I'm In The Market: So What Is The Best Non-Cookie Cutter Car For Under $40K?

It is about that time again for me to start considering another daily driver. My last car has served me well to over 215,000 miles and it is time to scan the market for a replacement.

This time is going to be a little different, Since you are so are in tune with the market I am going to let you all help out. It is time for YOU to tell ME what may be the perfect choice for under $40K.

But I need give you all a little background first:

As many of you know prefer individuality and expression over pure appliance like reliability. I absolutely loathe pulling up behind an exact copy of what I am driving at the traffic light. With that being a given, cookie cutter cars are not be the best choice for me.

I have owned my fair of vehicles in the past, and I realize they all have their issues and only one vehicle has ever left me on the side of the road or given me constant issues in 25 years of driving. So don’t try and play that Hyundai is far more reliable than a VW in your arguments. In the overall scheme of things it really doesn’t matter provided you care for the vehicle correctly. Face it, most the lowest rated vehicles today would rank as above average 10 years ago in most of these studies.

So here are guidelines to help with:

Condition: New or slightly used (demo)
Price: $35k to $40k before TTL
Passenger Capacity: 2 adults many times but sometimes 2 kids as well
Storage Capacity: Occasional runs to home improvement store and weekend camping trips
Gas Mileage: Open
Vehicle Type: Open (Crossover, Passenger)

Intangibles: Not a cookie cutter or appliance like. I am not limiting my choices to any conceived notion of a luxury brand or nationality, but in my local, BMWs, Lexus, and now even Audi’s are everywhere, so they can easily fall into being too common category. Individuality is a primary concern and BORING IS OUT. Again reliability is not a primary consideration in this case.

So I am going to let you scan the market and give me an idea of what you think are the best buys for under $40k for me to consider.

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monster - 1/18/2011 11:52:24 AM

+1 Boost

Based on the criteria above, I would suggest the following
Mazda CX-7
Subaru Forester
Nissan maxima.

And yes they are far less than the 40K.

uaw_lax - 1/18/2011 12:16:28 PM

+4 Boost

maxima is underrated.

shabaru - 1/18/2011 2:26:00 PM

+9 Boost

1989 Rolls Royce Silver Spur

LexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:41:02 PM

0 Boost

Maxima is about where it should be for a large FWD sedan. A large FWD sedan is hardly the stuff that makes legends.

mclaren428 - 1/18/2011 11:55:50 AM

+1 Boost

Saab 9-3

http://prod3.gmautobuilder.com/BuildYourOwn/Saab.byo?year=2010&mmc=FCJ69&modelname=9-3

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 12:36:25 PM

-1 Boost

Nah! IMHO GM ruined SAAB

Joe_Limon - 1/18/2011 12:37:22 PM

0 Boost

+1 to saab, I saw my very first saab 9-3x on the road yesterday. The 9-3 convert looks pretty sexy for just under 40k.

uaw_lax - 1/18/2011 1:44:57 PM

+1 Boost

dude THIS saab is nice

focal - 1/18/2011 12:15:03 PM

+4 Boost

Mini Countryman

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 12:36:40 PM

-5 Boost

On the list!

9nine3 - 1/18/2011 12:24:33 PM

-6 Boost

Ford Flex

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 12:41:09 PM

-2 Boost

I prefer to get my estrogen in other ways...

bjk458 - 1/18/2011 12:57:01 PM

+7 Boost

2006 Maserati GranSport Coupe (Ferrari V8 motor, F1 transmission), great look, incredible sound and has usable back seats!

Most selling around $40K with low miles.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 1:00:31 PM

-1 Boost

Hmm... something about a $1K oil change might make me write it off. BUT it is not a cookie cutter car.

Gambit - 1/18/2011 1:02:28 PM

+1 Boost

Mazda CX-9

ATrip - 1/18/2011 1:20:20 PM

+1 Boost

Volvo S60 T6 AWD, or a fully loaded T5. They look great and good not nearly as common as competitors.

Dustbuster - 1/18/2011 1:20:20 PM

+4 Boost

Any Saab model, maybe the new Volvo S60. I'm sure they are willing to negotiate. Depending on where you live, an EVO or STI may not be common. How about the new Buick Regal GS (whenever it comes out)? Also, a (3-series or A4) station wagon may be interesting because they are more rare. Good luck shopping!

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:12:23 PM

+1 Boost

S60 or XC60 are indeed good options.

PlanB - 1/18/2011 3:10:11 PM

0 Boost

Saw the new S60 the other day, drop dead gorgeous car. Yes, a Volvo is gorgeous.

uaw_lax - 1/18/2011 1:46:50 PM

0 Boost

A4, 3 series, Challenger, CTS, there is a long list of good cars.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:14:29 PM

+1 Boost

Had both the 3-Series and the A4 (the one being replaced with 214K) before. I'm ready to try something different.

CTS is OK, but rather have the CTS-v but that is out of the budget.

0to60 - 1/18/2011 2:16:20 PM

-2 Boost

lol

theoptimisticpessimist - 1/18/2011 4:21:41 PM

0 Boost

Base price $45,645 for this monster.

Agent001 - 1/18/2011 2:00:11 PM

-1 Boost

Countryman, Clubman, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with body color hardtop and removable t-top-like front panel, used 135i (amazing deals on used market), Ford F-150 Supercrew 4x4, A3 TDI

001

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:17:52 PM

-1 Boost

I am leaning more towards new this time around. The Mini does have me intrigued...

LexSucks - 1/18/2011 2:08:38 PM

-9 Boost

Why isn't anyone suggesting a Toyota?

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:16:25 PM

-3 Boost

Err They know better? I have had both Toyota and Lexus before. The Lexus was the only car to ever leave me stranded on the side of the road(twice).

Your Mileage May Vary though...

Baby - 1/19/2011 12:09:00 AM

+5 Boost

009 that's because both times you were so drunk that when you got out of the Lexus to take a piss on the side of the road you locked your keys in the car. LOL

LexSucks - 1/19/2011 1:41:39 PM

-6 Boost

Baby,

Its only a car!!! LOL!!!

You’re coming across like some little insecure teenager (which you probably are). Say something bad about Toyota and you start attacking them. Not a good look dude. Especially when you are defending cars as lame as Toyotas. lol!

Do yourself a favor and find a better brand to like. That way you wont have to be attacking and insulting people all the time. This is too funny. Toyota has the worse fans.

infiniti_G35c - 1/18/2011 2:13:19 PM

+9 Boost

Subaru WRX STI Hatch (great car for just under $40k)
Infiniti EX (severely under-rated and definitely not cookie-cutter)

OBSERVER1984 - 1/18/2011 2:35:19 PM

+8 Boost

European Accord - Acura TSX

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:40:29 PM

-6 Boost

I would have to do something with that TSX beak... It scares me.

0to60 - 1/18/2011 10:49:26 PM

+6 Boost

the TSX V6 isnt that bad and it drives nice. The feels fake and weird at high speeds (too tight). But overall its a nice car.

voluptuousnber - 1/18/2011 2:38:27 PM

+7 Boost

I too look for that something special/rarish but is affordable. I currently have a 2006 Altima SE-R and still love the unique wheels, seats, gauges and 6spd manual transmission. But I have started looking for something new as my financing comes due in the next year. I too need room for 2 kids on occasion and will truly give extra points for a manual 6 spd transmission. As I live in Canada, I've been examining AWD cars (want to stay away from SUV, crossovers) and have been closely examining Acura TL SH-AWD Manual and the Subaru Legacy GT. I'm currently leaning towards Legacy GT but am waiting for news on updates/changes for 2012. Going to Montreal Auto Show this weekend.

MetalUSMC - 1/18/2011 2:44:36 PM

+6 Boost

The Acura RDX is a really nice car and seems to fit your needs. Acura has treated me good so far, I own a TSX and so far I had no issues (45k miles) i believe the RDX is slightly under 40K but fully loaded and with the SH-AWD u might break $40K

222max - 1/18/2011 2:47:15 PM

-1 Boost

Nissan Maxima, VW CC, BMW 3-series, Lexus GS, Infiniti G37... There are a ton of cars which could fit the bill.

Shredmo - 1/18/2011 2:49:19 PM

-1 Boost

If the CTS is a consideration and CTSV is out due to price, I suggest a G8 GXP. This is a car you won't pull up to a stop light behind your twin.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 2:50:28 PM

-2 Boost

CC was on the list, Realistically the G37 barely makes the list if it was a stripper.

OBSERVER1984 - 1/18/2011 3:08:32 PM

+7 Boost

Order an Alfa Romeo 159 from Europe or Mexico... this will be unique!!!

PlanB - 1/18/2011 3:15:00 PM

-2 Boost

Hyundai Sonata 2.0t, 274hp and 33mpg + room for the whole family.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 3:57:14 PM

-5 Boost

I actually do like the Sonata, BUT they are a dime a dozen. Still a very good looking car for the money. IMHO I would have better luck with a Genesis.

PlanB - 1/18/2011 4:20:11 PM

-3 Boost

Good call, forgot about the Genesis. Good car and there's not that many out in the wild.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 4:30:08 PM

-7 Boost

Yeah, Never thought I would consider a Korean car, but the strides they have made are amazing.

dgoodson - 1/18/2011 4:24:09 PM

+2 Boost

VW GTI! Can't believe no one's suggested it yet. Extremely fun and sporty to drive, best in class interior, impressive fuel economy for such a sporty thing, and you definitely don't see them everywhere, even here in socal. A fully loaded one would be $34-35k out the door.

Agent009 - 1/18/2011 4:31:13 PM

-1 Boost

GTI is nice, But if I went that route it would be my 3rd one, but it does fit the bill nicely.

valhallakey - 1/18/2011 4:46:52 PM

0 Boost

Slightly used Land Rover LR3 or a slightly more used LR4. Porsche Cayman and figure out how to hook a trailer to it for the Home Depot trips... kids need exercise so let them walk... Back to reality ... Flex might be interesting. Wait on a GTI-R 4dr... Volvo C30 is kinda neat looking.. but a Ford underneath...

valhallakey - 1/18/2011 4:52:55 PM

0 Boost

Oh one more the Charger R/T Road/Track package or R/T Max AWD...

Agent001 - 1/18/2011 4:52:59 PM

-1 Boost

Land Rover Evoke

001

RNeekChic - 1/18/2011 6:25:11 PM

0 Boost

Correction 001 it's

Range Rover Evoque

Agent001 - 1/18/2011 6:28:11 PM

-1 Boost

I forgive my iPhone spell check seeing AAPL is $353 after hours after blowing the last quarter away! ;)

001

P.s. Thanks for the heads up though !

abqhudson - 1/18/2011 5:57:09 PM

0 Boost

My 2 cents: Broaden your search to include cars with 10-15,000 miles on them. You'll get more car, service history, manufacturers warranty, and you can find them well cared for and like new. e60 5 series BMW/BMW X3/Infiniti G37 or M/Mercedes C class come to mind. Good luck.

richard112360 - 1/18/2011 6:01:26 PM

+3 Boost

Well, 7 Yugo's for use once everyday of the week and enough change left over for your children's college fund.

Mustang953 - 1/18/2011 6:41:14 PM

-1 Boost

Based on your needs, I would suggest the VW Passat wagon with the 2.0T engine and 6 speed auto. It is our second car, and will do everything you want, as well as return 28-31 mpg depending on your style. Most of our driving is in rural South Dakota, 65 to 75 mph.
I do my own oil changes (outside the warranty service which is free) with a vacuum pump, and with the oil filter on top of the engine there is no crawling around under the car. Cabin filter and air cleaner take 15 minutes to change. It is a quiet cruiser on the Interstate, and back roads. We have 20,000 miles on it now, and no squeeks, or rattles. Only been back to the dealer for the free warranty service. No issues at all. It was loaded, and out the door at $33000. And, if it matters, it comes with a power lift gate, which my wife loves.

LexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:56:37 PM

-2 Boost

Not a single suggestion from anyone here about Toyota. That speaks volumes.

Baby - 1/19/2011 12:04:46 AM

+6 Boost

Volumes of how stupid you are, yes. 009 is a total Toyota hater and everyone here knows it.

LexSucks - 1/19/2011 1:35:11 PM

-5 Boost

Making an observation makes me stupid? You know what's worse than a Toyota Hater? A person who gets bent out of shape (and starts calling people names) when someone says something negative about Toyota. Funny.

800over - 1/21/2011 1:59:54 PM

+1 Boost

What do you call someone who gets bent out of shape whenever someone says something good about Toyota?

CarCrazedinCali - 1/18/2011 7:16:51 PM

-1 Boost

MINI Countryman all the way

enthusiastx11 - 1/18/2011 7:21:57 PM

-5 Boost

328i sedan or coupe with carefully selected options....sport package, nav, upgraded sound system and auto transmission if you need it.

SSP350 - 1/18/2011 7:23:39 PM

+5 Boost

Subaru WRX STI or a Mistubishi Evo ....With some dealer haggling, you can get any of these cars for 40k.

t_bone - 1/18/2011 9:14:34 PM

+1 Boost

2009 Jaguar XF...you should be able to find near-new for $40K.

mmm333 - 1/18/2011 10:26:39 PM

-3 Boost

2007-08 X5 BMW still under warranty and under $40k.

quizz - 1/18/2011 10:51:42 PM

-4 Boost

AUDI Q5
2.0t Premium Plus trim with B&O stereo: $40,000 (ok, $40,725, but I'm sure with some minor haggling you're under $40,000)

Q5 MAN!! DO IT!!

investor27 - 1/18/2011 11:46:48 PM

+1 Boost

$40 grand for a 4-cylinder?

quizz - 1/19/2011 1:51:36 PM

-2 Boost

But it's not cookie cutter! And without the premium trim, it would be less than $36,000. And finally, 0-60 in 7.1 seconds is not bad for a great looking SUV with a very slick interior. Who needs a V6 when you're getting combined 22mpg in a fun commute SUV?

opus - 1/19/2011 6:27:42 AM

+1 Boost

CTS......wait for it......wagon!!! Drop dead gorgeous, at least in my eyes, very few out there, and with current rebates easily under the 40k mark.

klipprand - 1/19/2011 9:39:03 AM

+1 Boost

I recently bought a 2010 CTS4 Luxury just under 40K that was a demo model. Still got 0% financing on it, and very happy with my purchase.

dukefan1129 - 1/19/2011 3:26:11 PM

-7 Boost

Gotta go Genesis.

Michael - 1/20/2011 7:43:54 AM

-3 Boost

If you're not over 6'4" and don't need to commute over 60 miles or so on average, how about considering a Chevy Volt? Although it retails for over the 40k limit, rebates and incentives bring it down so that it costs no more than a fully equiped Prius.

uaw_lax - 1/22/2011 10:08:29 AM

+1 Boost

009 If you like Cadillac you can get an 09 STS v8 330 HP RWD heated/cooled seats voice activation nav that lets you roll down or up your windows and other controls with just your voice for under 40k

e24Mguy - 1/24/2011 12:24:50 PM

+1 Boost

Countryman S!
Subaru WRX STI or Legacy 3.6R/GT? or even the Outback 3.6R?
Golf TDI?
Ford Taurus SHO? (Didn't really like it in turns though)
I may get blasted for this, Honda Ridgeline. I've heard it is a very comfortable ride. All Acura parts, within budget.

Somebody suggested a pickup, if you are into them, go tryout the Dodge 2500 w/ the Cummins Engine, just for some Sh!tz and gigz. Lots of torque = Highway fun.

Maybe a 6speed TL SH-AWD? I am sure the grill is too much of an annoyance. They don't sell soo well with the Manual tranny, so you should be able to get a good deal on one.

e24Mguy - 1/24/2011 12:25:10 PM

+1 Boost

e24Mguy - 1/24/2011 12:25:44 PM

+1 Boost

Oops... Sorry, double post.