But see, a Bentley doesn't share parts bins with a VW. The Infiniti is sold as a Nissan in other parts of the world, and shares parts bins with Nissans.

 

Nor does it share the same name. ;-)

 

It is hard to find 40k cars that meet multiple criteria. The TL is more comfortable then the G, but it is heavier and slower. AWD maintenance cost is higher too (damaged a tire and you will have to buy 4, and heavier car eat tires). BMW 335i is exciting but it will be closer to 50k, plus reliability is luck of the draw. A4 is smaller but actually more room and more comfortable due to smaller transmission tunnel, but it is slow. The Genesis has a lot of room, and actually more sporting and better looking then its big brother Equius. It may not be as refined as the Lexus, but pricing is better. I think used Genesis is very good values. On the other hand if nice ride quality is preferred, then I vote for the GS350.

 

Lots of the luxury brands do share a certain amount of parts, but only some. I just had my front rotors resurfaced, and I was in the shop talking to the mech while it was happening and the mech was impressed with the suspension parts on my g as they were all mostly high strength hollow aluminum - no rust, and expensive to make. You will not find those same suspension parts on say, an Altima, and my G8 had suspension parts - arms, linkages, knuckles etc., all made of iron and cheap plastic. Consequently they were heavier, less strong, and less reliable but cheaper to make. That is what you pay for in a 'Luxury' brand, theoretically.

I believe you can get a Cayenne with a base, normally aspirated six for around 50k. It also options with a v8 and a twin turbo v8. I think. Those packages are what make the Cayenne outrageously priced.

 

If the car is for your wife I say get the Audi A4 or A5 that is a good girls car. Nice styling and good for commuting. The main concern maybe reliability but I think it shares parts with golf or jetta, or even better get a new jetta and save 20k. But All girls want to drive an Audi A5 cuz it looks good and it's not overbearingly fast or powerful. Actually it maybe the slowest car in it's class but it sure does look good for being slow. Just don't be fooled that's it's much better than a G performance wise like MCA

 

Have you considered the new Buick Regal? It's based on the European Opel and supposed to be very nice.

Aside from that, $40K goes a helluva long way in the pre-owned market. You can find a nice, low miles pre-owned Mercedes E-Class, Jaguar XF, etc.

 

Not true at all. The Bentley Continental GT or whatever the hell it is shares the same electric components for the climate control, radio, and headunits as Volkswagen. Even the navi layout is the same.

Oh and by the way the head unit for the navi and what not is a total piece of **** in that thing. Lots of complaints about that too.

 

Yes this ^ you could get a 2009 merc e550 for 40k, etc.

 

I took a pretty good look at them while I was killing time waiting for my wife that was shopping near a GM dealer. The looks are very nice and seems to really be geared toward younger families compared to most Buick vehicles. As w/ most American cars you'll likely take a huge hit when you trade it in or sell down the road but seems like a pretty nice car. I also took a look at the new Chrysler 300, they have done some nice things w/ the interior & exterior and in the 35-40k price range you'll get a nicely equipped vehicle. It's the first year of the new design so there may be some initial issues to deal with. Doesn't sound like OP is looking for domestic cars however, if so the Mustang GT 5.0 would be my choice

 

Wait...what?

If the wear on the tires is less than about 1/16", you can replace one tire with no issues (but check manufacturer recommendations). In any case, you can have a tire shaved to match treadwear, and thus diameter, of the others. Tire Rack does this for about $25 a pop.

 

Volvo is now owned by the Chinese company "Geely".

 

This will help you visualize the inherent advantages of AWD versus RWD. Notice how the Audi powers through the corners very composed, while the BMW has to basically drift through the same corners just to keep up.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-video/a...-bmw-m3-video/

 

Here's an AWD tutorial video (for Acura's SH-AWD)

Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system - Top Speed

There's a similar video for Audi's system when you also have the sport differential option. Thought I saved a link to it but can't find it.

Edit: found the Audi video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQowh2Kr38s

 

Buick! Are you kidding! Warning Will Robinson! Warning! Buick on the road! Warning! Honestly I haven't checked them out lately, so it's not really fair to say, but anytime I see a Buick anywhere on the road near me, I freak. Even my wife warns me when one comes near. That market sector is just a cluster. Even when I do turn 80 I still won't even look at one of those. So many other options to choose from.

I agree that in the $40K range the possibilities are almost unlimited for the used car market. But seriously - a Buick? Uuugggggghhh!

 

lol, I certainly didn't say one was ending up in my garage, just that their designs are getting more modern and should appeal to younger buyers. Younger than their demographic just a few years ago (late 50s to the rest home).