AutoSpies.com Smackdown - Just What Is the BEST Car For Less Than $50K???

AutoSpies.com Smackdown - Just What Is the BEST Car For Less Than $50K???
Most of the time here at AutoSpies.com we give you 2 or 3 choices and ask you to pick the best, and usually some compelling arguments are made in defense of or against the choices we offer, but the fact is sometimes the choices we offer simply aren't cars you are actually in the market for.

With that in mind, I thought it might be fun to throw at you the entire market, or at least the market that exists below $50K and ask you what you think is the best car for less than $50K.

There are a lot of worthy competitors that fit this bill ranging from full blown mid-size luxury sedans, a plethora of sporty coupes including a Porsche take comes in under $50K.  Numerous SUV's fit the bill, I guess you could consider a minivan in here as well if you needed to, the point I am trying to make though is with ALL the choices available right now at or below $50K, WHICH CAR DO YOU THINK IS BEST?

I have taken the liberty of picking a few, any 3-Series BMW falls into line here, I would go with a 335i sedan loaded with the manual transmission to help hold the line below $50K.


A Porsche Boxster is a worthy addition to any garage, and at the end of the day the Boxster is sure to induce a lot of smiles from any owner.


A Corvette is another sports car that I would be proud to have in my garage, and like the Boxster it is sure to increase the smile per mile quotient.  Of course the ZR1 shown here is a little more money than the base Corvette, I am sure you could probably buy some parts aftermarket to make your base Vette look more like a ZR1.


Infiniti has several interesting offerings including the full lineup of G37 sedans, coupes and convertibles, but the M35/M45 serve as honorable mention as do the GS models from Lexus.


But lets get down to brass tacks here, the truth is you DON'T CARE which cars I think are interesting or "The Best", you are here to tell US what cars you think are the best.

So why not check in here and share with us your insights and observations, let's crown a "Best Car for less than $50K" this weekend, allowing you the reader to choose the winner.

Why you are thinking, be sure to check out all of our exciting photo galleries including the Volvo XC60 and the very exciting Porsche Museum.

Also, don't forget you can upload your "Spy" photos on the go directly from your mobile device simply by sending them to mobile@AutoSpies.com - don't let that disguised replacement slip by without getting a shot, and be the first to share it with the world of AutoSpies.com readers.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/31/2009 11:28:38 AM
+4 Boost
I concur with the 335i


M53RM53R - 1/31/2009 3:17:38 PM
+4 Boost
Yes... a new one though! Not the one currently on sale.


kavionekavione - 1/31/2009 12:24:48 PM
+1 Boost
I'll go with the Infiniti G37


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/31/2009 8:56:31 PM
-1 Boost
g37 is a great car. but it only beats the 335i in terms of price/value. if you've got $50k to spend as in this questions, you don't care about the $7-10k savings.


0to600to60 - 1/31/2009 12:27:49 PM
+3 Boost
Maybe Ive just become a seasoned autospies blogger, but havent we played this game before????


mini22mini22 - 1/31/2009 12:41:11 PM
+1 Boost
For me it would be a Boxster. I don't need a lot of room.


Agent63Agent63 - 1/31/2009 1:10:21 PM
+2 Boost
The only car I haven't test driven would be the vette but from experience I would prefer the Boxster, Vette(sure why not), 335i, & G37.

It also depends what you want. If you want a more comfortable ride then the G37 and 335i would be the choice. But if handling and good weight distribution and a high quality build is what you want, the Porsche is the best in this bunch hands down. It's a shame the Boxster doesn't have the best reputation but once you drive one, you're easily impressed.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/31/2009 1:13:41 PM
-6 Boost
The Subaru Legacy 2.5GT(5speed manual).

More power than you'll ever need with it's turbo boxer 4 combined with their extremely competent 4wd system. Very good handling. Literally no guesswork when it comes to switching between the performance modes. It can be driven year round. It has a unique look that seems to defy aging. Noteworthy reliability.

All for under $30k.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/31/2009 2:09:43 PM
-3 Boost
There's nothing sporty about 2 tons of metal on ANY luxury vehicle. Some vehicles just have better suspension and weight distribution setups.


downtoearthdowntoearth - 1/31/2009 2:27:16 PM
-2 Boost
Audi S6, 72k USD, V10, 5200cc, 435HP, 0-60=5,7sec, 1/4mile=14sec (Source#1) | Lexus GS350, 45k USD, V6, 3500cc, 303HP, 0-60=5,7sec, 1/4mile=14sec (Source#2) | Infiniti M45, 50k USD, V8, 4500cc, 335HP, 0-60=5,74sec, 1/4mile=14,4sec (Source#3) -> so the V6 from Lexus GS350 hauls ass so hard it kills a V8 from Infiniti and a V10 from Audi. In one shot. How hard? Find out on your own: http://youtube.com/watch?v=wSfc7RrEln8&fmt=18 http://youtube.com/watch?v=iIcEm_zTblM&fmt=18 BTW, GS is exactly as spacious as A6/S6 ||| Source#1: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Followup/articleId=117646/pageId=105510 ||| Source#2: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=130686/pageId=145836 ||| Source#3: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=104808/pageId=62812


downtoearthdowntoearth - 1/31/2009 3:42:45 PM
+4 Boost
Yeah, what else could you say when facts are so hard against you, Charles? GS 350 doesn't have to touch the 5.2 V10 S6 and V8 M45, it's just as quick as the former and quicker than the latter. Relatively frugal, too. And the attitude of being neither very sporty nor very comfortable is a winning strategy Audi has been deploying for so many years. Such vehicles simply appeal to more customers that cars tuned to meet special needs (like, say MB E or BMW 5). Then there is Subaru-class AWD for the GS 350 and the hybrid if you want to save some gas without scarifying performance. Expect 24-28 combined observed MPG.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/31/2009 4:11:05 PM
+1 Boost
downtoearth....+1 for "scarifying". I'm going to be scarifying some brew tomorrow during the superbowl.


BlakuraTLSBlakuraTLS - 1/31/2009 1:57:52 PM
+6 Boost
Acura TL SH-AWD, forget the looks, the car has the goods. I know I'll be deboosted for this, but its how I feel.


0to600to60 - 2/1/2009 8:38:11 AM
-2 Boost
wonder if he was boosted because there was agreement for the statement that he would be deboosted.


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 1/31/2009 3:00:26 PM
-1 Boost
My choices would be the 335i, XF and the TTS, as the best cars under 50 grand. The 335i is best in class, the XF is really bargain at that price, and the TTS coupe itlooks good, is actually more comfortable than you might think, and with both city and highway over 20mpg and 0-60 in about 5.0 flat its an excellent combination of performance, luxury, and economy


commander104commander104 - 1/31/2009 3:40:38 PM
-2 Boost
Elantra Touring or Jetta Sportback TDI--both are safe, reliable wagons--nuff said.


downtoearthdowntoearth - 1/31/2009 3:54:25 PM
0 Boost
You post half-truths, commander. VW Jetta is so dependable Consumer Reports have put it into "worst of the worst" reliability category (Source#1). It is quite safe, though, especially when referred to the small cars class. (Source#2). Elantra meanwhile is neither safe nor reliable. And its designers ate a lot of nice fluffy dogs. ||| Source#1: http://autos.yahoo.com/consumerreports/article/best_and_worst_used_cars.html ||| Source#2: http://www.iihs.org/research/hldi/composite_cls.aspx?y=2005-2007&cls=2&sz=3&sort=pip


commander104commander104 - 1/31/2009 9:02:57 PM
+2 Boost
I wish consumer reports would make a separate reliability column for the TDI equipped models. Something has to be said for the incredibly high resale value of TDI models.


BJS470BJS470 - 1/31/2009 3:40:51 PM
+3 Boost
I'll take a g37 for 40 grand and put 10k into it


bmwtvbmwtv - 1/31/2009 4:10:59 PM
+3 Boost
I like having a BMW in warranty, partly because all services are included in the warranty. So when the extended factory warranty on my daily driver 2003 BMW Alpina Roadster V8 expires in a few months, I will probably trade it in. I have narrowed my choices down to an eclectic 4 -- 2 of which list well under $50k. Which one I choose may depend on the selling price of the Z8. BMW 135i Convertible & BMW M3 Convertible are available now, but -- before I decide -- I want to drive the next-generation BMW Z4 & BMW 7-Series.

I call for the question. Of the under-$50k cars currently available, BMW 135i Convertible is the one for me. (The drop-top M3 starts at $66k.)


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/31/2009 9:30:01 PM
+4 Boost
Well the Z8 could be a strech, one went over the auction block for 50k (an 2001) but the few other brought more than 80K.


JUGNUJUGNU - 1/31/2009 4:12:24 PM
-2 Boost
driving 09 Land Crusier V8 #2 options. That's nearly 50K USD. It's great.

JUGNU


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 2/2/2009 12:54:28 AM
+3 Boost
disqualified. the land cruiser STARTS at $65k. try again.


mikeydred20mikeydred20 - 1/31/2009 4:34:36 PM
0 Boost
TL-SHAWD with the butter soft Milano leather


investor27investor27 - 1/31/2009 4:37:58 PM
+2 Boost
Porsche Cayman
Porsche Boxster
BMW 335i


opusopus - 1/31/2009 4:38:43 PM
+1 Boost
Cadillac CTS4 with the 3.6 DI. Fantastic car that is never mistaken for anything else.


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/31/2009 4:55:24 PM
-1 Boost
I'd probably pick the Lexus GS350 or IS350. The IS would be much more fun to drive and the GS would be more practical/comfortable. Every time I'm in the M35 I feel like I'm in an airplane because of the console (hate their nav too), and I don't think it handles as well as the GS... certainly not as fast. An audi A4,A5 might be a good option for me as well.


morhpthanumorhpthanu - 1/31/2009 8:17:12 PM
0 Boost
The navigation is better than the GS.


LemonadeLemonade - 2/1/2009 11:14:07 AM
-3 Boost
Poor ChumpG37, When will you ever learn that premium cars don't always have to perfom like Nascar's or Formula 1 cars to be considered luxurious? It is indeed a fact that the M has better handling than the GS and that's more so because the GS has a softer ride for a more luxurious feel. The GS also has a lower cost of ownership between the two and it holds it's value better than the M35/45 and not to mention the better fuel economy as well. Chump, did you know that majority of complaints on various auto forums about the M is about how noisy the interior is on the road? There were even complaints about how people can hear the stereo music from outside when turned a quarter of the way up from zero. Although it was noted on a lot of the forums that the M was more fun to drive and had a little more head and leg room than the GS. The ride quality of the GS as well as the interior quality is better than the M. I don't understand why you keep bringing up the dead Q model from Infiniti, I mean, if it's such a Lexus LS-beater; why would they stop making it? Why would any automaker discontinue any model? Anybody?


SanJoseDriverSanJoseDriver - 1/31/2009 5:42:27 PM
+4 Boost
Steering and suspension seemed loose in the one I drove, could have been an issue with the car. The last time I drove a GS it had tight steering, not as good as the G37, 3 series (my favorite for handling), or IS... but definitely felt better than the M. It was an M45 too.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/31/2009 6:49:16 PM
+1 Boost
I'm jealous. I love the older, more chiseled, look of Ferraris of the past. 2 of my dream cars are the Ferrari Testarossa in silver, and the Ferrari F355 in black.


Bmw8terBmw8ter - 1/31/2009 6:50:20 PM
+4 Boost
....neither of which are under $50k unfortunately.


Bimmer3erBimmer3er - 1/31/2009 7:06:01 PM
0 Boost
Hands down 335i! Take anything - engine, manual trans, performance, BMW service and what not!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/31/2009 8:54:43 PM
+1 Boost
no question....335i. handling, braking, acceleration, ride, super comfortable seats, good looks, etc, etc.


DoukasDoukas - 1/31/2009 9:30:58 PM
0 Boost
I've had 3 Bmw's... '92 325i, '93 525i, 02 330ci(manual), also a '97 Camaro SS, a '00 Maxima SE(manual) '93 300z, & a 2001 f350 v10 4x4....

And with selling cars, from Audi,Lexus,Infiniti,Acura..and now Honda.. I've driven plenty of different cars through the network of dealerships over the years.....

That being said....I currently have a Chrysler 300c SRT-8...I personaly think its a great car..

my vote goes to any SRT model, because you get 425 hp, hand built motor and upgrades.....

my future vote would be the new Camaro SS or which ever gets the supercharged motor.

just something about having HP & Torque to match, gives me an exciting drive.

honarable mention; EVO, g37 Coupe,


KthornKthorn - 1/31/2009 10:03:35 PM
-6 Boost
I'll take a 993 Turbo Coupe.


wac77wac77 - 1/31/2009 10:13:35 PM
+1 Boost
335, particularly if you need to seat more than 2 people.


abqhudsonabqhudson - 1/31/2009 10:22:38 PM
0 Boost
This is easy/peezy:

Any BMW 5 series (even used)that you can buy for less than $50,000.


JordanskiJordanski - 1/31/2009 10:48:15 PM
+1 Boost
>30K:
Compact Sedan: 2010 Mazda 3 Sedan
Compact 5-Door: 2009 Subaru Impreza
Sport Coupe/Performance Oriented Vehicle: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX
Compact Sport Cabriolet: 2009 Mini Cooper Cabriolet
Midsize Sedan: 2009 Honda Accord
Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle: 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe
<30K:
Luxury Compact Sedan: 2009 Mercedes-Benz C Class
Luxury Compact 5-Door: 2009 Audi A3
Luxury Sport Coupe/Performance Oriented Vehicle: 2009 BMW 1 Series
Luxury Sport Cabriolet: 2009 BMW 1 Series Cabriolet
Luxury Midsize Sedan: 2009 Cadillac CTS
Luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle: 2010 Lexus RX
Just my two cents...


PerformanceGuyPerformanceGuy - 2/1/2009 1:09:15 AM
+1 Boost
Definetly the G37 for me. It is just an all around amazing car.


AudiphileAudiphile - 2/1/2009 3:06:07 AM
+1 Boost
I would opt for the Audi S4. I can't be sure because the car won't be introduced to the U.S. until this fall, but the guesstimates of the base price I have seen are about $50,000.


MBKingMBKing - 2/1/2009 5:05:41 AM
-1 Boost
GLK350 please


JordanskiJordanski - 2/1/2009 3:17:15 PM
+1 Boost
=/ Sorry to burst your bubble dude... but i'm gonna have to say RX350/RX450h. It just has much more to offer than the competition while in turn offering "higher" performance stats, the latest in technological features, and great value! I myself used to like the GLK very much until I compared it with the latest generation RX. The GLK almost seems lackluster when compared; this will probably lead Lexus to yet another number one seller!


JordanskiJordanski - 2/1/2009 11:51:38 PM
+1 Boost
meh... dealer mark ups and destination fees and all that crap... maybe not. i came across a gently used demo at my local audi dealer... and that was going for %48,950


xj13xj13 - 2/1/2009 5:50:15 AM
+3 Boost
E92 335i


abcdabcd - 2/1/2009 6:32:31 AM
-1 Boost
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo or Infinity g37 4-wheel steering.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 2/1/2009 8:18:56 AM
0 Boost
I'm an Audi fan but I'll take the new 2010 Mercedes E-class diesel when it arrives.


Schwitz916Schwitz916 - 2/1/2009 8:47:21 AM
+2 Boost
Subaru STi. GREAT All wheel drive, 5.0 second 0-60, incredibly comfortable seats, pretty good looks, and hatch with fold down seats so you can still bring all your gear to a tailgate, etc. It's just an every day car that you could take to the track on a weekend or find a windy road on your way to/from work to make the day a little better. Sound system is excellent with the upgrade, touch screen navi, plenty of room inside. It doesn't get the recognition it deserves.


TampaCarNutTampaCarNut - 2/1/2009 9:01:03 AM
+3 Boost
335, hands down. I wish all of the non-believers could have an opportunity to spend a week in a 3-series (or any models for that matter) to see what they're missing. A simple 30 minutes test drive is not enough time for a BMW "virgin" to truly recognize the engineering, precision, intelligence that goes into developing a BMW. I'll be the first to admit that the present line up of cars may not have the most elegant interiors (that complaint seems to have been addresses based on the most recent designs), however overall BMW models are light years ahead of their competition in terms of technology, handling & the overall ownership experience.


Htay7500Htay7500 - 2/1/2009 12:56:47 PM
-1 Boost
The vette, the subaru legacy spec b or something used.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 2/1/2009 11:04:33 PM
+1 Boost
What kind of stupid question is this? There are so many different uses for cars out there that it couldn't ever be answered. People on here may only want driving fun with a semblance of comfort/practicality, but other people want a big hauler with lots of cupholders. I could break it down to the best cars for each purpose but I don't feel like it. On the other hand, I could give you my favorite cars for under $50K in no particular order: BMW 335d, 2010 Audi S4, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Mitsubishi Evo X, 2010 BMW Z4, Audi TT-S. BTW, 001, why does the new site delete line breaks? It's very annoying.



cls550cls550 - 2/2/2009 4:54:10 AM
0 Boost
Audi A4 3.2 FSI Prestige.


LexSucksLexSucks - 2/2/2009 2:16:16 PM
-3 Boost
If you would have asked me this last week i would have said the 335. but now its the EVO X MR.


JamesJLJamesJL - 2/5/2009 8:06:30 PM
+1 Boost
I'll take a Honda FIT as the best value. Period.


pnsb24apnsb24a - 2/6/2009 4:33:05 PM
+1 Boost
For the money and what you get, I would NOT include the porsche boxter
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC