So I didn't know where to post this, but oh well..

So I'm helping my girl find a car, but her budget is about 4-5k. She's driven my TL a LOT, so she's kind of in love with the power and handling and refinement it has, but her budget won't get her anywhere near one. Anyone know of something remotely comparable to check out? Definitely something reliable because I don't wanna be working on it, but something she'll like so I can have my TL to myself...

 

Maybe a 2G TL?

 

A used Honda accord

 

^^+++11
V6 accord

 

Simple answer would seem like the 2G TL or an Accord V6 but the big problem there is the tranny issues. Extremely high percentage of 2G TLs and Accords in that span I think from 1997-2003 experienced tranny failures. I had an '03 TL and loved it but it started having tranny issues so I sold it and upgraded to the 3G TL-S. The 2G TL and V6 Accords are still great options, pretty bulletproof outside of the tranny issues.

If the budget is slightly flexible, maybe try to nab an older gen Lexus IS/ES/GS. The older GS400 was rated at 300hp =P Or try a Nissan Maxima. In terms of power and driveability, the maxima and the GS300 match up somewhat but they will all fail in comparison to the 3G TL's interior. But at that price point, that should be expected.

Tryout craigslist, don't be afraid of higher mileage cars. I picked up a 2003 350Z with 138,000 miles on it about 6 months ago for $7350. It's runs perfectly and drives like a 40,000 mile car. It was properly maintained, mostly highway miles. I use it as my daily driver and the TL gets weekend duty.

 

2G TL, RSX, or a high mileage RSX type-S.

 

I don't trust the 2G TL or the accord around that generation. I had a first Gen CL and the tranny busted at 120K. I was thinking Lexus or Infiniti, I refuse to look at Europeans cuz reliability is a very big selling point.

 

Cars.Com.

Search for an 03 Honda Accord V6

I had a new 06 V6 Nav Leather Accord and loved it for 3 months before I test drove a new 06 TL Nav and loved it more

 

I had my transmission replaced on my 01 accord v6 at 30k miles, after it was replaced I installed a b&m transmission cooler, magnafine inline filter and performed a 3x1/new magnafine filter once a year, I had no problems with that transmission up until the day someone rear ended me and totaled it at 145k miles. I used to drive it pretty hard too! light to light racing, holding the brake and gas to get a good launch..

Anyway moral of the story, those years are fine, the transmission just needs some special care

 

4-5K ?? Sounds like you will be sharing you TL with her.

Like someone else said above me though I have her check out an rsx.

I would say Jetta but then you might be working on it all the time.

 

you can try looking for a high mileage g35 or is300 i guess.

 

I mentioned the Type-S RSX earlier, however upon further research I would just stick to the RSX base. most type s's are 10k +

 

this is the best I could find:
Type-S: http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/acu...a&distance=any

Base: http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/acu...a&distance=any

 

not mean to offend OP but in this economy and market I think a decent used car like 3rd gen TL, G35, Lexus IS, GS (nothing major repair but still have some minor repair needs to be done) would cost your around $6000-$9000. $4-$5k could put in as a down payment for a $12K vehicle (if you like this route or affordable to you). But then again it your money and you know your finance situation best so it your money you decide what to do with it. I just put it out there.

 

Okay well we're both college freshman so she would be using a student loan to pay for the car, so she's trying to do as low cost as possible. I was also looking at older Tiburon's? Does anybody know anything about them?

She told me she want's a sentra or a spectra or accent, and I was like, uh, no. Don't want you dying in an accident (which is why I'd love to have her in another 3G TL). But cheaper little sports cars like that are acceptable as well.

Thanks to everyone for your input!

 

A g35 suggested earlier will be nowhere near that range unless it's an extremely high mileage 150k+ or salvaged vehicle. A dealership replacement of a catalytic converter is over $1k (My old housemate with over 120k miles on his G35 sedan)

Is300s are still 7-10k even at least in socal. Reliable but does terrible on gas.

In all honesty especially since it's a loan and a car is the worst "investment" possible at the moment, get a cheap civic. If it happens to be totaled, no real loss. A 2002-2005 civic is a trooper of a car. Easy on gas, oil (clean, doesnt burn), tires, and all around maintenance was quite literally oil, gas, brakes and tires. No unscheduled maintenance for 105k.

consider insurance, maintenance, etc. Considering 5k is her budget, sad to say, a TL or anything in the same class is not the way to go.

 

Why not a TSX? I see some high mileage ones around me for $6.5-$7k.

 

4-5k range u can get a nice Toyota Camry XLE or sport version SE in that price range and still have some luxury alone with reliability. I would advise against taking a student loan to buy a car but that just me. A Honda civic is another car to consider but i think that car is just too small and not really comfortable like the Camry XLE or the SE.

 

just get a 7th gen Accord V6 with 6spd and you will be doing just fine. Cheap, sporty, good looking with the HFP kits on.

 

I'd say look into an rsx, civic or maxima. All solid cheaper options. If you have a TL, she can probably get a coupe.

 

I was looking and for your area getting a $5,000 RSX won't be very smart IMO. You would be looking at some really high mileage and no money to fix the thing if it were happen to break. College unfortunately is not the time to go car crazy and get the most ballin ride out there. Look for something practical. Something like an older Camry or maybe an accord (be careful with these though, bad tranny issues). Also an older Civic might be good as well. My friend had an 02 Civic that he wore out. He still has it with 287k miles on it and its still running strong. I found an 04 Coupe with only 112k miles on it for $5,977 and I guarantee you could haggle it down to $5k. Email them, haggle over the phone. Its easier to get what you want bc they will have to use the price to get you in (trick i picked up while working car sales) Plus you'd have a reliable car to get her through college.

http://www.r-motorsports.net/newandu...-CA-91706.aspx
doesnt have a pic yet on the website, because it just arrived there. Here's this one to reference:
http://philadelphia.olx.com/2004-hon...-iid-132028643

 

Thinking about the civic's but she really likes all of the Hyundais too. I know the loan isn't the smartest option but she needs a vehicle to commute, and I'm not letting her ride around on public transportation. I know a civic would never leave her stranded!

 

my sister's 02 civic I drove for 9 months doing 3k a month (or 500 miles a week) never let me down. It is the epitome of a cheap commuter car.

They need a new timing belt around 100k like our TLs, keep that in mind. Other than that not much else.

 

It amazes me that our TL's almost match the civic in mileage and reliability, but have twice the horsepower. We, good sirs, have the ultimate engineered driving apparatus.

 

Hyundai made cheap cars that weren't very reliable. While they are better now, from your budget you would have to get one of their earlier models which were not very reliable at all, but it's ultimately her decision. Good luck with your search!

 

I know that you're just giving OP examples of cars but I would also like to warn everyone to stay away from R-Motorsports. The quality of service was absolutely terrible! I'm glad that I didn't buy a car from them in the end. If you guys don't believe me, just read some of the reviews. Majority of the reviews are extremely negative.

 

infiniti g20 02 had a 00 i loved it to death

 

Well living over 2000 miles away from California I have no idea how the local scene for stealerships are.
I guess this is a good point though, definitely ask around about the reputation of a dealership bc they can easily trick you into buying a POS car. Ill just stay out of it from here. lol
Also taking the car to a mechanic to have them inspect the car before buying it could save you a lot of regret later on. Good Luck!!!

 

Your GF has some tough requirements: 4-5K will generally not get you something super reliable or safe. You'll need to prioritize your requirements a little better to get more meaningful responses from us. It's hard to get a decent Hyundai for 5K these days.

Perhaps she should save a few extra thousand so she has 7k which will meet some of these requirements. She needs to budget car insurance and maintenance besides just initial purchase price into the decision process- she just might not be ready for the costs of ownership at this time possibly.

 

We were thinking the older Sonata's or Elantra's? I don't know lol. Also, I don't use stealerships, operate on autotrader and craigslist. :P

 

+1

 

Highly disagree unless you're talking about the old-Hyundai.

I think her best bet is to buy a $2-3k car. Using most, if not all, student loans to pay for this is not good. I'd recommend her to use that car till she is financially stable enough to buy another car of her liking. You can't have it both ways in regards to the car she wants, and how much she actually has to spend.