honda_nut

So I finally sold my 2g TL today and am looking for a new(used) car. I'm gonna need a car real soon since I don't have an extra. I really enjoyed my 2nd gen and would like something similar. My requirements are automatic, 4 doors, navigation, under 75k miles, and must be Japanese. Which car would guys suggest (pros, cons)?


Here are some cars I am looking at:
04-08 Acura TL (favorite, always wanted one)
Acura TSX
Infiniti G35 Sedan
Honda Accord V6 Sedan (ehh, only if I have to)
Subaru Legacy 3.0R (very difficult to find)

P.S. If any of you know of a good deal in NorCal, pm me

Rick_TL-S

$16K should be able to get you into a '04-'05 TL. Might have some high miles on it, but nothing the car can't handle.

Will Y.

The 3G TL isn't Japanese per se-- it was assembled in the US.
However, it was my choice over the other cars in 2005 because it was the most refined, fastest and (IMO) has the best interior and exterior. Surprising, huh?

FWIW, the TSX 4 cylinder with an automatic is pretty boring to drive and is a different animal from the 6M TSX. I wouldn't consider a TSX I-4 with a 5AT, but was set on a 6M TSX over my 5AT TL when the wife asked for an auto...

honda_nut

I feel the same way about the 3G TL. Haven't driven a TSX yet, so I don't really have an opinion on it. As long as it's as powerful as my old 2g TL, I'm good. The extra mpg's would be nice too. I'd love to get a 6speed manual but my dad won't teach me and the car must be drivable by everyone in the family.

oo7spy

You don't need him to teach you. Do it yourself or get a friend to teach you.

madcaps

iTrader: (1)

Driving manual is so ridiculously easy, that once you get it, you'll be hitting yourself for being afraid of it at the beginning.

Here is a video to get you started.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gmGoQ1dI2E

03tLsNBP

iTrader: (9)

Subaru Legacy 2.5GT. Easier to find than the 3.0R and more fun. Turbo >> NA.

BigPZ

Get a 3G TL...for 16K you'll probably find an 04,05 right around 75K miles which meets your requirements

Costco

When I was learning how to drive stick, I found that I'd rather drive my shitty condition 3G 5MT Integra with no radio than our pristine 2G TL-S.

I knew my parents wouldn't get me a manual car and I didn't want to ask anyways so I saved for a while, scraped up whatever I could and bought a manual transmission car. Now I refuse to buy a car or truck unless it's stick.

honda_nut

hmm, maybe i'll ask my cousin to teach me. i did find a very low mileage(33k miles) 3g TL 6spd for 17k with navigation. i'll have to see

05TLdcc

Check it's Carfax.... Seems a little low.

Osamu

Y34 M45. I know it's not everyone's taste, but I like how it's pretty rare, and can go pretty VIP style on them. Helps that it seems like they were bought by nothing but old ladies, that I've seen a lot with like 50k miles.

03bl AC k CL

previous gen lexus gs400/430

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Can't really go wrong with any of the cars on that list. I would lean towards the TL or Subaru.

Will Y.

I like that idea-- the 03-04 M45s were actually quick cars, but had limited interior and trunk room for their exterior size. One of my former law partners replaced his M3 with a new 2004 M45. I liked the look better than the 2G M that replaced it.

There are only 4 for sale within 100 miles of Los Angeles, but the M45 had heated and cooled seats standard. (Cooled seats are important to me! ) However, IDK if it came with navigation.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

04-05 CTS-V /thread

Aman

^ Can you get them for 15k?

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

I agree with everyone about the ease of learning. I was pretty much self taught after buying my car. Driving it around here and there until I got comfortable.

Are your parents helping to pay for it? Because if they are, I'd discuss it with them before getting a manual car. Since not everyone will be able to drive it.

StreetKA

iTrader: (8)

I saw few for 16-18k

mrmako

I would say all the cars on the list would not suck, but time for my 2 cents.

The 3.0 R is a solid car, as long as you do not plan to do any mods. But if you get the 2.5GT, you get the same vehicle, with a much better sporting character. And you might get the 6MT. that will make it very fun.

honda_nut

nice car and i've seen some go for very cheap, but not my style. feels a little dated

honda_nut

my parents will pay for it since i'm still in college. i made $8k out of my 2g tl from sale and pocketing money from recent fender bender. so yeah, they will most likely want a car that can be usable by all of us. i'm definitely going suggest the idea though.

i will eventually learn stick, so i can drive my future nsx

honda_nut

You would think that living in Subaru country (Sierra-Nevada foothills) where ever other car is a Subaru would mean that these are easy to find. All I see is Outbacks, Foresters, and Legacy 2.5i 's.

Crazy Bimmer

Seems like a no-brainer.

Your favorite car is the 04-08 TL and you always wanted one. So heres your chance. Do it.

Osamu

yea, it's a somewhat acquired taste, probably which is why it didn't seem to sell well. The headlights always were a little funny looking, but for some reason, I just can't get over how much I love the body lines on that car still though.

Aman

Assuming you'll be driving the car the majority of the time, you can offer to teach the rest of the family how to drive it at a later time.

charliemike

Despite being FWD, the TL is going to be the nicest car on the list.

But, if you're patient you could find an '04 330i ZHP with about 75k miles for about what you're asking.

But I would probably get the TL anyway. That generation was such a nice car.

OperationDarkie

iTrader: (1)

expensive on maintenance like all BMW's too, he said japanese. so basically that limits the cars to acura/honda, nissan/infiniti, toyota/lexus, and subaru.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

100% agreed. Such great cars with incredible reliability.

ThermonMermon

16k could get you an 3-5 year old IS 250 that looks the same as the new one.

TLove It!

iTrader: (1)

It seems that all of the cars on your all pretty reliable.
One thing I know for sure is that the 3G TL is very reliable, of course with propper maintenance as with any car. I picked my 04 TL up with 140k and now at 173k with no issues (knock on wood) lol.

ThermonMermon

OP, if you average above 75 MPH, a sante fe may not be a good fit.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

my recommendations...

2G Lexus GS - i got my 430 for a steal and it is an amazing car...

otherwise i would put 1G CTS-V on the list... but they only come in MT...

ThermonMermon

+1

2G lexus 430. if youre able to overlook the dated dash, everything else is pretty much A okay.

Mr Marco

Nor cal? 94030? 94066?

My dealer is from 94028!

Best deal for the money right now is the Infinity G coupe/sedan

Lots of power, great comfort, cheap price.

honda_nut

You have a dealer. I'd be down for a G35 sedan.

WILLDOGS

Not sure if you are still looking, but see below (Yes I'm biased lol)

Read this C&D review of the 07 G35x Sedan

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...pricing-page-2

Of Note:
"Our G35x tester, burdened with AWD and a five-speed automatic, blitzed to 60 in 5.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.1 at 100 mph. "

"Which brings us to compelling advantage number two: bang for the buck. With the exception of the BMW 335xi, the G35x delivers more hustle than any of the AWD offerings from the German Big Three. And pricing for a 335xi starts at $41,575."

"But if grip, power, agility, and value are your priorities, the G35x is hard to beat."

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.4 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 14.1 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 27.1 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 5.7 sec
Standing ,¼-mile: 14.1 sec @ 100 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 162 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.87 g

If you can find one with decent mileage, you won't be disappointment. In the price range you are looking at, I'd say you would be looking at one with about 60k miles which isn't bad.

hANDYcaptd

iTrader: (5)

Gentlemen, I think we have found the next "Son, I am disappoint".

WILLDOGS

what the fuk did I type there?

honda_nut

lol

i'm still looking. the problem is cars in california are way overpriced. most of the said cars that i have looked at have over 100k miles and are still pricey. hopefully i'll have a sweet car by the end of this week