Tenorplayer23

Well, the lease is nearly up on the 2008 Impala LTZ and it's time to start considering a replacement, whether new or used, purchased or leased. So, thought I'd put a post out there for some suggestions, recommendations and experiences.

The current car is a bright red 2008 Chevrolet Impala LTZ; 3.9LV6, 4sp. auto. black leather interior. Fits very well for my height at 6'3", large inside, big trunk (good as the utilitarian car to go along with the Corvette) plus pretty good feature set for the price (today a 2010 similarly equipped LTZ has an MSRP of ~ $30K....and can be had for quite a bit less).

But, the downside is............I've had now 3 Impalas in a row. Maybe a change is due?

The car, while a nice size, is rather pedestrian; it doesn't handle "bad" (as the LTZ has upgraded tires & suspension over the other Impala equipment levels) but doesn't exactly have a taught Euro-handling feel, either

In any case, how about some suggestions & experiences that meet my rough criteria.

> Likely domestic, no smaller than mid-size automobile...prefer something that fits and full size is just fine
> Automatic preferred for the daily driver. Needs enough giddy yap to move along pretty well. Prefer to improve handling over the Impala and be now less powerful!
> FWD is fine...........RWD is fine............AWD is fine. With dedicated snows, even RWD is OK in this part fo the soon to be snow covered universe!
> Bright exterior color preferred........love my Impala's red!

Some vehicles I have been thinking about:

> New Chevrolet Mailbu or another Impala (2010)
> New 2010 (or maybe late model used, ~ 2008/2009?) Cadillac CTS (probably RWD w/performance suspension; 3.0 or 3.6V6
> New 2010 Buick Lacrosse CXS??
> Ford Fusion Sport? Ford Taurus SEL/SHO (2010 SHO is very pricey).
> Dodge Charger
> Any other suggestions/or experiences with any of the above...........................???????? ????

Imports: While I don't typically buy foreign, any overwhelming good suggestions?? Good recommendations or considerations????

How about used car suggestions?

Let 'em rip. Thanks in advance.

See ya.

IMXCITD

I would recommend you go test drive a Lexus LS430 and a GS430. Both great cars...w/toyota reliability. The LS is a smoothe cruiser while the GS is luxurious...it is more sporty. Either can be had in the teens or 20's and are sharp, comfortable and reliable. Try one!

Dueysan

Alot of factors to consider.....are you paying cash or financing...this makes a big difference...if your paying cash, 1 or 2 year old luxury cars such as the CTS or equivalent foreign entry luxury cars are great buys because they take such a huge hit once they roll off the lot.

Tenorplayer23

"It depends" - I know the best deal out there is a year or two old car like the CTS. Have to look into that of course....otherwise, it depends on the total deal vs. the car. You never know until these days untill the day of the deal.....rebates, financing, other incentives, et. al..

Thx.

See ya : seeya

Tenorplayer23

????............

MVR 155

The only domestic car out of that bunch I would consider is the CTS... maybe a SRT-8 Charger or 300 (although Im not a Chrysler fan). I have owned 4 Acuras over the past 10 years as my DD's and I have been extremely happy, Im not a fan of the new style so I will be shopping for a different brand next time around.

These are some suggestions I would look at:

Lexus GS/LS
Infiniti G37
Acura TL
Audi A4/A6 (S4/S6)
Mercedes E class
BMW 5 series

I will be taking a really hard look at the new S4 from Audi in the next 12-18 months, hoping to score a really nice used 2010 model. I also really like the CTS-V but Im thinking the Audi will be more practical with AWD and also more economical in terms of fuel mileage (and tickets )

MVR 155

Not sure if you have kicked around the idea of an SUV but the TBSS and SRT-8 Cherokee are both a ton of fun to drive, have AWD and can be had under $30K for a gently used model.

JerriVette

If it were me? i'd go to craigslist in your area and type in "lease take over"

There are quite a few people who are dying to get out of the new car leases and the savings are substancial.

No money up front...subsidized lease payments...shorter term

Gives greater variety and lower cost ..(more money for the vette!) and the vehicles are very nice...

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/s...min&maxAsk=max

PHPD7102

End of the road for this line but I have to tell you the Pontiac G8 is probably the best GM car I have ever owned, including my vette. Blasphemy I know.

Fit and finish are good, interior is nice and a great balance between comfort and performance, lots of interior room for both the driver and back seat passengers.

I'm telling you to at least go check one out.

Go for the GXP version for 415hp vs the GT which is 361hp.

stic5

G8 for sure.

JerriVette

G8 GT is awesome. not sure its a good vehicle to lease though. If it were within the ball park...It should be the best to chose from..

For those who can wait..Nov 4th should show the stunningly beautiful new Dodge Charger that is about to be released in 2010 as a 2011 model..

PCK1221

Another vote for the G8, you sound like a G8 kinda guy

PHPD7102

If indeed a lease is the only direction he is going then I agree the G8 is not the right choice, it will have a poor residual value and therefore a higher monthly payment. As far as a purchase though you cant go wrong, a whole lot of car for your dollar.

MidLifeinMI

First-hand perspective on the CTS - for 2008 and later, you'll get one of two 3.6L engines; the base with 263HP and the DI version (mine) with 304. Gets out of its own way very nicely, but you need to rev it to appreciate it (torque is OK, but it comes alive above 3500RPM). Mileage is OK, I average around 21 in mixed driving; never get any higher than 24 or so on the highway.

Very nice car, I've had mine over 2 years now with no appreciable issues. At 6'3", you may want to sit in one before making your decision, as it might be a little snug (I'm 5'11" and have no problems); the G8 might have more room if you need it.

(small plug - mine's actually going up for sale, as I'm getting into something a little cheaper due to recent under-employment, so if you're ever over near Motown, gimme a shout and you can try it out.)