The dad has been out of the car game for a while (1999 528i) and has been looking to upgrade. He seems pretty locked onto a newish 07-09 5 series, sedan or wagon, with less than 20k mileage. I have been trying to think of some cars that would be a little more exciting given the big buck. He likes the a6, thinks the a5 might be a little small, cant do a 3 series (size)/s4, etc. He wants something he can do road trips in with the moms (moms car is leased, need to take his). So, I am trying to think of some last ditch suggestions to stray him away from a newer 5...which is sexy, nice to drive, etc....but for ~35-42 I just think you can get something more exciting. So uh. Ideas?

7/22/2009 7:10:06 PM

Maybe give a look at a taurus SHO.

In his price range he can basically buy a completely top of the line new Taurus SHO. It's worth a look given the power that thing has, and it should be big enough and luxurious enough to make your old man happy as he's taking it on long trips.

Of course, it's the first year run of a new generation of taurus, so the thing may have a bunch of mechanical problems (I think the newer generations of cars that ford has been releasing have been better about falling to pieces in the first model year than older cars, but he might not want to take a risk on that).

At that rate he should also give a hyundai genesis a look. Can get one of those completely decked out with a big engine in that price range as well (brand new) and that car's been out for a little while.

This is all assuming he can deal with not driving a european vehicle.

7/22/2009 9:39:32 PM

Quote :

"Maybe give a look at a taurus SHO."

I lol'd.

7/22/2009 9:44:42 PM

if he has had a bmw for quite some time there is no way in hell he is going to think about some hyundai or ford shit.

look at a comparable mercedes.

[Edited on July 23, 2009 at 10:40 AM. Reason : .]

7/23/2009 10:39:46 AM

My dad has an Infiniti M45 and loves it. You can get a used one loaded for that price (or the M35). Laser cruise control, heated/cooled seats, navigation, bluetooth, dvd audio. I'd make him at least test drive one.

7/23/2009 10:44:44 AM

I bought an M35 in 2005 and that car was tits. Wish I dropped the extra 4k for a M45 though.

I'd imagine you could get a fully loaded 2007 M45 for under 40K now. IIRC it was 340 HP then...

7/23/2009 10:55:13 AM

The new 3-series is a pretty damn good-size car. What in the hell does he need a bigger car than that for?

At any rate, is he going to get any use out of anything more "exciting" than a new 5-series? If he really does want something hotter, the 335i has his name on it. The 3-series is the new 5-series, anyway (with the 1-series pretty much holding the slot the 5 used to occupy).

And what makes anyone think he would do anything but laugh at the suggestion of a Taurus SHO? Ain't gonna happen, dude.

7/23/2009 11:18:22 AM

2008 550i.

What he is locked onto is a great car. 550i with M-package is absolutely gorgeous car. Man has a good taste.

7/23/2009 11:28:43 AM

A6 is a great idea IMO, or the S6 if it's within his price range. Also what about a Jag XJR/XJ8 Super? I wouldn't be inclined to say Mercedes since the new E-class *just* came out, if you got one a year or two old you'd be getting a car at the very end of its model cycle that while solid, reliable, and attractive, has never been known as fun (unless you go for an E55 AMG but they are $$$$). M45 could also be worth a look though I've always felt the styling is a little awkward in places.

Oooh...or a Caddy CTS-V or STS-V. Now THAT would be a fun option.

7/23/2009 11:35:14 AM

I mean, I wouldn't buy one, but if Ford actually pulls off the twin-turbo SHO (excuse me, eco-boost), then it could be decent. I just don't see them doing it right this first model year.

And of course, I'll second the 335i. They aren't small cars at all, so I'm not sure what kind of room he needs there, but they definitely have the excitement factor when driving.

7/23/2009 11:45:24 AM

^^I think the later year superchaged E55s are around $50k now. Not bad for a car with an underrated 469hp that can run mid 12s all day.

Current model 5 series is f*cking hideous.

7/23/2009 2:48:43 PM

The 335i has good space (the sedan). I have one and I am able to fit four adults in the car with no problem and they were comfortable. If it's just your mom and dad on a road trip I'm certain there will be no space issues. The seats go back real far also, so with two people, leg room is no problem.

[Edited on July 23, 2009 at 3:03 PM. Reason : ]

7/23/2009 3:02:54 PM

yeah, my dad has a 335i sedan, and it has plenty of room unless you have some unusual circumstance that raises a legitimate need for a true full-size car.


What we haven't established is whether or not this guy's dad gives half a shit about getting something more "exciting" than a run-of-the-mill 5-series, or if it's just Colemania pipe-dreaming on daddy's dime.

7/23/2009 8:54:55 PM

I have no clue why a 330/335 isnt big enough. The 'rents go on a lot of weekend trips (3 suitcases and special pillows for the mother...no joke...not sexual), but I fail to see how they couldnt make that work.

I think he was planning on checking some of the mercedes and infinitis out. He has a gripe against all things American so Jags are out. I think hes somewhat locked onto this 530 wagon at the moment.

Ill pass along the SHO suggestion.

7/26/2009 3:34:51 AM

Quote :

"just Colemania pipe-dreaming on daddy's dime."

7/26/2009 10:28:01 AM

Slight day dreaming. 20% maybe.

Guess he decided on a wagon, which was allegedly being held for him while they cleaned/inspected/etc. Went to pick it up on Sat morning and said they sold it at sticker on Friday afternoon. Needless to say he was rather pissed.

Actually went to look at some Honda Elements with all the whistles (is big into kayaking). While Id be all for that car, it seems like a weird choice for that price range. Not sure if I approve

7/26/2009 7:47:32 PM

hooker?

8/7/2009 10:29:10 AM

Quote :

"He has a gripe against all things American so Jags are out."

wut?

8/8/2009 11:04:19 AM

ford owned them until 2008

[Edited on August 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM. Reason : although i think they're still made in britain]

8/8/2009 12:12:21 PM

I was thinking new cars. Either way it's not they were built with Taurus parts or something.

8/8/2009 3:21:56 PM

^^For reals? I thought they were still under Ford. Anyways.

He went with an 09 a6 avant, got it on some kind of closeout. Reportedly pretty sweet, wont see it for a few months.

8/8/2009 10:00:06 PM

blow up doll

8/10/2009 8:56:49 PM