Steer me in the right direction

I need a new dd. Currently rolling in an E46, but it's time to get something a little newer and with a bit more space. Fun to drive is down on the list a bit behind low maintenance and functionality. Must be 4 or 5 doors. A sedan would need to be a bit larger than the E46. A hatch or wagon could be relatively compact but still offer more cargo space. Depending on the vehicle I could even go auto or FWD. It would be very nice if it had some redeeming qualities of power or handling, or just being really cool. I love my E46, but I want Asian or American this time around. Budget of $7000....

Thanks for your replies

I'd look for the nicest Acura TL (or preferably) TL-S you can find in budget.

Someone will correct my but aren't the 2006ish Cadillac CTS 3.6 decent cars?

They're in your $ ballpark

[URL=http://s265.photobucket.com/user/derekrichardson/media/IMG_6475.jpg.html][/URL]

For 7 large these days, a really nice LS400 or a LS430.

Based on my local CL, your mid-size or larger sedan options would be:

American: Pontiac G8 (probably v6 in your budget), Chrysler 300/ Dodge Charger, Current generation Taurus/ Lincoln MKS

Asian: 2010-ish Accord, High end of Lexus IS300 market or low end of IS 250, Infiniti M45 or G35, or the Acura TL Type-S that Duke mentioned. You're not that far from Genesis v8 sedan territory either (sub 10k)

IS300 / IS250 isn't going to be any bigger inside than an E46. G35 is a little bigger, but not massively.

In reply to Duke:

I know there's more to it than just wheelbase, but that seems to be the biggest factor in a feeling of overall interior "space".

e46 wheelbase: 107.3"

08-ish IS250 wheelbase: 107.5"

Acura TL-S wheelbase: 107.9"

Seems like we should probably take the TL off the board then too, unless that .6" difference is REALLY noticeable.

In reply to STM317:

FWD packaging makes a difference, too. My E46 and DW's TSX are almost identical in interior size, and the TL is a model half-size larger than the TSX.

LS400: 110.8" wheelbase.

a little newer: check
a bit more space: check
Fun to drive: check (drop the hammer on one of these if you don't believe me)
low maintenance: check (change the oil every 5K, that's about it.) functionality: check
Must be 4 or 5 doors: check
A sedan would need to be a bit larger than the E46: check
Depending on the vehicle I could even go auto or FWD: 5 speed auto
It would be very nice if it had some redeeming qualities of power or handling, or just being really cool: Got power. Handles surprisingly well. I think they are cool.
I want Asian or American: Asian.
Budget of $7000: check.

Yeah, LS400 works well, but it's going to be what, 17 years old at the minimum? LS430 lets you get a little newer, but you're still going to be around 150,000 miles.

You guys are coming up with some ride that were not on my radar.... This is good!

98-00 LS400 also gets 26MPG cruising at 80 with the AC on.

The LS 400 is a bit old for what I am looking for. It seems the newer LS 430 is out of my price range. How is the CTS on maintenance? Those seem quite plentiful on my NY Hudson Valley Craigslist.

Looks like CTS have less than stellar reliability records. What is the car in this category that is a real bang-for-the-buck bargain?

Minus the handling qualities, a 3.5L V6 Avalon may fit the bill.

Or look at something from Infiniti (Q45, M45, etc.)

Infiniti does seem under appreciated in general