4 doors is just a family man's car. I can say that cause I'm a family man and will not give up my rag tops for anything.
 
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