Cool cars in the 30-40K range?

[Lestat]

I'm hooked on the Lexus IS250, and assuming my stock makes a rebound this year, I want to get a new ride. I need something 4 door, I've been in a 2 door coupe since 1999 (Eclipse). Also, since I snowboard and often times drive to Mammoth something AWD (All Wheel Drive) would be nice. I want to make sure I check out other comprable cars in that class. Any suggestions, I'm thinking:
BMW 3 series
Audi A4
Mercedes C Class
Volvo?


Anything else?

 

[Mr. dB]

Subaru WRX or Legacy

 

[Lestat]

WRX is nice becaause of the AWD but its a bit small for my taste. I need something with room, 4 grown adults comfortably.

 

[mustang_00]

the srt8 JGC is fun, i drove my buddies and feel in love! full time 4 wheel drive (awd) that thing takes off like a rocket. I was surprised and it handles very well. I've been picking out cars/trucks kinda debating what to get. It's going on the list for sure though.

 

[Mr. dB]

WRX is nice becaause of the AWD but its a bit small for my taste. I need something with room, 4 grown adults comfortably.

That's why I said "...or Legacy". The 2.5GT is nice, and you won't see mirror images of yourself coming and going all over San Diego. It's an interesting alternative to the usual choices in that price range.

If you're set on AWD, I wouldn't bother with the BMW, the AWD system on the 3-series doesn't help the on-road performance any, from what I hear.

 

[bignate73]

legacy would be my best advice, both the legacy and the wrx are fun!

 

[spongebob]

good luck on that stock rebound, markets are crashing, US is tanking, housing bubble is popping, nothing but doom and gloom.

you better look into getting a used pinto.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

I'm hooked on the Lexus IS250, and assuming my stock makes a rebound this year, I want to get a new ride. I need something 4 door, I've been in a 2 door coupe since 1999 (Eclipse). Also, since I snowboard and often times drive to Mammoth something AWD (All Wheel Drive) would be nice. I want to make sure I check out other comprable cars in that class. Any suggestions, I'm thinking:
BMW 3 series
Audi A4
Mercedes C Class
Volvo?


Anything else?

Either of those two. Most BMW's (especially the 3 series) are associated with tools, or at least people who act like them. It's the car that screams "Look at me, I'm so awesome in this sweet ass car" you can see it written all over their attitude.

 

[Mr. dB]

Either of those two. Most BMW's (especially the 3 series) are associated with tools, or at least people who act like them. It's the car that screams "Look at me, I'm so awesome in this sweet ass car" you can see it written all over their attitude.

My next door neighbor, who is one of the nicest people I know, bought a used 3-series last year. He tells me he still drives the same as always, but everyone around him acts like assholes. People won't give him a break in traffic, won't let him change lanes or merge, go out of their way to cut him off. It's like they automatically assume he's an asshole and go out of their way to make things difficult. His other car is a pickup truck with a ladder rack. He says his commute to work is night and day different in the two vehicles, without him doing anything different.

 

[hanselthecaretaker]

My next door neighbor, who is one of the nicest people I know, bought a used 3-series last year. He tells me he still drives the same as always, but everyone around him acts like assholes. People won't give him a break in traffic, won't let him change lanes or merge, go out of their way to cut him off. It's like they automatically assume he's an asshole and go out of their way to make things difficult. His other car is a pickup truck with a ladder rack. He says his commute to work is night and day different in the two vehicles, without him doing anything different.

He should probably trade it in.

But serious it's true about that car, I've known a couple people who fit the stereotype. It ruins it for the good people, sadly.