New or Used: Loser or Super Sedan?

Ed writes:

Sajeev and Steve – I have 3 kids ages 8, 5 and 2 and have two cars – a 2009 RAV4 4WD 4cyl with 20k on it as the daily driver and a 1995 525 as the fun-to-drive car (well, more fun than the RAV4, at least) which is just about to turn 200k and I just sense that something very expensive is about to happen so I want to trade up and get something used, but recent, in the $15k – $20k range.

What do you recommend in a sedan that is a good drive, is reasonably economical and won’t cost a fortune to maintain? The catch is that it needs to hold 3 kids in the back!

Sajeev Answers:

Judging by the ages of your little ones, I assume booster seats rule your life. But you want a good performance sedan, a good long-term value and an easy time with three child seats? Fantastic: its like I’m constantly tormented by the Best and Brightest to either quit completely or run full tilt…on Panther Love.

Then again, the older Mazda 6 is fun, economical and the kids might not hate the back of it. The newer, bigger 6 and Honda Accord fit the bill, but will be at the high end of your price range. As a single guy belting in my nieces/nephews into CUVs loaded with car seats, your idea doesn’t jive with me. I wouldn’t want a “loser sedan” with that many children and their, um, accessories in tow.

Screw the loser sedan. You need a “super sedan.” Three kids in mind, why not trade up from a 525i to a somewhat low-mileage Mercury Marauder? The suspension is tight enough, the steering doesn’t suck, acceleration is brisk, ride is amazing, unquestionable durability and there’s room for everything! Plus, much like your non-bangled Bimmer, Mercury Marauders look better with every passing year. Be a hero to your kids, drive a super sedan and feel the Panther Love.

Steve Answers:

I think Sajeev is an old man in drag. There is something almost Borat-like in his insatiable love for a 20+ year old platform. “You like old car. Yes?! It’s good old car. Yes? It fit one cow in back and trunk hide whole family of mother-in-law. Yes? You buy old car now!”

Yes, Marauders are nice. But they are insanely overpriced for what they are. I have a 96′ Grand Marquis with flowmasters, a tuned-up suspension, and plenty of interior upgrades for a retail price of $3995. If I were wanting to blow $12k on an old coot’s car I would just change out suspension bits, put in some nice quality tires, throw in a flowmaster and call it a day with at least half still in the bank. The 4.6L can be modified to some healthy lengths if you chose to do so.

But then again, why should you? One car that happens to be an excellent performer at the price range you’re looking at is the 2008 Nissan Maxima. I would try to procure one from a good private owner and have fun with it. You may want to take the boosters and child seats with you to make sure the kiddies can fit.

But what would New or Used without at least on darkhorse in the stable. My endorsement par excellence would go towards a 2006 Infiniti Q45. You want a nice interior? It has it. A mind-bending 340 horsepower engine? Yep. Enough seating for two child seats and a booster? Absolutely. Plus they have the double compliment of classic conservative styling along with a strong quality level for it’s final year. On the road it is a far better ride than the Maxima.

The dirty little secret of the 15k to 20k range is that for daily driving, it’s usually a flagship car with warp speed depreciation that offers the best bang for the buck. For the guy looking for more than just another BMW, Lexus, Acura, Mazda, Camry, etc., the Q45 offers all the distinction without a bangle butt or a high cost powertrain. If you’;re looking for fun, space and comfort the last Q offered it in real world ways that won’t bankrupt you. Give it a spin.

Need help with a car buying conundrum? Email your particulars to mehta@ttac.com, and let TTAC’s collective wisdom make the decision easier… or possibly much, much harder. In a rush? Don’t be shy about asking to cut in line.