Used Cars: I NEED HELP ON BUYING A CAR I WILL LIKE, luxury sports car, toyota solara


Question
QUESTION: K i started with the best as a new driver but i recently totalled the first and best car ive ever had. It was a toyota solara 1999 se v6. Long story short i loved it and it was the best. I recieved a check for 7000 from my insurance company and i was just wondering, what type of car can i get that is equivelent or better then the solara. Im really looking for a good looking, reliable and fast car. With my solara i could easily top my speedometer off and still have control, and the luxurious interior was unbeatable. i was looking at a 1999 bmw with 102000 miles and the reviews i was looking at say it is all of the above meaning handles well, speedy and luxurious. What would compare?

ANSWER: Hello,
To start... many cars will compare.. the solara is in no way a sports car.. not even considered sporty by most people... any 3 series BMW should more than outperform your car.. and the e36 (1995-1998 specifically) are very well known for being reliable.. the e46 (1999-2006) has had some reliability problems. Any BMW will be more expensive to own and maintain than your solara. For a.. decently sporty.. car in the 7000 range you will be limited - v8 Mustangs and Camaro/Firebirds - They are hard to find at good prices and reliability is always very iffy.. but both are substantially faster than your solara. For speed and luxury - you will be limited to cars like the BMW 3 series, (some Mercedes may qualify, but most are overrated - I wouldn't even bother with them), Lexus SC300&SC400, any infinity should compare... Are you looking for a 2 door? or 4 door? - and are you more focused on speed? luxury? reliabilty? - because, as for matching the solara on speed... a v6 camry would be about the same... with a similar interior (with the highest trim model).

I would like to offer more options.. but it really comes down to what is important to you - if you are looking for a 2 door luxury sports car - the 3 series is about the only decent one in your price range... although I'd look for a 98 with lower miles for the same price... the 99's are prone to problems... Now if you are open to 4 doors, or less luxury, etc... - Let me know - I'm sure I can find some you would like..
(Infinity G series for example)...

Just know - the Camry/Solara is considered one of the most reliable cars in that vehicle type...

Get back to me ASAP and I will try to help more - Thank you for your time..

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: im pretty much open to any make or model that looks great and performs great if i sacrifice luxury i dont mind that but performance and reliability are the main things in my priorities. the reason i mentioned bmw is because the body style and the "ultimate driving machines" slogans

Answer
Check out this website:

Consumerguide.com

Go to their used section.

Look at the models Infinity, lexus, and BMW offer... I think any one of those could very well be what you are looking for (as all of them are generally high quality.. whatever model you like will be a good car) - plus they give performance statistics...

I'd also look at a 3000GT from mitsubishi, a 300zx from Nissan, and for performace over all else you cannot ignor the mustang/camaro/firebird...

Hope this helps.