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!

 

The Maxima is a good choice and they do have some with a 6 spd or go with the RSX-S , WRX also

 

I would suggest a RSX-S, it's a fun car to drive and to mod

 

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.

 

RSX is a great choice. How about a Mini Cooper?

 

civic maybe??
even cheaper

 

Maxima is a great car. i'd much rather have that than a WRX, RSX or Mazda 6

 

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).

 

It snows in Boston like it does in Milwaukee it will cover the mini cooper

 

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!

 

how can you downgrade to a maxima, I mean it's even a better car than TL how can you downgrade?

 

Accord.

 

If you're going to be in a tight city, why would you want a big car? The RSX-S is a good choice for a small car.

 

Aren't all the 6spd Accords out of his price range that he's looking at? They're pretty damn fast though.

 

You ought to be able to find a 6spd CLS for arond 14K.

I had one for three years with ZERO problems.

 

and that would be an upgrade from a TSX.

 

Then he would need to get one in yellow so he could find it in the snow

 

There are actually a lot of those in Boston. They seem to do just fine.

 

$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.

 

 

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.

 

But it's a boring engine. It revs too low for my liking and doesn't sound all that nice.

 

I see...never driven a 1.8L Corolla though...but even though the thing is a dinosaur, it does the job pretty well.

 

I test drove an 02 or 03 (cant remember which year) and I didnt like the manual. I would MUCH rather have an RSX manual tranny than that gen maxima's one,......IMO. I vote RSX.

 

Damn - a brand new car for only $12K...

 

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.

 

 

what does this even mean?

 

Get a Civic.

 

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.

 

Nissan has an anti-theft kit for the headlights available for free if it wasn't already installed.

 

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.

 

Now, that's a nice option. Slap on the OEM Body Kit, aftermarket suspension and some nice rims and that thing looks sweet!

 

tc or new civic, baseline RSX if you dont mind it.

if u just want something reliable, 4 doors go accord u cant go wrong with accords.

 

Yeah, but thiefs don't see the extra bracketing (data dots) until after they've bent your hood up.

 

...some may see the Data Dots sticker and may be deterred from attempting the theft. (I know! It's unlikely to be the case but, you never know. )