need a nice car w/ $16k budget

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Old 05-24-2007, 09:12 AM
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need a nice car w/ $16k budget

Wifey needs a car. Looking for something that is less than 5 years old with adequate power, good gas mileage and great reliability. I was thinking an 2004 accord v6 or an IS300. I'm worried about Honda's v6 auto tranny problems and the IS is not that good on gas although it has bullet proof reliability.

Anyone have any suggestions? Need something within a week.
Old 05-24-2007, 09:52 AM
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as stated in your other thread, Infiniti I35. Maybe a little more boring than the IS300, but fits the bill for every one of your requirements
Old 05-24-2007, 09:58 AM
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07 Honda Fit??? its a chick car perfect for wifey
Old 05-24-2007, 10:06 AM
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I don't know about bullet proof reliability with the IS300. They have lots of problems with the rear main seal going bad among other things.

I have a friend who was a service manager for years at an Acura dealership and now works at Lexus and says the Acura's had better reliability.
Old 05-24-2007, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by kwelity
07 Honda Fit??? its a chick car perfect for wifey
Too small ...
Old 05-24-2007, 11:29 AM
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its more spacious than an IS300
Old 05-24-2007, 11:44 AM
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Is
Old 05-24-2007, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
its more spacious than an IS300
she isn't going to go for it. Period.
Old 05-24-2007, 12:00 PM
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gs300

328 bmw

lexus es300
Old 05-24-2007, 12:03 PM
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plus the honda fit has like NO power
Old 05-24-2007, 12:03 PM
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are bmw's reliable?
Old 05-24-2007, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
are bmw's reliable?

according to CR i believe the 3series are the one of the most reliable out of all the bmw's made...
Old 05-24-2007, 12:07 PM
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A 16K IS will likely be a older high mileage example. And you said you wanted good gas mileage. You'd be better off with a newer Accord/Camry/Altima/Mazda 6 or 3 IMO.
Old 05-24-2007, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
Too small ...
Buy her a new Mazda3 Five door hatch. Perfect and it has side curtain airbags.
Old 05-24-2007, 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Fibonacci
Buy her a new Mazda3 Five door hatch. Perfect and it has side curtain airbags.

And you can get a loaded (navi, leather, etc) low-mileage Mazda3 Hatch for less than $16k
Old 05-24-2007, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
as stated in your other thread, Infiniti I35. Maybe a little more boring than the IS300, but fits the bill for every one of your requirements


What he said. I have a 2004 I35 with about 75K. Solid car. I get about 23 to 25 mpg. A little more when doing all highway. So far I've had it for 8 months and about 18K miles. Not a single problem. Only complaint is that it doesn't feel the same as the CLs I had before.

Power seems about equal. Mine has the winter package with heated seats front and back and heated stearing wheel. Nice to have when it gets cold. The ride is a lot more comfortable than the CL. And there is a lot of space for passangers and in the trunk.

It will not be as sporty and fun to drive as the IS, but it will more than likely run worry free for your wife.

If you have questions PM me.
Old 05-26-2007, 01:23 AM
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Old 05-26-2007, 03:26 AM
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get a slightly used 06 civic lx.
Old 05-26-2007, 06:27 AM
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A little off the beaten path here, how about consideration of a Toyota Corolla XRS (preferrably certified)?



Aside from that, I also give an honorable mention to the Infiniti I35 though, I think most still go for >$16k (at least those with lower mileage).
Old 05-26-2007, 08:10 AM
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Old 05-26-2007, 10:35 AM
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like the commercials say, "3 V-DUBS FOR UNDER 16K!!". hehe, but my suggestion, get an accord. honda's engines and reliabilty are amazing.
Old 05-26-2007, 01:50 PM
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GS300/400
SC300/400
CL-S 6sp
RSX
e36 M3
Old 05-26-2007, 01:51 PM
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Old 05-26-2007, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
Wifey needs a car. Looking for something that is less than 5 years old with adequate power, good gas mileage and great reliability. I was thinking an 2004 accord v6 or an IS300. I'm worried about Honda's v6 auto tranny problems and the IS is not that good on gas although it has bullet proof reliability.

Anyone have any suggestions? Need something within a week.
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=347417&page=3
Old 05-26-2007, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
A little off the beaten path here, how about consideration of a Toyota Corolla XRS (preferrably certified)?

Aside from that, I also give an honorable mention to the Infiniti I35 though, I think most still go for >$16k (at least those with lower mileage).
I think a new Civic would be a better choice.
Old 05-26-2007, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by dampfnudel
I think a new Civic would be a better choice.

....if one could just get beyond that "space age" dashboard.
Old 05-26-2007, 11:14 PM
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My wife drives a 2004 Accord V6 sedan. So far with 39K we have had no issues or problems with the car, and she doesn't take care of the car very well to be honest with you. There was a recall for an airbag issue, and shift gate issue... But that wasn't a big deal for us since we didn't encounter any problem with the recalled items.

Best car for the money when it comes to a sedan.
Old 05-26-2007, 11:41 PM
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get her a mazda 3 it's a fun car, plenty of room, good gas mileage, has a peppy 2.3L 4 banger and is a nice looking ride. They are very reliable as well.
Old 05-27-2007, 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
....if one could just get beyond that "space age" dashboard.
I tried to convince her but she doesnt like it. Now she wants a G6 coupe. :curse: Women ...
Old 05-27-2007, 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by sbuswell
get her a mazda 3 it's a fun car, plenty of room, good gas mileage, has a peppy 2.3L 4 banger and is a nice looking ride. They are very reliable as well.
It did not feel that roomy to me. I was thinking a 6 rather than a 3. Thinking about accident safety as well ...
Old 05-27-2007, 09:48 AM
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A CL-6 is out of the question.

1) she can not drive stick
1 a) she is unteachable (by me)
2) she doesnt like those
Old 05-27-2007, 10:08 AM
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What about an 02/03 G35 sedan?
Old 05-27-2007, 10:18 AM
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I like the Mazda 3 in that price range... I also like the Honda Fit, Scion xB, but the fit has already been eliminated, and the xB's styling isn't for everyone...

Originally Posted by F23A4
....if one could just get beyond that "space age" dashboard.
great looking car on the outside, terrible looking from the drivers seat...

My sister had a 2006 Civic sedan, but traded up to a CRV...

I hated the dash on that car...
Old 05-27-2007, 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
2) she doesnt like those
I was going to say, "buy what she likes"...

Looks like a G6 is in your future
Old 05-27-2007, 10:28 AM
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or a 2004 Maxima? Any reliability problems with these?
Old 05-27-2007, 10:29 AM
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She likes the maxima/g35 idea ...
Old 05-27-2007, 10:29 AM
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I'm not dealing with a pontiac, EVER.
Old 05-27-2007, 10:48 AM
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I didn't realize you could pick up a G35 for $16k. Wow... they dropped in value almost as bad as the CL
Old 05-27-2007, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by ludachrisvt
or a 2004 Maxima? Any reliability problems with these?
I looked on the maxima forums about these for a friend earlier this school year since he was looking for a different car and the only problems I remember reading about were squeeks and rattles and various recalls.

I'd take a look over there.
Old 05-27-2007, 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by GreenMonster

My sister had a 2006 Civic sedan, but traded up to a CRV...

I hated the dash on that car...
My son and I test drove the Si 4dr and LOVED everything about it.....except for that dashboard. Given my more than spirited driving habits, I could NEVER have a car where the digital speedometer is as high and conspicuous as a roadside billboard.


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