I need your opinions on a car.....LONG...

swhtech · 01-10-03, 08:28

I may be forced to sell my TL in the very near future. The reason is that my wife is no longer working, because she is caring for our 3 month old twins. So, we are down to a single salary. Also, we are quickly running out of space in our condo, and we are looking to buy a house. We currently have a loan on the TL, and a lease on the MDX. The TL is $400/month on a 60 month loan, that has 2 years paid off....owe about $13,500. The MDX is $550/month, and we have no options to get out of that lease. The TL is a 2000 with Nav, rear spoiler with about 50K miles. I would like to get my car payment down to $200/month. I figure the TL is worth between 18.5K - 19.5K, private sale. That nets me about 5K - 6K for a down payment. To get the $200/month payment, I would finance between 10K - 11K....so I could look at something between 15K - 18K for a car. So, here are my requirements. I drive between 50-60 miles per day, mostly highway. I need a comfortable seat (bad back), V6, reliable, auto, Power window, locks, etc, 2 or 4 door, handles fairly well, and is quick (doesn't need to be FAST), and is COOL (not a hyundai or Kia). Would like the possibility of adding some aftermarket parts, but not a big deal. I usually buy used, so I am not against that. What are your recommendations for a car in that price range...new or used....Thanks guys and gals!!

Nagchampa · 01-10-03, 08:47

Honda Accord, Nissan Maxima, the usual suspects.

01-10-03, 09:54

Most bang for the buck on the market right now. You can get a fully loaded 2.5 S or SE for about 18k. Used 2002's and 01's will get you at about $13-$14k. Great car, good price, nice looking. If you can buy from a Nissan 1st Dealerhsip. You wont be disappointed.

BIGkev1001 · 01-10-03, 10:00

I second the altima.

BoxsterCharlie · 01-10-03, 10:13

I don't think you are going to like these cars all that much. As your situation improves you'll want to get a TL again (or something like it). Besides, you'll want to put together a better package for your loan application:

1) Sell the TL, make your $5K cash
2) Have a beer and lament the TL and what a great deal that guy just got from you
3) Buy the best used Accord you can get for $5K
4) Go to the bank and apply for the mortgage
5) You just approved for a bigger loan, or a better rate, or both--you did well!

6) Drive the beater for a year
7) Trade in the beater for the nice new car of your choice
8) A year has passed; you now have a beautiful house and brand new car; life is good!

It's all about strategy!!! My 2 cents...

domZ'sp5 · 01-10-03, 10:38

Take a look at the Mazda Protege5. I bought mine in Aug. and love it.

Only comes in a 4-banger. It is semi-quick, though.

Other than that, looks cool, handles very well(Has Miata Suspension set-up)

4-door hatch-back holds lots of stuff(I have a 15-month old)-you will need space with twins! (Congrats, BTW)

Brand-new 2002, full of options, inc. sun roof, criuse con., cd, pwr windows/locks, I paid 17,200 out the door, 0% interest for 4 yrs.

Red ones shine up real nice, too.

Look in the members gallery for pictures if you want...http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showg...at=500&thumb=1

DomZ

bretfraz · 01-10-03, 02:10

If you can give me all the details on the TL I'll ask some car wholesaling friends what its worth at auction.

I need:

Color in and out
options
overall condition
any accidents or major repairs
location of car

LMK if you're interested in this kind of info.

tkr128 · 01-10-03, 10:40

I would get a 1998-2001 Accord V6, LX or EX. If you get the EX, you'll be right at home minus a few ameneties. Think of it as 90% TL/CL for a lower price.

BW · 01-10-03, 11:20

I would consider a slightly used VW Jetta, Volvo S40, or a new Hyundai Elantra. They're reliable, fairly quick, and well equipped. All three (particularily the Volvo and Hyundai) have some of the best front seats I've ever sat on.

Figure about $12K for the Jetta and the Elantra, and $16K for the S40.

Iowan_Juggalo · 01-12-03, 08:10

I agree wit bw. Hyundai or Kia would be great. There cheap, fuel efficent, and realible. One place you might wana check when shoping for a used car is enterprise. They sell there old rentals out at a fair price.

iceman · 01-12-03, 08:18

Two vehicles. Honda Accord which is more or less a less luxurious TL or a Nissan Altima (cheap looking dash though). I had these two in consideration as a car for the parents. Finally went with the Accord EX V6 as the interior was much better. You can't go wrong with either and the price is right also!

Scottwax · 01-12-03, 11:48

Get the Maxima. The Altima is a nice car, but has wicked torque steer and a cheap looking interior. With the popularity of the Altima, you can likely pick up a Maxima of the same year with similar mileage for about the same price, possibly even less.

I can't recommend the V6 Accord because their transmissions are notorious for failure. In fact, Honda had to extend the warranty on them (including TLs and CLs) to 100,000 miles. Once you get past 100k miles, you are looking at $2500-3000 for a rebuild if it goes out. As much as I like my Accord (an older 4 cylinder model), no way would I purchase a 98-02 V6 model.