Jump to content

First "Professional" Car Purchase - Any Advice?


Devilsfan118

Recommended Posts

So I've been driving a good old Honda Civic since high school (sidebar to any parents with kids about to get their license - couldn't ask for a better first car), but I've been working for a few years now and am about ready to upgrade into a 'young professional' vehicle.

 

I've done some research into the used market already (2011-2013), and I'm pretty sure the BMW 3-series, Audi A-3 and A-4, and any Benz are all out.  Don't feel comfortable committing to that German maintenance quite yet.

 

My only real requirements are 4 doors, AWD, and an automatic transmission (manual civic is brutal during the commute).  So, at this point, I'm looking at the Infiniti G37x, Acura TL.. and any other suggestions anyone might have.

 

Let's say I'm comfortable with a purchase of somewhere around $20,000-$25,000.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So I've been driving a good old Honda Civic since high school (sidebar to any parents with kids about to get their license - couldn't ask for a better first car), but I've been working for a few years now and am about ready to upgrade into a 'young professional' vehicle.

 

I've done some research into the used market already (2011-2013), and I'm pretty sure the BMW 3-series, Audi A-3 and A-4, and any Benz are all out.  Don't feel comfortable committing to that German maintenance quite yet.

 

My only real requirements are 4 doors, AWD, and an automatic transmission (manual civic is brutal during the commute).  So, at this point, I'm looking at the Infiniti G37x, Acura TL.. and any other suggestions anyone might have.

 

Let's say I'm comfortable with a purchase of somewhere around $20,000-$25,000.

Ha. This is funny as I'm in the same boat as you (except I got my sister's old Toyota Solara lol). I've been looking at the TL but I'm not thrilled with the gas mileage as my commute is pretty lengthy. Honestly, my numero uno right now is a Ford Fusion Hybrid, but still looking around

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be in the same boat in a couple of years and have put some thought in this for sure. One of the cars I have looked out is the audience a series. I get the German thing though

You should really look at the infinity g37. Infiniti is the luxury makmake of Nissan, so it has the engine you can absolutely rely on. I think they're sweet, definitely should consider it

You can definitely get a 2012 g37 for under like 28k

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

So I've been driving a good old Honda Civic since high school (sidebar to any parents with kids about to get their license - couldn't ask for a better first car), but I've been working for a few years now and am about ready to upgrade into a 'young professional' vehicle.

 

I've done some research into the used market already (2011-2013), and I'm pretty sure the BMW 3-series, Audi A-3 and A-4, and any Benz are all out.  Don't feel comfortable committing to that German maintenance quite yet.

 

My only real requirements are 4 doors, AWD, and an automatic transmission (manual civic is brutal during the commute).  So, at this point, I'm looking at the Infiniti G37x, Acura TL.. and any other suggestions anyone might have.

 

Let's say I'm comfortable with a purchase of somewhere around $20,000-$25,000.

Your situation is very simiilar to mine, although it seems I'm a few years ahead of you.  My first 'professional' car purchase as you put it was about 7 years ago, but I recently went through round two and purchase another vehicle.  I was looking at the very same selection you were -- G37, Audi A4, etc.  I decided against the A4 for the same reason -- too expensive when it comes to oil, tires, and if anything major went wrong, major repair costs.   My budget was around the same was well, not so much the total amount financed, but moreso the monthly payment.  I did not intend on putting anything down, not interested in leasing because I drive far to work every day (about 18-19k annually, and most leases only give 12-15, and the more you add, the costs go wayyy up)

 

As of about 5 weeks ago I am the proud owner of a 2013 Lexus IS 250 (kinda wish I went with the 350, but it would've been more money, and worse on gas)

 

I financed for 6 years instead of 5 like I wanted ($29,500 total price), because the payment was too high (still is too high, really, but oh well....I drive far to work so I figured I might as well like what I drive), and I also purchased their protection plans for pretty much everything mechanical for 4yrs/60k miles, and an interior/exterior plan for 7 years (so basically with the latter, when the car is paid off and I go to sell it, I can get any scratches on the outside or rips on the inside fixed and basically increase my resale value for free).

 

Best of luck with your search, and if you have the chance take a look at the 250 -- so far very happy with it.  Forgot to mention I bought it with 30k miles on it.  Nice looking car and the ride is very smooth.  I came from an 08 Altima so the size is similar but sportier, which was my main goal.  Mission accomplished I think.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Holy smokes, completely forgot I created this thread and left everyone hanging.. sorry guys.

Thank you all for the advice, I do remember reading all your replies back when I was making the decision and did look at a couple SUVs and Subarus.  I do wish I had explored the IS250 or 350 though.. great looking car, just slipped through the cracks for some reason.

But ultimately I decided to go with a CPO 2012 G37X and as of now I couldn't be happier.  Great looking car (imo, of course), huge upgrade from my base Civic on the interior.. and she moves.  Probably the best bang-for-your-buck Sedan I could get in terms of performance while keeping overall cost to own in mind.  The only downside is the MPG is a little weak (averaging 21 combined) plus premium fuel kind adds up.. but you've gotta sacrifice somewhere for the awesome VQ engine :evil:

But thank you all again for the advice, I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.

Edited by Devilsfan118
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Devilsfan118 said:

Holy smokes, completely forgot I created this thread and left everyone hanging.. sorry guys.

Thank you all for the advice, I do remember reading all your replies back when I was making the decision and did look at a couple SUVs and Subarus.  I do wish I had explored the IS250 or 350 though.. great looking car, just slipped through the cracks for some reason.

But ultimately I decided to go with a CPO 2012 G37X and as of now I couldn't be happier.  Great looking car (imo, of course), huge upgrade from my base Civic on the interior.. and she moves.  Probably the best bang-for-your-buck Sedan I could get in terms of performance while keeping overall cost to own in mind.  The only downside is the MPG is a little weak (averaging 21 combined) plus premium fuel kind adds up.. but you've gotta sacrifice somewhere for the awesome VQ engine :evil:

But thank you all again for the advice, I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.

nice dude! since i made that post above, i bought a 2011 G25x.. super stoked on it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 10/27/2016 at 11:50 AM, Devilsfan118 said:

Holy smokes, completely forgot I created this thread and left everyone hanging.. sorry guys.

Thank you all for the advice, I do remember reading all your replies back when I was making the decision and did look at a couple SUVs and Subarus.  I do wish I had explored the IS250 or 350 though.. great looking car, just slipped through the cracks for some reason.

But ultimately I decided to go with a CPO 2012 G37X and as of now I couldn't be happier.  Great looking car (imo, of course), huge upgrade from my base Civic on the interior.. and she moves.  Probably the best bang-for-your-buck Sedan I could get in terms of performance while keeping overall cost to own in mind.  The only downside is the MPG is a little weak (averaging 21 combined) plus premium fuel kind adds up.. but you've gotta sacrifice somewhere for the awesome VQ engine :evil:

But thank you all again for the advice, I really appreciate all your help and suggestions.

Good stuff, very nice car.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.