What would be the best car to get under 55K?

[nyclio]

I know this a very subjective question - so I am curious as to what some of the people here might think. I am undecided between a Lexus GS or a BMW (not sure which yet; perhaps the M3). And no you can't say "I'd get a Honda Fit and pocket the rest of the cash" (which of course is perfectly feasible - but not for the purpose of this question). I feel like with all of these new cars coming out - my G just isn't as special anymore (maybe it never was - maybe it was all in my head )

So the bottom line is, for 55K, what's the best head turner/intimidating vehicle out there?

[Klubbheads]

C6 vette with z51 package.

[abcdefGGGGGG]

id personally get a loaded fx45. thats gonna be my next car =)

[jawjaw]

You will get all kinds of answers unless you narrow it down. A Lotus Exige would be a huge head turner but not very liveable. There are plenty of other sport coupes but sounds like you want more of a luxury car. A BMW, Lexus, or AMG wouldn't turn any heads but would be enjoyable. A Vette or Shelby GT500 with a loud exhaust would get attention but not have the refinement.

[ashtangaz2001]

If you were going to get an M3 now why not get 335?

[CrazyRuskie]

M45 Sport or GS450H

[shift_skyline]

Originally Posted by vstrizheus

M45 Sport or GS450H

My thoughts exactly, but I'd be pushing for the GS450h more. That car looks so mean.

[telegramsam]

Originally Posted by abcdefGGGGGG

id personally get a loaded fx45. thats gonna be my next car =)

Think twice. We got my wife a new FX35 last year. It only has 20,000 kms now (12,500 miles) and it is a rattle trap. I should have known better than an SUV on a car frame. This vehicle cost too much to have this many rattles. And we have tried to get them fixed, no satisfaction on that count.

[nyclio]

Is the M5/M6 (which is damn near twice the price) really the only purely luxury car that puts so many more sports cars to shame? My thoughts on MBenz...not crazy about it since it's now partnered with Chrysler - not that it affects me personally - just my 2 cents.

[trey.hutcheson]

We need more information on what you're looking for. Sports car? Daily driver? Luxury? 7 year keeper? 1 year keeper? Loud and over the top? Sleeper?

If I had that kind of cash to use on a fun/toy car, it would have to be an exige. If it were to be something that I drove half the time, then the c6 would be my choice. If it were to be a daily driver, then it comes down to performance requirements. The M45 comes to mind, if you prefer luxury, or possibly the C55 AMG if you want a bit more sport.

The C55 is still a C class; it's still Merc's entry-level platform for the US market. But The c class is still a very nice car. It won't be quite as nice as the M45, and in a straight line it might be only a little quicker stock; but it's smaller, I assume lighter, shorter wheelbase, and probably quite a bit more nimble.

Or you can go for a 335.

[G35SHAWN]

L E X U S GS450h.... test drive that car & i promise you, you'll fall in love with that car in a hearbeat.

[chilibowl]

2007 Audi S4 6MT

[bull3t]

Porsche Cayman S or a Shelby Gt500

[JEVERYDAY]

Mercedes Benz CLK 550

[Z06ified]

Cadillac CTS-V if you need a car with a back seat and four doors. Corvette C6 with Z51 if you don't.