I joined the forum with high hopes of getting a 3G Acura TL this winter, but with some unexpected family troubles I am now short in my budget. My original $8000 budget is only a mere $5000 now and this has all of my previous choices out the window. I was previously looking at the Acura TL, G35 sedan, E36 and lastly 2009 and up Mazda 6’s. I have to restart my search with only a month or so before I absolutely need a car (headed back to college in mid-January). When it comes down to it I am looking for a fun to drive car, gas mileage isn’t a problem, but reliability and maintenance are. E36 wasn’t so high on my list lol. Just so you know I am a big guy about 6’ 3” 250 lbs so no Miatas or S2000’s. The TL and G35 fit me well so something around midsize and up. Anyway because I know someone is going to ask for specifics, this is what I mind and don’t mind.
- 2 or 4+ doors (4 doors preferred)
- how many passengers, (On weekends I am usually the driver so 4 or so)
- will I tow anything (no towing)
- body style (sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers. Not looking at Big SUV’s or wagons.)
- manual or auto trans (I prefer auto trans, I know it goes against the “fun to drive” that I mentioned but traffic gets pretty bad around campus and I honestly hate to drive stick in bumper to bumper traffic haha)
- FWD, RWD, AWD, (no preference I live in Alabama so we rarely have ice or snow)
- fuel economy (as long as it’s not a hummer we should be good)
- how many miles a year (If the quality and previous owner care is there it doesn’t matter)
- how long do I plan on keeping it (until after graduate school so at least 4 years)
- any brands I particularly loathe or love (well I despise Jeep. I currently own a 1996 Grand Cherokee. I was young and I could afford it. And although it served its purpose I really need to sell it before the Tranny goes out or something major affects its selling price. I love Honda and Toyota and of course the upper counterparts Acura and Lexus. Also, I have been looking at Mazdas because in every review someone always says something like “Mazda makes some of the less expensive drivers cars” well at least something like that haha. Oh and Nissan and Infiniti.)

Anyway sorry for the long post I just really need some help and I know you all can offer some great advice. Thanks in advance guys!

Have you looked at any Accords in your price range? With everything you listed, I think that fits the bill the best

Yes I have. All the standard go-to cars really (accord, camry, corolla, etc.) Just looking to see if anyone had any thing else to toss in.

What about an Elantra? Too small?

Not sure, I have sat in my friend's 2011 Elantra and it was ok. I imagine the older one is a bit smaller and I'm not sure how it would be in the long run. If I'm dropping $5000 I better be comfortable haha

1st gen Acura TL or RL

Lexus ES or GS

Any particular year or generation for the Lexus ES or GS

This. That is, if you don't go for the Accord. You would be surprised at how fun an Accord is to drive.

I don't think you will find a decent lexus for $5000 unless if you don't mind it having 150-200k miles on it.