Car recommendation: 190kw+, 4 seats, 2+ doors, 2006+

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Aaroona

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#198221 30-Jun-2016 21:16

Hey team,

I'm busy looking for a vehicle to replace my current car, which is a bit impractical (two seat vehicle). I bought it on a whim and while I've really enjoyed driving it (REALLLLY enjoyed it), it's probably a good idea to get something more practical.

I've been looking at a Lexus IS350, but am wondering what other options there are?

Budget is around the $20,000 mark, I could go an extra $1000 or so for the right vehicle, but it'd really have to be a good buy.

It's surprisingly hard to find a vehicle that fits these specs, so does anyone have any recommendations?

I would prefer a V6, but could be tempted by a turbo'd vehicle, if it seems reliable enough.

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#1583736 30-Jun-2016 22:14

Im also looking for a car with similar specs.
This is what I have found so far:
Toyota Aurion, doesnt look very sporty but has a 3.5L v6 200kW. I dont like it being FWD with 200kW
Honda Accord v6 VTEC, put out around 200kW in some of the new ones. not sure about the older ones.
Holden Commodore, Some pre 2010 versions have issues with timing chain stretching. 3.0L version putting out around 190kW some 3.5L 210kW.
Nissan Stagea the 3.5L V6 version puts out 200kW
Nissan Skyline 370GTs are generally around 240kW I dont know what their price is like.

There are a lot of Holden Commodore Omega's on the market that are ex-police vehicles generally high kms and a lot of dealers seem to be buying them putting a few stickers and stuff on them and adding 5k or more onto their price compared to what they can get them for.

davidcole

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#1583737 30-Jun-2016 22:16

A bmw 335, 330 or 550 might suffice. Or Audi 3l tdi...or if you can find one, a 3.2 petrol. Probably night right end of the price bracket though. Falcon or commodore also may meet specs.

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blakamin

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#1583740 30-Jun-2016 22:19

BMW, BMW, BMW... :p

Aaroona

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#1583743 30-Jun-2016 22:21

G4m3r:

Im also looking for a car with similar specs.
This is what I have found so far:
Toyota Aurion, doesnt look very sporty but has a 3.5L v6 200kW. I dont like it being FWD with 200kW
Honda Accord v6 VTEC, put out around 200kW in some of the new ones. not sure about the older ones.
Holden Commodore, Some pre 2010 versions have issues with timing chain stretching. 3.0L version putting out around 190kW some 3.5L 210kW.
Nissan Stagea the 3.5L V6 version puts out 200kW
Nissan Skyline 370GTs are generally around 240kW I dont know what their price is like.

There are a lot of Holden Commodore Omega's on the market that are ex-police vehicles generally high kms and a lot of dealers seem to be buying them putting a few stickers and stuff on them and adding 5k or more onto their price compared to what they can get them for.

I did look at the aurion, but the trim levels look a bit pants from what I've seen :(

Wasn't too keen on Holdens, but will have a look. Never heard of a Stagea haha, will look those up too.

davidcole: A bmw 335, 330 or 550 might suffice. Or Audi 3l tdi...or if you can find one, a 3.2 petrol. Probably night right end of the price bracket though. Falcon or commodore also may meet specs.

I did consider a 335/330 - but am worried about maintenance costs, with being a european. I currently have a BMW at the moment, haven't had it long, but I have had a BMW in the past and know how hard they can hit the bank!

Will take a look at the 330's though and see whats good.

Aaroona

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#1583746 30-Jun-2016 22:22

blakamin:

BMW, BMW, BMW... :p

Haha, I currently have a BMW - if it was more than a 2 seater, I'd probably keep it :(

But worried about maintenance cost is all, being a european vehicle. But I guess you gotta pay to play! :)

Really like the IS350, but converting it to an NZ radio is a big cost. Otherwise it would be the top of my list!

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#1583748 30-Jun-2016 22:24

Subaru V6/GT ?

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Scott3

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#1583751 30-Jun-2016 22:26

You can get the latest shape Nissan Fuga 370GT within budget. Comfortable rear drive luxury performance sedan (sold under premium infinity brand in the USA) V6 engine makes 245kW. (same power as the V8 in the previous generation which is also in your price range). This is a 2010 one 20k with a 7 speed gearbox. Has a steering wheel that retracts do you have more space to exit. Oh, the luxury...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/auction-1092695634.htm

RX8 is meant to be to be one of the most practical sports car's with it's rear hinged half doors. Also has a good track reputation. Budget a lot for maintenance. Engine needs to be cared for and doesn't like to short trips Remember it burns oil by design, but doesn't have a reservoir. This one is 2008 & $16k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mazda/auction-1098606077.htm

Skyline coupe? 3.7L V6 2008 for $18k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/auction-1112056384.htm

Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG 2006: 5.5L V8 for $20k +On road costs. A lot of car for the money.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercedesbenz/auction-1106569529.htm

You can get a 2013 XR6 for $21k ONO. 200kW 4.0L engine, sports suspension, with lots of boot space, and tow capicity too if that interests you. Quite a new car for the money compared to other options.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/ford/auction-1107795958.htm

Chrysler 300 SRT8 2006. 318Kw in a big sedan. $20.7k ONO

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/chrysler/auction-1114615158.htm

lexus is350. Luxury brand with highest owner satisfaction. Apparently these are really small in the back seat/boot, but handle really well.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/auction-1077829098.htm

blakamin

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#1583753 30-Jun-2016 22:32

Aaroona:

Haha, I currently have a BMW - if it was more than a 2 seater, I'd probably keep it :(

You have a Z??? mmmmmmm

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#1583754 30-Jun-2016 22:32

Scott3:

You can get the latest shape Nissan Fuga 370GT within budget. Comfortable rear drive luxury performance sedan (sold under premium infinity brand in the USA) V6 engine makes 245kW. (same power as the V8 in the previous generation which is also in your price range). This is a 2010 one 20k with a 7 speed gearbox. Has a steering wheel that retracts do you have more space to exit. Oh, the luxury...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/auction-1092695634.htm

RX8 is meant to be to be one of the most practical sports car's with it's rear hinged half doors. Also has a good track reputation. Budget a lot for maintenance. Engine needs to be cared for and doesn't like to short trips Remember it burns oil by design, but doesn't have a reservoir. This one is 2008 & $16k.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mazda/auction-1098606077.htm

Skyline coupe? 3.7L V6 2008 for $18k

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/nissan/auction-1112056384.htm

Mercedes-Benz CL 55 AMG 2006: 5.5L V8 for $20k +On road costs. A lot of car for the money.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercedesbenz/auction-1106569529.htm

You can get a 2013 XR6 for $21k ONO. 200kW 4.0L engine, sports suspension, with lots of boot space, and tow capicity too if that interests you. Quite a new car for the money compared to other options.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/ford/auction-1107795958.htm

Chrysler 300 SRT8 2006. 318Kw in a big sedan. $20.7k ONO

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/chrysler/auction-1114615158.htm

lexus is350. Luxury brand with highest owner satisfaction. Apparently these are really small in the back seat/boot, but handle really well.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/lexus/auction-1077829098.htm

Of all these, on driving experience alone, the XR6 wins hands down. Power delivery is smooth like butter.

Man I want a Merc V8! But that car will probably bankrupt you.

Scott3

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#1583757 30-Jun-2016 22:40

joker97:

Man I want a Merc V8! But that car will probably bankrupt you.

This one comes with two years worth of mechanical warranty (CLS 500 sedan)

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercedesbenz/auction-1043865384.htm

Aaroona

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#1583758 30-Jun-2016 22:40

blakamin:

Aaroona:

Haha, I currently have a BMW - if it was more than a 2 seater, I'd probably keep it :(

You have a Z??? mmmmmmm

Yes sir! Z4 3.0SI E85 with the lovely N52 3 litre engine.. She really gets going and is pretty decent on fuel considering, but most important of all, fun to drive. If I had room in my garage for a second car, I would probably be keeping the Z and buying a cheap four door corolla or something for the odd occasion I need a 4 door/bigger boot.

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JoshWright

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#1583762 30-Jun-2016 22:42

Audi B8 A4 or C6 A6 Avant with the 3.2 V6 (195kw for the A4, 188kw for the A6)

Powerful and practical, but still REALLLY enjoyable to drive.

Euro's tend to get a bad wrap for reliability but as modern cars with regular maintenance they're not too bad. Everyone I know with one of these A4/A6 Avants loves it to bits.

blakamin

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#1583763 30-Jun-2016 22:44

Aaroona:

blakamin:

Aaroona:

Haha, I currently have a BMW - if it was more than a 2 seater, I'd probably keep it :(

You have a Z??? mmmmmmm

Yes sir! Z4 3.0SI E85 with the lovely N52 3 litre engine.. She really gets going and is pretty decent on fuel considering, but most important of all, fun to drive. If I had room in my garage for a second car, I would probably be keeping the Z and buying a cheap four door corolla or something for the odd occasion I need a 4 door/bigger boot.

NICE... I love my 21yo 740iL.. All the power, comfort and handling (for something that weighs over 2000kgs) Leaves V8 commodores and Falcons in the dust.

Aaroona

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#1583767 30-Jun-2016 22:50

JoshWright:

Audi B8 A4 or C6 A6 Avant with the 3.2 V6 (195kw for the A4, 188kw for the A6)

Powerful and practical, but still REALLLY enjoyable to drive.

Euro's tend to get a bad wrap for reliability but as modern cars with regular maintenance they're not too bad. Everyone I know with one of these A4/A6 Avants loves it to bits.

In this case, it's probably not so much the reliability that worries me, because I think the N52 is a pretty solid engine, but more so the cost of euro parts in this corner of the world.
The costs over here are pretty savage, even when using sites like www.schmiedmann.com (really great for sourcing BMW parts).

I do have a friend with a '97 A4, the 1.8lt Turbo - really nice car considering its age, and not a slow poke.
The B8 might look okay, not sure if thats one of the years Audi screwed up and made it look like a bubble - will take a look!

Will take a look at the A6 too.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.. keep em' coming! Definitely reading all the posts!

blakamin

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#1583769 30-Jun-2016 23:03

Just remember audi timing chains are at the rear of the engine, and look like spaghetti junction!

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And there's even a website... http://auditimingchainproblem.com/

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