Quote:
Originally Posted by Caged Great
I am in the market to purchase a vehicle and I am looking to CP for some advice to narrow the search to a couple options.
What I am looking for is ideally in the 2004-2008 age range, maybe slightly newer, no later than 2010 though. I would also ideally like to get something that's more of a luxury brand. Audi, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Volvo or something like that (not a Lincoln). I figure that the cost will not be much different for a vehicle of that vintage, so getting something more upscale should not hit the pocket book too hard.
I am looking for a 4 door sedan, where you or your passenger doesn't feel like you're sitting on the dash board like with a Lincoln. I also need a car that can get up a relatively steep hill. I live at the bottom of a rather annoying hill and the only way out is up, so something that can traverse that is mandatory. Safety is my #1 concern. Pretty much everything else is up in the air.
Any pointers?
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Don't buy a luxury car in that vintage. An engine light can write a car off.
There is an industry term called the 'the 7 series effect'. A 10 year old 7 is worth less than a 10 year old 3 even though it cost 3 x more originally. This is especially prominent in luxury SUVs. A 10 year old 4Runner is worth 3-4 x a 10 year old X5 or ML Benz. And it was half the price originally. There's a reason. Market desirability, but mainly because one small repair can send he car to the scrap heap, as parts can be ludicrously expensive, and used parts can be near impossible to find due to lack of new car volume.
For what you are trying to accomplish, find yourself a nice high end regular brand, like a Camry LE, Passat Highline, Acura TL..... something that has parts that cross over with numerous cheaper models. Or, stick to the lower end of the luxury brands. A4, 3 series, C-class etc. They were sold in large enough volumes, that a used engine or tranny can be found easily.
Good luck in your search.