Help me find a new daily driver, got 30k to spend

[Rct851]

I know, not buying slightly used is nuts in this case. But when the wife really wants a new car there is no talking her out of it lol.

Even if it gets something kinda queer

 

[WeakSauz]

2013 Escape Titanium with the Ecoboost-- Very good power, style, comfortable, etc. --- Can get around $33k if optioned right.

Taurus SHO (Id get a used 2010-11 or so)

 

[1hot281]

If you can wait until the 2014 models start rolling out, get the new 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA

2014 CLA - A Future Vehicle from Mercedes-Benz

Projected starting MSRP under $30k

You can also look in to the Acura ILX sedan. Starting MSRP is $25k, and the Hybrid version is under $30k.

http://www.acura.com/modellanding.aspx?model=ilx

 

[Kewlv8]

So its time for a new daily driver. Easy decision, right? Mustang GT or something equivalent. Unfortunately its not that easy for me this time. This car will be a family car shared by my wife and I. That means two things, it will have to have an automatic transmission and it will have to have two side doors too many. With that said, the car must be a new car, must be a car or car-like crossover, and the only other limitation is that I only can spend $30k max.
With these things taken into account I have found myself very limited because I would like to have a sedan that either has great performance or that is geared toward luxury (or as much as 30 grand can buy anyway). I hate Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, and absolutely boring people movers like that.
So far two cars I am considering (although I know neither is anything too great but better than alot of the others) are the Chrysler 200S (quiet interior, semi-luxury interior, powerful engine w/good acceleration) and the Nissan Juke Nismo (ugly but looks "special", decent handling).

Have any other suggestions of vehicles that might not make me feel too miserable to drive?

2011-2012 CTS. It will still be under warranty, and not feel like a tin can (aka Nissan, Kia, Mazda). Enjoy your search.

 

[VRYALT3R3D]

2013 Charger R/T

Great interior and losts of power on tap. The uconnect nav is the best nav on the market.

 

[Rick James]

If you absolutely have to have it new, for that much $ I like the looks of those Optima Turbos....

 

[TurboBird]

I vote G8. Thoes things are bullet proof and "almost" new

 

[1hot281]

You can also check out the BMW X1 sDrive28i

BMW X Overview - BMW North America

It's what BMW call a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) but it's basically a crossover. It's starting MSRP is $30,800

Or the Audi A3

http://models.audiusa.com/a3

Starts at $27k

 

[03svtcobracoupe]

Why a new car????? You're nuts to buy that type of car new. If you include certified pre-owned cars, you will find out that you can probably find a car you like. I.e. 300C SRT8, CTS-V

This !

Sent from my DROID RAZR

 

[UncleDan]

I vote G8. Thoes things are bullet proof and "almost" new

Yep... With a CAI and Tune, they'll run high 12's. With headers, cam, converter, etc, it will run in the 11's. Pretty damn good for a 4 door grocery getter and for under 30k.

 

[xXGadfly09Xx]

It's what BMW call a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) but it's basically a crossover. It's starting MSRP is $30,800

Are you sure its not a Sports Utility Coupe?

or how about Fastback Utility Coupe?

 

[RSXFMCJWR]

If you can wait until the 2014 models start rolling out, get the new 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA

2014 CLA - A Future Vehicle from Mercedes-Benz

Projected starting MSRP under $30k

I didnt know those were slipping in below the 30k mark. I am adding that to my list of possibilities for sure. That thing would probably be comfortable and quiet.
Also adding the charger rt that was suggested to the test drive list. Gotta love 370hp bone stock. I'll have to see if the rest of it lives up to the engine.

 

[RSXFMCJWR]

You can also check out the BMW X1 sDrive28i

BMW X Overview - BMW North America

It's what BMW call a SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) but it's basically a crossover. It's starting MSRP is $30,800



Or the Audi A3

http://models.audiusa.com/a3

Starts at $27k

I'll look further into these as well. Thanks

 

[RSXFMCJWR]

Thanks for all the replies so far everyone. They have all been very helpful. My list of possibilities has tripled since posting this thanks to all of you.

 

[xXGadfly09Xx]

I didnt know those were slipping in below the 30k mark. I am adding that to my list of possibilities for sure. That thing would probably be comfortable and quiet.
Also adding the charger rt that was suggested to the test drive list. Gotta love 370hp bone stock. I'll have to see if the rest of it lives up to the engine.

you will love the chassis of the charger!

its the eclass chassis!

 

[RIO RED SNAKE]

+1 to the charger, absolute great car to drive, very bearable on long trips, gobs of HP and still gets over 20 mpg. My father had a R/T AWD, hell of a car for the $$

 

[mach03one]

Recently have been looking at BMW E60 M5 2005-2010. You can pick up one second hand for around 30k. 500 hp stock and has 4 doors. The V10 sounds beastly and you can even get a stick if you want!

<http://youtu.be/QAlnEtGJcA8?t=57s

 

[Chris!]

How many times has this guy posted he wants a NEW car...yet people post G8s (havnt been made in 4 years!) and 05-10 M5s (check out the cost to replace SMG pump!).

AND people post Mustang GT's and Subaru BRZs. He NEEDs a 4door.


The answers are simple:

Ford Fusion SE Ecoboost.
Ford Taurus SEL
Dodge Charger
Acura TSX


All can be had for under $30k

 

[50 Proof]

2010 Ford Tarus SHO
2009 Pontiac G8 GT

If you're ok with a slight reliability issue
2005 Caddy CTS-V
2008 Chrysler 300C

Nothing unreliable about a 300c. The interior is typical cheap american car quality, tension strut bushings go out around 50k but that won't leave you stranded anywhere. They're pretty solid cars.

 

[T-Bolt]

Evo X MR. Dual clutch transmission and very quick, plus it's very safe if you are carrying a small family.