We're getting a nice buyout from VW on our Jetta tdi and are thinking of bumping up in class for our DD

In retirement , I'm liking German sports cars built by the Japanese ( i.e. My s2000 is my Japanese Boxster)

BMW 3 series ?

Lexus "e" or "I", Acura, Infiniti ?

Any suggestions or experience?

 

Lexus IS - if you want RWD. You'll have to order as the local Lexus dealer only has AWD models.

TLX - is a nice comfortable driver. Just didn't have that sporty feeling. I test drove the SH-AWD version. The 9 speed transmission seemed like way too many gears for me. If you wait the 17 models should be out with the new grille.

BMW - I wouldn't own one out of warranty. But if you lease then that could be a good driver. Opt for the sport packages though.

No idea of Infiniti. My go to choices would be Lexus or Acura.

 

Infiniti Q50S is nice. a buddy at work has one.

 

Liked the IS but its small inside.

TLX in SH is really a FWD car and brakes are not so good.

I would look at caddy.

Chevy SS is likely the best sport sedan for the money right now. V8, manual, mag suspension, and rwd.

 

I wish GM sold the SS in Canada, great car.

 

I'd be happy to help you get one state side for ya and help you get it up there.

 

I own a current 3 series, but it is the 4cyl 328i. It is a nice car. I get as much as 38 mpg on a long drive and 31 in normal driving. It also does 5.7 second 0-60. This is fantastic for most people. That said, I am about to trade in the car with about 25,000 miles on it for something better. While I really like the car it does not excite me on an every day basis. It is comfortable and a wonderful cruising machine. If I wanted the best value for an everyday car I would get a V6 Accord because it is a better VALUE. If I wanted sportier I would shell out the extra for a 335/340i for the performance.

I am spoiled and I want top notch driving experience. Therefore I am looking at trading it for a Cayman/Boxster or an M2. It depends on how much performance you demand and what kind of resale, how long you keep your cars, and that kind of thing.

The 3 series great car, especially if you want 10 years out of it. But if you are going to turn it over in five, you will suffer serious depeciation. BMW's sink like a rock, but they are really great cars. I have deposit on an M2 because that offers more fun on a daily basis than my four banger 28i, even though my 328i is a fantastic car.

How do you spend your money? If you want a fun car for ten years? Buy a Bimmer. If you are going to swap in five, the value is somewhere else.

But I am looking at trading for an M2 with European delivery over some other choices because the experience is worth thousands. Want to be treated like a king for a day? and drive some of the best roads in the world, and then have a fun car for years afterwards, then a BMW, Mercedes, Audi might be for you.

I did it once and have been dreaming about it ever since. If my offers on a used Porsche fall through in the next few days than a European pickup on an M2 is in my future. I will do the Stelvio pass, Switzerland, the Nurburgring, and then drop in Paris. It is a drivers DREAM. Just do it. You will cherish those couple weeks for the rest of your life and spend anything to do it again. But you need to keep the car for a while to make it worth the extra that a Euro model costs.

If you want the ultimate experience in your retirement, this is it. If you just want value, look to Honda or somewhere else.

This is not my video, but give it a watch and make your own dream:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNLsdFsb0cg

I have led a charmed life, and yet a euro delivery experience is one of the most memorable things I have ever done.

 

When we decided we wanted a 4-door daily, we ended up with a 2013 328i - same turbo model as vader's. It's actually rather fun. Audi A4, Volvo S60, Acura TL, and Volvo S60 all were not sporty enough. This was before Lexus released the current IS, dunno what it's like now. Didn't bother with the Merc because we didn't like the interior. ATS wasn't out yet either. Mitsubishi Lancer Raliart was fun but had terrible gas mileage. We're a touch over 50k miles on the BMW and no issues so far.

 

What's your price range? Are you looking new or used?

 

The Mercedes C-Class has been updated since you did your vehicle research. The (newer) C-Class has the best interior you can find for under $60k.