I'm not saying new, but probably something 4-5 years old - think Lexus ES or GS sedan. I'm pretty frugal all-around and my last cars have been reflective of that, i.e., Camry, CR-V, Corolla, etc., all of which I drive into the ground. I'm now late 40s and feeling like I want a car that's more luxurious and fun to drive! Plus, I know that I'll have the car for the next 5-8 years, and feel like there are only so many cars in my future at this point. I hope I do it, but will probably end up with another Camry or Accord, lol. Just sharing, thanks. |
ok! |
Go for it! Drive what makes you happy! |
The ES is similar to a Camry, the GS is pretty different from the other two. |
I don't think a 5 year old lexus will be much better than a new camry. They have so many updates in the past few years. |
] The Camry redesign in 2018 meant that the top-level Camry actually comes a more powerful engine and better handling than the Lexus ES. |
Op here - yeah I'm thinking a used Lexus GS (not the ES) or maybe used Audi or BMW, though I don't want the reliability problems that would come with those. Sure, a new Camry would have more tech innovations, but it won't drive or handle like a Lexus, BMW, etc. |
Test drive these vehicles and be honest with yourself if you, in the type of driving you do day-to-day, will actually notice a difference in "driving and handling" or if you are just believing that because of what you've been told. |
I cannot speak about Audi but stay away from BMW if you are looking at a 5 year old vehicle unless you have tons of cash and a best friend who is a mechanic specializing in European cars. |
Op here, fairly stated and duly noted advice, thanks. |
Treat yourself, OP! I bet you can find one coming off a lease that is in great condition and you'll probably pay about what a new sedan from a mainstream brand would be. Good luck with the search! Would love to see updates. |
Lexus is just a Toyota with a nicer interior typically.
Fun to drive would be any German car. I do notice the difference in day-to-day driving -- you have to accelerate, take curves even on your daily routine after all. Having owned many German cars, our experience has been that the maintenance needs (i.e. what needs to be done) is similar to our other car, but the maintenance _costs_ are higher because the parts and labor are both more expensive. It's still not break-the-bank, but that depends on your financial situation. If you are buying used, but a Certified used car as it comes with a fairly solid warranty,and you can pay to extend it longer if you like. |
I apologize in advance as I am a car guy. I cannot fathom how anyone can feel the sense of desire you appear to have for a 5 year old Lexus ES or GS. It's not even like the guilty pleasure of eating leftover pizza. It's like a can of LaCroix that's been left open for a few hours and has gone flat. Upon discovery, you may drink it if you are particularly thirsty, but to desire it? And yes, Lexus is the LaCroix of luxury cars, and within the Lexus lineup, the ES GS are the least sporty/fun. And like LaCroix, people seem to be willing to pay an absurd amount of money for this level of blandness. No one will look at you driving a Lexus and think "now there's a guy that's enjoying the finer things in life and having a blast." If you want to have some fun, go get a Civic Si. It will be fun to drive, reliable, and will hold its value well if you do decide to sell it after a few years. If you don't know how to drive a manual, well it's a perfect time to start. Add some spice and variety into your life. Go on an adventure. Buy a helmet and compete in some weekend autocross races. Other fun-yet-frugal cars: Mazda 3, Golf GTI, Mini Cooper. Heck, go buy a Jeep Wrangler - many many many times more interesting than a Lexus. Do something exciting for a change. |
Oh my god....what a stupid response, LOL!! |
Unhelpful, devoid of meaningful content - this is who you are. |