What would you buy?
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
What would you buy?
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!
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!
#2
Lexus Champion
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!
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!
Consumer Reports has an article in the latest issue of recommended cars under $10,000.
#3
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by 08pebbch
2008 Lincoln MKX
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.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-07-15 at 10:23 AM.
#4
Lexus Champion
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.
#5
Lexus Champion
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.
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.
Last edited by tex2670; 05-07-15 at 03:18 PM.
Trending Topics
#8
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.
#9
Rookie
Thread Starter
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!
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!
#10
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.
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.
#11
Lexus Fanatic
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.
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.
#13
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (14)
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Charleston,SC
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.