[LTAutoMad]

CarBot, Looks like your mind is set on the Charger. I totally get the charm of the old school big V8 sedans, with their mixture of brute power, bellowing roar & family practicality.

Petrolheads in Australia have now realised too late (3 years after GM Holden Commodore SS 6.2 Litre V8 sedan became history) what they are missing - consequently, second-hand prices have shot up to new car prices in 2017!

Go ahead & enjoy a full size V8 muscle car in the US while you can - soon enough we'll all be driving EVs which might be fast, but hum like sewing machines: nothing remotely like the roar of a N/A V8 like the AMG 6.2 litre.

Best to make use of the depreciation & buy a good used Charger.

[Rajjay]

I would recommend Infiniti QX series. It's packed with mind blowing features and you can build your own car. They support you with some premium services like Trip Interruption Benefits etc.

[CarBot]

Originally Posted by TrackDay

3. The bad advice. Go for the latest corvette eyes closed.

Thanks TrackDay, I would say it is a good bad advice I would love the Corvette it is out of the world and as you said the $$ is also out of the world.

Originally Posted by Amrik Singh

OK ... I have not driven 8 Cyl. Vehicle in USA, although used LC in Dubai Dune bashing, I do not see any major benefit of V-8 in USA where speed limits are set quite low and strictly adhered.

Thanks Amrik, I completely agree that we do not need a V8 in the states, but not able to resist a V8 exhaust rumble at the price of a V6. Charger V8s are not that costly and god knows when they would suddenly stop manufacturing V8s.

Originally Posted by nikhilthegunner

If you're able to find a good one, I'd suggest getting a used BMW M550i. I say used because the new one starts at 76k which puts it out of range. But the car is a damn beast that'll make you question the point of the M5.

Thanks Nikhil, Thought about this but not sure if I can make a M3 or M5 as a daily driver. If I think of any maintenance cost that might come makes me scary. Also the driving skills I have and the need not sure if I really want it.

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Get a new FWD (or AWD. Do you need to drive in snow?)

Thanks Sandeep, yeah I am leaning towards 2 car scenario now within the budget, probably a certified v8 and a mid size FWD SUV as family hauler.

[anand_lukose]

My Pick would be the 2017 or 2016 Chevy SS manual. They were 50k brand new and the last few ones sold for $40k in mid to late 2017. Good condition ones are now on resale for more than $50k. They are currently the last RWD Manual Transmission V8 sedans in the USA and hence the premium. Plus they are incredibly rare and have a stealth value. Originally made in Australia by Holden.

Now if you can wait or stretch, I would recommend the Cadillac CT5 Blackwing. Once in the market, it will be the new last RWD, V8 Sedan in the US.

Another option would be to buy an older Lexus LS 460 for half the money and get a Mazda Miata for the rest. You can enjoy some good V8 pleasure, reliability of the Lexus and an absolute blast on various roads with the Miata.

[Amrik Singh]

Originally Posted by CarBot

but not able to resist a v8 exhaust rumble at the price of a v6.

Reminds of our childhood when we would strap a Cardboard piece to the rear frame of Bicycle and fixing it to touch the spokes of the wheel.
We would get perfect sound of Engine and were thrilled to ride those bicycles.
Not applicable to newer generation who were lucky enough to drive real motorcycles as soon as they managed to touch their feet to the ground sitting on the seat

[@og_adi]

Hey @Carbot,

I think the GMC Yukon SLT 4WD ticks all your boxes. It definitely is one of those big butch SUVs sold there and is powered by a 5.3L V8 engine. Personally, I drool over its macho stance and it sure is some vehicle that has a character.



Thanks to your generous budget, you could even check out the Chevy Tahoe or Suburban- provided it's front fascia appeals to your taste.

Link to the GMC Yukon SLE/SLT page-
https://www.gmc.com/suvs/yukon/sle-slt
Link to the Chevy Suburban page-
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/suburban
Link to the Chevy Tahoe page-
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/tahoe

[Ragavsr]

I am surprised no one has recommended a Lexus IS500 F Sport. It has a 5L naturally aspirated V8 . Plus it's Toyota basically, tried , tested and reliable V8 with an eight speed automatic and RWD. Produces 472 hp which is quite a lot more than the Charger unless you buy the SRT or hellcat versions of it.

[Amrik Singh]

Originally Posted by Ragavsr

I am surprised no one has recommended a Lexus IS500 F Sport. It has a 5L naturally aspirated V8 . Plus it's Toyota basically, tried , tested and reliable V8 with an eight speed automatic and RWD. Produces 472 hp which is quite a lot more than the Charger unless you buy the SRT or hellcat versions of it.

Lexus or Land Cruiser are both almost same and scale upwards of budget.
As suggested, his inclination towards V-8 is more towards roar of the engine, which neither of these silent beasts would produce.

[Ragavsr]

Originally Posted by Amrik Singh

Lexus or Land Cruiser are both almost same and scale upwards of budget.
As suggested, his inclination towards V-8 is more towards roar of the engine, which neither of these silent beasts would produce.

IS500 F Sport is what 55k $. I guess you got confused with the LX . The IS is a 3 series sized sedan. As far as the rumble, a few reviews I came across, mentioned the rumble was loud to justify the sport moniker.

https://youtu.be/1B9VLDXwY9Q

[saur95]

As mentioned by BHPian Ragavsr, the upcoming IS500 F-Sport might turn out to be incredible value. But it is a compact luxury car so do check if it's spacious enough.

On the pre-owned side, you could look at a 2016-2018 GS F. Has the same engine and is RWD only but is a much larger vehicle. It's also a full-blown F model (like the Ms and AMGs) unlike the IS without the maintenance headaches of the German trio. Looks like the most reliable and comfortable way to satisfy your V8 RWD cravings. I'd say the only fly in the ointment with older Lexus is the infotainment system. Just a tip, I've noticed they're a little cheaper in California.

[Superleggera]

Originally Posted by CarBot

Guys, I am travelling on long term to USA. This is my second long term travel, I had been there before from 2012 till 2018 and I had previously owned Nissan Murano(pre owned), Toyota Camry(pre owned), Honda Odyssey(pre owned), Toyota Rav4(New 2016), Toyota 4Runner(2018).

I was in same situation as yours, the last car I was driving when I left US was an Acura MDX, before that I had owned multiple Camrys and Subarus. My suggestion would be,

Buy a used BMW X5 (3-4 year old with warranty) for your family commutes. Your wife can drive it in and around the city and for shopping.

Buy a charger or mustang for your own pleasure.

Don't go for new in both cases. Unlike India, you will be getting as good as new car much cheaper in USA. Hope you know about craigslist !

[CarBot]

Originally Posted by Amrik Singh

Lexus or Land Cruiser are both almost same and scale upwards of budget.
As suggested, his inclination towards V-8 is more towards roar of the engine, which neither of these silent beasts would produce.

You are right, it is more of a roar I am inclined towards

Originally Posted by Ragavsr

IS500 F Sport is what 55k $. I guess you got confused with the LX . The IS is a 3 series sized sedan. As far as the rumble, a few reviews I came across, mentioned the rumble was loud to justify the sport moniker.
https://Youtu.be/1B9VLDXwY9Q

Thanks Ragavsr, I think IS500F sport is scheduled for fall 2021 release. Also starting price would be $65k.
source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...port-revealed/

[showboat]

A 1-2 year old CPO (certified pre-owned) BMW X3M40i or an SQ5 would be my first choices. You'll get them in your budget easily, and even though the roar of a V8 may be missing, the power and the smoothness of the german V6 are unmatched. The SUV shape will give you the luggage space you need.

If you really want comfort though (and reliability) go with the KIA Telluride. It's a great ride and comfortable and loaded with features. Their lane-keep assist is one of the best in the market. Why not take advantage of good roads with not driving . Good power in the V6 but nothing special. Unlimited amount of space but still small enough for your wife to drive.

[Ragavsr]

Originally Posted by CarBot

Thanks Ragavsr, I think IS500F sport is scheduled for fall 2021 release. Also starting price would be $65k.

The regular IS500 (without the F Sport) is a better daily driver car and would actually buy one if I were to buy a car in the USA. The F Sport gets a lot of insulation and sound deadening removed as part of the sport package, but the upside is the V8 rumble will be louder.

Also, check out the Genesis line. They have a 5L naturally aspirated V8 on the G80 and G90 sedans and is likely to be VFM as well.

[carthick1000]

After Ragavsr's brilliant suggestion (+ the track video) and knowing CarBot's deep fondness for V8s, I am going to revisit my suggestions and just stick to IS 500 F sport as my one and only suggestion. You can't go wrong with a Lexus. It is both fun and reliable. And IS chassis with that NA V8 is definitely going to offer more smiles per mile than an SUV with V8.

Originally Posted by CarBot

Y Also starting price would be $65k.

I think in the link you quoted, they mention RC F is priced at $67k and IS 500 Fsport will be priced few thousands less than that. So it might still be possibly within your budget.