My ideal car, does it exist?

Mavus · 04-25-2014, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zer0cool

So I currently have an idea of my ideal car. However I just don't know if such a car even exists... Since you guys on the board are generally very knowledgeable and have experience with many cars, I want to hear your opinions...

So here are the important characteristics (I ll comment on most of them with cars I have driven or know about as to provide some concrete examples):
1. Generally looks good outside (I think the 5 series looks great for example, so it would satisfy this requirement, really most BMW, Audi, Lexus and Mercedes E, CLS, S, or the new C that are >40k meet this requirement)
2. Generally nice inside (I think Lexus GS Fsport, 5 seires with Nappa leather, are nice enough, 3 series is not good enough, any Dakota leather is not good enough)
3. Transports 4 adults comfortably (I want a sedan or 4 door coupe, must have 4 doors)
4. Somewhat quick (<5s 0-60 would be satisfactory), the earlier torque the better (really would like to feel good acceleration under normal driving conditions, which I define as not going above 5k rpm)
5. Ride quality is good (Lexus GS, 5 series, 7 series, Mercedes E, 3 series, all have really good to acceptable ride quality)
6. Fairly quiet while cruising (5 series, Lexus GS are both OK, 2014 335i M sport is just OK, just on the threshold, obviously the quieter the better, idealy quieter than the Lexus GS)
7. Good exhaust sound when accelerating (335i Msport is good enough)
8. Good interrior space (5 series good, 3 series maybe a little too small)
9. Good audio (Harmon Kardon is good)
10. Good steering and handling (335i Msport is good, 5 series or Lexus GS not OK)

Importan consideration is cost... M5 for example is out of range, so is 650i GC. Let's say below 80k.

So what do you guys think? Does such a car exist? I wonder if the new M3 would ride well enough or would be at least as quiet as the 335i... Has anyone driven the Audi S6? Does it steer/handle better than the 550i? Does it compare in terms of steering/handling with the 335i?

Really my only issue with the 550i is that it feels heavy and just doesn't steer/handle that well... Like I have more fun drivingg a 335i M sport but the 335 is not nice enough inside, and a little small, and maybe just a tid bit not fast enough...

Looking forward to your opinions, thank you!

535i, 740i + tune ... might be the best value for brand oriented customers besides Tesla. Loads of tq, style, space, comfort.

Tesla S is wickedly fast and if the range is not a limiting factor should be #1 on your list.

Carphan · 04-25-2014, 01:22 PM

I had a 2011 535 and it was a nice car but definitely didn't feel like a sports sedan. It ambled around corners and generally handled like it was wearing a fat suit . I also had a 335 and that was a fun car, but it was kind of small and not very luxurious on the inside. So when I was looking to replace my 535, I looked at Audi, Mercedes, Jag, BMW, and Cadillac.

Ultimately, I chose the CTS Vsport. The car handles like it's on rails, it's super fast and tons of fun to drive. The fit and finish is also on par with my BMW, but it has a much more modern hi -tech look to it.

The Vsport should definitely be on your short list.

zer0cool · 04-25-2014, 02:37 PM

Ok it appears now there's a narrow list of:
Audi S6
Cadillac CTS Vsport
MY 2012 or after E63

Thank you all for the advice. You have helped me a lot to narrow the field in order to make a more informed decision.

AZ135 · 04-25-2014, 02:47 PM

Quote:

I was just thinking about the model S when I was reading the list. Also the Jag XF 5.0 supercharged

I have a Jag XF 5.0 Supercharged and it hits everything that you're talking about. Obviously, it won't handle like a 3-series or something of that size, but it's a really solid car. With my aftermarket exhaust, I get compliments daily on the sound/look.

I bought mine used, but if I were buying new it would be tough not to look at the CTS V-sport. I'd recommend the Jag XF Supercharged, CTS V-sport and S6 as the cars that most align with what you are looking for.

KingOfJericho · 04-25-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nkc

Not sure if this fits your budget in the states but sure as hell meets everything else you stated.

They don't offer any S Avants in the US anymore... The B7 S4 was the last and they hardly sold any. It's a shame really.

Red Bread · 04-25-2014, 03:23 PM

Great, now I can't stop looking at the pic of the S6 Avant. I've worked in the EU before, maybe it's time to look again!

Good call on the XF, they're a little old now, but still a good car, I have a few friends with them and they've been remarkably reliable and are yet another car that's more fun than an F10 (but to be fair, that's a long list).

ybbiz34 · 04-25-2014, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zer0cool

So I currently have an idea of my ideal car. However I just don't know if such a car even exists... Since you guys on the board are generally very knowledgeable and have experience with many cars, I want to hear your opinions...

<snip>

Looking forward to your opinions, thank you!

My E550 sedan is pretty quick (hits 60 in 4.3 sec) and fits the bill of what you're looking for (power, luxury, soft ride, good steering, plenty of technology, etc.):

son_of_siggy · 04-25-2014, 04:41 PM

I'd be all over that V-sport if it came with a third pedal.

3point0 · 04-25-2014, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

They don't offer any S Avants in the US anymore... The B7 S4 was the last and they hardly sold any. It's a shame really.

I can only but hope they change their minds soon

sorry for

back on topic

majin ssj eric · 04-25-2014, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meeni

A gently used Panamera ?

But he said he wanted a good looking car!

evo335xi · 04-25-2014, 10:34 PM

So many beautiful card in this thread, not sure if I saw a Lexus IS-F but any of the ones mentioned would fit the bill.

majin ssj eric · 04-25-2014, 10:42 PM

We bought a GS 350 F-Sport last summer and still love it very much. Great looking inside and out, handling is very tight and sporty, engine is decently strong (not sub-5 second but mid 5's to 60 mph), and the technology is first rate. I can't wait to see the GS-F if it ever actually comes out as that will be a legit M5 competitor.

davis449 · 04-26-2014, 10:08 AM

I'll cast anther vote for the Audi S6. I drove a Stage 1 S6 last week and that is a beast of a car while also filling the rest of your requirements. I don't know if you're wiling to mod at all (even just a little bit) but, for less money, even a fully loaded S. Line A6 3.0T with a pulley and tune would probably do it for you.

04-25-2014, 01:22 PM	#24
Carphan Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: Cts Vsport Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I had a 2011 535 and it was a nice car but definitely didn't feel like a sports sedan. It ambled around corners and generally handled like it was wearing a fat suit . I also had a 335 and that was a fun car, but it was kind of small and not very luxurious on the inside. So when I was looking to replace my 535, I looked at Audi, Mercedes, Jag, BMW, and Cadillac. Ultimately, I chose the CTS Vsport. The car handles like it's on rails, it's super fast and tons of fun to drive. The fit and finish is also on par with my BMW, but it has a much more modern hi -tech look to it. The Vsport should definitely be on your short list.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2014, 02:37 PM	#25
zer0cool First Lieutenant 106 Rep 300 Posts Drives: X3M Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Ok it appears now there's a narrow list of: Audi S6 Cadillac CTS Vsport MY 2012 or after E63 Thank you all for the advice. You have helped me a lot to narrow the field in order to make a more informed decision.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2014, 03:23 PM	#28
Red Bread Major General 4459 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Great, now I can't stop looking at the pic of the S6 Avant. I've worked in the EU before, maybe it's time to look again! Good call on the XF, they're a little old now, but still a good car, I have a few friends with them and they've been remarkably reliable and are yet another car that's more fun than an F10 (but to be fair, that's a long list).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2014, 04:41 PM	#30
son_of_siggy Lieutenant 17 Rep 432 Posts Drives: CTS-V Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I'd be all over that V-sport if it came with a third pedal.
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04-25-2014, 10:34 PM	#33
evo335xi Lieutenant 38 Rep 451 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Ct iTrader: (1)	So many beautiful card in this thread, not sure if I saw a Lexus IS-F but any of the ones mentioned would fit the bill.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-25-2014, 10:42 PM	#34
majin ssj eric Captain 88 Rep 812 Posts Drives: 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Sedan Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Simons Island, GA iTrader: (0)	We bought a GS 350 F-Sport last summer and still love it very much. Great looking inside and out, handling is very tight and sporty, engine is decently strong (not sub-5 second but mid 5's to 60 mph), and the technology is first rate. I can't wait to see the GS-F if it ever actually comes out as that will be a legit M5 competitor. __________________ 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport Starfire Pearl/Flaxen w/nav 2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 sedan Sapphire/Tan w/nav 1997 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer
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04-26-2014, 10:08 AM	#35
davis449 Captain 426 Rep 887 Posts Drives: 2014 Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I'll cast anther vote for the Audi S6. I drove a Stage 1 S6 last week and that is a beast of a car while also filling the rest of your requirements. I don't know if you're wiling to mod at all (even just a little bit) but, for less money, even a fully loaded S. Line A6 3.0T with a pulley and tune would probably do it for you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote