Best new car for under $35,000?

None of these cars are good performers really. Audi A3 and A4 both have small engines. Ford Taurus should not even be considered in this category(I love Ford but Taurus is not a performance/luxury car). Acura TSX is also out of the question because that's what you have now. Mercedes-Benz C300 wins but even this car won't be a good performer. You should save up and get a Audi S4. This car is a very nice performance sedan and it has a good price tag. Competition starts at $60,000 but Audi S4 starts at $47,000. Very fast car, and very good fuel economy for it's power(18 city/27 highway). If you don't want to save up, I would get a older(like 2008 or 2009) Audi S4. With Audi S4 you get the most for your money.