What would you buy?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 91
Likes: 32
From: TN
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!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
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.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
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; May 7, 2015 at 10:23 AM.
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.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
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; May 7, 2015 at 03:18 PM.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 91
Likes: 32
From: TN
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!
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 167
From: IL
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.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
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.
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.
