My son starts med school in August......currently drives an '03 A4.....

I want to get him a newer "used" car - maybe '06 or better, under $30k

What would you consider?? Audi again? BMW?? Acura TL?? Lexus??

 

when I was younger i had my fare share of BMW's, all were good to me!

 

Which one would he like?

 

He wants a Cayman ........seriously, he's not sure....the Audi has been great, but is starting to nickle and dime us....BMW....maybe, but "everyone"
has one, according to him.....he's just starting to look....my bet is he'll decide
on a newer A4 or 3 series.......

 

My mom has owned two TL's, an 05 and an 07 Type-S. Both were very nice quality, fit and finish, and of course Japanese reliability. I've really never like Euro sedans, only like Europe for their sports cars, otherwise I think Japanese cars rule.

 

Pre Owned e46 BMW M3? thats what i wanted and got in grad school ha...hes right...everyone DOES have a bmw...and an acura...but not too many have m3's...especially in michigan...he'll be sure to love it!

Or! I have a better idea, buy my cayenne, its for sale

 

For Michigan you've got to get an AWD. For that, Audi is one of the best. If you can find a BMW 330xi, that would be a nice option. If he wants the Cayenne, go a notch down and get him a Touareg. Similar body style, probably much less expensive.

 

I think BMW is best on that list, everyone has one for a reason, bulletproof, safe and good re-sale after.
540 best Car for your buck over any 3 series IMO but do not hold their value as well.

 

Lexus makes an AWD sedan now. It would be reliable and boring.

 

I agree on the boring part...not so fun to drive.

I'd spent a tad bit more and stay porsche Youre right with the AWD aspect in MI....996 turbo or cayenne s...and im not biased b/c im selling mine either! its just that your son is probably around the same age as me and I know how it is...the 'everyone having a bmw' thing is completely true and thats why i only kept my m3 for 10 months! lack of uniqueness..especially around my way. i had an audi a4 too, great and reliable car and amazing in the winter..but again...same deal.

996 911 c4s or turbo are awd cars that would be great...and the cayenne s is also perfect..delivers like a sports car and never have to worry about inclement weather!

 

How is your son's gas budget? I don't think prices are going down any time soon, so may want to consider that...

Lucky kid- my parents gave me a piece-O-junk canary yellow '74 Chevy Nova. 6-cylinder no less.. Talk about a humble beginning.. My "rebelious payback"? immediately sold it and bought a shiny new sport bike... LOL.

 

Hahaha I bet they must've resented you for that! Undergrad my parents got me a Lexus SC and when someone rear ended me they got me a Jag XKR...grad school my dad helped me buy my BMW M3.

A nice car is EXTREMELY important during our school years!

 

Nice dad, but why does he need a newer car?

Heck, I'd just drive my trusty Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0 4x4 till it dies. Peace of mind. Can go anywhere. Ultra reliable. Parts/mods are affordable.

 

He'll actually be in St. Louis for school......I would like to stay under $30k, and anything below that would be a bonus......certified, with good dealer support - which I think any premium brand would have....hopefully.....

I think I agree with the comments about Acura and Lexus....reliable, maybe boring.....I drove an Altima Coupe once as a loaner - OK car, probably mid $20's new, but no real "this is cool" factor....but it really is his choice in the end....

 

Wash U or St. Louis U?
I'd go with a low-key car. In school, you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself. I just kept my college car during medschool (1994 Integra--it has 186k miles and is still going!). For under $30k, I'd probably go for a used Infiniti G. Lucky kid, as long as he appreciates and realizes how privileged he is.