08pebbch

Hi all - looking to upgrade our 19 year old son's 2004 Toyota Solara. Want to spend $11k or less, and would like less than 100k miles... he is not interested in a truck ... would like a "nicer" car.

We still pay for maintenance/repairs, so no Audi, VW, Land Rover, Jeep/Chrysler, Jaguar, Mini, BMW (more brands likely to be added to that list!) I have heard about issues with Nissan's CVT transmission, also.

The list of cars in the price range so far:

2005 Infiniti G35 coupe (not sure if that has the same troublesome transmission)

2008 Lincoln MKX

2007 Camry LE

2007 Acura TL S

2008 Honda Accord (likes Accords, but wants 08 or newer body style)

2006-7 Toyota Avalon

Other suggestions/advice/warnings?

Thank you!

tex2670

Without a doubt, I would get the Acura TL-S.

Consumer Reports has an article in the latest issue of recommended cars under $10,000.

mmarshall

Is that a typo? Did you mean the Lincoln MKZ?...the MKZ would fit more in line with the other vehicles you mention. The MKX is a rebadged Ford Edge mid-sized SUV, with slightly more trim and equipment, that doesn't look or drive very impressively.

If you DID mean the MKZ, note that it is the only other vehicle on your list (besides the G35) that offers an AWD option...though I don't know how much an issue that is for you there in TN.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

Hondas in that time period had some serious issues with transmissions. I don't know if that model year TL was involved but I'd look into it. If it is out of the trouble years for Honda transmissions, I'd also recommend it among the options listed. If interested, used 06 IS250s seem to be going right around this price range, too.

tex2670

My 2000 TL had a warranty extension for the transmission, so hopefully 07 TLs and 08 Accords were fixed by then.

06 IS250 is a nice recommendation, although smaller than the other vehicles. Just make sure to check on whether the carbon buildup CSP was performed. The 9 year warranty extension would be up now.

evident

acura tl type s. transmission issues have been resolved in the 07 and 08 models of accords an tl's by then.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Acura TL Type-S definitely.

jwong77

I would throw a 2006-2008 Acura TSX into that group, as its generally seen as a simpler, cheaper and more reliable car than the TL. I have one as a beater and it works great.

08pebbch

Acura, Acura, Acura! Okay, I get it!

I have always thought Acura is one of the most underrated, almost invisible close-to luxury brands made! Bought a new MDX right off the truck in 2004 - I loved it (I'm 5 ft. not much), husband (6 Foot 4 ish) hated it... we sold it to our best friends- they drove it until last year.

I will look at the IS and the TSX as well.

Have checked with my insurer - surprisingly, these cars are very close to our premium for the Solara - the G35 has the biggest increase - $70.

Thank you for your advice! Keep it coming!

S2000toIS350

Toyota Matrix or a Pontiac Vibe (the same car with a GM badge and a lower resale).

I got one for our son when he was at college and i got fed up with the tranny code issues with the 2004 Acura TL we gave him.

The Matrix/Vibe hauls a lot, has lots of room for a small car, is cheap to maintain and will run in till he's done with it and then be off to the next happy to have it owner.

mmarshall

The Matrix and Vibe also come with an AWD option for bad weather, though that version may be harder to find than the regular FWD models.

CSTU93

Also of note, oil consumption issues on 8th Gen Accords... I'd avoid the MKX.

IOWNALEXUS

iTrader: (14)

He said they wanted a "nice" car. Matrix and vibe are both ugly and inferior to his current solara.


I wouldn't touch a lincoln of that age with a stick unless you like to lose a ton of money at resale.
G35's are pretty solid cars if well maintained but can have oil burning issues.
Hondas in those years have auto transmission problems so BUY A MANUAL
Camrys in those years are TERRIBLE!! they have major oil burning issues... my ex gf had an 07 LE 4cyl that went thru 1qt a week!! they also have very low reliability ratings.

If RWD isn't a problem id suggest an 03+ IS300 or GS300/GS430 they are both bullet proof reliable and nice.

Justin2JZ

What about a 2 or 3GS? 2006 GS300?

IOWNALEXUS

iTrader: (14)

The worst suggestion yet. DO NOT BUY A 2006 GS300. Please do some research.