Hi all. I'm considering purchasing a used 2009 car to replace our aging 2000 Maxima (great car, LOTS of room, etc.. but it's starting to show its age). I don't want to spend more than $20k to $25k. Am considering: 2009 C300 2009 G37 2008 TL (don't like the 2009 redesign) 2009 Maxima 2009 328i Are there any other similar cars that I'm forgetting? Do you have any thoughts on the above? I really like the C300 but I think it has one of the smallest rear interiors of the group above. This is a problem for us as we're used to the roominess of the Maxima and have 2 kids both in car seats. I know that most of the above will not compare to our 2000 Maxima... Thanks for your thoughts!
I can agree with you on the Maxima as a great car. I have a '98 with 200K+ miles on it and it's never needed anything but regular service. If you're looking for room, go with another Maxima. The 3-series isn't known for it's roominess. I own one and can say it's like a mini-cockpit. Plus, you can't really kill a Maxima unless you tried! If you want to move up in "quality" I would say the G37. My second choice would be the TL. Quick, roomy, sporty, and sharp lines. Have you thought about the Hyundai Sonata?
I'm going with DonVaugh, if space is the biggest factor go with the maxima. You'll also be able to get it with a lot more options for less money than the bmw, benz, or g37, and with less mileage. You could also checkout the 2009 and up Acura TSX, or the 2008 model is still fairly modern if you don't like that redesign either.
I'd say either of these 3 would be a good choice. The Benz and BMW and nice but too costly to maintain IMO. 2009 G37 2008 TL (don't like the 2009 redesign) 2009 Maxima
Better find a good indy shop if you end up with the BMW 328i. BMW dealer in NYC charges about $155 per hour labor. Expect to spend A LOT of money for maintenance and repairs if you keep the BMW for a few years. Water pump is about 500 dollars (600 for the 335i model) and 3 hours labor at the dealer. How would you like to spend 600 dollars for a new BMW battery ? 300 dollars for the battery, 1 hour diagnostic time and 1 hour for programming the car's computer to let it know you have a new battery. Also, the C300 and the 328 are too small for a growing family.
Thanks everybody. Looks like nothing (not even a new Maxima) will compare to the room (particularly back seat) of our old Maxima. The A4 actually has more rear leg room than G37 and new Maxima, but less front leg room (which is ok b/c wife and I are both short). So maybe I will consider the A4 (though I already have a Q5 and would prefer to mix it up a bit). Otherwise I think G37 or Maxima (as many of you have suggested) are my best bet. Next step is to go see them all in person and see how small they really seem in comparison to our old Nissan... Actually, how about an M37? http://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...Id-drvTrnId-clrId-prcId&pgId=2102&prcId=28576 Seems very reasonable (almost too reasonable, what am I missing?) Thanks again!
I say get your wife a minivan for the kids to beat the crap out of and get the C300 for yourself. That's what I did. In 5 years my kids have never ridden in my Passat and my wife has a few times. It's all mine!!!! Mawahahahahaha!!!! No seriously, your wife and kids are going to beat the crap out of it. Get her a Honda or Toyota minivan as they will run until the kids are old enough to take care of stuff.THEN get a nicer car. Just sayin.....
