zamboni386

He wants a coupe. I told him to get a Lexus SC 400 or SC 300 from 1998 or 1997, what do you guys think? I was looking them up, they are selling in the 18,000s with about 50k. The V8 has 260 hp and the I6 has 225hp. They come with leather, cd player, ABS, 7 speakers, dual Front airbags and driver side airbag. Do you think this is the best car to get?

briny319

I think that sounds pretty good. If that is the correct price.

21_in_az

for a coupe...yes, lex-o.

i would try to get a srt-4 though, even though it is 4 doors!!

Lung Fu Mo Shi

I agree with your mentality. I'd get a reliable used car that is a lot for the money.

The Lexus are a "gentlemen's sports car" meaning the suspension is a bit soft, but that can be fixed.

Mokos23

why not a 98 GS400? aren't those supposed to be in that range yet?

iamhomin

How about a used Supra or a 300z???

Type-S RPh

How about my '01 CL-S w/ 50k on it? I'll sell it.

SPUDMTN

I actually think the CL is a better idea than the SC. Your friend can get a Type-S CL w/ nav for the same price. More features, more power, and more performance than the SC.

The SC will be better made, offer a plusher ride, better materials, and the Lexus image. But at least suggest the CL to him.

Further, you might just tell him to at least check out the European competition--a used Mercedes CLK, Volvo C70 or BMW 3-series coupe (if he doesn't care about reliability). Don't know if I'd personally buy any of the Euros because of their reliability--but the Volvo C70 intrigues me (might be because I'm a Volvo nerd at heart )

biker

Maybe I'm reaching here, but I'd guess that your friend wants a car in the 10-20K range (that's a big range) because money is an issue. Many of the cars you're suggesting will be very expensive to fix for someone looking in that price range. A two year old EX V6 MT Accord coupe (before they messed up the body style) can he had for that much and maintenance/repair costs will be minimal. The further up you go in the car class the older a model you need to get for the same money and the more likely it is that that car will need major money put into it.

bob shiftright

For most people I'd suggest a NEW Honda Accord EX 4-cyl. sedan with AT and the optional head airbags. Just under $20k at the moment.

The reason vs. the LS is that even if the "average" 4 year old LS is less troublesome than the "average" new Chevy Impala, there's no way to know every detail of the maintenance history of most individual used cars. He or she might find a good one or might find a nightmare. It's been my experience that if I meticulously adhere to the maintenance schedule of a car and use only Mobil-1 synthetic oil, the evil "PO" (previous owner) is more likely than not to wait until all the reminder and warning lights on the dash are glowing fiercely and then go to Jiffy-Lube and replace the oil with barely-processed Canadian tar sand.

As a Volvo owner, I'd highly discourage the idea of a used Volvo for anyone who doesn't know what he or she is getting into, ie. someone who already owns one now and knows a tame Volvo mechanic.

TSX Hokie

Have you mentioned the upcoming Scion tC? Sporty little coupe, no frills, will probably be reliable as hell. And it will be under $20k NEW.

A used 300Z is also a great option.

If he doesnt need a roof, a 2000-2001 Honda S2000 with 70kish miles should be about $20k. No luxury, but pure performance.

Type-S RPh

Does he want a stick or auto? RWD or FWD? Those decisions alone will narrow down your choices.

jumpper

My friend is selling his 2001 BMW 330ci w/sport package, navi, xenon, 6 cd changer, and H/K package in red for $21k. It is auto and has about 78k highway mileages (his gf lives in CT). He takes a good care of his car and always have his car service at BMW (even after the waranty). Let me know, maybe we can work thing out to fit your friend's range.

Mighty1

I say you go a little wacky... look for a low mileage '91 or '92 NSX. If you can find one for sale, they've usually been babied and have low mileage for a car that old. Take a look at this...

1992 Acura NSX, 1 owner, 28,000+ miles

Now that would be a sweet ride!