Originally posted by neelnug:
Hyundai is out... sorry guys. Needs to have some status... not for me but perception is everything.
Why would you give a rat's posterior how people view your car?
ANYWAY...
Avoid anything European if you care about reliability and cost of ownership. I would also avoid a new car in that case.
You're not getting an Acura TL on your budget. The cheapest 2004+ in your area is $26,000 on cars.com. The older ones look like an old car. Nothing is worse for perception than an old luxury marque.
I like the Lincoln LS in that range, the Infiniti I35 (the Maxima won't have the panache you seek), a well-used G35 would work as well. I would avoid a Lexus ES or IS due to image.
Brad "Diva": 2004 Mazda 6s 5-door, Volcanic Red
Rex: 1988 Mazda RX-7 Vert, Harbor Blue.
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