My good friend's company was another unfortunate result of our crappy economy. He's had to take a major salary reduction, so he's trying to cut his costs as much as possible. I'm trying to help him search for a decent car for about $17k. It's really hard for him because he has an M5, but he still owes about as much as the car is worth. What would be a good cheap alternative for the meantime?

He really wants to have bluetooth, navigation, and not a compact car (Civic/Corolla). In my initial searching, it seems like the best options I can find are:

06/07 Accord Coupes
04/05 GS300

Are there any other good cars out there that I'm missing that might be good options to look at? Anything newer that is not too expensive?

 

I have an 04 Honda accord coupe with the navigation system...it's a very good car, nav is second to none, including the GS, and it is spunky enough with the i4 and MT (0-60 7.5 seconds). My only complaints is steering is short on feel and feels electric.

 

Good to know. I had many Hondas in the past and no issues except timing belts. Any areas of concern?

 

I believe the 2.4ivtec has a timing chain v. timing belt.

 

Have you found any downsides to the car? What other alternatives did you find comparable?

 

I would look at the Acura TSX and TL. They are practical choices (high on features / resale value and low on running costs )

Honestly, from your friend's viewpoint coming from a m5 everything will be a bit of a letdown.

 

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...

 

Good catch! I didn't realize the TLs could be so cheap, but they are I guess. I heard the auto tranns on Acuras/Hondas go bad early on. How long is Acura's powertrain warranty?

I will have him check out Infiniti, although I haven't been much of a fan myself...

 

you can find an 02 or 03 LS430 for $17-18K w/decent mileage(60K).... thats what i'd be on the hunt for...esp if i was coming from an M5.
i'd be super depressed going from an M5 to an accord........

 

Yeah it's depressing, but a payment of $1k+/month sucks too...

 

I believe the tranny problems were generally fixed before the last gen TL came out.

 

tranny problems were 2 body styles ago.

 

From what I've heard, 2005+ and newer are better for both the TSX and the TL.

04 TSX have an issue with imploding A/C units
04 TL - tranny and other issues

 

LS430, best used car on the market.

 

acura trannys had issues going into 2005 with the TL. This in addition to basically every Honda automatic from 1998 to 2003. The one on my 2002 accord v6 has failed twice before 100K.

And I agree, going from an M5 to an Accord is just going to be depressing. The Accord is nice, but it in no way has any sort of European feel. Going to an LS would be even more depressing. Maybe he should look at a used 330i, plenty out there for $17K and much more fun to drive than any Accord. lol, and I also found a 2004 S4 4.2 V8 for $18K...yummmm