Q: I'm looking in the market for a new car, because as much as I love my 2002 Mercedes Benz ML 500, it eats gas up like theres no tomorrow. (13 city/16 hwy/14 combined) I realized I don't need all the space, but I want to opt for something more sporty instead. I'm looking for a coupe, with: -roomy backseats (just incase I need to drive more than 1 other person) -AWD (for the winter season in NY) (if not, I would like traction control, or some system to help me out (w/e BMW calls it)), -great fuel economy -good performance -can be used -not spending more than $35k -has to be newer than 2005, not earlier The only thing I have rolling around in my head is the 335xi, but that's out of my price range at $42k for the cheapest models. The 328xi might be more budget friendly, but is the drop in hp to 230 really that dramatic? I would like a fast car if I can get one. Or what about the E46 M3? It's got the performance, but I don't know...it seems dated and looks like the old 3 series. 645ci? The main thing about the car is that I want to give off an impression as a big-shot. My job is a commercial realty agent. So when I roll up to meet my client, I want them to know who they're dealing with. I need the perfect car for that situation. I HAVE TO GET A NEW CAR THOUGH! My ML500 takes up too much gas, and it's losing me money by the distances I have to travel daily. Well I would only be driving myself and only one other person most of the time. However, if the occasion calls for it, I would like to seat passengers in the back, so that they're not in pain. Comfort in the back is not a must though.
A: In the price range you are looking for, I'd consider a pre-owned BMW 5 series. If you go for a 2006 model, you can get it with the x drive system, thus giving you AWD that you wanted. That is a car that looks very smart, gives the right image, and is a wonderful car to drive. Anyone that talks negatively about BMW reliability has obviously been asleep for the last five years. Their reliability has skyrocketed in the past five years, and is now right up there. Certainly surpassing Mercedes by a long way. You might consider a 328ix or 335ix from 2007. But I'm not going to lie, the back seat is cramped for adults if the front seats are pushed back a long way. But better performance and gas mileage than the five. To the person that said people laugh at the three series. That's just ridiculous snobbery. I've had mine from new for a year, and I get complimented on it all the time. They are wonderful cars, and ten times better than the Acura TL that I used to own. Even if you don't get the x drive system, that will save your gas mileage and improve your performance, the traction control is amazing on the newer models. I've driven mine in the snow and heavy rain with no problems. But then I don't live in NY and have to do that all the time. While I am a huge BMW fan, I can't help but think that I would take a serious look at Audi if I lived in snow belt. Those guys know how to make a four wheel drive car. Their Quattro system has been famous for decades. The biggest problem I see with what you are trying to do is purchase a flashy high performance car that will allow you to show off, have great performance, plenty of room, and at the same time be relatively cheap and have great fuel economy. The fact is, most of the cars you are likely to consider are going to be using expensive premium gas and plenty of it. You can certainly improve on your Benz, but probably not by much. Larger sporty, four wheel drive cars tend to be thirsty. Edit: I forgot you specified a Coupe. I think this is going to lead to problems with some of your other criteria. After all once you get into a coupe you are of course looking at two doors, and generally less room in the back seat. You said you wanted rear passenger comfort, and for that you really need four doors.