My buddy's looking to buy a new car

"Jagvar" (Jagvar) 08/08/2013 at 11:33 • Filed to: None

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...and he's done pretty well for himself. He's entering the field of real estate and wants a nice, presentable sedan that his clients will find agreeable. He is only considering one SUV, and that's the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (he's just coming out of an '02 Grand Cherokee which he loves, so he thought he'd give the new one a shot).

Everything else on his list is a small-to-mid premium sedan. Here's what he's looked at so far:

- Acura ILX: Did not like it; said it felt cheap and plastic inside
- Audi A4: Did not like it; said seats and door panels felt flimsy
- Infiniti Q50: Loved everything about it, front-runner so far
- Lexus IS: Loved it, maybe as much as the Q50

Here's what he's looking at next:

- Cadillac ATS: Already loves it, since a close friend has one
- BMW 3 Series: Not especially into it, but will give it a chance

Not on his list:

- Mercedes C-Class: He's not "a Mercedes guy"
- Jaguar XF: Afraid of reliability, cost of ownership
- Volvo S60: Not confident the brand will survive
- Hyundai Genesis: Can't get over the badge
- Lincoln MKZ: Still sees it as a blue-hair brand

Is there anything you can think of that should be on his list, but isn't? And does anyone have any insight into Infiniti vs. Lexus reliability and service cost?

Party-vi > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:35

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I am noticing a lack of 3er on this list. Also, if the Q50 is anything like the G37 I'd stay away - it's not a very refined experience when compared to its competition.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:36

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Has he considered kicking it up a size? If he's doing real estate, he should probably get one where he could shuttle his clients around in it to look at the houses (if he's that kind of real estate), maybe an E-Class or a GS?

Jagvar > Party-vi 08/08/2013 at 11:38

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He's actually looking at the BMW 3 next, after the Cadillac.

And he's still holding judgement on the Q50 because he's only sat in it so far. It's so new that his local dealership isn't offering test-drives quite yet.

AddMustard > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:39

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I'm firmly on the Infiniti side of the fence, so my opinion is severely skewed. Anyways, as a real estate agent he's going to want to look like one. Might I suggest a Hummer H2? (do they still make those?).. that's a joke. Don't.

Or other SUVs or crossovers, the Infiniti FX? The Jeep is also a looker but it's not my cup o' fuel. I think the new Q50 hybrid would be splendid, though.

Eric Siedlecki > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:42

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If it's not out of his price range, I'd say the Hyundai Equus would be a good one to take a look at. Hardly anybody will realize it's a Hyundai, and they're über comf.

mr. idk > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:43

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Id take an A4 or an ATS based on design alone. Both have design that is luxurious, and classy, while not having over-the-top-oozing-overdone-design-luxury

Party-vi > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:44

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He should drive a G37 to get a primer on the Q50. The engine is too buzzy (not smooth at all) and the ride is nothing like a luxury car. It's a nice car, but too jarring and rough in its execution.

Jagvar > Eric Siedlecki 08/08/2013 at 11:46

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I've actually spent some time behind the wheel of both an Equus and a Genesis 4.6, and personally preferred the Genesis, despite being a step down in the pecking order. To me, the Genesis felt like a vehicle all its own. The Equus, while quite cushy, felt like it was trying too hard to be a Lexus LS and not quite making it.

Decay buys too many beaters > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:49

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I'd have to say if you are going to be trying to make a good impression on a wide variety of people, buy any of the American cars listed. There are still quite a few people in the "buy American" mindset, but I think there are far fewer who would take offense to a nice domestic.

Go with the ATS.

...or the XF, because Jaaaaaaag (plus I'm still feeling super pro-UK after the top gear season finale)

OtizzleStarBai > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:49

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I have to say on that list given his reasoning i'm inclined to go for a Q50 as well... however... if I could find a slightly used/certified used GS350 (latest body style) for the same/close price range... thats definitely where my money would go given his criteria.

Sorry the IS, even in 350 form is too damn slow. -Dont know about the latest version though, they say the chassis has been sorted out but its the same powerplant(s)

Jagvar > mr. idk 08/08/2013 at 11:50

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He says, at least in his opinion, the ATS interior beats the A4's by miles . I could argue the point, but I admit to a strong VW Group bias.

PatBateman > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 11:57

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My wife's family is in real estate, all of our friends are in real estate. You cannot go wrong with a slightly used Lexus GS or RS. It doesn't have to be new. They are reliable, get great gas mileage, and impress clients. Also, get the extended warranty from the dealership (or a certified pre-owned). If the car needs repairs, they'll give you a nice loaner. Your friend can't be driving clients around in the interim in a Pontiac G6 rental.

Eric Siedlecki > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 12:10

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Having only ever sat in either one I can't speak to that. I can however say that I've only heard great things about the Genesis (R-Spec in particular), and not a whole lot about the Equus.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Jagvar 08/08/2013 at 12:20

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If you can, tell him to get over his Volvo prejudice. The S60 is, hands down, the best sub $45,000 sedan money can buy*. Tell him to at least test drive one with the 300 horsepower T6. he won't regret it.

*Unless you're looking for a car that's driftable, or manual, both of which can be found on a BMW 335i