Help Me Choose a Car

[Doc Hollidae]

Looking for a sport/luxury sedan. Currently considering a 2015 BMW 428i Grand Coupe with 10,700 miles, a 2018 Kia Stinger, or a 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE. Budget is approximately 30K.

Coming from a 2010 Challenger V6, I would still like to have something that has some power behind it and can turn some heads from time to time. However, reliability and maintenance are also a factor. Looks-wise I like the BMW, especially since it's in Estoril Blue and has the M Sport Package, but I know they don't have the greatest reputation in reliability. The Camry is obviously the most efficient and probably more reliable. The Kia supposed to rival the BMW, but is new so reliability is unknown.

So I was curious on other people's experiences, opinions, and open to suggestions as well.

Thanks.

 

[Turbo-87]

Given that selection, I'd pick the Kia Stinger. I am very intrigued by that car and the warranty alone is beyond compare. Turbo cars are VERY fun to modify when the time comes. Not sure what the V6 model stickers at but I'd definitely choose that over the 4 cyl. Who would ever imagine a Kia getting to 60mph in under 5 seconds?

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Given that selection, I'd pick the Kia Stinger. I am very intrigued by that car and the warranty alone is beyond compare. Turbo cars are VERY fun to modify when the time comes. Not sure what the V6 model stickers at but I'd definitely choose that over the 4 cyl. Who would ever imagine a Kia getting to 60mph in under 5 seconds?

Unfortunately, the Stinger V-6 is out of my budget. Its closer to 40k than 30k.

 

[BlueB]

BMW, of course!

I have never liked any of the Kias, I got as a courtesy car from BMW, or rental...

Toyota hybrid for the reliability and economy, but that's not what you asked about...

Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk

 

[Ronaldo]

Looking for a sport/luxury sedan. Currently considering a 2015 BMW 428i Grand Coupe with 10,700 miles, a 2018 Kia Stinger, or a 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE. Budget is approximately 30K.

Coming from a 2010 Challenger V6, I would still like to have something that has some power behind it and can turn some heads from time to time. However, reliability and maintenance are also a factor. Looks-wise I like the BMW, especially since it's in Estoril Blue and has the M Sport Package, but I know they don't have the greatest reputation in reliability. The Camry is obviously the most efficient and probably more reliable. The Kia supposed to rival the BMW, but is new so reliability is unknown.

So I was curious on other people's experiences, opinions, and open to suggestions as well.

Thanks.

My 68 yo barber just leased another Camry Hybrid. Nuff said

 

[Rafa.the.Magnificent]

I can't speak to 2015 or thereabouts, but I bought a used 1998 BMW in 2006 and it is still going strong! Never gives me any trouble. If they are still making them as well as back then, I'd say you can't go wrong choosing that BMW!

 

[Turbo-87]

Unfortunately, the Stinger V-6 is out of my budget. Its closer to 40k than 30k.

Ah. I've always been a fan of sleeper cars and this one fits the bill. No one would give it a second thought until they suddenly can't pass you to claim your lane.

The non-hybrid Camry XLE is an admirable performer. The XLE handles really well and can keep up with traffic with no problem with the 300hp V6. There are far too many of them (Camrys in general) on the road so if you want to be unique, this isn't it.

A certified used Audi A4 might be worth considering.

 

[Mr.Lob]

Camry? You ain't gonna score in a Camry. Bimmer...yes. But not known for reliability.


If going more mainstream, with sporty performance, reliability and good looks, try the Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve.

 

[Raul_SJ]

I can't speak to 2015 or thereabouts, but I bought a used 1998 BMW in 2006 and it is still going strong! Never gives me any trouble. If they are still making them as well as back then, I'd say you can't go wrong choosing that BMW!

You are an outlier! Everyone says BMW are costly to maintain.

 

[Raul_SJ]

Go for a new car with good warranty.Stinger looks intersting.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Id go for a hybrid. You save a lot of money. And Toyota good quality cars that are easy to maintain. They are safe too.

 

[Crocodile]

I,be goingthe Kia because it's 2018 and has great performance, handling, styling and reliability.
The BMW is already 3 years old and in 3 years time will be 6 years old and these things cost heaps to maintain and they do break. BMW - Big money wallet.
Camry is fine if you want transport and not an enthusiast.
Other cars well it depends on how much things cost in your part of the world and whether you are partial to sports cars. That being said the Lecus RCF coupe is not bad, or Imfiniti Q 60 coupe red sport. Jaguar F Type probably just as unreliable as a BMW but like the shape but might be pricey.

 

[Harry_Wild]

I go with the 2.0T Honda Accord, possibly the Sport edition. Faster then your Challenger by a wide margin and better handling too! The $30K limit!

 

[Ronaldo]

I,be goingthe Kia because it's 2018 and has great performance, handling, styling and reliability.
The BMW is already 3 years old and in 3 years time will be 6 years old and these things cost heaps to maintain and they do break. BMW - Big money wallet.
Camry is fine if you want transport and not an enthusiast.
Other cars well it depends on how much things cost in your part of the world and whether you are partial to sports cars. That being said the Lecus RCF coupe is not bad, or Imfiniti Q 60 coupe red sport. Jaguar F Type probably just as unreliable as a BMW but like the shape but might be pricey.

Is the BMW a Certified pre-owned with an additional one year warranty?

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Is the BMW a Certified pre-owned with an additional one year warranty?

It's coming from CarMax. I think I would have to purchase a warranty.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Camry? You ain't gonna score in a Camry. Bimmer...yes. But not known for reliability.


If going more mainstream, with sporty performance, reliability and good looks, try the Mazda 6 Grand Touring Reserve.

LOL not looking to score. I'm married, so I scored with the Challenger . Wife wants me to get something more family friendly, since the Challenger would be tough to transport two kids in car seats. It's not that bad with just one car seat, but two will get a little difficult.

 

[augustobt]

BMWs are great for everything but maintenance cost can go from 0-10000 as fast as the car goes 0-60...

The Stinger seems like the best option from those three. Kia since the beginning of this decade has improved a lot from the joke it used to be in the 90s, and that V6T seems to be quite fun to play with.

 

[Ronaldo]

LOL not looking to score. I'm married, so I scored with the Challenger . Wife wants me to get something more family friendly, since the Challenger would be tough to transport two kids in car seats. It's not that bad with just one car seat, but two will get a little difficult.

Fam Friendly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Turbo-87]

Test drive the Stinger 4 cylinder model since it is in your price range. After the warranty is up you can easily modify it for more power but the aftermarket offerings may be limited. ANY turbo car has the ability to be a real performer. It will be interesting to see how the aftermarket supports the Stinger since they aren't really known as a performance sedan even though they now are. This will remain a car no one really knows about until they suddenly know about them like the Grand National,T-Type and Turbo T Regals of the 80's. It won't reach the legendary status the Turbo Regals have but ...

The BMW sounds nice but to have a Stinger with a 5/10 year warranty sounds awesome to me. Just worry about oil changes and wear items for years.

 

[AndI]

Camry is not a sport/luxury sedan. Neither is Kia. I would look into Audi (A6?), BMW (5 series?), Acura (TLX? RLX?) options, but it will be more like 40-60 grand. One can get a good and nice family sedan for $30k, but not a luxury/sport one.

 

[siata94]

2 kids and you're still not thinking minivan yet? I'd tried to avoid it going w/ 4Runner then Landcruiser and finally gave up
and went minivan and wondered why I bothered w/ lousy ride, lousy ergonomics w/ kids, lousy mpg, little cargo capacity,
high noise...

As for the 1998 BMW owner... yes you are def the outlier!!! I know because I still drive a 1998 w/ 220K miles on the clock,

while the motor still purrs, almost everything else needs attention. What is "still going strong"? Subframe/suspension
bushings typically lasts 100K miles, stock shocks for most models barely last 50K miles, any check engine light, electronics
gremlins, non-functioning headlights/taillights, window switches/regulators, HVAC fan motor, climate control module,
a rattle bucket??? I've had the additional pleasure of replacing the ABS braking module ($2000 from factory, pulled one
from a totaled car for $50), recovered the seats and headliner. Most of above are all very common problems, I'm not unlucky.
Everyone I know have jumped continents, I'm sorta stuck with it but never again...

I'd rec the Pacifica Hybrid, it's not $30K but you might score points with the other moms


​

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Camry is not a sport/luxury sedan. Neither is Kia. I would look into Audi (A6?), BMW (5 series?), Acura (TLX? RLX?) options, but it will be more like 40-60 grand. One can get a good and nice family sedan for $30k, but not a luxury/sport one.

For a luxury sedan, it would have to be used. Otherwise I'm looking at non-luxury new options. The Kia is touted as having luxury like qualities and trying to break into the luxury market.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

Test drive the Stinger 4 cylinder model since it is in your price range. After the warranty is up you can easily modify it for more power but the aftermarket offerings may be limited. ANY turbo car has the ability to be a real performer. It will be interesting to see how the aftermarket supports the Stinger since they aren't really known as a performance sedan even though they now are. This will remain a car no one really knows about until they suddenly know about them like the Grand National,T-Type and Turbo T Regals of the 80's. It won't reach the legendary status the Turbo Regals have but ...

The BMW sounds nice but to have a Stinger with a 5/10 year warranty sounds awesome to me. Just worry about oil changes and wear items for years.

Gonna go test drive the Stinger 4 cylinder this afternoon after work. Been watching a ton of reviews on YouTube and I'm definitely intrigued with its potential as all the reviews are very positive. Wish I had the budget for the V-6, because it seems like a beast.

I like the BMW's interior better and the only thing I don't like about the exterior of the Stinger is the vents on the hood. The Stinger warranty is also a very appealing factor. I'll have to pay extra for a warranty on the BMW I believe.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

2 kids and you're still not thinking minivan yet? I'd tried to avoid it going w/ 4Runner then Landcruiser and finally gave up
and went minivan and wondered why I bothered w/ lousy ride, lousy ergonomics w/ kids, lousy mpg, little cargo capacity,
high noise...

As for the 1998 BMW owner... yes you are def the outlier!!! I know because I still drive a 1998 w/ 220K miles on the clock,

while the motor still purrs, almost everything else needs attention. What is "still going strong"? Subframe/suspension
bushings typically lasts 100K miles, stock shocks for most models barely last 50K miles, any check engine light, electronics
gremlins, non-functioning headlights/taillights, window switches/regulators, HVAC fan motor, climate control module,
a rattle bucket??? I've had the additional pleasure of replacing the ABS braking module ($2000 from factory, pulled one
from a totaled car for $50), recovered the seats and headliner. Most of above are all very common problems, I'm not unlucky.
Everyone I know have jumped continents, I'm sorta stuck with it but never again...​

We plan on getting a SUV in a year or two to be the family car. Only have a 10 month old at the moment, but we're planning on trying for another in the next year.

I've always wanted to own a BMW since I was a kid. As a kid, I remember thinking the Z3 was the coolest car ever when I saw Golden Eye. The reliability issues are concerning to me though.

​

 

[Turbo-87]

Neither is Kia.

Motor Trend and other mags seem to disagree. It may be on the fringe of luxury but it's got the sport.

 

[siata94]

regarding SUV… when the BMW X5 came out, most rags questioned why X5 over a 5 series; lousy ride,
noise, worse mpg, less cargo space. Instead of a sedan, perhaps a hatchback or something similar?

 

[AndI]

When it comes to makes and models branded as "luxury", I believe one has to define what one really needs from what is usually offered in "luxury" segments. The boundaries have been disappearing quickly, and much of the difference is hype and brand reputation. Leather seats and electronics, including navigation, has long been offered in upper trims of regular vehicles. Longer warranty is not that valuable because reliability of specific brands is well known and reliable brands generally do not break much, if at all. Out of 3 Acuras with 4 year warranty each, I think we used the factory warranty only once to get the sunglasses holder replaced (it started opening on its own). There are not too many blows and whistles which one finds only in "luxury" cars these days. We had three Acura SUVs in our family through the years, the features which are most valuable to me are reliability (which has nothing to do with "luxury") and premium audio system with 5.1 surround sound (which indeed is hard to find). Maybe a little better design than average, but this is a matter of taste.

I never could understand the idea of buying a used car. Reliable brands do not lose much in value. They depreciate maybe at 10% per year, so if you get a 3 year old car, you pay 30% less but lose 30% of worry free performance. What is the point? Cars which depreciate quickly and lose a lot in the first few years are usually less reliable and may cost quite a bit to maintain or repair.

I think you cannot go wrong with a Camry or an Accord. Not so sure about Kia, I hear their quality has been improving, but I have not been following the trends. BMWs are reportedly expensive to maintain and they are not as reliable, from what I hear or saw in Consumer Reports annual automobile issues. Whatever the reputation of BMW and Mercedes in Europe is, here we get the same bodies but different engines and transmissions, which makes them different vehicles. In Europe, they typically get smaller diesel engines and manual transmissions.

"Sport" sedan usually means either a small one, or, if it is a larger one, it has to have a big engine and a very sophisticated suspension to be able to remain sporty despite its size and weight. They are also quite a bit of gas guzzlers. It is hard for me to see where and how one can use the capabilities of a sport sedan on our streets. "Agile" with confident steering maybe a better word for what is practical.

By the way, Subarus, while not super attractive visually, are very reliable and well performing sedans which do well in all road conditions. It seems they upgraded their color schemes from green with black plastic to more varieties and upgraded the interior as well. Might be something to consider.

I saw recommendation to make a list of what is important for you and prioritize that list in order of importance. Then, you can rate your choices against your list of values and priorities.

Good luck.

 

[TahoeTennis]

help me unload the car

 

[siata94]

If I had to choose among the 3 choices listed, I'd vote for the Camry Hybrid. My coworker has one and he loves it,
gushes over it every time we go to lunch. It's great transportation. Personally I'm ready to give up car ownership,
tired of it, give me public transit or driverless taxis, as long as it's not more expensive than car ownership, get to make use
of the garage like my neighbors, hoard crap in it for future recycling.

If I had to choose "Other", perhaps the Civic Type R or the Si. If you're ok with the styling of the Kia, then you're
prob ok w/ the Civic.

 

[r2473]

A Gremlin

 

[mikespinstowin]

BMW very expensive to fix.

 

[maleyoyo]

If you are not sure why you should get a BMW then you don't need one.
If you want one I'd suggest spend a little more to get the 435i with sport package is a must, then you will understand why you want a BMW

 

[KineticChain]

" if eet goo enough for me, it goo enough for u, no?"

 

[Harry_Wild]

We plan on getting a SUV in a year or two to be the family car. Only have a 10 month old at the moment, but we're planning on trying for another in the next year.

I've always wanted to own a BMW since I was a kid. As a kid, I remember thinking the Z3 was the coolest car ever when I saw Golden Eye. The reliability issues are concerning to me though.

​

The service and repairs will be around 3X the cost of a normal vehicle like a Chevrolet or Ford product! And the reliability is very poor for late model vehicles! BMW's engine components are made of plastic parts and have many computer modules inside the car that control the functions of the car. They are hidden inside the dash, in then engine compartment underneath other components and takes a lot of labor to replace. Each computer module is $900-$1,600 each. If you decide on buying a used BMW, get a CPO and buy an extended warranty too!

 

[Raul_SJ]

Camry is not a sport/luxury sedan. Neither is Kia. I would look into Audi (A6?), BMW (5 series?), Acura (TLX? RLX?) options, but it will be more like 40-60 grand. One can get a good and nice family sedan for $30k, but not a luxury/sport one.

What about the Subaru line?

 

[Doc Hollidae]

What about the Subaru line?

Subaru's are nice, but not really considering them though. Had a Mitsubishi Lancer before the Challenger, so not looking at another rally car.

 

[Harry_Wild]

 

[Doc Hollidae]

No interest in a Honda. Would get the Camry before the Accord.

 

[Raul_SJ]

No interest in a Honda. Would get the Camry before the Accord.

I know nothing about cars but don't see where the Camry is on the same list as the sporty exciting Stinger.
The Camry is mocked as a boring car. Yes, I drive a Camry.

 

[Doc Hollidae]

I know nothing about cars but don't see where the Camry is on the same list as the sporty exciting Stinger.
The Camry is mocked as a boring car. Yes, I drive a Camry.

It got redesigned and looks less boring. It isn't as exciting as the other two cars, but as a hybrid much more efficient and reliable.

 

[Mike Bulgakov]

Don't be aspirational, try a Zhiguli!

This is nice, too!

 

[Chingoo1255]

If you are not sure why you should get a BMW then you don't need one.
If you want one I'd suggest spend a little more to get the 435i with sport package is a must, then you will understand why you want a BMW

Apparently a majority of BMW owners in my neck of the woods don't know what a BMW Is for too. Most drive them like they're grannies cars or they think they own the and and ignore rules and common sense. My pet peeve is the buying a BMW for its performance then taking corners in ultimate driving machine at a blistering 5 mph........

 

[Raul_SJ]

This is nice, too!

I like it. Nice shape. That Riva looks like a nice economy car. Trump should work with Russia to get that thing imported here.
Apparently was once popular in UK but then had trouble conforming to EU smog requirements.

 

[Rafaisdabest]

I said a Kia Stinger but it depends if you want a really long car that would be my only set back but have you considered a Toyota 86?! They are a nice little sports car, I test drove one once, Toyota is reliable too I have heard! Depends if you want a car just for you though as they aren't really a family car

 

[Sentinel]

Anyone wanna buy my Honda Civic 1983 hatchback.

It's done 500K miles and is running great. A/C doesn't work that is all. It is manual transmission and everything else is manual (windows, doors, locking etc).

 

[slice bh compliment]

I want one of the reliable japanese or korean brands to make a cool little sporty convertible. A karmann gkia. Or a Kiemdoubleyou. Or a hyundatsun280z. Or a saabaru 900turbo. Or a toyaudi. Or a acurarri legendarrossa.

Man, if i were shopping, i would look at a wrx by subaru. Or a nice used solara convertible with coilovers and swaybars....if it comes with manual transmission.

 

[donquijote]

Get the Mazda 6 GT Turbo. Superb car.

BMW is the most overrated brand BTW.

 

[onehandbh]

Tesla Model 3

 

[maleyoyo]

Apparently a majority of BMW owners in my neck of the woods don't know what a BMW Is for too. Most drive them like they're grannies cars or they think they own the and and ignore rules and common sense. My pet peeve is the buying a BMW for its performance then taking corners in ultimate driving machine at a blistering 5 mph........

People buy bimmers for different reasons though. Many just want to be seen driving them and I don't blame them because the cars do have a much superior design.
And there are people who appreciate the joy of driving.

 

[Chingoo1255]

Totally get it. I play with RFA. I'm 3.0- similarity?