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Is the TL an SH-AWD? IF so, I would rank that above the Accord, though the Accord handles fine in snow/ice. I would skip the Fusion, personally, as I do not think they're worth the money that you pay for the Titanium package, as I have known two people to take a bath on resale after less than two years, when compared to the base models, since the higher trim does not retain value as well. I would take an Accord over a Fusion.
The A4 and the 328 are both good considerations, though the A4 might come out ahead in longer-term reliability. I would purchase either.
However, starting out with the salary range you quoted, you should look to minimize expense and get the most for your money. So, I'd likely go with the Accord as it will retain value well, and when you're ready to upgrade in a couple of years, you will not lose as much to depreciation as you will with a Fusion or even the Kia. For a pre-owned, I'd look at a TL as it's a reliable vehicle with a lower cost to own than the 328 and likely the A4. If you don't need the SH-AWD, the FWD is also a bit less expensive to own/operate, so given the parameters you outlined, the Accord and TL would be my top picks.
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Narrowed it down to used Honda Accord EXL V6, Kia Optima SX Turbo, Ford Fusion Titanium, Acura TL, BMW 328i and Audi A4 Quattro. It really depends on what job I get and how much it pays(I'm starting out in IT and am looking at between 14-20 dollars an hour roughly). I'm also mostly just looking for opinions on what people themselves prefer and why.
Also what is the most gas mileage that I should get with a used car? All of the cars above will probably be used unless I get paid well enough to get a new one.
Your all over the place here OP.
Based on expected income, I think I would lean to the Accord, Optima, or Fusion. Your income doesn't lend itself as well to used luxury brand vehicles, without committing more of your income to your car than you should really prefer to.
That said, a Pentastar V6 Charger, IMO, is more an affordable "sports sedan" than any of those mid sizers Too. So if we are considering fun to drive factor on a budget, all else secondary, I would look beyond your list.
I'm not looking at rather or not it's a good idea, I'm looking at what people like more between different cars. If I'm making 40-45k, I could certainly afford a used bmw or audi from a couple of years ago(I have friends who make that and can comfortably, while being single and living in a good apartment). If I'm making less than that in the 30k range than no, an accord or similar used would be better.
I would personally go optima sxl. the new one is slick. It's a fast car, and from what I've read, handles really well. You can't go wrong with the warranty and it all around has great features.
What do you currently drive? (what do you like/dislike about it)?
How old are you?
How long do you plan on having the car?
Do you plan on doing your own maintenance, do you have mechanic experience?
Where will you live? (trying to know what state, and what the weather is like)
Do you have a preference on euro, American, Japanese? FWD, RWD, AWD,? Manual/automatic?
Do you know your budget for a vehicle or repairs, (a budget for unexpected major repairs)?
Will this be a new car, or used car? (or which would you prefer)
How will you be using the car, (commuting, for work travels, pleasure, long distance road-trips).
I'll shill for my employer on this one. Look at a 2017 Fusion Titanium 2.0T (with or without AWD, depending on preferences). For around $30-32K you can get a fully loaded sedan with some sport chops. If that's not enough, for $35K you can get the Fusion Sport with a 325 hp turbo V6.
Although on a $40K/year budget, I'd temper my tastes somewhat. When I made that much, living alone, I drove a 1994 Honda Accord all the while trying to justify buying a 3-year-old BMW for $18K and deciding against it in the long run.
Stick with a cheaper car until you make more money. Payments on upper echelon vehicles like MB, BMW, or Lexus won't be pretty on your wallet. Nothing wrong w/ a Civic or Mazda, or even a WRX.
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