The $15k DD for the wife question...

"Lathrash" (Lathrash21)
02/12/2016 at 01:36 • Filed to: None

Hello Oppo,

So the transmission on my wife’s e46 330i is acting up on likely on its way out, so it’s time to upgrade. We live in the Los Angeles area, and due to the beautiful abundance of traffic, she wants an automatic. We’ve set a rough budget of $15k for the replacement car. Keep in mind that spending less than that allows me to spend more on a fun/track/weekend car for myself (I drive a work supplied vehicle during the week).

Here are the options we would like the new car to have...

automatic transmission

under 100k miles (lower the better)

no accidents

light colored exterior (definitely no black)

light colored interior

heated seats

leather

keyless entry

backup sensors or camera (not a deal breaker)

reliable

I’m temped to buy something on the fun side (think Lexus IS350), but I also need to remind myself that I will have a fun car of my own that I can wrench on. I am also comfortable with most maintenance. Oh, and unfortunately, she does not like wagons or hatch backs.

What would you guys recommend we look at?

DISCUSSION (61)

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 01:49

The Lexus would blend right in with the LA traffic. Not a bad thing.

How about a G35? VW CC?

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 01:50

Acura TSX?

Fits the same bill as the Lexus. Nothing to amazing, but it provides nice amenities for a decent price.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 02:03

VW CC is pretty nice looking. 2014+ Mazda 6 is really close too.

Wobbles the Mind > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 02:04

You can check on a late 2000s/early 2010s Nissan Maxima and Hyundai Santa Fe. You could do a 3 or 4 year old Buick Verano. If you don’t mind the car being around 90k miles but Japanese, FX35, G35, GS350, TSX and so on. I’m damn happy with my 2006 Kia Amanti which was $7,500 for a super clean example owned by geriatrics. Hey, maybe a late model Saturn Aura.

TheOnelectronic > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 02:06

Heated seats? In LA?

What, does it get down to 50 sometimes and you just can’t bear the cold? ;)

Bytemite > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 02:23

The IS350 would be the most logical replacement.

Also there is the CT200h, has all the luxury you want in your list and will get awesome rush hour traffic MPG. It has absolutely no acceleration though, but with LA traffic, you won’t need it.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 03:07

It’s to keep the pizzas warm when you pick them up.

RyanFrew > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 03:31

You have a TON of options, based on the description above:

Practical & Cheap
Not a very ‘Oppo’ pick, but here is a ‘14 Hyundai Elantra with less than 5,000 miles that checks all of your boxes. 10 year/100,000mi warranty will leave a lot of money for you to spend on your cars over time. (Whoops - I was looking for a light colored interior. You get the point, though). This ‘13 Kia Forte looks kind of sporty, while doing the same job as the Elantra. If you want something bigger, the ‘14 Passat would have room for a family

Middle Ground
How about a ‘13 C250 with 52,000mi ? If your wife has enjoyed her BMW, here is a ‘12 328i with less than 40,000mi . Acura ILX, Subie WRX Limited, and the G37 come to mind as good options, also.

Silly & Fun
At the other end of the practicality spectrum, you can get a 2008 Miata . It’s probably garbage, and that center stack is a crime, but the ‘11 Saab 9-5 pulls at my heart strings.

facw > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 05:48

I love having heated seats in Houston. Lets me keep the windows down and the sunroof open even when it is chilly out.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 06:44

It’s almost crazy, you have like *too many* options to choose from.

I can’t get over how the IS250 (in non F trim) is just a gussied up Corolla, so it’s not my favorite. I’d recommend a Volvo S40/60. Here’s a couple of mid-00s S60s that tick your boxes for about $8k, I’m sure there’s newer ones under $15. I couldn’t find any S40s with a light interior and I’m not sure ifntheybwere ever built that way.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/543364…

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/541381…

Or, you know, something boring like a Fusion hybrid would also work.

boxrocket > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 07:02

Need more info. Size, frequency of carrying rear passengers, mileage expectations, garage size (if applicable), etc.

Quick list off the top of my head:

Compacts: Suzuki SX4 Touring Mazda3 Grand Touring, Ford Fiesta Titanium, Ford Focus Titanium, Volvo C30, S40, and V50, Hyundai Elantra Limited, Kia Forte SX, BMW 1-series with a warranty.

Midsize: Fix the 3-series you have. Another 3 series. Ford Fusion SEL, Sport, and Limited, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr, and LS, Volvo S60 and V70, Mazda 6 Grand Touring, Lexus IS and ES, Infiniti G37, and G25, Jaguar XF.

Full size: Lexus GS (which I prefer to the IS, based on size and that the IS’ transmission tunnel takes up too much front legroom), Infiniti M-class, Hyundai Genesis, Azera, and Equus (probably not found under $15K yet), Jaguar XJ, Volvo S80 (safe and comfortable), Ford Taurus/Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, Lincoln MKS, Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger/Magnum with a warranty. Maybe a Mercedes with a warranty.

Coupes/Convertibles: BMW 3-series, Ford Mustang, Infiniti G37, Volvo C70, Mercedes C-class and SLK with a warranty, Miata Grand Touring.

TheOnelectronic > facw
02/12/2016 at 07:14

It is 8 degrees right now.

I just felt that was relevant to this discussion.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 07:30

Look into some of the P3 Volvos (2011+ S60s)

I’m looking at a 2013 S60T5 AWD with a 7 year CPO warranty (35k miles now) with leather, park assist. Blis, heated seats, and some other goodies for $17,500

Skip AWD, get a little higher mileage, or find one still under normal not CPO warranty and it’ll be right around that price

Master Cylinder > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 07:44

It’s not the most exciting car in the world (not the least either, though), but I have noticed that off-lease CPO Fusions are plentiful and fairly cheap, at least in my neck of the woods.

It does look like an Aston if you squint, so there’s that.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
02/12/2016 at 07:45

How exactly is the IS related to the Corolla? They do not share anything in common. The IS is RWD or AWD and has only longitudinal engines. The Corolla has neither of those.

The ES shares the same platform as the Camry/Avalon, but the RWD Lexus cars are on their own chassis and are not related to anything else Toyota makes.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > boxrocket
02/12/2016 at 07:48

The new IS is better, but the second Gen AWD have an appalling seating position. I had to drive one to Chicago for work and those 6-hours drives left me in pain for days after.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 08:05

You are letting your ignorance flag fly here. You have clearly never had a car with heated seats or never transported a female human in one of those seats.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite
02/12/2016 at 08:09

You’ve clearly never driven or lived in Los Angeles...

KatzManDu > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 08:23

Toyota Camry. Honda Accord. Done.

Tom McParland > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 08:24

Not fun....but you can easily snag an Elantra Limited or maybe even a Sonata with plenty of warranty left for that price.

Captain of the Enterprise > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 08:31

Does she care about performance and etc, or is more of an appliance for her? Also how interested in name brands is she like would she not like a Toyota because it’s not exclusive enough because that would matter, you could get a really nice Camry for that or an older Lexus and etc depending on what she’s interested in

Maybe an RX?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 08:38

Have you ever had a sore back? Heated seats, even on a hot day, are wonderful for a sore back.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
02/12/2016 at 08:43

I know that the IS is its own monster, but that doesn't decrease the boring Corolla looks, cheap interior, and the inevitable comparisons that most people would make.

TheOnelectronic > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
02/12/2016 at 08:46

I’ve had lots of cars with heated seats. And usually females’ reaction to them is “Turn that off I’m too hot.”

wkiernan > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 08:46

And you’re not buying her a Miata why? Don’t feel the love anymore?

TheOnelectronic > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
02/12/2016 at 08:47

I find most cars’ heated seats don’t get nearly warm enough to make any difference. The only cars I’ve driven that had consistently “this is getting uncomfortable” heated seats are BMWs.

yamahog > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 08:48

Literally go into any Carmax and start throwing darts.

yellow73kubel > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
02/12/2016 at 08:48

That reminds me of a business trip to SF where I was given a rental Jetta TSi. Man was I glad for the sport mode on that car... 0-65 in as short a time as possible to avoid being run over.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 08:57

The new Jetta we had as a rental when the Kia was getting fixed was warm enough. Like a heating pad. Also, the Volvos I’ve driven and Honda cars with cloth and heated seats.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 09:04

You run them all the time? A lot of your comment doesn’t add up, nor does it reflect my experiences with women and heated seats. Even when it is sweltering hot and I have A/C running to keep the car at a reasonable temperature, they’ll be running the seat heaters.

I don't claim to understand why, I just know what I've seen and experienced.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 09:05

I'd look for a well specced 2003+ Mercedes S500. Pretty everything you want as standard except possibly reliability. If you find a well sorted one, go for it.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
02/12/2016 at 09:17

Have you actually driven the newest IS?

Also, it looks and feels nothing like a Corolla. No one, apart from you, is going to think the IS and Corolla are anything alike.

TheOnelectronic > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
02/12/2016 at 09:31

No, but if it’s cold and I’m picking someone up I’ll usually turn them on ahead of time as a courtesy.

wiffleballtony > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 09:38

Does she care about driving dynamics? If the answer is no then whatever is cheapest that has those features.

wantafuncar > boxrocket
02/12/2016 at 09:40

I like how he included fix BMW. It should cost less than $15k, and would leave more $ for fun car

Brian Silvestro > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 11:31

IS300. Easy to find for about $5-7k (especially with an automatic), and has the bulletproof 2JZ.

Bytemite > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
02/12/2016 at 12:15

I’ve done both.

Lathrash > TheOnelectronic
02/12/2016 at 12:33

Haha. She loves heated seats. I could care less. Whatever makes her happy.

Lathrash > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
02/12/2016 at 12:39

I know. I feel kinda overwhelmed with how many options I have. I’ve always liked Volvos, but I don’t know anything about them. Are they very reliable? That S60 looks nice. I could picture that in the garage. The S40 is salvage title BTW.

Lathrash > boxrocket
02/12/2016 at 12:45

Thanks for the list. As far as the additional info, she likes the size of the e46, so midsize or compact. We almost never have rear seat passengers. She has a short commute, but we use the car for long trips, so I’d like something that gets decent MPG (high 20s) on the highway. Our garage is large enough for a full size car.

Lathrash > wantafuncar
02/12/2016 at 12:46

But the price to fix it is not really worth it. I’d rather just get something else.

Lathrash > Bytemite
02/12/2016 at 12:48

I haven't driven an IS350, but I think I'd like it. I'm not a fan of the CT200h.

Lathrash > RyanFrew
02/12/2016 at 13:01

I like those Mercedes C250s. That BMW appears to have flood damage, but I also am torn about getting another 3 series. There are older 328s that fit our budget. It’s hard to argue with something like the Kia Forte. It so cheap for such low miles and lots of features. I love the 9-5, but I don’t picture my wife appreciating it.

Steve in Manhattan > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 13:11

Subaru is the answer. As far as I know there are no black ones.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 13:12

Didn't notice the the salvage title. As far as I know the S60s are fairly reliable, certainly moreso than most German cars. I've had some coworkers with Volvos last to 200k. I'm planning a S60 as my next car, I think.

Lathrash > Captain of the Enterprise
02/12/2016 at 13:13

She doesn’t care about performance at all. It just needs to be faster than a 1996 Toyota Avalon (her car before the 330i). She actually likes Camrys. She’d be totally happy with a Toyota, I just need to convince myself that it’s ok to have one in my garage.

Lathrash > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!
02/12/2016 at 13:31

Will do. I like the idea of a CPO warranty. Thanks.

Lathrash > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
02/12/2016 at 13:45

I sorta looked into those, but I think I like the TL more.

Lathrash > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC
02/12/2016 at 13:48

I think the G35 would be fun, but they aren’t great on gas and I think a Lexus would be more reliable. I like the looks of the VW CC. Do you know much about them? VW doesn’t strike me as being great on reliability.

Lathrash > Master Cylinder
02/12/2016 at 13:49

I drive a 2013 Fusion as my company car. It might be kinda funny to have two of them.

Lathrash > wiffleballtony
02/12/2016 at 13:50

She likes the e46, but no, she doesn't really care about driving dynamics.

Lathrash > Brian Silvestro
02/12/2016 at 13:52

I'm going to search for some of those. I don't think there are many clean examples out there though.

Lathrash > KatzManDu
02/12/2016 at 13:52

It may come to this.

Lathrash > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch
02/12/2016 at 13:54

I agree on the CC, but I don't know anything about them. I like Mazda. I’ll look into the 2014 Mazda 6.

Brian Silvestro > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 15:43

You need an automatic right???? A lot less of them are modified because enthusiasts buy the manual ones.

Ilike_cougars > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 16:04

I spent $9800 on a 09 Mini cooper Clubman S last October, had about 75K miles on the clock, probably worth a look. So now you can get 2 cars that are fun to drive.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite
02/12/2016 at 16:22

Aside from staying within about a 5 mile radius of Lawndale, I don’t know of a single area in Los Angeles with consistent heavy traffic that would allow you to merge effectively without a sub-8-second car. The only reason you could do it there is the 405 in that area has entrances and exits that are too close together.

Bytemite > Eric @ opposite-lock.com
02/12/2016 at 16:32

It doesn’t matter if you have a sub-8 second car...most drivers don’t even know how to frickin merge onto a highway. Every day I have to deal with people in front of me on the on-ramp feathering their throttle and getting to the end of the merge at 40 mph...making everyone in the hwy right lane brake so that they can continue on going 45 mph. Honestly, some people must not know you can press the gas pedal more than half-an-inch deep. Or they must think it’s impossible to give some gas while looking for a gap in traffic to merge.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Lathrash
02/12/2016 at 16:37

To be honest I couldn’t tell you much about CC reliability but I have sat in the backseat of one and was pleasantly surprised by how roomy it was. The materials were pretty decent too.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Bytemite
02/12/2016 at 18:32

I really haven’t experienced this at all in Los Angeles... Then again, I haven’t hung out in certain parts of town in many years. As of 2014, the last time I drove on freeways there, the traffic still moved very well and you needed to accelerate quickly to keep up with traffic and merge.

Where I live now, traffic barely moves. In LA, traffic might be heavy, but it moves.

Rico > facw
02/19/2016 at 08:18

Love doing this, like driving with the top down with the heat on.