Hello. I am in desperate need of a vehicle. I was really interested in a 2001 GS430 but I decided that I didn't really want to spend that much since I am still in college and will be for a lot longer than I care to admit. I live in socal and am looking at spending about $12k-15k on a used car. I want a vehicle that is a 2000 or newer and has less that 60k miles on it. My criteria and price range unfortunetly excludes most lexus's. I want something reliable and practical (I have owned 2 SC400's and absolutely loved them but they aren't practical enough for me) that is good sized and has a 6 cylinder engine (relatively good gas mileage is important). I am looking at midsize cars or small pickups. The only two vehicles I am even remotely interested in are a toyota tacoma or nissan maxima. Any suggestions on vehicles that would fit my criteria besides these two would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Ryan

I just bought a Scion TC and it is an awesome car for the $. Besides you can do some very cool mods on it and it can be fast unlike the competition.

Personally I would always recommend the 2002-2003 Maxima. Fast cars, extensive aftermarket, pretty roomy, not to bad on gas, and personally, I dont think they look to bad. There are some good deals on them too. Downside to them is here in NJ/NY the headlights get stolen all the time. I dont know about Cali, but I dont think it will be any different. If thats a problem, then a 2000-2001 Maxima would be nice. Or a ES300, I30/35, TL, tC(like mentioned before). There are a few others but I cant think of them right now.

You do not have to buy used for 15k....you can have a nice brand-new car with a long warranty for that money.

You state you want an economical 6-cylinder for 15K....here is a good possibility:

If this car is not too stodgy or conservative for you, check out the Suzuki Verona......starts at $16049. It's a pretty good-sized car....about the size of a Camry. Comes with a small 2.5L inline 6 and plenty of standard equipment....and with dealer incentives and discounts, even with options and tax it will probably go out the door in the 15-16K range you are looking for...maybe even less. Comes with a standard 7 year /100,000 mile drive-train warranty. I have seen this car, inspected it, and test-driven it. It is not an exciting car to drive but is well-built and with good fit-and-finish....especially for the price.
It is also unique in one respect...it is the only car I know of in the American market with transverse in-line 6 and front-drive.
http:www.suzukiauto.com/sr_05/verona/

nice, it's got heated seats too.

I would have to agree on the maxima. Reliable, fast, roomy ride. I30 with good mileage will be up there at $15k. Oh and you can get a maxima on stick, which is always a ++++++++++.

You can get 2001 IS300's for 15k now.

i want nothing but Lexus.

Try the power search at autotrader. You can specify the year range , price range, mileage, and within any distance for all Lexus.

Thanks for the help. I am working on getting a 2005 scion tC. Doesn't exactly fit my criteria but I test drove one the other day and I think I really like it. Now if only I can find one in Flint Mica or Indigo Ink Pearl with no options. That is turning out to be quite a challenge.

Thanks for the help. I am working on getting a 2005 scion tC. Doesn't exactly fit my criteria but I test drove one the other day and I think I really like it. Now if only I can find one in Flint Mica or Indigo Ink Pearl with no options. That is turning out to be quite a challenge.

Hard to go wrong with a Scion...or any Toyota product. I only mentioned the Suzuki Verona is because you said you wanted an economical 6 and Toyota simply does not make one in the 15K price range you want.