I’ve asked this question but didn’t get to extend it.
I currently own a 2003 Mercedes Benz, but don’t want to deal with constant repairs. Especially out of pocket. It has 100k miles. I like the way it rides (steering, pedals, seat height) but its acceleration at times leaves more to be desired. I was unable to restore the interior through regular detailing and vacuuming and such since I purchased it used at 45k miles.
Right know I’m looking at the Kia optima 2011 SX, 275HP, with the premium package since I really would like the same type of roof I have with the benz. I don’t like to be w/o sun/moon roof. It doesn’t have to open.
I would not like to pay over 0 per month and have about K to put down w/ no trade-in. Are there any other choices I should consider? I would like the car to be in a New condition w/ no more than 25k miles, easy/smooth steering and be quick.
Must haves: Leather (not hard)
HID/Xenon (the ones that turns when you turn is a plus)
Automatic headlamps (if its on 24/7 is cool too, as long as when the car is off it goes off)
Audio upgrade-ability (Mercedes was awful in this department) I’d like to put my own navigation, amps, speakers.
Audio upgrade-ability ( Ability to change alternator and batteries if necessary )
Warranty for at least 4 years. I don’t know how many miles I’ll drive but I think it will be less than 8k/yr
Auto windows up/down (or hackable, I can mess with circuits and some 12v stuff)
Nice to have:
Cold/Hot weather package
Folding rear for more trunk.
good turning radius ( I don’t know the technical turn but to make the tightest turn possible. I like to stay in my lane when I turn, especially for U-turns)
Aesthetically pleasing, I know this is subjective. But I prefer curves over triangles. The whole honda/acura design I don’t like. I like G37, nissan maxima, bmw3 ( 2 door version) , mercedes CL, CLS, Just to have an idea of my design taste.
I have trouble expressing ideas. So if the question isn’t understood is what cars should I consider and how they fair vs the kia SX in whatever ways you would like to compare them. Value**, features, performance, tech, etc..
I am unsatisfied with the prior responses:
Answerer 1
Now you might be looking for something newer but consider a 97-2001 audi S4. It has 250 hp from its bi turbo v6 and has AWD. It comes loaded with just about all the features you mentioned ( leather, xenon, folding rear, cold/hot weather pack, auto windows. You can get one for ,000-,000 in good condition.
Answerer 2
Consider a Subaru WRX. For under k you have a car with moon-roof, 265 hp, AWD and a 0-60 time of 5.2 sec. This car will beat any BMW, Audi, Mercedes, or Volkswagen in that price range guaranteed. Subaru’s are also one of the easiest cars to upgrade and they come in hatchback or sedan versions.
Source(s):
I own one
The first one is a car older than the one I currently own, also german and don’t have time to search for lower part prices. I forgot to mention I don’t have any income since I’m a student and don’t want/need unexpected expenses. If I can make my care brand new again inside and out I’d keep it , but the poor thing has 100k miles, and the inside well at 45k till now I couldn’t restore so that’s out of the question. Besides old leather != new leather.
The second response is better, but I really don’t like hatchbacks and I NEED an AUTOmatic transmission. I’m also not really feeling the styling on the WRX. I’m not into racing nor upgrading the car for that purpose. I’d like quickness for overtaking in highways where you have to accelerate quickly to get out of a jam, and in the streets to get up to the limit quickly.
Don’t know if I mentioned it before but I also like the exterior styling of the 335i coupe, not sedan, and the A4 3.2 (Though I can’t find any for less than 30K)
I’d also like good resale value which is very poor on kias. Sometimes they have 4k cashback which can help in that department. I’m sorry if this question seems long and specific, but this is a big commitment to me and really can’t afford to get out of it as easy if I had a cash flow.