ruf455

The GTO is wearing thin on me...maybe I am just too picky...but either way... What do ya'll think of the following for a RELIABLE daily driver. I do two 8 hour round trips a month, so long duration comfortability is a MUST.

G35 (coupe or sedan)
3/5 Series BMW
Caddy CTS or CTS-V (dream)
Dodge Charger/Magnum

...I'd like to get any of the above CPO if possible and keep it under $23K (I know... the CTS-V would be more).

C3 RV

I'm a fan of the 3.6 CTS. I had an 04 and it was a great car. (Leased a SRX to replace it.) Suggest you get a CPO 04 or later 3.6 with the sports suspension package (17" or 18" wheels). As for comfort, I made a couple trips from Michigan to South Carolina and I had no soreness during or afterwards. Good luck with whatever you choose.

johnnykretentiv

What about a Lexus? Reliable? Yes. And really smooth and comfy.
Definately in line with the other ones you are looking at. There is a reason they are so highly rated. They are such nice cars it makes it almost too easy.


Score a certified used one.

BrooklynC6

As much as I loved my CTS-V , if the GTO is wearing you thin , you wont be much happier in the Caddy - The Charger/Magnum is nice , but half the people I know who have em are having trouble on a regular basis ( Tranny/Electrical , Suspension ect) - The Bimmers are nice but a fortune to maintain - I would say go with the regular CTS or G35 . Good Luck

benspruce

I'll have to agree with Johnny - even though Lexus was not in the original question. My wife drives a 2007 Lexus that is an amazingly comfortable car. It's quiet, rides smooth, and has all the goodies anyone could want. However, I really want to take a look at the new Camaro when it comes out in early 2009. I don't know how it will be as a daily driver - family car, but it sure looks great IMO.

ruf455

I would have to give Lexus a look, though a Lexus has never landed on my radar.

I did some digging on the CTS-V and it sounds like the GTO when it comes to BS design problems...I don't want to fool with it. I wish I could find a CTS 3.6 with upgraded wheels/suspension to look at/drive.

That is not the first time I have heard someone bitch about the tranmission in the Charger/Magnum. Maybe that is why you can pick out a topped off car for next to nothing (I see completely decked out Magnums going for what my GTO is worth).

I LOVE the GTO, but it has too many premature tranmission problems. Especially since I cruise around in 5th/6th all the time with nary a hard shift. The brakes are caca and it makes all kinds of weird clunking banging under various conditions. But, I still love it and happily get into it every morning.

DisasterDave

I think Lexus is the front runner in this thread. BMW: expensive price AND maintenance. Dodge: Kinda unreliable. G35, they just handle wierd, don't like 'em. CTS, I've heard that if it's not the V series, you might as well be driving a Buick, which isn't a bad choice.

DD

ruf455

I looked at the 2004 - current lexus line up (under $22K)...pleah The only one I like is the IS300. I just can't get over the fact that the others in the line up look a little silly (in my price rage) but maybe I am missing somthing. I am going to move the CTS up to the front here...

...wish GM would have done better on the GTO. Maybe another GTO...

Anyone here have any experience with the new(er) RWD STS's?

C3 RV

I'd avoid the 05s (first year) and be sure to get CPO. Check out cadillacforums.com:

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...m-2005-beyond/

HIRISC

(used) Acura TL

CaddyJimz06

Wait for the newly designed 08 CTS coming out by the end of this month. It will be available with a 304 hp 3.6L engine and AWD!

MVR 155

I was gonna say the same thing..... I have owned 4 different Acura Vehicles now (1997 CL 3.0, 2003 CL Type S, 2006 TL and 2007 TL Type S), they have been great cars with very little to no problems. I am sure you can scoop up a 04 TL CPO and they have a very nice program, low finance rates (should you choose to finance), 1year/12K added to the existing 4yr/50K bumper to bumper (for a total of 5yr/62K) as well as 7yr/100K powertrain.

Blue Lion

I recently got an 07 G35 coupe and it was the best "fun" car for the $ and features and styling. The previous years haven't changed much so a used one should be well-equipped and maybe still under their great factory warranty. My only complaint is driver's headroom with the sunroof. If you look into the car, make sure it fits you.

HIRISC

TL's are great cars.. Nice looking, good handling, decent performance, and a lot of luxury for the $$.

Our TL's interior is as nice as my X5's (at half the price).

Tim2K4Vert

Handle weird? I'm guessing that you've never spent more than 10 minutes behind the wheel of one and it probably wasn't even equipped with the Sport package.

I just traded in my '05 G35 Coupe (needed 4 doors). I owned it for 2 years and it was a great car. It had the Sport package and handled great. Very fun car.

Glenn's 67 BB Vert

Or Honda anything --had a bunch of em two right now and love em!!!--Glenn

RedBeauty84ZX

What about like an 03-05 Infiniti M45/Q45?

DisasterDave

Never drove the coupe, just the sedan. I actually drove 3 of them, and 1 for 2 weeks. My friend died and I picked up his G35 and put it up for sale to get $ for his daughter. It was an '03, and I just didn't like the jerky accelleration and the brakes were outrageously touchy. All 3 of them had hair trigger brakes. Automobile magazine said the same thing about them. Nice looking car though.

DD

Tim2K4Vert

I agree 100% about the brakes on the sedan. Very touchy. The Coupe isn't like that at all. I haven't driven an '07 sedan so I don't know if that's changed or not on the new ones.

ruf455

...I'll keep adding this in...I absolutely hate to rid our barn of the GTO. I have wanted one since they came out but I don't see paying that much for a car that has SO darn many issues, quirks of ownership, etc. My Impala SS with 150K had less issues and was 12 years old. My wife jumped some serious hoops to get me that car, so anything that repalces it will have to be OUTSTANTING. Selling the goat is going to be a bitch...


The G35 Coupe is on the wife's radar, and is one damn nice looking car, especially in a darker color combo. I don't think I would go with the 4dr.

The CTS is not doing it for either of us (I can't pull off the CTS-V)

The STS is a possibility. The V8 is out of range, but the V6 is in striking distance. However, there is nary an STS available anywhere near me.

I see everyone keeping the Honda's/Nissans/Toyotas on the front, and nothing on the Charger(V8). The Charger has leaves somthing to be desired on the inside, but has some decent power and nice exterior lines.

The G35 and the Charger are both "Used Car Best Best" and "Editor Choice" on Edmunds.com