Best (Reasonable) Luxury Car under $10k?

"Michael Cohen" (hofmeisterkinky) 09/19/2017 at 16:14 • Filed to: None

0

69

Pic for attention.

So I’ve got a Honda S2000 which I drive almost everywhere all the time but there are other times when I just want to chill and ride in comfort, listen to a podcast, and pick my nose in privacy. I’m looking for something recentish, safe so nothing crazy that Torch suggests. Also I’m looking for decent reliability and relatively low cost of operation so nothing that Tavarishy. Heated and cooled seats and a decent sound system would be lovely.

Looks, power and sporty handling don’t matter. No convertibles.

Sedan, coupe or wagon preferred.

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:19

0

Are you capable of working on the car yourself?

Steve in Manhattan > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:21

5

A Zoidberg Lexus wagon ...

Decay buys too many beaters > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:25

1

E39, next question.

Spasoje > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:25

3

How about an Acura TSX?

notsomethingstructural > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:25

1

Q45 and LS400 are sure to make the rounds here

Amoore100 > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:25

3

You literally just answered your own question.

Yes.

Even the baby one is nice.

Arrivederci > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:25

0

Lexus LS400 . Get an early over-engineered one and with basic maintenance and upkeep, it’ll serve you forever.

TysMagic > Spasoje 09/19/2017 at 16:26

1

and it can be had in wagon form

interstate366, now In The Industry > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:26

0

Paid $11k for mine (from CarMax) but you can find these under $10k easily. The seats aren’t cooled but they are perforated so they’re tolerable in the summer, and are heated for the winter. Stock sound system is very nice, and it’s a K24 so reliability isn’t an issue. I absolutely love mine.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:27

1

Perhaps a Lincoln Fusion MKZ would get close to the 10k mark these days.

Anything somewhat older from the Germans would have a decent amount of luxury, you’d just have to research which ones to avoid. Do you have a particular thing for a specific German brand, or really any brand at all?

interstate366, now In The Industry > Spasoje 09/19/2017 at 16:28

0

Just suggested it myself. I have one, and it’s wonderful.

RT > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 16:29

1

Wouldn’t call it a luxury car though, it’s sold as an Accord elsewhere after all, with literally just changes to the badges and grille.

Klaus Schmoll > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:30

1

‘nuff said. mic drop!

Michael Cohen > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 09/19/2017 at 16:31

0

Can do some minor stuff but don’t really want to.

Nothing > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:31

4

Seems to be point towards Lexus/Acura. IS300, TSX seem to fit the bill for the price point. Volvos are ok, too. That said, the seats in Volvos are heavenly, you’ll definitely be in comfort. Look at V70/XC70s as well.

TheHondaBro > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:32

0

Lexus or Acura.

Michael Cohen > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 09/19/2017 at 16:33

0

totally open to brand. I’ve had an Infiniti and BMW. The Germans drive nicely but I’m really not looking for any bit of sportiness. I drive my S2000 10 month a year. I love the thing. It gives me all the enthusiast driving I need.

promoted by the color red > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:34

0

Lexus LS

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:37

1

I think you can get a V8 Phaeton for that kind of money, but I don’t think “reliable” or “easy to work on” describe that car well. “Epic” does, however.

For inexpensive and reliable you’re probably looking at an older Japanese lux-o-barge. I’d shoot for something with a big engine, that way you won’t get annoyed at the slowness.

If you don’t mind being the slowest thing on the road, a Land Rover Discovery can be had for like... 3K. Nice, comfortable, good offroad. Save that $7k for the maintenance you will undoubtedly need. That said, with 2 cars who cares!

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:40

1

Nice user name.Some of these are going for 10k and above but a Mercedes e550. 2007 ish. https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/2007-mercedes-e550/6296644721.html

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:40

2

Humm maybe an IS 300? Heated seats were an option, manual or automatic on the sedans, low maintenance no-nonsense I-6 motor. Not sure if that’s too old, but it does tick most of the boxes.

interstate366, now In The Industry > RT 09/19/2017 at 16:44

1

But in most of the markets it’s sold as the Accord, you have to pay additional taxes on it. And if you’re going to use the badge as a definition of a luxury car, then that means you’d have to eliminate such cars as the VW Phaeton and Toyota Crown and Century.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:46

0

Mk6 GTI.

I havent tried a mk6 yet but the Mk7 GTI I drove around for a weekend was supremely comfortable without giving up the wonderful handling that I love about my Miata. Higher trim levels of the Mk6 should be the same level of comfort at least. And definitely fits into your budget.

I also daily an impractical convertible (Miata) so im looking for a similar comfort vehicle with a similar budget. But I refuse to give up on fun! No damn Lexus barges for me.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:47

1

Heated/cooled seats, luxury, but perhaps too sporty:

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/cto/d/2010-cadillac-cts4-36l-premium/6289042510.html

Monkey B > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:47

2

I think a loaded Avalon is about as much luxury car you can get at the price. It doesn’t have the badge, but it’s a lot of car for the dollar. The Hyundai Genesis is also a decent option that can be had cheap and probably would have some heated/cooled seats available.

Mergio Sarchionne > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:48

1

Used 300?

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Klaus Schmoll 09/19/2017 at 16:52

0

You’d be hard pressed to find a really good under $10k USD for one of those in my area.

xyzabc > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:52

0

1995-1998 Buick Riviera. FWD. 3.8L Supercharged. Clean / low mileage ones can be found for well under $10K.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Mergio Sarchionne 09/19/2017 at 16:53

1

NO wait that’s actually not a bad suggestion.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 16:59

0

Given your requirements, I just picked up an 05 V70 (non turbo, one owner, 124k) and would have had several thousand left over. I presume you can find a similar vintage T5 in your price range, especially if you are opening to the different body styles.

Quadradeuce > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 17:00

0

Buicks give a lot of bang for your buck. My sales staff drives them and they are super reliable. Comfort cruisers with lots of features. They get retired at about 250K miles.

ToyotaFamily > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 17:01

1

I can’t believe I had to scroll so far down to see a Lexus LS recommended. But yes, an LS400 is practically a tank. You could buy a pre-facelift LS430 as well, or an Infiniti M45 or Q45.

RT > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 17:08

0

Not quite. The additional taxes argument only works for Japan. the Accord’s rivals elsewhere, are just ordinary mid-range family cars.

The Phaeton, Crown and Century are obviously targeting very different rivals (proven by their size, price, displacement, comfort, equipment etc).

It’s not the badge that matters here - the TSX was designed to take on actual luxury cars as an afterthought in the US market. Elsewhere, it’s just another mid-size saloon car. No better equipped or costlier than your equivalent Passat.

JR1 > ToyotaFamily 09/19/2017 at 17:23

0

I’m surprised the LS is so low myself. I was going to suggest that or a CTS Caddy

Bytemite > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 17:43

1

You want low cost of maintenance and reliability with luxury and comfort.

Combining light weight small drivetrain, with Japanese build, and perhaps luxury brand.

TSX (the new official oppo commuter)

Prius.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 17:50

0

Toyota Avalon. Camry reliability, with more space, and comfort.

Of coarse there’s always the high mileage LS430

interstate366, now In The Industry > RT 09/19/2017 at 17:52

0

But it wasn’t “an afterthought” here. The base US TSX has more features than the base ROW Accord; the European equivalent is the Accord 2.4 Executive. The point is, the TSX has everything the OP is looking for. On everything else, we’ll have to agree to disagree.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 17:59

1

BUT MAH BADGES

RT > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 09/19/2017 at 18:36

0

Toyota Celsior for Zoidberg.

RT > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 18:56

1

It depends whether you count high-spec versions of normal cars as luxury cars. So, it’s definitely on the table for the OP, just bear in mind it wasn’t designed to compete with the 3-series from the get go - meaning it’s got an X-Type style problem. Still a capable car though, could be good.

Have a lost 1st gen Accord estate for your time.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 18:56

0

Any used Lexus ES, GS, or LS.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/693469135/overview/

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/710323543/overview/

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Monkey B 09/19/2017 at 18:59

1

As someone with lots of experience driving a cheap Genesis, if it’s purely comfort you’re after, you can do much better.

bhtooefr > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 19:52

1

If you want comfort, Bluetooth, reliable, cheap to run, heated/cooled seats, and give zero fucks about looks and handling... the nicest Lexus ES you can get your hands on? Or, the nicest Avalon (which might be nicer than the Lexus ES at the same price point, because it’s missing the badge).

And, the hybrid never has to shift, so it’ll have the smoothest transmission.

Spasoje > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 20:11

0

How long have you had it? What has the ownership experience been like? I ask b/c my friend might be trading his E39 for one...

Spasoje > RT 09/19/2017 at 20:13

1

They did change the interior a little (different dash, new IP, different door cards, etc), at least for the ‘04-’08 model. Plus, all the reviews spoke of high-quality materials/fit and finish, a general premium feel in the cabin, and lots of overall refinement. While I don’t know if the Euro Honda version is also like that, something with that sort of praise definitely counts as luxury...hell, that even sounds better than a few ‘real’ luxury cars out there!

Michael Cohen > Amoore100 09/19/2017 at 20:22

1

very nice interiors and oh the seats. How reliable?

Amoore100 > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 20:28

1

Decently if newish like these. Not Toyota reliable, but it won’t break down on you—maintenance might just cost a bit more.

(To be honest, I’m doing this experiment myself—six months with a ‘12 XC70 T6 P* tune and nothing’s broken yet! All we’ve had done so far are routine oil changes and new tires despite the fact that I literally drove it into a two-foot ditch and out again at 40 mph and have jumped it a few inches on gravel.)

Michael Cohen > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/19/2017 at 20:30

0

I hear ya. I missed my S2000 so much last winter. I got a Mini Cooper for my practical car winter. Its modified on power and suspension and really handles. I’m just hating the interior on mine—really beat up but even in good condition they’re bad. AC is also dead. Its a money pit. The GTI interior is incredible for the price or any price. I drove one and was less than impressed though. It felt huge at compared to the cars I really like. A year ago I had a 7-series for a week when my 1-series was in the shop and I really liked it. I guess I go to extremes. I either want a small fun car or a barge though I have to say that 7-series handled better than anything that size has a right to.

Michael Cohen > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 09/19/2017 at 20:34

1

That’s a lot of car for the money. All the Germans scare with maintenance and repairs or I’d think hard about it.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 21:17

0

Just think. At least it’s not a b6 Audi s4. Reliability problems for days, where as the e550 will last probably 200,000 miles. Remember it’s built by Mercedes and they know how to build a car

random001 > Michael Cohen 09/19/2017 at 21:34

1

Abarth 500c

interstate366, now In The Industry > Spasoje 09/19/2017 at 21:56

1

I’ve had it since July. The ownership experience has been great. The only issue is one I caused myself. It took me awhile to get used to the clutch/throttle balance due to the electric throttle (all my previous cars had cable throttles), and when still learning that not long after I got it, I shifted into 3rd wrong and since then it’s had a slight grind. Other than that, it’s been fine. Obviously if your friend is getting an automatic this won’t be an issue. When I took it to the Acura dealer the service guy said less than 5% of 09-14 TSXs had 6-speeds, so it’s a bit of a unicorn. The interior is very nice and the body is in great shape, too.

interstate366, now In The Industry > RT 09/19/2017 at 21:59

0

I’m not quite sure how I feel about the rear of that.

Spasoje > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 22:25

0

He’s actually let me convince him to get a manual (his E39 is an auto) and teach him when he buys it. I think the budget (ok, the aftermath of servicing an E39) might push him towards a first-gen TSX, though I hear those have been just as solid!

interstate366, now In The Industry > Spasoje 09/19/2017 at 22:40

1

Manual 1st gens are a little easier to find, in my experience. Maybe 10%. I’ve seen them as low as $3000 with high mileage, but a good 1st gen is in the $6k range. A *great* one will still be $8-10k, and from what I understand 06-08s are better overall than 04-05s.

Michael Cohen > random001 09/19/2017 at 23:22

0

Cocaine is a helluva drug

Spasoje > interstate366, now In The Industry 09/19/2017 at 23:26

1

Same thing I’ve read! The problems w/ the power features seem to have been smoothed out by 2006, and the modest mechanical tweaks (add 5hp w/o the stickers lol) are probably worth it, too.

I’d guess he ends up choosing the nicest ‘06-’08 out there over a high-mileage ‘09-’14. Definitely good to know either option is solid.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Spasoje 09/20/2017 at 00:01

1

Yeah, when I checked out Carmax’s website this weekend, a fresh one-owner super low-mileage 2006 manual was on their kit. Had I not gotten this one, I would have jumped on that.

NojustNo > Quadradeuce 09/20/2017 at 00:49

1

Yup gently used  Regals can be had at good prices and the turbo 2.0 is efficient and proven

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 09/20/2017 at 02:16

0

One of two years newer would be the way to go. 07 is the first year of that engine. Liable to need an idler sprocket. Not cheap.

random001 > Michael Cohen 09/20/2017 at 06:26

0

True. But you can’t fit much in an Abarth....

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 09/20/2017 at 08:11

0

I was also thinking, maybe an e350?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Michael Cohen 09/20/2017 at 08:13

1

Definitely understand what you mean by “go to extremes”. It makes sense, the GTI is too much of a compromise then from that perspective. Your s2k is already going to be plenty raw enough and so the other car has no reason to abuse you.

Have you thought about a Lexus LS400? Although they are like 4000 pounds of luxobarge, they are still ludicrous fast and smooth. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner 09/20/2017 at 09:50

0

08 or 09 definitely

Michael Cohen > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/20/2017 at 10:41

0

Just looking through some ads the LS400s look pretty beat. They’re almost 20 years old. I think I’d try to swing a 430 though. I don’t love the interiors so much on Lexus. They really like their wood stains orange.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Michael Cohen 09/20/2017 at 11:19

1

Ahh I didnt realize the 400 and 430 were tecchnically different models. Yes that is what I meant to look into anyways, the third generation models. And yeah, I dont particularly like the look, but it is obscenely comfortable to sit inside of.

Michael Cohen > random001 09/20/2017 at 13:19

1

threadjack alert. Best Drug Mule Car Cartel Class is another post.

Michael Cohen > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 09/20/2017 at 13:21

1

The Cooper is just really pissing me off lately. There was a time, say last week, when I would have said a GTI is more than a nice enough interior for me.

random001 > Michael Cohen 09/20/2017 at 13:22

0

Lolz.