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.