I’m currently assisting a COTD reader identify the best car for his current situation.
A car is a major purchase and I appreciate when people take their time to research what is the best car for them and their current situation.
Here are his parameters:
“I want to buy a 4-door sedan. I don’t want to spend more than 40K, although I would spend 45K if I really like the car. My top three priorities are:
I also want a car that has a sense of style. I don’t want to drive around in a refrigerator.”
So I responded with these thoughts:
“Now realize any of my suggestions will almost always come with a performance bias.
The best option from Japan is the a gently used 2007 Infiniti M45. The M45 has all the technology Infiniti can muster, including one of my favorite options – air cooled seats. It has all of the request features that make that gadget guys happy. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/infiniti-m45/
From Japan I would also give an honorable mention to the Lexus G430 if the Infiniti is a little too on the sporty side of the scale for you.
A high powered option from America is a new or extremely low mileage (less than 5k) Chrysler 300 SRT-8. The SRT-8 is powered by a 425hp 6.1 liter hemi. It is a brute. There are several other SRT-8 siblings including the Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee all with the same 6.1 liter hemi and SRT treatments. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/chrysler-300c-srt-8/
An American honorable mention goes to the brand new Pontiac G8. If you don’t know about the G8 check it out. It would be a relative deal for you budget, but it is a very impressive offering from GM. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=124876
From the UK I would look at Jaguar’s supercharged V8 powered S-type R that is good for 400hp. http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2006/jaguar/s_type/r/test-drive.html
The only problem with the S-type is that is being replace in 2009 with the already released XF. The XF is an attractive car already getting good press. However, the S-type R is truly a special car and should be timeless choice.
There are the great cars from Germany the AMG E-Class, the Audi S6 and the BMW M5, but we would need to go further back in time to hit our price point. “
The rising price of gas and the desire for a slightly smaller car is causing our reader to think more along the lines of the BMW 3 Series, which is never a bad choice.
A creative option the 3 Series is the ultra-exclusive Saab Turbo X of which only 600 will see American shores.
I will keep you updated as to the Car Hunt Progress.
