I need a new car

[Tim]

Agreed on all accounts. If you are looking into a crossover or small SUV, do it right. You are a baller and what better way to say I love you than this:

BMW X5

I love the X5 and the X3. I love all things BMW. Best cars on the market, hands down, no question. I love my 330i. I'm sick of being without it. Luckily it'll be mine again exactly one month from today (when I go to California to pick it up and drive it back across the country to North Carolina). However, from a price point the X5 is more than we're willing to spend, and the X3s in our price range are very-high-mileage or have been in accidents.

[FN Phat]

I love the X5 and the X3. I love all things BMW. Best cars on the market, hands down, no question. I love my 330i. I'm sick of being without it. Luckily it'll be mine again exactly one month from today (when I go to California to pick it up and drive it back across the country to North Carolina). However, from a price point the X5 is more than we're willing to spend, and the X3s in our price range are very-high-mileage or have been in accidents.

I figured that you would want to add to the BMW family before you add to the Tim family

[old_gregg]

So, I can't find any of the cars I listed above within my price range. I've been looking at the V6 Hyundai Sonatas. Anybody drive one? They're cheap, and have great options for the price range.

[Shaka]

So, I can't find any of the cars I listed above within my price range. I've been looking at the V6 Hyundai Sonatas. Anybody drive one? They're cheap, and have great options for the price range.

I drove one to Vegas a couple of months ago. In fact I drove it again this weekend. They are excellent cars for the money. I like it every bit as much as an Accord or Camry.

[All-American]

I happen to be in the market as well. I'll be living at about a 20 minute drive from school, so I'll be buying my first car. I've got some rebates available for a GM, and I've been nudged in the direction of a Chevy Malibu. Any impressions as to what sedan type cars especially merit a look?

[Mormon Red Death]

I happen to be in the market as well. I'll be living at about a 20 minute drive from school, so I'll be buying my first car. I've got some rebates available for a GM, and I've been nudged in the direction of a Chevy Malibu. Any impressions as to what sedan type cars especially merit a look?

How new is the malibu? If its an actual new car those malibi are pretty sweet.

[kccougar]

I happen to be in the market as well. I'll be living at about a 20 minute drive from school, so I'll be buying my first car. I've got some rebates available for a GM, and I've been nudged in the direction of a Chevy Malibu. Any impressions as to what sedan type cars especially merit a look?

The Malibu is a good car. I can't comment on reliability, but I assume it is above average. I had one as a rental that I drove from Utah to Montana, then around the state and back home. I was favorably impressed.

[Tim]

Initial thoughts on those you mentioned:

2007 or 2008 Acura RDX - I'd go with the MDX instead, but that may be a little bigger than you need. If they're too pricey, buy a 2005 or 2006.

2008 Land Rover LR2 - Never in a million years. That being said, I do want a 2003 Discovery but it would be for fun use only. I would not use a Land Rover as a daily driver and certainly not one that was still depreciating like a motorhome.

2009 VW Tiguan - Good choice. Depreciation may still be a killer.

2007 VW Touareg - Better choice. I really like the Touareg. Go for the V8 or the V10 TDI

2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring - In my experience Mazda's are weak, buzzing little things that I wouldn' expect to hold up over the long term.

OK, here's my thinking on the Land Rover... It's definitely not my favorite -- as previously mentioned, I would get an X5 here if it were within my price range. I've spent years in the "Land Rovers are pieces of crap" category, but I added it to this list when I posted here because I'd actually read decent things about the LR2. So now I'm wondering if all the residual Land Rover disapproval I continue to hear (and not just here in this thread) is a remnant of a past life, a reflection of Land Rover of the 1980s, when they really were certifiable pieces of crap, or if they've truly continued to be crap into the late-2000s? Truthfully, the LR2 is a dressed up Volvo. Is that really a bad thing? I'm trying to honestly evaluate here if the LR2 is worthy of the scorn that so many heap on it (myself being one of them in former times), or if it's just a continuation of the "Land Rover sucks" mentality.

Regarding the Mazda...... How does it compare from an interior perspective? I don't expect Mazda to bring precision and quality to the interior. It's priced so much lower that it makes me wonder what's wrong with it.

I like the VW options. And I need to keep my eyes peeled for lower-priced X3s.

[filsdepac]

Cam, or anyone else, I'm selling my 2007 G35 sedan (new styling). It's got 58K miles, graphite color, and BYU alumni plate covers!

Although BB is about 21.5K (premium package, tint, 18 inch wheels), there haven't been many bites at 20.5K.

I'll give you or anyone else a CUF special @ 19.5K. Brand new tires too

[kccougar]

OK, here's my thinking on the Land Rover... It's definitely not my favorite -- as previously mentioned, I would get an X5 here if it were within my price range. I've spent years in the "Land Rovers are pieces of crap" category, but I added it to this list when I posted here because I'd actually read decent things about the LR2. So now I'm wondering if all the residual Land Rover disapproval I continue to hear (and not just here in this thread) is a remnant of a past life, a reflection of Land Rover of the 1980s, when they really were certifiable pieces of crap, or if they've truly continued to be crap into the late-2000s? Truthfully, the LR2 is a dressed up Volvo. Is that really a bad thing? I'm trying to honestly evaluate here if the LR2 is worthy of the scorn that so many heap on it (myself being one of them in former times), or if it's just a continuation of the "Land Rover sucks" mentality.

Regarding the Mazda...... How does it compare from an interior perspective? I don't expect Mazda to bring precision and quality to the interior. It's priced so much lower that it makes me wonder what's wrong with it.

I like the VW options. And I need to keep my eyes peeled for lower-priced X3s.

I'm most familiar with the Discovery. The 2000-2004 Discoveries have serious engine issues (poorly-designed oil flow). The electronic/hydraulic suspensions still fail. All Land Rovers, as far as I know, continue to suffer electronic gremlins. Regardless of actual reliability, perceived liability plays havoc with resale values. While a BMW will retain 55-60% of original value after 5 years, you'll be lucky to get 25% out of a Land Rover.

[cougjunkie]

Cam, or anyone else, I'm selling my 2007 G35 sedan (new styling). It's got 58K miles, graphite color, and BYU alumni plate covers!

Although BB is about 21.5K (premium package, tint, 18 inch wheels), there haven't been many bites at 20.5K.

I'll give you or anyone else a CUF special @ 19.5K. Brand new tires too

You drive a G35 Sedan? That explains so much.

[filsdepac]

You drive a G35 Sedan? That explains so much.

No, growing up in Vallejo would explain things, driving a G35 sedan shows class.

FTR, I think the coupes are cool, but they are thought of as a gay man's car here in SF.

[cougjunkie]

No, growing up in Vallejo would explain things, driving a G35 sedan shows class.

FTR, I think the coupes are cool, but they are thought of as a gay man's car here in SF.

First of all Vallejo is all class. The only city in the state of California to actually pass Oakland in murders per capita over the past 20 years. Not to mention Vallejo is home to some great athletes like CC Sabathia (I caught for him in little league all-stars), Jahvid Best, Jeff Gordon and former Giants great Mike Felder!

(Not to mention my old little league coach Maury Wills and Nathans hot dog eating champ Joey Chestnut!)

Vallejo is also the home of the Zodiac killer and popular rappers E-40, B-Legit, Baby Bash, Celly-Cel, Mac Dre (RIP), Mac Mall (remember the Romper room gang that robbed all the pizza drivers?). Finally they are the largest city in the state of California to ever file bankruptcy!

You wish you were from there.

[old_gregg]

Cam, or anyone else, I'm selling my 2007 G35 sedan (new styling). It's got 58K miles, graphite color, and BYU alumni plate covers!

Although BB is about 21.5K (premium package, tint, 18 inch wheels), there haven't been many bites at 20.5K.

I'll give you or anyone else a CUF special @ 19.5K. Brand new tires too

very tempting, but still too far out of my range. why are you selling?

[fusnik]

What's up with the unmarried Mormon dudes making horrible car choices?

Cam, you are from the DC, probably come from money, a Mazda? WTF? Buy the G35 Coupe and be done with it.

AA, a Hyundai? Good heavens. You are soon to be a graduate from one of the most prestigious law schools and you are thinking about a Hyundai? Are you trying to guarantee your virgindom for the next 5 years. Go buy a Beemer, or a Lexus 250, or an STI. Something man.

Fils, a sedan? Bwahahahahahaha praise the heavens you are unloading that thing. Remember though, only old people or late 30's middle management in corporate America want your ride and it might be for sale for a minute.