I work in sales, travel about 200-300 miles/day, 5 days a week. Currently driving a 2003 Acura TLs with about 225K on it, in good working order, but know it is time to start looking for replacement and am looking for suggestions. Since I will be driving the next car into to the ground as well, will likely choose to purchase a 2-3 year old car vs. new.
Wish List
-high mpg (currently getting about 28 mpg)
-driver comfort (am 5' 5" of average build)
-solid vehicle- i.e. won't feel like I'll get blown off interstate when tractor trailer goes by
Since you’ve got time, go get the Consumer Reports buyers guide, lots of info and ideas there. Just about any mid-sized (TL-sized) car would fit your needs, a 4-cylinder would get you better mpgs.
How about another TL? You seem to have had good luck with this one.
I agree with texases. Consumer Reports is a good place to do some used car research. Their Annual Auto Issue (April 2011) is crammed full of useful information for anyone in the market for a car.
Don't Overlook Manufacturer's "Certified Pre-Owned" Cars. They Often Have A Better Warranty Than Any Old Used Car, Sometimes At Little If Any Additional Cost. Most Can Only Be Up To 3 Years Old And Of Limited Miles.
Go online to the manufacturers of your choice and read the details of their certifed programs.
Take a look at a 2009 BMW 335d. It will cost about the same as a 2009 Acura TL-SH and gets a lot better fuel mileage. The 335d gets 36 MPG on the highway vs. 25 MPG for the TL-SH. At your high mileage rate, you will save about $3700 per year in fuel costs. Even tough the base TL with the Tech package is $3000 less initially, you will pay off the difference in less than a year with the BMW.