another what car to get :)

G

gnahc79

New member
I want a 4-door AT sedan that's under $25k here in Cali. It doesn't have to be a speedracer or anything, it's my commuter car. I do not want an Accord or Camry :).



So far I plan to take a look at the following:

2005 Nissan Altima 3.5SE

2005 Mazda 6s

used 2001+ Acura TL-S, several at ~$20K with 30-40k miles

used 2001+ Lexus IS300, there's a certified one for $25k with 15K miles





I've never bought a 'new' used car (<3 yrs old), so any tips would be great. Also, I don't want any Euro cars really. Maybe a used Audi or Saab, but I know very little about either.



Suggestions? :)
 
I can't offer much other than I love the styling on the IS300...but up until the past year Car and Driver always gave it a 'better luck nextime' sort of review...for whatever that's worth...I still think it's a sweet ride. :)
 
The new Malibu is around your price range. It is EXTRA EXTRA boring to look at (c'mon GM--why do you think you have to give crazy rebates!!) but is based on a Saab 9-5 and drives and feels very similar. It has the ultra-dependable pushrod 3.5L engine and gets pretty good mileage.
 
Go for the Mazda6. I have a 6i, 4cyl/Sport AT and I love it. You can easily get into a 6i for under 25k, and you can get the V-6 "S" model under that amount if you shop around and choose your options conservatively.



For a "family car" the 6 is about the best looking vehicle in it's price range. It handles great and is very comfortable. And now the Hatch and Wagon models are out. Wish I would have waited on the hatch, myself.
 
I've driven all as rental cars several times except the IS300 and here's my low down:



-Altima - nice car, great power, very reliable if it's anything like my Maxima (just hit 120K today and still purring). Nissan's lose value quickly, so you may get a good deal

-Mazda 6 - nice car, the stock tranny seems a little weak and doesn't seem to give much power in lower gears unless you use the sportshift. The handling is great though. Nice commuter car.

-Malibu - hated it!; if I have an option, I'll switch to a Kia over this thing; no style, no power, poor handling, and uncomfortable for long commutes IMO.

Acura-TL - nice car, has all the bells and whistles you'd want. Only gripe from the TL community is the tranny issues. Check acura-tl.com to get the info on the tranny.



Best thing I'd say is to get a rental for each of these cars (ask for one with high miles) and check it out. A 20 minute test drive won't tell you much IMO.
 
I know you said no Euros....but....what about a Mini Cooper? The Mini is very fun, functional and relatively inexpensive car not to mention relatively unique (would say the Cooper S but that only comes in a manual). You can get just about any color combo with just about any option well within your price range.



Still no on the Euros....how about a Subaru WRX? (new or used)....once again very functional, comes in an AT, fun and relatively inexpensive.



Of the 4 cars you listed I would vote for the Mazada6. I have driven a couple and they are great drivers. I think they are one of the best cars for the money on the market. Pesonally I would look for a 1 year old car. You will save a couple of $ks off a new one and still have a large portion of the factory warranty left.



Good luck in your search and have fun.
 
I love the Mini, but it's not very functional as a future family car :(. Plus I'm not so sure it's a good idea with the scores of H2s and Navigators around.



the mazda 6s is still my 1st pick...I'll look into the WRX too, not too crazy about the styling though. I'm avoiding the TL, a buddy of mine is a Honda/Acura mechanic and told me the tranny is problematic, esp for the TL-S. He did mention that the '04 TL is solid, but alas it's $10K over my price range.
 
the tl-s does have a warrenty ont he tranny upto 100K if I remember right. plus, they've started a recall for some hondas using the same tranny, so it may be okay.



it's a solid car other then the tranny, which will either be an issue or if it's replaced should be fine
 
Lowejackson said:
No Euros....Audi or Saab, are they not European or I am missing something?
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oh, I said I don't want any Euro cars really, meaning that I'm not really considering Euros, but am willing to listen :). Euros are very nice, but I can't justify the price when I would be satisfied with a new 05 4dr in the low 20s.



The Euro will come....after I find a garage for it that I can afford to buy :D
 
Are you "anti-Toyota", or would you consider the Avalon? Well appointed, handles well, good trunk size, roomy, even the back seat. In 2002, we drove a new loaded one (rental) from Portland, Oregon, down the coast & to Crater Lake and back up to Portland. Had it a week and put 1k on it. Used regular gas and got 30 mpg. A great ride!!! We purchased a new car a month later and, weird as it may seem, narrowed the field to a Lexus LS430 and a loaded Avalon. My wife preferred the Avalon, but left the final choice to me since she got to pick the previous car, We got the LS430. BTW, the 2002 Avalon had a different drive train from the 2002 Camry.
 
HRP said:
Are you "anti-Toyota", or would you consider the Avalon? Well appointed, handles well, good trunk size, roomy, even the back seat. In 2002, we drove a new loaded one (rental) from Portland, Oregon, down the coast & to Crater Lake and back up to Portland. Had it a week and put 1k on it. Used regular gas and got 30 mpg. A great ride!!! We purchased a new car a month later and, weird as it may seem, narrowed the field to a Lexus LS430 and a loaded Avalon. My wife preferred the Avalon, but left the final choice to me since she got to pick the previous car, We got the LS430. BTW, the 2002 Avalon had a different drive train from the 2002 Camry.
Click to expand...



I know, Toyota is probably one of the most reliable makers out there. However, I've been forever scarred from my parents' history of owning nothing but Camrys and Corollas :D. Owning one triggers flashbacks to my 'chicken nugget', a 1995 tan Corolla that I had in h.s. and my sister ended up totalling (long story).



Anyone own the new Passat?? The new VW Passat GLS, AT, 1.8T runs ~$25K MSRP. My only reservations are the maintenace costs. Are parts & labor expensive or is that a myth? Btw, labor out here averages $80/hr., for Hondas at least.
 
For me personally, I would rather get a used "nicer" car that has taken the bulk of the depreciation as opposed to the new car whose resale is going to go down significantly in the next year or two. I think you will get a better "bang for your buck" with a 3-4 year old nicer car in the same price as a brand new cars that you suggested.
 
I have a 2002 is300.It is the best car i ever had.Fun to drive,sporty,good power.Im leasing it.I like it so much ill probably buy it.
 
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