Lowest Cost Per Mile Full Size Used Luxury Car - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 10-06-2014, 02:04 PM

This new career path of mine is going to require alot of traveling. Driving within a 300 mile radius, I estimate about 40,000 miles a year.

I will be compensated for the mileage, so I'm looking at the lowest cost per mile used full size luxury vehicle, and I'm buying used.

The plan is to drive it for 2 years/80k and switch. I want to be comfortable, have good power while touching 30MPG, and not have to worry about repairs.

Due to horrific depreciation and high operating costs the German/European Marques are out. My two current front runners are the Hyundai Genesis V6 and Toyota Avalon Limited. 2011-2012 models can both be had for Under 15k, and should be worth at least half that after I'm done. Operating costs should be very low, and comfort, power, fuel economy right where I need.

I'm leaning towards the Genesis because I like the styling better, more powerful engines, and more fun to drive with the rear wheel drive. I find the Avalon limited more comfortable, and it has more options than the Genesis. The Avalon will probably be worth a little more with higher mileage and be easier to sell when I'm finished with it.

I do not trust the VW/Audi TDIs. Period.

An EX-L accord with a stick sounds nice too.

MTI · #2 10-06-2014, 02:06 PM

Did the title say "Luxury Car?'

tbomachines · #3 10-06-2014, 02:08 PM

New career path? Do tell! Id go with the genesis as well, but also consider the Infiniti g35/37. They can be had cheaply and are pretty reliable yet fun to drive. Is snow a concern for you?

Sent from an abacus

tbomachines · #4 10-06-2014, 02:13 PM

The Lexus IS250 also falls into that price range

Sent from an abacus

MTI · #5 10-06-2014, 02:29 PM

Gosh, 80,000 miles of boring. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.

TylerH860 · #6 10-06-2014, 03:20 PM

I'm glad MTI is giving the appropriate response.

Drove my 08 Accord EXL automatic that I have on the lot around town. Feels way too cheap, uncomfortable. So that's out.

IS250 & G37 are smaller and too expensive. Comparable cars (years and miles) to the Genesis and Avalon would be 20k. 2 years from now with 150,000 miles, I imagine they would be worth about the same as the Avalon and Genesis, so depreciation would hurt.

My father finally has a very good opportunity that's not a sit down office/paper pusher job. He has just acquired several territories of a newer/hot fast food franchise and needs people to set up, open, and run these stores. The few stores he opened as a test have been doing well, so he's expanding.

P.C. · #7 10-06-2014, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I'm glad MTI is giving the appropriate response.

Drove my 08 Accord EXL automatic that I have on the lot around town. Feels way too cheap, uncomfortable. So that's out.

IS250 & G37 are smaller and too expensive. Comparable cars (years and miles) to the Genesis and Avalon would be 20k. 2 years from now with 150,000 miles, I imagine they would be worth about the same as the Avalon and Genesis, so depreciation would hurt.

My father finally has a very good opportunity that's not a sit down office/paper pusher job. He has just acquired several territories of a newer/hot fast food franchise and needs people to set up, open, and run these stores. The few stores he opened as a test have been doing well, so he's expanding.

Of your choices, I would reluctantly select the Japanese Buick LeSabre (Toyota Avalon) for its no-brainer Interstate manners and well-established reliability/dealer network.

TwitchKitty · #8 10-06-2014, 03:52 PM

Hyundai CVVT scares me. Not really me but I am scared for others.

Recommend you throw crash survivability into the specifications also. Due to electronics and pharmaceuticals, absentee drivers will be a major hazard through upcoming years.

TylerH860 · #9 10-06-2014, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P.C.

Of your choices, I would reluctantly select the Japanese Buick LeSabre (Toyota Avalon) for its no-brainer Interstate manners and well-established reliability/dealer network.

You reminded me there's a large Buick Lacross that gets 36mpg highway.

P.C. · #10 10-06-2014, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

You reminded me there's a large Buick Lacross that gets 36mpg highway.

Sorry about that!

Skippy · #11 10-06-2014, 04:44 PM

My Lincoln Town Car was the cheapest car per mile that I ever owned. With a few mods it was even fun to drive. Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are close relatives. They are reliable, long lasting, get good mileage if you keep your foot out of it, and can be had for next to nothing.

75Sv1 · #12 10-06-2014, 04:59 PM

I was looking at a similar thread on BIOG. One recommendation was a Toyota Camry in a high level trim. Basically, the same as a Lexus. Cheaper parts, less insurance etc.
Tom

iwrock · #13 10-06-2014, 05:23 PM

Edit - just looked at the price.

Personally, a Genesis would be a good choice. Possibly a loaded Honda Accord that's a year or two old.

What sort of job do you need where you have to drive a luxury car?

TylerH860 · #14 10-06-2014, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skippy

My Lincoln Town Car was the cheapest car per mile that I ever owned. With a few mods it was even fun to drive. Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis are close relatives. They are reliable, long lasting, get good mileage if you keep your foot out of it, and can be had for next to nothing.

I am a fan of the chassis too, but would like factory bluetooth, satellite radio, heated seats. Town Cars bring the same money (still in demand as a liverly vehicle), offer less, and worse gas mileage. It will also be next to worthless at 150,000 miles. Crown Vics and Grandma Marquis are all ex-rentals with low options.

I always had a crown vic or grand marquis when I rented a car, with the exception of my last trip as they were no longer available. So I took a Hyundai Genesis instead.

iwrock · #15 10-06-2014, 05:29 PM

What about a 2013+ Fusion?