Best car (used) for ~$17k?
)
07-23-09 | 02:51 PM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Acura's 6/70 drivetrain and 4/50 bumper-to-bumper warranty generally matches that of rivals Lexus and Infiniti....and outdoes the European upmarket nameplates.
I will have him check out Infiniti, although I haven't been much of a fan myself...
07-23-09 | 02:57 PM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
CR also verifies your experience with the Accord automatics. The transmissions were well-below average in reliability up through 2001, remained below average (though slightly improved) for 2002, and then improved dramatically in 2003.
So, in effect, the TL had tranny problems for roughly one year more than the Accords did.
07-23-09 | 03:03 PM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
For 17K, also check out a used turbo Subaru Legacy GT. They can be fun to drive, are well-built, reliable, and offer standard AWD traction. The Legacy/Outback, for years, has been my favorite line of cars, but I'm being objective here and not just trying to foster my views off on your friend, because it's his money here at stake, not mine. With a Subaru, like an Accord or TL, you are probably better off with one built after 2003.
07-23-09 | 04:02 PM
#21
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: CA
thank you for all the good advice. he said he doesn't care for Infinitis and also doesn't want AWD. He prefers the A4s or 3 Series, but I just feel like that might open a huge possibility of repairs compared to the Japanese cars...
07-23-09 | 08:49 PM
#24
According to Consumer Reports, the best reliability source I know of, TL transmission issues ended abruptly after 2003. The 2004 and later transmissions were far more reliable than theose of 2003.
CR also verifies your experience with the Accord automatics. The transmissions were well-below average in reliability up through 2001, remained below average (though slightly improved) for 2002, and then improved dramatically in 2003.
So, in effect, the TL had tranny problems for roughly one year more than the Accords did.
CR also verifies your experience with the Accord automatics. The transmissions were well-below average in reliability up through 2001, remained below average (though slightly improved) for 2002, and then improved dramatically in 2003.
So, in effect, the TL had tranny problems for roughly one year more than the Accords did.
04 an older are made out of glass...
only reason i searched is i almost got a TL once but never did b/c of these tranny issues....always wanted to know for sure when they were actually not junk!
07-23-09 | 08:53 PM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,274
Likes: 296
From: ------
Acura is a good choice for used cars. They are reliable, but don't hold their value as well as Lexus or BMW. Try to look for a TL or even a TSX.
Also, an Infiniti G35 sedan can be had for about $17k with about 50k miles. May not be fully loaded, but at least you get a powerful V6, RWD, and even a manual tranny if you want it...
Also, an Infiniti G35 sedan can be had for about $17k with about 50k miles. May not be fully loaded, but at least you get a powerful V6, RWD, and even a manual tranny if you want it...
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/04/k...-value-awards/
http://auto-loan.interest.com/auto-l...alue_tips.html
The friend who lost his business/job should just use the 17K saved to pay off the M5 or pay it off as soon as possible and immediately sell the M5 to free up as much money possible before it depreciates too much. If he is broke or in serious financial trouble, driving around in a 90K+ M5 makes no sense, it gets horrible gas mileage and generally costs a fortune to insure on top of how ridiculously expensive it is.
Obviously your friend wants performance but really needs to to watch his finances and be responsible with his choice so I would recommend a used 3rd Gen TL, TSX, G35/37, possibly M35, Lexus GS400/430, if possible CPO or extended warranty for a used E46 3 series,6 speed v6 Accord coupes are sporty and fun, he is not going to find anything reasonably priced that will come anywhere near what his M5 was but he needs to worry more about finances then a hot car right now. He should not get a used German car without a warranty either because they could easily be money pits and cost him a ton to maintain and repair.
07-23-09 | 09:09 PM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Audis, in general, as you note, are now about as reliable, on the average, as most BMWs, but less-reliable than their Japanese-designed competition. A4s, in some versions, come in FWD like he wants....with others, Quattro AWD is standard.
Last edited by mmarshall; 07-23-09 at 09:12 PM.
07-23-09 | 09:15 PM
#28
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
only reason i searched is i almost got a TL once but never did b/c of these tranny issues....always wanted to know for sure when they were actually not junk!
07-23-09 | 09:21 PM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 91,710
Likes: 89
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Consumer Reports indicates otherwise, but if you (or anyone else) is still uncomfortable with the idea of buying a 2004 or 2005, then fine, I agree......don't buy one. One of the main things involved with buying any car, new or used, is peace of mind.
07-23-09 | 09:28 PM
#30
I don't trust any of those organizations (even J.D. Power) as much as I do Consumer Reports. CR has what, IMO, is the best auto-reliability database there is. Their findings also closely agree with my own experience with the many cars that I gave owned over the years.
Well, with today's new Acuras, you don't have to worry either way. You just have to put up with those silly parrot-beak grilles.
Well, with today's new Acuras, you don't have to worry either way. You just have to put up with those silly parrot-beak grilles.