sonnyboyacura

Hey guys. 2 weeks ago my 1999 GMC Jimmy was run into while parked in front of my house. The fool tried to get away but my nosey neighbors saw his car and was able to ID it once the police chopper found him.

Right now I'm hunting for a new ride. As most of you assume, I used to own an Acura, most accurately a 2003 CLS. I'd like to make my way back into that type of vehicle. I would love to gather some advice/insight/widsom from you guys.

I don't want to spend any more than $31k. I'll have about $3k to put down possibly. I'm most interested in the Lexus IS right now and my local dealer has a 250 RWD base model for $30k. I'd much rather have the 250awd version and may be able to talk them down on an 07 somewhere near $32k...

Sadly my insurance is going to be around $270 a month since I'm 23 even though my record is spot less.

I drive 60 miles a day for work and really need something reliable and that will last.

Here's another car that I may consider.
http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/factsheet.aspx?id=0

LuvMyTSX

Ouch, that really sucks. However, the car in your link is no longer in inventory, according to Carmax.

A TSX is in your price range. Not interested?

sonnyboyacura

1st. I appreciate the quick response/reply. But no, Im not a TSX fan and for a few reasons.

1. Its about due for a redesign which would piss me off.
2. I don't care for the car overall but I plan to go look at in person just to be sure how I feel about it.
3. FWD/4 banger.
4. I'm still a bit sour over my CLS transmission.

But sell me on the TSX if you can.

BUT I will consider anything at this point. Well...not anything but I welcome all advice.

LuvMyTSX

Haha....I see.

1. Yes, I can understand that point.
2. Definitely go look at it and drive it. It might surprise you.
3. 4banger might seem underpowered, but it's got more pep and feels better than my parents' V6s (although those have less or equal HP to my TSX).
4. Def. understand the tranny issue. However, the TSX doesn't have that problem, thank God.

What about a base G? I can't recall what $$ they start at, but worth looking into I think.

I'd also consider a Legacy GT. I know it's not a "luxury" car, but it's pretty nice and well within your budget.

Osamu

I think the IS is a good choice, if you don't care about overall power. My mom just bought the RWD 250, and seems to like it. I've just heard it's kind of slow, but I know that doesn't bother me. if you wanted something more 'boy racer' there's always the STi/Evo, but I'm not sure I like the new designs, and not sure how much they cost either.

the 128 should be around 30k when it comes out, but doesn't sound like you can wait very long. Plus when a bimmer starts around 30k you can probably add quite a bit more once you get it OTD.

AS3.0CL

u can get an is250awd without navi for around 32k depending on ur options, but ur gonna have to beet down the deal a little bit for that price. the 250 and 350 are both faster and not by just a little bit then what is posted on the 0-60 times on the lexus website, fyi.

Trojanman750

the tsx would be a solid commuter car. my brother is about to get one. ive also driven alot of honda accord 4 bangers and i must say its a peppy 4 cylinders. i was surprised by the torque on those things.

plus the interior in a tsx is pretty nice, and you can find a used one in the 17-25k range.


you could also look at 05 Tls that are falling down into the mid 20s.

have you driven the IS yet? i went to the lexus dealer last week and checked one out, i was dissapointed at the lack of interior room. even my tiny mom thought the car was cramped. its a nice car for sure, but its a little too small for my taste.

Costco

2005+ G35 coupe?

Street Spirit

Subaru
Mazda 3

csmeance

A new TLS can be bought for 33K plus tax. A new TL3.2 can be bought for 31K plus taxes or less depending on negotations. I would highly suggest a used TL, a 2005+. Has nav, good transmission, solid car (besides some rattles) and good technology. Also it is safe and I drive about 100 miles a day in in now. Also a used 07 here is going for less than 30K, 12K miles and nav. (it was a service loaner)

sonnyboyacura

Guys, again Thank You for all of your advice. It's appreciated because I'm trying to make the best decision I possibly can.

I'm going to take a peek at a TSX today. I have a dealer that has a $37k IS that's willing to get it in the low 30's for me. That in addition to a $3k downpayment I have my sqeek by under $30k.

I'm not going to have to scrap money together to afford the car, it's just that I plan to move out within the next 6-8 months and don't want to handicap myself too badly. I really want a house but I may settle for an apartment for a year or so.

LuvMyTSX

I'm in the same position as you with wanting a house and trying to save....that's why I ended up with my car (bought it CPO 2.5 years ago).

AZuser

Accord V6 6MT coupe?

Moog-Type-S

Advice: Don't buy a 30k vehicle...especially when you are trying to scratch a small 3k down payment.

Buy a car you can "truly" afford.
Focus on the house purchase.
Buy a cheaper car now, then get that house.....later buy the 30k+ vehicle.

House > Car

Depreciation is a b*tch.

Trackruner228

iTrader: (1)

How about the new Accord Copue that is a nice looking car. Also for that price you can get a G35 and due to it being its last year there are good discounts on the TLs.

nokiaman

I'm not sure you if want to get into used, but you should be able to find a clean 04+ E46 330i without braking the bank and still have enough money to buy your house.

lscld

+1
I was going to say a new 6MT Accord coupe.

sonnyboyacura

I came to that very conclusion today. It feel good about it, I appreciate your advice.

I went and looked at one today and it looks like hell in the back. How in the world they managed to nail the front and put an ugly back on it is beyond me. The back looks like a galant (tail lights) and a solara rolled into one.

I've narrowed it down to the GTI, Rabbit, Civic SI... Any opinions on these vehicles? I'm interested in longevitiy, reliability, gas mileage and just having something that I can put my foot into every so often. I'm not too sure how the VW's hold up.

AZuser

Well, if you're looking for longevity and especially reliability.... Civic SI.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

+1, I love the 4 dr SI

sonnyboyacura

Yeah, I'm going to try a 4 door SI in Fuji Blue. I went this route because I need an everyday beater. I'd hate to have a IS, 335i or whatever and need to put a billion miles on it.

This car will be around in 5-8 years, it won't break the bank and it'll allow me to continue to save. I think at this point in my life this is the most intelligent decision.

Best of all, it'll put me back in the Acurazine family of cousins.

phil2

good choice

JnC

iTrader: (12)

Yup, that blue is just gorgeous and for some reason the 4door looks eons better than the coupe.

sonnyboyacura

Well, I know I've done it twice already but I just wanted to say thanks again. This is the reason that even though I no longer own an Acura and haven't for quite some time, I still frequent this site.

stright-(paint)balling

hit the Nissan dealer up.
either new Maxima or New 350Z

sonnyboyacura

I definitely considered both but I decided not to get either.

1. The Max is due for a resdesign and that would piss me off.
2. The 350 isn't an everyday car for me. I need something that'll de decent in the snow and can handle an expanding lifestyle. The Civic SI gives me fun and practability so that in 4 years I can purchase a next-gen 335i, 370Z or whatever I want.


Here's a picture.

JnC

iTrader: (12)

^^ Good decision there, that color on the 4 door Si looks so good, good luck with the car.

sonnyboyacura

I don't think I ever shared these....