I have a family friend of mine who is looking to buy a car for himself since he's going off to college! He's saved up a bit of money however he wants to buy a used car that's pretty nice. His budget is 25K MAX including all the fees, taxes, etc. He has a 1992 honda civic right now that he's worked on and bought from friend for a few hundred dollars back when he got his license so he won't be trading in or anything of the sort for much money.

I figured a few thousand brains would be a lot better than mine as far as suggestions go so this is his criteria that he'd like to have.

1. Fun to drive - he doesn't want something dull to drive! He'd prefer RWD but FWD works just as well.
2. Must be a sedan or wagon
3. Must be reliable!
4. Luxury! -> he wants an upgrade from his civic to a more mature car both inside and out. I told him about the RL with CMBS/Active Cruise and he was ecstatic!
5. Phone connectivity -> bluetooth, ability to plug phone into car, etc and he doesn't mind aftermarket as long as it provides good integration
6. Easy to work on.
7. Fuel efficient -> looking to get something good but is open minded
8. Aftermarket support -> I showed him a few RL's & TL's on the board and he loved what he saw with support. I know the RL doesn't have much more than aesthetics (few power upgrades) and the TL has quite a few.

The first thing that popped into my head was an 2007 or 2008 TL or TL-S since they are in the low 20's and including tax and everything should be under 25. I figure that'd give him almost exactly what he'd like. After that I suggested a TSX and he'd said he would give them a look, esp the newer V6 ones.

I was also looking at suggesting an Acura RL or maybe an RDX, Infiniti G37 and M. Any other ideas?

EDIT: His time frame is within the next few weeks to months as his civic is running fine and he's not in a rush due to the summer! However his parents would like him to get something before school starts in Sept.

 

He could get an 06-07 E90 for under $20k.

 

after the trouble I've had with my 760 I'm a bit hesitant to suggest it to him and his parents. Are the E90's pretty problem free or is the HPFP and stuff still a bit wonky?

 

HPFP was on the 335 and was corrected via recall.

I've not heard of any chronic issues with the 328 (which is the version I meant to suggest in my previous post...sorry).

 

Legacy GT wagon?

 

If I were him I would not look at a German car. Not because they're going to explode but if they do, while in college, it will ruin him if he has no warranty.

If he's looking at a $25k sedan, all-in, I would suggest that he probably cannot get what he wants AND get good fuel economy. Unless he looks at a TSX.

If I had to suggest few cars, it would be in no particular order:

1. G35/G37S sedan
2. Acura TL
3. Acura TSX
4. Camry Hybrid?

Which is crazy because I'm not a huge fan of Acura in general but there's no debating they'll run forever.

 

That said, a Focus ST ST1 is in his price range and is a great car!

 

scion fr-s if he is willing to stretch his budget a little

 

I'd suggest a G37S sedan. RWD, plenty of power, can be had in 6MT, decent MPG if you don't mash the pedal and I'm not aware of them having any real big issues. My gf's brother has one and he loves it! He keeps the oil fresh and it's served him well for over 45K!

 

Pontiac G8 GT

 

Unless you have to buy a transmission...or two.

 

25k will get you a 4G TL ... They have good transmissions don't they?

 

TSX V6
if he's willing to lose some luxury but get an easier to work on car, FRS for sure

 

Dunno. I know the 3Gs were having some trans troubles. Not as bad as the 2G, but still some. I gave up on the 4G TL a LONG time ago...about the time I saw the beak.

 

MT will solve any potential worries. CS, I agree whole heartedly about the RL. The only thing that doesn't meet the criteria is MPG. It is entirely possible to get 28 MPG, but 99% of the time, he would be looking at 18-22. I like the TL-S suggestion too. When I bought in 2010, both of those cars were the only only two on my list, so I am a little biased. Reliable luxury sedan that is more fun than a Lexus = RL.

 

RL. You can get into a 2005-06 with decent miles for well under $20k, and they run forever.

 

In no particular order:

1. Acura 3G TL / TSX
2. Honda Accord / Civic Si
3. Lexus IS300 / 250
4. MB C300/ 250
5. BMW E90 328i
6. Audi A/S4, A3
7. VW Jetta, Passat, Golf GTI
8. Nissan Altima
9. Cadillac CTS

 

Altima?

 

That list is odd and impractical.

 

Lexus or Infinity (sic)

 

oh man i change my mind, cant believe ive been sleepin on this
hyundai genesis coupe, 4 cylinder turbo. thing is a complete monster!!

 

Agreed. And they seem to be priced competitively in the used car market.
(My son's currently in the market one as we speak.)

I'd also still recommend an 07-08 TL-S 6MT as well, which should come in well under $25k at this point.

 

may i ask why?

 

Who would want an car when there are so many other options in this price range?

I saw one at the gym the other day...almost lost my lunch.

 

CPO RDX 2010 SH-AWD + Tech =

IMO, best CUV.

I'd say TSX (newest generation) for smaller car unless you can find a low mile Type-S 3G.

Besides that, Preowned Genesis, new Elantra, preowned Mustang GT, and the Kia Optima isn't bad either.

 

Cars get pretty beat up at college, i'd keep the civic.

I'd say G37 but its crappy on gas. Sounds like the TSX would be the safe bet.

 

Wrx?

 

GXP preferably, but if you can't find an 09, the previous engine is decent as well...

TL-S would be a nice choice.

 

TL-S if I were him.