What would you buy?

Or, perhaps more to the point, what would you recommend I take a look at?

I've been waiting to buy a new car until I could see the new 2009 TSX. Unfortunately my last car was just totaled, and I'd like to buy something to replace it until I really upgrade next year.

I am a recent college graduate, so I don't have a ton of money around for ridiculous maintenance costs. I was looking at my friend's 2001 Audi A4 (I know of Audi's reliability but since I "know" the car, I know it hasn't had problems, and he's had the timing belt recently replaced) but he's holding onto it for a few more months now.

So I'd like a car that is reasonably reliable and somewhat fun to drive. Of course there are a ton of cars out there and everyone has unique tastes, but I'm just looking for some ideas. Though I probably won't buy American. If nothing else, I can just pick up an early 2000s Accord or something.

Thanks

 

Used Integra GS-R (sedan preferably) FTW!

 

4th gen maxima.

 

Thats what im talking about, with leather and moonroof.

 

I actually loved the cloth seat version.

I used to have a 97 frost white GS-R with ebony dash and cloth gray seats. that car made me

 

I wouldn't get the Audi

 

get a early ass type R Integra.

 

Get the GS-R if you live in a good area and make sure to put a hidden switch to the fuel pump.

Someone will then try to steal it. But its a great car. I miss mine. A lot. It got stolen.

 

or get Lo-Jack on it

 

Find a used Honda Prelude w/ manual and loaded. Those cars were a blast... worst mistake ever for Honda to drop them from their line.

 

I truly appreciate all of the replies. One thing that I value, however, is not having my car stolen.

I'm looking at high mileage 2002 Maximas at this point.

 

Civics are always a good choice, and since you won't be keeping it long, you'll appreciate the good resale value...

 

While the car itself is not exactly prone to theft, HID theft does affect 5.5G Maximas. (Though I do not know how prevalent it is nowadays.)

For $7k, I would go with Jedi's advise and seek out a 4G Maxima, ideally 5MT.

 

Honda Prelude or used Integra, if you look harder probably like 01-02 CL-S? I also like the old Mitsu Eclipse GST-R if you can find one.

 

Subaru Impreza or early 2000s Accord as you say.

Do not by any means buy that A4 (or any German car) if you need to keep away from future maintenence $$$.

 

keep it reliable, keep it simple and keep it japanese.


used accord, civic, sentra, altima, corolla, camry... id rock any 4 banger with good MPG

afterall its only temporary right... you can deal with it for 6-10 months

 

x 2

 

If you're only keeping it for a year, you'll get a great return if you stick to Toyota! I'd look into any of their small to mid-sized sedans. Also, it would make sense to consider a Civic.

 

Not all 4 cylinders are equal when it comes to resale value. IMO, you won't get nearly the same return upon selling a used Nissan as you will with Toyota, then Honda. Considering he's only looking for a car to use in the short term, might as well get one that will allow you to recover as much money as possible when selling it.

 

You could buy mine for 8k lol.
2001 Honda Accord V6 110,xxx miles automatic. Gas efficient but has power if you need to merge into the freeway. Clean title, all stock. black leather interior, new paint. Probably not interested but worth a shot.

I suggest something gas efficient so that you can save money on gas and save up the money for your new car. Civic Si or GSRs might be fun but not good on gas and not very comfy. Anyway, good luck on your search sir.

 

x2
Stick shift is a must, I wouldn't be interested in the SH. The car is so much fun to drive, I kept mine even though it technically has been replaced by my CL type S.

 

Thanks again, everyone. I'm definitely thinking I'll do something from a Japanese automaker. The Maxima isn't gorgeous outside but it's remarkably comfortable and its 255 hp engine ain't so bad either. and i doubt i'd have to argue that nissan reliability is almost as good as honda and toyota.

i feel like if i could get a good enough deal on a car (ok, maybe i'll spend $8k) like that then it would keep me quite content for a while, and i could wait longer to buy a new car - maybe hold out for the tsx type-s if that indeed happens a bit after the "base" tsx comes out this spring (whereas if i'm driving a sentra around i'll want to get out of it asap).

 

buy my cl

 

plus the inevitable cost of a new/rebuilt tranny; a consideration when purchasing any 6G AV6 or 2G CL/TL w/AT.

 

Maxima ftw. An Accord or Civic would also work.

 

jeep cherokee ... reliable as hell, lots of room. still looks cool.

 

Well it took a while, and I ended up spending a lot more than I originally intended, but I picked up a 2003 Maxima GLE with 102k miles. I got it from Carmax, so I paid more than I would have private party, or even from other dealers, but they really do sell quality cars (and I had to trust this since I paid hundreds just to have it shipped to check it out).

Haven't posted pics before, let's see if this works:

 

Congrats, but 100k miles? I would've searched for something with maybe 60 or 70

 

nice choice man... always liked the VQ engines

 

Good pick. I have a 97 max. Very well built. 100k is nothing for that car. You will have it for another 100k.

 

for the best value... just get the damn honda accord (ftw) for the resale value... and they arent to shabby either..

 

I agree, but I would get the coupe instead.

*** Edit: whoops, just noticed that you purchased the Maxima. Not a bad choice ***

 

Thanks. I know 100k is generally a lot, but like others have said, you can get a lot more out of these cars. I was getting sick of meeting with people to do test drives of cars that I could tell hadn't been treated well, didn't drive well, had multiple previous owners etc, I just wanted to be done with it and make it simple, so I went Carmax. In order to get the price I wanted, I had to go high miles. As long as that sweet V6 works as it should..

Anyway, will likely be giving it up soon enough to a family member - hopefully onto the 2009 TSX this summer!

 

I would look at a civic SI or an Integra.