I have a 2012 Altima coupe that I've been driving for 11 years, and have never had a single mechanical issue. Its been a great car for me. However, I am at a point where I need to replace the windshield, breaks, repair the bumper, and do a couple other things. Instead of putting that money in the Altima, I'm thinking about finally looking for something new.

Looking for some thoughts or recommendations on good coupes under $50-55k. I do like a little sporty, but looking for something that is a good daily driver and reliable. But I'm really just interested in the experiences others have had with those in the market, at that price point. I'm even open to used, if it's under 15k miles.

Thoughts?

That's a tough one because there aren't a lot of coupes left to buy. Most coupes have been replaced by sedans, and sedans have been replaced by crossovers.

Altima coupe is pretty fun to drive for the price. That being said, sedans do seem to handle better now than they did 10 years ago but with a significant improvement in comfort. I'd test drive an accord and a camry, and see how much you like them. Since you keep your cars 10 years, those would be my recommendation. If you enjoy driving your altima more on the way home than the test drive car, fix the altima.

Coming from a Nissan I would be buying a Lexus RC if you are wanting somewhat sporty but also reliable for the long term.

We have a q60 red sport. Very powerful and fun to drive, while still being pretty comfortable. Zero issues in 3 years and I have had great luck with infiniti. The red sport might be a little above your price point. The sensory (regular sport) is still very powerful (just not ridiculous like the rs) and and fun to drive.

Would recommend driving one.

Bullitt Mustang or gtfo

Infiniti G37

I'm blown away to see this many positive messages regarding all things Nissan...the only car I'd buy that's in the Nissan family is a GTR. Lord I miss the days of being able to get a used GTR for $45K. The cheapest GTR in my area is $85K for a 2013 now.

$50K can get you a lot of car. I bought a Camaro 1LE new from the factory recently and while I love that car, I would never recommend it for daily driving. You'll probably want something that's automatic with all the pleasantries.

My number one choice would be a new or used Supra. Stay away from 2.0 and go 3.0 or bust.

My second option would be the new Mustang GT or Mach 1.

My third option would probably be a used Audi S5 or new TT.

Another car to consider would be the Integra Type S.

Things to consider: V8's are going extinct. If you want to have a sports car temporarily than this shouldn't matter, but I do think if you take care of it and don't use it all the time, a V8 sports car may become a collector item in the next couple of decades.

The new Supra is basically a BMW. BMW and Audi's will last a long time but you have to memorize the manual and never use the car outside the conditions for which it was made. This applies to nearly all German engineered cars. I'd also want to sell any German car once it hits 50K miles. The maintenance is too expensive.

You can never go wrong with a Mustang, but you'll really need to understand throttle control. I've raced for 8 years and I'll still lose some traction in the Camaro because nothing sounds better than a V8 in the high rev range. Downside with a Mustang/Camro/Challenger is that it's associated with a high school car. Buy a Mach 1 and that will get you out of that...somewhat.

The Acura Integra should last you a looooong time with basic maintenance, but this will be the most boring of the group.

The new Nissan 400 is a POS. I said it. You get so little for so much money but it looks really good.

If you go forward make sure to post pictures. Also, please don't finance the whole car with today's interest rates. Talk to a credit union to save a point.

theJonatron said:

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My second option would be the new Mustang GT or Mach 1.

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Don't buy a S650 lol

silverado_lover said:

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theJonatron said:

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My second option would be the new Mustang GT or Mach 1.

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Don't buy a S650 lol

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I've heard issues with the Dark Horse on assembly quality, but didn't know that extended to all models.

There's the quality issue, but it's also outperformed by the previous generation. There's also the matter of the data collection and additional emissions equipment

Appreciate the feedback!

It's funny that the RC was one of the first mentioned, because it's definitely one I've seen and liked the look of. I'm sure most people are like me, in that anecdotal history is all we have to make judgments. My family has always had great experiences with Nissan and Honda, which leads me to believe I should with Infiniti and Acura. I also expect that reliability from Toyota, and therefore Lexus.

It seems like BMW and Audi are big in the coupe game, but i've always been afraid of the German cars because of what I've heard in regards to maintenance costs. As you can tell from my current car, I am not the type to buy a new car every few years. I generally drive it years after i've paid it off. Is what I hear about maintenance just hyperbole or is it truly legit? I know people tend to get very passionate about certain brands, and want to make sure I am avoiding the hyperbole when considering such a large investment.

I've tended to have some biases against the Mustang, Challenger, and Camaro. Kind of a mixture of concerns around my family's past experiences with American cars, and also because I think I want to lean more into the luxury sporty side, versus just going for the pure sports car. It seems silly, but I think thejonatron hit the nail on the head when you said they are associated with a "high school" car.

The advice on going with a credit union is appreciated. I've also been working through where I should finance from, how much to put down, etc. If i'm looking at a 7% interest rate and my HYS account is at 4.5%, I'm almost thinking I should be putting a lot down. Hell, maybe pay cash and spend a couple years rebuilding my savings. I've never worked with a credit union before, so need to do some learning there.

Fuuny how this type of question ends up getting recs for just about every possible option based on everyone's different experiences, preferences and prejudices. The the op just ends up having to go drive them all himself....

We considered the rc as well, but the bang for the buck of the infinitinis just so much better. Plue we have had a great history with them and had an in at the dealer, so the q60 won out.

Wish I could consider the American made, but haven't owned one in over 20nyears and my memeory of theory quality (or lack there of) and poor fit and finish, pretty much keep them off my list, even when I like one.

Good luck!

I know this board doesn't have much love for Nissan, but I don't understand why. The OP seems to have had a good run with his car.
My wife has had a Rogue and 2 Murano's. Between the three vehicles we have put almost 300k miles and have not done anything besides standard maintenance.
Our current Murano is a Platinum with Awd.
The interior is very nice, gets 26mpg and has plenty of power. What more do people really want from a vehicle?

I agree! We are on our 5th or 6th infiniti. Have never had a major issue. Really not even many minor issues. They are extremely strong in the bang for the buck area, at least on the coupes and sedans. Don't love the suvs other than the 80.


Currently have a college kid in my old dd, a 10 yo g37x. Despite her beating the **** out of it, it is still a nice car. My q50 is great - comfortable when you want and sporty when you want. Faster than most of the sports cars I had when younger. The q60 red sport at 400plus hp is stupid fast. More powerful than you can use even with traction control but still pretty refined (if it didn't have crappy oberpilriced run flats) to drive as a dd and on road trips. Haven't had a single issue with either the 50 or 60. There is a good chance I'll buy another q50,without much comparison like I did last time.

Honestly, I would look at Lexus, but the one we owned 10 years ago had a ton of issues. They were all covered under warranty and never left you stranded and the dealer was great. But it really sort of soured my on the brands, especially with the price premium Toyota and Lexus command.

JuneBug07 said:

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I know this board doesn't have much love for Nissan, but I don't understand why. The OP seems to have had a good run with his car.
My wife has had a Rogue and 2 Murano's. Between the three vehicles we have put almost 300k miles and have not done anything besides standard maintenance.
Our current Murano is a Platinum with Awd.
The interior is very nice, gets 26mpg and has plenty of power. What more do people really want from a vehicle?

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The Nissan hate likely comes the regular run ins with a Altima with fake paper plates, missing bumper cover, windows down with the headliner flapping in the wind going about 20 mph faster than he should be down the Katy Freeway. Driver typically looks like he just broke out of prison and is typically shirtless.

And this comes from a former 1997 Maxima SE owner who loved that car. I need to check out that red series.

The problem with the Q60 is I think 2022 was the last year for that model. Looks like Infiniti is done with coupes.

I guess I'm surprised how few options for coupes there are.

Get on the daily Bring a Trailer email, there's plenty of things that will pop up that weren't on your list but are probably interesting for the right price.

Cadillac CT4V or CT5 sport may be worth looking at

I had a Nissan truck in 2009. The transmission blew up under 40K miles. My sisters altima is ass my dude. all the problems. My buddies Infiniti G35 fell apart after 3 years. The interiors, paint, mechanics on Nissan and Infiniti cannot compete with Lexus or Acura. I know I'll be flamed by some but Nissan is hot garbage.

Plus, yes, every bad driver on paper plates drives a Nissan Altima.

I love my F150, my Camaro, and all my Japanese motorcycles. If I had to do it all over again, I'd still drive what I got, but it all comes down to what you want out of a car, i don't think there's a better track car under $50K new than the Camaro 1LE, but it's an a awful car for the street. You cannot see **** in blind spots

Windshield, brake job, some body work ... these are normal predictable expenses on an 11 hr old vehicle. Fix em up and keep rolling.