Help me pick out a car for work...

[tommy2]

As a perk my boss is getting me a car. My range is "in the 30's". I need a 4 door, but it doesn't have to be anything too boring. I will occasionally have clients in the car (once every couple of months), but mostly its for me. I'm in my early 30's, married, no kids. I have never had a new car, so I am excited but need some help narrowing down my choices. One of my friends suggested an Acura TL. Anybody know anything about this car or have any other suggestions?

[shadow29]

http://www.topclass-auto.cz/images/galerie/audi-a4.jpg

This should be a sticky. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

Make sure that you get the 5spd man.

[Reef]

4Runner ? (http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyota_4runner_limited4x4v6_2005/16308/style_overview.html;_ylt=Ahgkr9h5.Ldk7cfPJTybTNLGf b8F)

[Reef]

Benz (http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/mercedesbenz_cclass_c320luxurysedan_2005/15119/style_overview.html;_ylt=AnY3sm8Ojem2zSeTgzQEndU_f r8F)

[tommy2]

Is that the A4? Had one of those (used) for a while--it was a good car, no doubt.

I think I am going to stay away from the SUVs--not my style.

I haven't heard great things about the C class Benz's though. Consumer Reports rated them pretty low I thought.

[shadow29]

[ QUOTE ]
Is that the A4? Had one of those (used) for a while--it was a good car, no doubt.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, it's the A4. I've got a used one and I couldn't think of a better car to have if you need four doors.

[ QUOTE ]
I think I am going to stay away from the SUVs--not my style.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good call.

[tommy2]

The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8. I think the other people in the office (including my boss) would think I was trying to kiss up somehow. Childish, I know, but that's how this stuff is sometimes.

[shadow29]

[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8. I think the other people in the office (including my boss) would think I was trying to kiss up somehow. Childish, I know, but that's how this stuff is sometimes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ooh. That sucks. Such a good car, but I know what you mean.

Maybe a 3 series? Those are pretty nice, but sporty too.

[The Stranger]

The new TL's are sweet. A lot of great luxury features, especially for the price. I'm not too thrilled about the new look though.

http://images.safeform.com/stock/300/acura/tl/2005/4sa.jpg

[somethingstupid]

Get a heli (coptor)

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8.

[/ QUOTE ]

The other reason is that the A4 is a total chick car.

[RacersEdge]

Try an Infininti G35 Sedan

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]


Maybe a 3 series? Those are pretty nice, but sporty too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Also chick cars.

[Ray Zee]

i would go for a white car.

[mostsmooth]

toyota corolla

[jason_t]

Honda Accord Hybrid

[Anders_G]

Expensive:

Lexus ES:
http://lexus.com/assets/models/gallery/photos/main_assets/exterior/E3-792.jpg

Jaguar X-Type:
http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/vehicles/x-type/gallery/photos_9C23A2D3-786A-495B-B801-E6E66A3BD4A2_214x452.jpg

Mercedes C320:
http://www.mbusa.com/media/images/main/models/gallery/photo_gallery/c/sedan_ext_0_main.jpg


A bit less expensive:

Volvo S40:
http://www.volvocars.us/NR/rdonlyres/11C56290-1A3B-4E21-937C-7FCED1B60434/0/s40_Ext_604x314_2.jpg

Volkswagen Passat:
http://www.autohifi-w.de/users/apfelstrudelmampfer%5Ckfz1%5Cbig%5CVW%20Passat%20H iFi-Einbau%2001.JPG

Peugeot 607:
http://www.kakaku.com/kuruma/images/car/PEUGEOT_607.jpg

Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/09/saab9302_07_800.jpg

[Rev. Good Will]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Maybe a 3 series? Those are pretty nice, but sporty too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Also chick cars.

[/ QUOTE ]

no man, this car pwns http://www.bmwusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/56F7C250-1251-4FBE-9BD1-DB1283667A3E/0/0642_01.jpg

[Anders_G]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Maybe a 3 series? Those are pretty nice, but sporty too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Also chick cars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why don't you drop a make/model then?

[BK_]

the audi a4 is so overpriced its not even funny

if you have the money, check out the new infiniti m.

[Anders_G]

<Peter> "An Audi! Sweet, I'm getting a car"
<Brian> "No, that's an audit"
<Peter> "It's a foreign car - the t is silent"

[player24]

Some of the cars previously mentioned are murder on back seat passengers. For your needs (including your budget), it is hard to beat the Chrysler 300.

[Anders_G]

the only drawback ofcause being that the rear of the chrystler 300 is butt-ugly... If you want that kind of "square" look go for the Cadiallac CTS

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Maybe a 3 series? Those are pretty nice, but sporty too.

[/ QUOTE ]

Also chick cars.

[/ QUOTE ]

Why don't you drop a make/model then?

[/ QUOTE ]

In the 30's, I'd go high 30's and get like a 1yr old Acura RL. The Lexus and Infiniti models mentioned are fine also. The Jag X-type is a piece of crap. Lincoln LS is a sweeter car than that Jag and it's built on the same platform.

[tommy2]

Ok, here is the list I have narrowed it down to:

Acura TL--6 speed
BMW 3 series
Infiniti G35
VW Passat

Gonna go check out the Acura TL right now.

[The Stranger]

[ QUOTE ]


Acura TL--6 speed


[/ QUOTE ]


2005 Acura TL Features

ENGINEERING FEATURES

3.2-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, V-6 aluminum alloy engine

270 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 238 lbs-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm

Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC(TM))

Drive-by-wire throttle system

Maintenance Minder system

Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Direct ignition system with knock control

5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control

or

6-speed close-ratio manual transmission

Limited slip differential (Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)

105,000-mile tune-up interval

Torque-sensing, variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension

4-channel Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system with Traction Control

4-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front discs

4-piston Brembo front brakes (Models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)

17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated all-season performance tires

17-inch alloy wheels with high performance tires (Optional on models equipped with 6-speed manual transmission)

LEV-2 ULEV emission control system

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Brake Assist System
.

SAFETY and SECURITY FEATURES

Dual-stage dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's air bag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Driver's and front passenger's side air bag with front passenger position and height sensors

Front and rear side-curtain airbags

3-point seat belts, front and rear

Front seat belt height adjustment

Child-proof rear door locks

Front and rear crumple zones

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system for rear child seat attachment

5-mph bumpers (front and rear)

Pedestrian Impact Protection

Rear outboard head restraints

Theft-deterrent system

Electronic immobilizer system

Phosphorescent emergency trunk opener

.

EXTERIOR FEATURES

Power operated, heated side mirrors with memory

Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights (high and low beams)

Rear window defroster with timer

Heat-rejecting green-tinted glass

Acoustic front windshield glass

Chip-resistant rocker panels

Printed radio antenna (rear glass)

Galvanized body panels
.
INTERIOR FEATURES

SEATING and TRIM

Leather-trimmed seats and door panels

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob

Aluminum trim

or

Wood-patterned trim

10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and memory

4-way power passenger's seat

Heated front seats

Driver's and passenger's seat back pockets

Adjustable front and rear headrests

Rear-seat center folding armrest with dual beverage holders

LED back-lit instruments

Center console with adjustable center armrest

Locking trunk pass-through

Illuminated front center console storage

Illuminated power window switches

Carpeted floor mats
.

COMFORT and CONVENIENCE

Dual-zone, Dual-mode Automatic Climate Control with micron air-filtration system

Rear compartment heat/air conditioning vents

3D Solar Sensing Climate Control (models equipped w/ Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition)

Acura/ELS(R) Premium 8-speaker Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio, DTS(TM) and CD, 6-disc Changer, AM/FM Tuner and Dolby(R) Cassette

Acura HandsFreeLink(TM)wireless phone capability

XM(R) Satellite Radio

Optional Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) with 8-inch navigation system display

Keyless entry system with window and moonroof controls and panic button

Window and moonroof controls integrated with driver's door key lock

Multi-Information Display screen

Steering wheel-mounted audio, voice recognition, navigation system, cruise control and HandsFreeLink controls

Tilt and telescoping steering wheel

Speed-sensing intermittent windshield wipers with mist feature

Power glass moonroof with tilt and auto-reverse features and sliding sunshade

Driver automatic up/down window (w/ auto reverse feature)

Front and rear overhead map lights

Reverse tilt feature on both side mirrors

User-programmable interior lighting

In-door sunglass storage compartment

Auto-dim day/night rearview mirror

Illuminated driver's and front passenger's vanity mirror

HomeLink(R) remote control system

Two 12v power outlets

Front and rear dual beverage holders

Door storage compartments

Dual trip meters

Maintenance Minder system

Auto-off headlights

Outside temperature gauge

Side-window defoggers

Digital clock

Remote trunk/fuel door release

In-trunk storage tray

In-trunk shopping bag hook

In-trunk cargo net

Hand operated parking brake

[BottlesOf]

How about the new Infiniti the M? I think it may be a little out of the price range though.

[groo]

The New Chrysler 300.

The new Mopar vehicles all have Mercedes and NASA (yes the space guys) technology. Their new design systems are the best in the industry and a few years ago they hired Toyota's quality control director. Though they are still number 2 (for mass producers of autos) in reliablity ratings (behind Toyota) they are gaining quickly, because of changes made since the merger with Mercedes in 1997.

Great technology and sharp desigh, check it out.

[gvibes]

[ QUOTE ]
The new TL's are sweet. A lot of great luxury features, especially for the price. I'm not too thrilled about the new look though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Buy an accord - it's cheaper.

[gvibes]

[ QUOTE ]
Ok, here is the list I have narrowed it down to:

Acura TL--6 speed
BMW 3 series
Infiniti G35
VW Passat

Gonna go check out the Acura TL right now.

[/ QUOTE ]

The TL and G35 were the first ones I thought of when I read the original post. I'm a Honda guy myself, so I hope you go with the Acura - also, make sure it's an S-type.

[young nut]

[ QUOTE ]
4Runner ? (http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyota_4runner_limited4x4v6_2005/16308/style_overview.html;_ylt=Ahgkr9h5.Ldk7cfPJTybTNLGf b8F)

[/ QUOTE ]

I second this option. Just test drove a new one a few weeks ago and I was very impressed. Just make sure to get the V8 model because it is the Lexus engine not the Toyota engine (not that Toyota is bad, just that Lexus is far superior in quality)

[Dead]

I drive an A4. It's a good car.

[The Stranger]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The new TL's are sweet. A lot of great luxury features, especially for the price. I'm not too thrilled about the new look though.

[/ QUOTE ]

Buy an accord - it's cheaper.

[/ QUOTE ]

And less car.

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
I drive an A4. It's a good car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Proof

[shadow29]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8.

[/ QUOTE ]

The other reason is that the A4 is a total chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Clark, I've hardly ever seen a chick driving an A4. Maybe if you've got the automatic, but manual? Come on! No way a 2.8 V6 5spd man is a chick's car.

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8.

[/ QUOTE ]

The other reason is that the A4 is a total chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Clark, I've hardly ever seen a chick driving an A4. Maybe if you've got the automatic, but manual? Come on! No way a 2.8 V6 5spd man is a chick's car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Proof (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=2611212&page=&view=&s b=5&o=&vc=1) that it's a chick car.

[shadow29]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8.

[/ QUOTE ]

The other reason is that the A4 is a total chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Clark, I've hardly ever seen a chick driving an A4. Maybe if you've got the automatic, but manual? Come on! No way a 2.8 V6 5spd man is a chick's car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Proof (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=2611212&page=&view=&s b=5&o=&vc=1) that it's a chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I could go on about small sample or whatever, but that's too damn funny.

[RicktheRuler]

Get a Maxima.

[DoubleClutch]

[ QUOTE ]
The TL and G35 were the first ones I thought of when I read the original post. I'm a Honda guy myself, so I hope you go with the Acura

[/ QUOTE ]

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
Get a Maxima.

[/ QUOTE ]

Great choice.

[casinogosain]

I always enjoy a good circular reference.

-Ash

[Dead]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The only reason to stay away from the Audi is that my boss has the A8.

[/ QUOTE ]

The other reason is that the A4 is a total chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry Clark, I've hardly ever seen a chick driving an A4. Maybe if you've got the automatic, but manual? Come on! No way a 2.8 V6 5spd man is a chick's car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Proof (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Number=2611212&page=&view=&s b=5&o=&vc=1) that it's a chick car.

[/ QUOTE ]

I drive the stick version. How many chicks drive sticks?

[tommy2]

Here is the update:

Acura TL: This car is the front runner. A great value and good looks. Everything is standard on this car--the only option is a naviagtion system (which I will probably get).

Infiniti G35: I was disappointed by how this car felt inside. I like the outside, but the inside felt kinda of cheap.

Passat: A solid choice, but since we already have a Jetta it is hard to get real excited by the Passat. My brother-in-law has one and I like it, but something a little different may be better.

BMW 3 series: These felt and looked kinda chicky to me. My wife actually told me that she was against me getting this because "its a woman's car". Then, as we drove home we passed about 5 or 6 of these and every single time it had a woman driving it. She rested her case.

I am not going to get the Audi A4. The more I think about it the more I think my boss would be less than thrilled with the choice--too similar to his A8. I have to admit, the A4 is a bit chicky especially compared to other cars at the same price point.

I am going to check out some more models tomorrow.

[J_B]

Have you considered the Dodge SRT4? I hear those are fun.