Need to downgrade from TSX because I'm moving, suggestions?
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Need to downgrade from TSX because I'm moving, suggestions?
So I'm hopefully going to have a job in Boston in the coming month or so and I won't be driving much at all. I'm looking to downgrade from the TSX so I can have lower monthly payments but still have the convenience of a car. I'd like to pick something up from 10-14k. Definitely looking to go with a manual and not something that is a slug. Been eyeing 2002-3 Maxima SE's, a rare Mazda6 6cyl that shows up in that range, or maybe dropping down to an RSX-S. Any suggestions from you all for other things to look at? I'd prefer something that is reliable but willing to check out anything. Thanks for the help!
#4
Luke 1:37
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I would go with an older model RSX-S since its a fun car to drive and its more compact for parking situations in Boston. And you'll still be in the Honda/Acura family! You'll have to come to the next Acura meet in the Spring.
#5
RSX is a great choice. How about a Mini Cooper?
#7
Senior Moderator
Maxima is a great car. i'd much rather have that than a WRX, RSX or Mazda 6
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#8
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Bilybobjef
So I'm hopefully going to have a job in Boston in the coming month or so and I won't be driving much at all. I'm looking to downgrade from the TSX so I can have lower monthly payments but still have the convenience of a car. I'd like to pick something up from 10-14k. Definitely looking to go with a manual and not something that is a slug. Been eyeing 2002-3 Maxima SE's, a rare Mazda6 6cyl that shows up in that range, or maybe dropping down to an RSX-S. Any suggestions from you all for other things to look at? I'd prefer something that is reliable but willing to check out anything. Thanks for the help!
#9
Tristate ViP Crew
Originally Posted by 65 Fury Convert
RSX is a great choice. How about a Mini Cooper?
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by F23A4
While I dont feel that the 5.5G Maxima (2002-03) is a downgrade from the TSX, just be mindful that HID theft does occur with this car from time to time. That said, if you find a 6MT 5.5G Maxima at the ~$10k mark, it'll either be salvage rebuild or high mileage unit. That said, most are in the $15-$18k range (retail).
I've found a few around me that are like 12-14k with 50-80k on them so it will definitley be doable and I do know the HID theft stories with it but hopefully I will end up in a good neighborhood up there. Keep the suggestions coming all!
#11
Racer
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Originally Posted by CL Platano
The Maxima is a good choice and they do have some with a 6 spd or go with the RSX-S , WRX also
#16
Senior Moderator
and that would be an upgrade from a TSX.
#17
Originally Posted by CL Platano
It snows in Boston like it does in Milwaukee it will cover the mini cooper
#18
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by CL Platano
It snows in Boston like it does in Milwaukee it will cover the mini cooper
#19
Moderator
$10-$11000 Saturn ION new...5-speed Manual. Rock Solid 2.2L Ecotec 4-cyl engine. 145HP or thereabouts. I saw an auto one advertised for $12K last week, also new, an yes it had A/C.
2.2L Ecotec is a rock solid engine...very low maintenance. Super Easy to service; top-mounted, cartridge oil filter, plugs aren't due until 100K, coolant is 5yr/150K with the Texaco DexCool, and ATF/MTF is 50K under severe service using the new Dexron VI. Lifetime fill under normal conditions but I'd still change it every 50K. Oil/Filter changes go by the GM Oil Life Monitor, average service is about 6-8K for most people.
I don't know how good the rest of the car is, but provided that you "keep it simple," you shouldn't have a problem with electronic stuff failing....my Saturn has been rock solid but its a 96.
2.2L Ecotec is a rock solid engine...very low maintenance. Super Easy to service; top-mounted, cartridge oil filter, plugs aren't due until 100K, coolant is 5yr/150K with the Texaco DexCool, and ATF/MTF is 50K under severe service using the new Dexron VI. Lifetime fill under normal conditions but I'd still change it every 50K. Oil/Filter changes go by the GM Oil Life Monitor, average service is about 6-8K for most people.
I don't know how good the rest of the car is, but provided that you "keep it simple," you shouldn't have a problem with electronic stuff failing....my Saturn has been rock solid but its a 96.
#20
Luke 1:37
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Originally Posted by Michael Wan
$10-$11000 Saturn ION new...5-speed Manual. Rock Solid 2.2L Ecotec 4-cyl engine. 145HP or thereabouts. I saw an auto one advertised for $12K last week, also new, an yes it had A/C.
2.2L Ecotec is a rock solid engine...very low maintenance. Super Easy to service; top-mounted, cartridge oil filter, plugs aren't due until 100K, coolant is 5yr/150K with the Texaco DexCool, and ATF/MTF is 50K under severe service using the new Dexron VI. Lifetime fill under normal conditions but I'd still change it every 50K. Oil/Filter changes go by the GM Oil Life Monitor, average service is about 6-8K for most people.
I don't know how good the rest of the car is, but provided that you "keep it simple," you shouldn't have a problem with electronic stuff failing....my Saturn has been rock solid but its a 96.
2.2L Ecotec is a rock solid engine...very low maintenance. Super Easy to service; top-mounted, cartridge oil filter, plugs aren't due until 100K, coolant is 5yr/150K with the Texaco DexCool, and ATF/MTF is 50K under severe service using the new Dexron VI. Lifetime fill under normal conditions but I'd still change it every 50K. Oil/Filter changes go by the GM Oil Life Monitor, average service is about 6-8K for most people.
I don't know how good the rest of the car is, but provided that you "keep it simple," you shouldn't have a problem with electronic stuff failing....my Saturn has been rock solid but its a 96.
#21
Moderator
LOL I still think its better than the outdated, Toyota 1.8L engine....
The Ecotec engine is super easy on oil, and has a 5qt sump. No Timing Belt to worry about, no PCV or EGR valves either.
The Ecotec engine is super easy on oil, and has a 5qt sump. No Timing Belt to worry about, no PCV or EGR valves either.
#22
Registered Abuser of VTEC
Originally Posted by Michael Wan
LOL I still think its better than the outdated, Toyota 1.8L engine....
The Ecotec engine is super easy on oil, and has a 5qt sump. No Timing Belt to worry about, no PCV or EGR valves either.
The Ecotec engine is super easy on oil, and has a 5qt sump. No Timing Belt to worry about, no PCV or EGR valves either.
#25
Damn - a brand new car for only $12K...
#26
I need 2 more gears
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my wifes 98 corolla has 155k and still runs very strong. no oil burning, no major repairs, just general maintenance, although it does need a new starter(not a big deal). The way I keep my cars I will get another 100k out of it easy. 1.8L(125HP) 30-35MPG and low low maintenance= great inexpensive car for Boston, but rsx-s is an awesome little car. I vote rsx-s also.
#30
Drifting
I would definitely buy a used car because parking in Boston will eff up your bumper.
I live in a suburb of Boston, and whenever I parked in the city with my 03 Maxima overnight, i would ALWAYS be worried for my headlights. I would recomend a 7th gen civic, which I think fits your price range.
I live in a suburb of Boston, and whenever I parked in the city with my 03 Maxima overnight, i would ALWAYS be worried for my headlights. I would recomend a 7th gen civic, which I think fits your price range.
#32
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good luck finding a rsx-s in the 10-14k range...I was in the same boat as you are now about a month ago. I was able to find ONE rsx-s under 14k and it had 75k miles on it. This was within a 100 mile radius. I ended up going w/ an '01 Prelude 5spd from my '01 CL-S, and I can honestly say that I'm really happy w/ my choice. The car is absolutely awesome, and has tons of potential if you're planning on modding it. I got my '01 with 57k miles on it for $12k. You can get em much cheaper if you go with say a 98 with some more miles, it's all up to you. But yeah, a Prelude would be my choice
#33
Instructor
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Dem1K
good luck finding a rsx-s in the 10-14k range...I was in the same boat as you are now about a month ago. I was able to find ONE rsx-s under 14k and it had 75k miles on it. This was within a 100 mile radius. I ended up going w/ an '01 Prelude 5spd from my '01 CL-S, and I can honestly say that I'm really happy w/ my choice. The car is absolutely awesome, and has tons of potential if you're planning on modding it. I got my '01 with 57k miles on it for $12k. You can get em much cheaper if you go with say a 98 with some more miles, it's all up to you. But yeah, a Prelude would be my choice
My car before the TSX was a 92 Lude and I loved it. My uncle is actually selling his 2001 Prelude and the thought has crossed my mind. I have to take it out for him sometime in the next week since he is out in cali for a few months and I'm keeping it running for him so I'll see how much I love it.
#34
Luke 1:37
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Originally Posted by Bilybobjef
My car before the TSX was a 92 Lude and I loved it. My uncle is actually selling his 2001 Prelude and the thought has crossed my mind. I have to take it out for him sometime in the next week since he is out in cali for a few months and I'm keeping it running for him so I'll see how much I love it.
#36
Drifting
Originally Posted by heyitsme
Nissan has an anti-theft kit for the headlights available for free if it wasn't already installed.
Yeah, but thiefs don't see the extra bracketing (data dots) until after they've bent your hood up.
#37
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by te3point5
Yeah, but thiefs don't see the extra bracketing (data dots) until after they've bent your hood up.
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