It's happening...eventually

"The Real Dacia Sandero" (the-real-dacia-sandero) 04/08/2015 at 14:07 • Filed to: None

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With recent changes in my work/hobbies and the fact that I need a car that actually has room, I've been saving for a daily driver. I love my Miata, but loud exhaust+no cruise control+harsh supension+4k RPMs on the highway+ no a/c gets a little old when 75% of your driving is 1+ hour highway trips with a 6 hour drive each way monthly. Also, it was useless this winter in NoVA.

I've been looking at a few small suvs(Forester, Mazda Tribute, etc), but I've gotten the hankering for something German. German cars were my first love before I ended up buying the Miata. I want something that can storm the highways without destroying me. I do a lot of highway driving, sometimes late after long days, so a car that isn't going to beat me up even further is needed. With my wants and needs, a German saloon seems to be what I'm searching for.

What I need:

4 usable seats

Decent Cargo Room

Able to hold it's own in the winter with good snow tires

Reliability(It doesn't have to be 80s Toyota reliable, but I need to be able to trust it)

What I want:

20+ MPG

Something interesting, but not too crazy

Good Handling

200+ hp(I need passing power)

Sunroof

Creature Comforts:a/c, cruise, quiet

I like small cars, so no bigger than a 5 series or something.

RWD or AWD(rwd preferred)

Price Range $6-8k

What would you buy? Obviously I'm looking at the e39s and e46s, but I like Mercedes too, just don't know much about them. Other considerations are the Subaru Legacy, and maybe a Saab.

bob and john > The Real Dacia Sandero 04/08/2015 at 14:11

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Saab are mainly FWD....

Why not a lexus IS? you can find a first gen for that kinda money. and its a 2JZ! (granted not a turbo, but still)

Or a lexus GS. WITH 2JZ and turbo!

The Real Dacia Sandero > bob and john 04/08/2015 at 14:18

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It depends with a Saab, I would consider one that's fwd if it was the right deal. But I generally prefer the characteristics of rwd.

I haven't looked into the Lexus that much. I guess I prefer the BMWs over it, but it's certainly a consideration. Especially in terms of maintenance.

I detest the Lexus GS for reasons. I'm sure it's awesome, and we all know the potential of the engine, but I'm not interested.

bob and john > The Real Dacia Sandero 04/08/2015 at 14:31

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the advantage of lexus is that famous reliability. Which i'm sorry, BMW's just cant hold a candle to.

you have an issue with the GS? huh. I always thought they were really nice cars. oh well.

and you miss understand me...almost ALL saabs were FWD. since the 80s more or less. you MIGHT find one or 2 that are AWD, but RWD? unless its been converted, they dont exsist.

OPPOsaurus WRX > The Real Dacia Sandero 04/08/2015 at 15:11

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http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

The Real Dacia Sandero > bob and john 04/08/2015 at 23:27

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Yeah, that is the huge benefit to the Lexus, is the reliability. I've definitely been interested in the IS, I need to go test drive one.

Well, for one, I don't personally care for the looks. And there's other reasons, mostly related to bad experiences with owners of that model. Long story. I don't doubt that they are great cars, they just aren't for me.

And I know that basically all Saabs are fwd.... RWD is more of a want, than a make or break kinda thing. And, the whole fwd thing with Saabs kinda slipped my mind when writing this.

The Real Dacia Sandero > OPPOsaurus WRX 04/08/2015 at 23:29

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Too rich for my blood. But, while we're just dreaming, yes. Now, what I really want is a clean, un-molested, black Saab 92-x Aero with a manual and low miles. But those are the hens teeth of hens teeth...