I need a new "cage"

[ChaoticTies]

So, I'm in need of a new car. I figure if I give myself a budget of $20k I can get a good, low mileage vehicle. I want something that will be comfortable to drive 500+ miles (I my dad lives about that far away). So I'm after comfortable, some "get up and go" (has decent power), quite, and can be driven all day without a problem. I kinda really want to get like a Lexus IS250 or BMW 3 series, but I'm not set on them. Maybe an suv styled vehicle (GMC Acadia, Nissan Murano, etc.). May even go for a Subaru Legacy/WRX or Mitsubishi EVO. Has to be 4 door.

I've been into sports cars for so long that I've got tunnel vision. Need something practical. Current car is a 2004 Nissan 350Z, so you can kinda see where I'm coming from. Any suggestions for brands or feedback on quality (good and bad) is appreciated.

Thanks,
CT

 

[RoninK6]

I've always been a Toyota Corolla guy... practical definitely. The sport version has a decent look... my current one is a 2010, similar to the one below:

...I guess the 2014 now looks like the one below:...

...and the good thing is that Toyotas don't die! I drove a 1986 Toyota Pickup until around 2010... saddest day of my life when I blew a head on it jump-staring it :*( . A Corolla may not be the kind you are looking for, but they sure are very decent cars!

 

[janx101]

... not much of a challenge really!!

a murano! .. yeah ok .. you had/have a 350Z and brand loyalty .. but

Chrysler 300c? ... ummm ... Audi A6 ... cadillac CTS ...

if its SUV .. then maybe BMW X5 ? ... umm .. dont know enough on USA available models... thinking for later ideas...

 

[Shirou]

You can always get a Dacia Sandero. But I think not in the US though.

 

[Lurch]

The Murano has the same engine as the 350Z (assuming you buy of a similar age - assume they've upgraded the Murano engine as they've upgraded the Z). Gas mileage isn't great on them, but sounds like you know that already owning the 350

 

[TriumfAnt]

How about a 2012 Mini Countryman S

 

[Arctic Pride]

those are long trips, you will want something COMFORTABLE

I have driven the murano, its a great highway cruiser, eats miles! great space on the inside too, however its ugly as hell

The germans can not make seats for their lives except in their high end (BMW 7, Merc S, Audi 8), I drove a nicely appointed Merc GLK 350 for 5hrs over the winter and it was OK but still not great. The E class is no better, skip the 3 series its like a nicely appointed accord.

The Swedes know how to make great long haul seats. I have an S60 and I flew in to pick it up, drove it 13 hours straight, never would I be able to do that without good supportive yet plush seats and a comfortable interior.

You could pickup a nice S60 for that 20k however their interior lacks space if thats important to you. The T5 is an awesome motor and the AWD system works well now (they struggled with it in the beginning)

 

[O8ride]

You need an Alfa. Shame they no longer make the 147 - comfy, sporty, plenty of get up and go, and mine's got 100k on the clock and purrs like a kitten (with sharp teeth)

 

[Lurch]

I miss my 156...

 

[Marbro_za]

look at the jetta 6 tsi?
not sure how much they cost. but those things go!


if not, id go for the corolla aswell. good car

 

[CBRHoonigan]

skoda fabia vrs estate 1.4 twin charged 180bhp

 

[Marbro_za]

twin charged skoda?

the world is doomed.

 

[CBRHoonigan]

Turbo charged, and supercharged