Family cars with some spunk.

[Looneybomber]

My wife and I have been driving the same cars for a while and they're both getting quite old. I've been looking around for some nice family friendly cars that get good gas mileage, but keep running into dead ends. For example, diesel versions of the Mini Cooper and the BMW 123d that never made it to the US. I've contemplated the BMW 335d, Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, and the VW Golf GTI (all used) but wonder what else is out there?

I will only consider vehicles that get better than 26mpg HWY. Must seat 4. 4 doors is highly recommended, but not a deal breaker. The Lan evo and STi would be a consideration if they got better MPG. This vehicle will be used for commuting the family over long distances (hence why it needs good HWY mpg) and a single person (me) around town to and from school and work, thus why 4dr is not mandatory, but recommended.

*edit*
I didn't mention it, but it can't be an absolute dog. I would perfer a 0-60 time of 7 sec or faster, meaning it likely needs 200hp or more. I did sell my s2000 and would like something not too far behind it performance wise, but with better gas mileage.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Anything BMW will pretty much fit the bill. A 335 is a VERY nice car with all the amenities you could want. They get decent gas mileage and the TT I-6 is a great powerplant. The sedan will definitely be no slouch. Maintenance and parts will be expensive though. I would only get one if you're comfortable wrenching on it yourself.

If you want something a little cheaper, I would look into an Accord sedan. They're boring, but pretty much dead nuts reliable. The V6's aren't bad at all power wise. If you want something a little more luxurious, a TL is a nice car as well. At least before 09 or whenever Acura's lineup turned ugly.

[HashiriyaS14]

The family car I want, I can't buy.....

[Bubba1]

My wife and I have been driving the same cars for a while and they're both getting quite old. I've been looking around for some nice family friendly cars that get good gas mileage, but keep running into dead ends. For example, diesel versions of the Mini Cooper and the BMW 123d that never made it to the US. I've contemplated the BMW 335d, Mini Countryman John Cooper Works, and the VW Golf GTI (all used) but wonder what else is out there?

I will only consider vehicles that get better than 26mpg HWY. Must seat 4. 4 doors is highly recommended, but not a deal breaker. The Lan evo and STi would be a consideration if they got better MPG. This vehicle will be used for commuting the family over long distances (hence why it needs good HWY mpg) and a single person (me) around town to and from school and work, thus why 4dr is not mandatory, but recommended.

*edit*
I didn't mention it, but it can't be an absolute dog. I would perfer a 0-60 time of 7 sec or faster, meaning it likely needs 200hp or more. I did sell my s2000 and would like something not too far behind it performance wise, but with better gas mileage.

I have a few suggestions as I just purchased my wife a replacement 4 door sedan.

infiniti G35/25: The G is a great next step up sedan. Comfortable, well appointed, roomy, fun to drive. Nice road trip vehicle. The V6 version is faster, and might squeek into your gas mileage requirements if you drive conservatively. The 4 cyl should get better mileage, but is less peppy.

Acura TSX (think loaded up honda civic), nicely equipped, well made. it's a 4 banger but gets 35 mpg. Peppy, not fast, but is comfortable & nimble. This is what I ended up buying. Reasonably priced. Acura recently added a V6 option which should give it some oomph

Acura TL S (think loaded honda accord), the S version has some pep to it.

Nissan Altima SE-R: Big, roomy, only a few mpg less than a the 4 cyl, but enertaining to drive for a FWD'er, not quite as plush as the compeition, but Alti's are good road trip cars. I took my family on a very long road trip in a 4 banger Alti, and it was great, got low-mid 30's, strong A/c, quiet running, and never skipped a beat. I had the car 9 years, and had a good experience with it.

BMW 3 series d. I was in one. Very nice, torquey, well appointed. Good driver, My ony concern would be owning one after the warranty expires.

If you like refinement, the Audi A4/VW Passat are also quite nice, but like the BMW, if you intend to keep your car long beyond the warranty, I would think twice as they can be pricey to repair.

Happy hunting.

[Amays U G37S]

Do not buy a BMW if you are worried about gas. The repairs on a bmw are very expensive.

Best bang for your buck is a G25/35/37 sedan. Compared to many vehicles, this is the top dog for a commuter. The IS250/350's don't compare to these. Yes the 335i is quicker, because the ECU doesn't hold back all of the torque/hp because of German standards, but they are also infamous for a known fuel pump issue. The interior doesn't even stand up against a G25/G35/G37 sedan.

Do a bit of shopping around. Then again, you know where you are and you know what we love! Go test drive one, then go test drive other cars. You will come right back to the infiniti. The styling is super. Gas mileage is good. G37's are quick! You will get 19mpg/21mpg city depending on driving habits, and 550 miles out of a tank of gas (if not more) highway = to 31.4mpg because of a 17.5 gallon tank.

Or, you can go with a V6 Maxima, or even an altima. Both with 4 doors.

And even get a lot more performance out of these sedans then your S2000 had.

Trust me, go try the infiniti's out. You won't look back!

[Amays U G37S]

infiniti G: The G is a great next step up sedan. Comfortable, well appointed,, fun to drive. Nice road trip vehicle. The V6 version is faster, might squeek into your gas mileage requirements if you drive conseratively. The 4 cyl should get better mileage, but is less peppy.

Sorry Bubba, not to correct you or anything but I wanted to point this out in my original post. Many people compare the G25/G37 sedans in this category. The motor in the G25 is a V6 but stroked to a 2.5 liter.

Now, you may think this saves fuel economy, and it does! but!... The performance, and fuel economy is also great with the 37 sedan. The point is, for a little extra money, you can have the 37, and it will actually be a much better car compared to the 25. My take is drive both, and see which you like. You'll notice the 25 has a slightly better fuel economy, but the 37 isn't much off either, and the 37 really goes, as the 25 really does not. You already have a V6 in it, just get the 37!

Overall I spend 4,000 a year, give or take, on gas for my G37 coupe.

Everyone who purchases a Lexus IS250/350 wishes they had an infiniti G sedan. These have been compared many times, and the G comes out on top.

Also, they make a bunch of different types of infiniti drivetrains. You'll see base, journey, and sport models as well as awd. G37, G37s, G37x, G37xS. The XS is a awd, sport model. Meaning you have preimum sound (15 speakers), awd system, big brakes, and many other sleek features the journey's do not have. I love I bought a performance car with a performance suspension (all G's have the FX/EX suspension, from the infiniti suv's), big brakes, and overall a VERY safe and effencient car for the road.

Plus don't you know the infiniti's G production line are badged as SKYLINES in japan. You know you loveeeeee skylines.

[skydragoness]

I've always loved the G35/37 sedan, I've driven an automatic G35 numerous times (snow, backroads, highway, etc) and with a manual trans I think they would a fantastic daily driver. Even the automatic is surprisingly quick. Only drawback for them IMO is the fact the rear seats don't fold down. Found that out the hard way at Ikea and it mystified me that not even one folded down.. just a useless pass through in the arm-rest. For skis? Lame. Anyway that's my .02

[MinisterofDOOM]

My LS8 does 29mpg highway, 23 combined (mostly highway), which is way, way higher than the EPA's ratings. LS6 probably does a little better, but you know you want 290 ft-lb.

Everyone who purchases a Lexus IS250/350 wishes they had an infiniti G sedan. These have been compared many times, and the G comes out on top.

The IS also costs SIGNIFICANTLY more than the G. The IS has a higher quality interior, but the G wins in every other category. The IS's back seat is also 100% useless for people with legs.

[Bubba1]

Sorry Bubba, not to correct you or anything but I wanted to point this out in my original post. Many people compare the G25/G37 sedans in this category. The motor in the G25 is a V6 but stroked to a 2.5 liter.

.

That's ok, I stand corrected. . When I saw "2.5 liter", I assumed it was their 4 banger. It is indeed a V6: 218 hp (110 less hp than the G37), 0-60 in 7.2, should just make your gas mileage requirement and lists for $4100 less than the G37. I'm glad we agree the G line overall is a nice choice.

[rc1honda]

I love my 335 sedan. The fuel pump issues have been pretty much resolved, and they are warrantied to 125k anyway. You could also buy a Certified pre-owned and pick up a low mileage and all your maintenance is covered to 50k miles. I get everything for free had a oil change and full inspection by Bimmer and didn't cost cent.

I drove my bosses G35x sedan as well and i liked that car a lot. I would say bimmer because the warranties and maintenance plans are pretty much the best in it' class. I traded in a A4 1.8t for the bimmer. If you go Audi definitely get the diesel or a S model. The 1.8t's and 2.0t are gutless. They have almost no performance value they handle terrible and you need to spend a lot to get the good options. Plus they aren't very roomy.

[Amays U G37S]

Sorry Bubba, didn't want to be rude, I hate correcting people. Love ya.

Ok glad someone came in with a bimmer to compare. I have only heard of the fuel pump being a issue, did not know it was resolved. I have also seen the 2 year maintence free plans on the Z4 coupes. And did not realize till 50k it is covered.

Audi is having a known issue with their Timing belts, and timing belt system. Avoid them right now till the kinks are worked out. Plus, with a G37 sedan, the motor is larger, faster, sportier car, and the Audi's motors do not get big until A6's, and above.

Now with Audi you can purchase a Sedan A4, and get a really nice gas mileage motor, with some pep, and all the comforts of an Audi.

Overall, if you're going to buy a nice car, Looney, then you should consider these picks -
Lexus IS250
Toyota Camry
Infiniti G series sedan
Honda Accord V6 sedan

or a domestic vehicle, such as the Ford Fusion, or Chevy sedan which I am not sure what model is the standard 4-door now, Aveo? lol!

Lexus also makes a convertible coupe if that is up your alley.

And then if you do not enjoy any of these makes or models, I have heard the Hyundai's are pepping up into really nice cars. Just make sure you get one badged as a Hyundai, and not a Genesis. This will hold the value better in a resell(if there is any resell value left after driving off the lot, heheh)

[Looneybomber]

Nissan Altima SE-R: Big, roomy, only a few mpg less than a the 4 cyl, but enertaining to drive for a FWD'er, not quite as plush as the compeition, but Alti's are good road trip cars. I took my family on a very long road trip in a 4 banger Alti, and it was great, got low-mid 30's, strong A/c, quiet running, and never skipped a beat. I had the car 9 years, and had a good experience with it.

BMW 3 series d. I was in one. Very nice, torquey, well appointed. Good driver, My ony concern would be owning one after the warranty expires.

My wife's '00 Altima, 1.8L gets only 25-26MPG hwy. How did you get such good MPG? And BTW, my wife would like to have another Altima, or even a Maxima, but since I'm gonna be commuting in it a lot, I want something with a more nimble feel. The SE-R might be worth looking at...I forgot all about it.

And yes I keep my vehicles for a while. I bought my '02 explorer in '04 and will keep it till we trade it off for a 4dr SUV.

Amays and MOD: How do you guys get such good MPG on the highway? I wasn't going to look at the G or the LS due to it's lack of fuel economy...but I sure do like both of those cars. My wife's good friend had an LS-6 and she loved the way it looked, but turned out to be quite problematic. Personally, the LS is the last Lincoln that I've really liked and am mad they quit making them.

Currently I am out of state and trying to come up with a list of cars for my wife to look for in the area on autotrader and other places. I keep saying C5 z06 and Elise, but so far she's not found anything

[AZ89two4Tsx]

Don't buy an IS Lexus. Just throwing that out there. The interiors on those are hideous.

And I forgot about the TL Type-S. My mom leased one and it was a really nice car. The interior was nice, upgraded seats and trim from the regular TL. It had a little more power too IIRC, no slouch at all. What really made it shine though was the suspension. I'd say the best handling FWD car I've ever driven, as far as sedans. Even on crappy Birdgestone tires. Felt great.

And the gas mileage was surprisingly good too. My dad and I took a cross country road trip in it, mountains and all, and it averaged 32mpg. And that was at 75-85 most of the time.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Amays and MOD: How do you guys get such good MPG on the highway? I wasn't going to look at the G or the LS due to it's lack of fuel economy...but I sure do like both of those cars. My wife's good friend had an LS-6 and she loved the way it looked, but turned out to be quite problematic. Personally, the LS is the last Lincoln that I've really liked and am mad they quit making them.

A V8 plus 5 gears adds up to a low cruise RPM at highway speeds, which really helps fuel economy.

The G's cruise RPM is much higher, but it also has an extra two gears (assuming automatic), and the VQ's always been a miserly six.

[Amays U G37S]

I did 550miles, could of done more, on a road trip. I usually do not let my car fall below a quarter of a tank of gas because I don't drive but to and from work, and occasionally on the weekends up to the store or something. So $80 to fill up, but I fill up for $65, and don't get lower then that so my total is always $60-$65. Giving that, I get much better fuel economy because no strain on the fuel pumps, and I never run it out, so my city is ALWAYS almost a full tank 300-350 miles depending on driving habits and where I go (I like to get on it a bit). Which is equal to $60-$65 bucks and 19mpg.

On the hwy, long trips, my sweet spot is 50mph, but hwy, i kept it at 70-75 and got 550 miles out of a full tank, but could of went another 25-40 miles on that tank.

Yes the G's do have a higher cruising rpm, but they also redline at 8k (max tq/hp at 7200rpm). So short trips will kill the hwy gas mileage. But the city, with good driving habits, will yield you 19mpg.

This is all in a 5 speed automatic. Now the 7 speed is totally different, and this is what you would be purchasing. Increasing gas mileage but not so much as performance only because everyone complains that the 5speed is better then 7 only because at 3rd gear, I can do 80, and at 80 its 5th gear for the 7 speeds.

[Bubba1]

[quote="Looneybomber]
My wife's '00 Altima, 1.8L gets only 25-26MPG hwy. How did you get such good MPG? And BTW, my wife would like to have another Altima, or even a Maxima, but since I'm gonna be commuting in it a lot, I want something with a more nimble feel. The SE-R might be worth looking at...I forgot all about it.

:[/quote]

Good mileage? I dunno, perhaps luck of the draw combined with cruise control for long periods? My Alti was an '02 SL , first year of the current generation which is bigger than the '00.
It was my wifes's DD and she's fairly easy on cars, so it was never pushed hard.
Her only gripe with the Alti was it's larger than normal turning radius.

[HashiriyaS14]

Oddly, I thought the IS interior was considerably worse than the current G. Nothing about the IS250 impressed me, I'm sure the350 is better.


Buy a V6 Genesis.

[Dattebayo]

If you want a family car with some "spunk" in it, I would suggest my friend's caddy that he apparently lost his virginity in the back seat of. I bet there's some kind spunk still on the seat.

[Razi]

lol spunk.

[IBCoupe]

If you want a family car with some "spunk" in it, I would suggest my friend's caddy that he apparently lost his virginity in the back seat of. I bet there's some kind spunk still on the seat.

I'm surprised the thread went that long without this comment.

[Jesda]

Mazda 6 with a manual

My Cadillac has no spunk, but it was vomited in three times by two drunks and one dog.

[themadscientist]

Stagea.....
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5N_7JBU ... re=related[/youtube]

[Bubba1]

If you want a family car with some "spunk" in it, I would suggest my friend's caddy that he apparently lost his virginity in the back seat of. I bet there's some kind spunk still on the seat.

[dasoupdude]

IS350 definitely has some spunk, courtesy of its 4.08 final drive. giggity.

But I'd rather gave the g37s since you can get it 6speed mt

[anti_flag_army]

How about the Pontiac G8? 4 doors big V8 that can get good milage on the highway (not so much city i would assume) and an engine that has tons of support and is reliable.

[frapjap]

How about the Pontiac G8? 4 doors big V8 that can get good milage on the highway (not so much city i would assume) and an engine that has tons of support and is reliable.

THIS. Plenty of power and speed while getting 30mpg on the highway in the tall 6th gear.

From renting a lot of cars over the past few years I have a few recommendations:

Hyundai Elantra- the new one is plenty large, has decent looks, get excellent gas mileage. Seats are extremely supportive and the interior is very, very classy. No qualms when Avis gives me one of these.

Hyundai Sonata- Absolutely adore this car, minus that I don't want a fwd daily driver. Superb interior, awesome seats, has a wealth of amenities for the price point. Also gets excellent gas mileage and is available in a turbo trim I haven't driven the turbo model yet, but I presume its very good.

Hyundai Genesis- Had one of these when I was with a VP from the company. Great car, like it a lot, but it is quite large for me. But then again, I only own sports cars.

Ford Fusion- Lots of car to love, plenty of 'em, a great value.

Ford Taurus- the new models are spacious, nicely appointed, and are plenty quick. It handles the worst out of all the other cars mentioned.

Ford Fiesta- Haven't driven one, but reviews are pretty very favorable.

New Focus 5 door. Bitchin looking car, don't let the pictures on the web fool you, its down right handsome in person.

Buick Regal- the new model. Buick is working very hard to attract a younger buyer and I think they're doing a good job fitting the description that you're looking for. Also note that the gas mileage is pretty good on the high way, and a turbo model will be available soon.

I also fully support Bubba's recommendation of the TSX. I borrow the purchasing lady's at work whenever she lets me.

[Looneybomber]

I drove an Altima, Taurus, Cruze, and Elentra and disliked them all. Driving them makes me think, bleh...and I'm not talking about a lack of power, but the way they drive, turn, handle, etc. I think my s2000 ruined me. It's the only car I've ever owned, otherwise I've always had SUV's.

I will check out a G35/37, Acura TL and TSX, IS350, and Mazda 6, but I have a feeling family sedans (even though the elantra and cruze are not in the mid-sized sedan class) are just going to suck in general. Maybe I'll look at a 328i or 335d just to see what they're like.

After checking out a few more family sedans, I think I'll look into the sport compact cars, Mazdaspeed3 (ehh MPG?), mini clubman/countryman S (although down on power).

How about the Pontiac G8? 4 doors big V8 that can get good milage on the highway (not so much city i would assume) and an engine that has tons of support and is reliable.

I've looked into it, but not quite the MPG I'd like to see...according to real world drivers, I'd be looking at the same MPG my explorer gets.
http://www.fuelly.com/car/pontiac/g8

[IBCoupe]

What? It's got two back seats.

[MinisterofDOOM]

but the way they drive, turn, handle, etc. I think my s2000 ruined me.

You want an LS.

At the limit, the car feels predictable, stable, and forgiving and is perhaps the best-handling sedan built in America. This was confirmed at the test track, where the LS achieved the best numbers of the threesome, out-slaloming the 528i 63.6 mph to 63.1

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/112 ... z1LmbKSClh

51/49 weight distribution, double-wishbones at all four corners, crazy amounts of aluminum bringing its size down below that of much smaller cars, quick steering... The one complaint I have about the car handling-wise is the lack of a limited-slip diff, which was undeniably a pretty big oversight by Lincoln.

[Kenrik]

My vote: Porsche Panamera...

if that's out of your price range: Mazdaspeed 3.. They are like 23k and have 260hp. ..