| MDXLuvr |
Well here we go again.
Its been only a few weeks since I last posed this question. After all the great advice from you guys, i bought the NSX(not to brag, but man do I LUV the NSX). Well, since then, there has been some major changes in our stable.
To summarize, the wife(drug rep) replaced her taurus with a windstar(please no flames - company gets to decide on the choices), i decided to keep the MDX as a daily driver. Then, wife loses the MDX's keys at a bar, MDX gets burned down. So, I need another daily driver.:mad: :( :o :) :D :cool: (the thoughts i had when i got the bad news).
So, Here i am again(sound like such a drama king). What do u guys think i should get. I am looking for a daily driver. preferably under $32k(since it will be a "beater"). Can be new or used. Preferably a sedan or coupe(No MDX).
So far, I have it narrowed down to:
1. Accord EX-4 banger
2. Accord EX-6 cylinder.
3. VW passat
4. Used 330i.
5. used 530i
6. RX-8:D
7. Nissan Altima/Maxima.
I live in a small town, there are no Acura/Lexus/Infiniti dealerships. However, We do have Volvo, MB, BMW. This time i decided to stay away from the non-local dealers.
btw, here are the links
Link to MDX fiasco
NSX Link |
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| larzgold |
| Wife has the passat - loves it, well seems like she likes my mdx more - and wants that now 2... Personally I would go for the Beamer.. |
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| greatscot |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
330
2nd that (from your list)
Give the TSX a look, you won't be sorry. |
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| A6MDX |
Only go German if you can get one that has warranty remaining. I'd also have to consider if the local German car dealer service is any good. Personally, I'd go for the 330 with a sport package if one could be found. My next choice would be a 2002 or better Audi A4 if there is a decent Audi dealership nearby.
Figure in the cost of maintenance and the Audi will be a tiny bit cheaper in comparison to US or Japanese made cars since everything except tires is covered under warranty. That includes wiper blades, oil changes and brake pads. I think BMW has a similar warranty. The 2001 and better Audi's have a 4 year 50,000 miles warranty. Heck, you could get a low mileage 2001 A6 in the neighborhood of of $32k. If you buy from an Audi dealership get them to do an Audi Assured preowned warranty that goes to 6 years and 100,000 miles. The portion over 50,000 miles or 4 years does not cover scheduled maintenance.
Sorry. Probably too much info but I'm more passionate about my A6 than I am about the X.:D |
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| TheWorm |
Well, the Accord is the most sensible choice. Low maint costs, etc. The 4 is gutless and uninspired but the 6 is good (we had a 4cyl '96 LX 4-dr and a 6cyl '98 EX coupe).
Tho my personal preference among those would be the 330. Fun to drive. The 530 is a nicer car, but you have to flog it w/that engine, unless you get a manny tranny. Maintenance, if not included, is pricey in comparison to the Japanese cars (like, 3x more). |
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| A6MDX |
I'd pick the 330 over the 530 any day. The engine has to push a couple of hundred extra pounds and the back seat is only marginally bigger. If he wants sporty over comfort the shorter wheelbase and lighter 330 is the way to go. If comort is prefered over sportiness the longer wheebase 530 will be a little more comfortable at a somewhat higher price.
I'm with you on the Accord. It's the best choice if he wants bullet-proof reliability, low maintenance and comfort. |
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| mdxxxx |
2. Accord EX-6 cylinder. It you want pratical value...
4. Used 330i if you have extra cash... |
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| tigmd99 |
MDXLuvr,
I would definitely pick a brand new Accord (4 or 6 cyl) over the other choices. Passat would be my second choice since it's really the only reliable VW car out there.
BMW does offer free maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles. Pretty cool, but usually BMWs don't need service until around 12,000-14,000 miles...so, it's not that big of a saving. I know this because i just got an '03 BMW M3. With the way i am driving now (still in break-in), my oil change is not until 14,500 miles (per computer).
However, used BMW is not worthy...i don't trust used cars period. Used BMW is even more questionable...you know how yuppies drive their beemers, especially when girls are in their cars! (Damn, i am one of them now!) You just don't know what the previous owner did to the car. Certified or not, i would stay away from used cars.
Good Luck. |
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| DevExpert |
I'd say go with BMW. I just got the 2003 325Xi and love it. So much fun to drive. Love the engine sound and handling... I just look for an excuse to drive :2:
But with all this being said test drive all of them and pick the one *you like* the best. I did same when I was buying and that car was by far the best to drive in my opinion and puts smile on my face every time I drive.
Life is too short to drive cars that don’t make you happy… :D |
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| m2pc |
Choices by preference:
1. Accord 6 cyl
2. Accord 4 cyl
3. Beemers - only if they had warranty on them |
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| hammermdx |
| 330, but I'm biased like LL.:4: |
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| X2Z |
We have the 2002 Passat and love it. With its Eibach lowering springs and shocks and low profile tires, it handles like a 330 with sport suspension kit. Of course this opinion is subjective but had the opportunity to test both on multiple occasions (sister in-law has one)
in the smokie mountains. The car has many great features for its price range. It does not have an available navigation system and does not accelerate or stop like the 330. However, there are a whole lot of mods for this car, and if it were still my car (now my wifes) I would have addressed the cars deficiencies with mods:2:
Best of luck with your decision!!!!!!!!!! |
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| mgsparro |
I'm on my second VW, love them to death except their lack of reliability.
My 1999 Passat has been a maintenance nightmare. If you are fooled into buying a VW, just sell it before the warranty is out (I bought mine used, so my warranty was up).
This is a bit long, but I need to get it off my chest....
I just spent over $4k getting a new transmission, then $500 for some electrical problem that kept the car from starting.... and THEN the transmission wasn't working due to an electrical problem. I took it to one VW dealer who spent 6 (Yes, SIX) weeks on 3 occasions pulling on wires and basically tearing my car apart trying to get a clue as to what the problem was. After scratching the car, charging me for their incompetence, leaving a few things obviously undone, and failing to fix anything...they recommended that I buy a $1400+ part that they thought MIGHT be the solution...but if it wasn't the right part I'd be out the money, plus they were going to back-charge me for the 7 hours they spent failing to fix it the second time it was in the shop.
Hey, what a great deal! $2,000 to spend on guesswork. I called VW national customer service line and they said that I was out of warranty, out of luck, and really should get a second opinion! What GREAT advice! Take it away from one hopelessly inept VW dealer and try your luck at another.
So I took it to another VW dealer who diagnosed and fixed the problem in a couple of hours. Apparently not all VW dealers know that there is a control switch that tells the transmission which gear it should be in! DUH! Great consistency of service! So, in the course of 2 months during which I could not drive my car, I had 2 electrical problems, 1 A/C failure (great timing), and something broken on the fuel pump. My Passat has less than 70,000 miles, and I don't know that it will make it to 80,000 without major work. Very soon I may buy an Accord myself.
Argh! Go with the V6 Accord. |
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| OverTime |
I'd look for a used Audi S4 (sedan or Avant) before any of those cars you listed if you are looking for performance and high fun-factor. You can probably get a 2001 for right around 32k. But since you already have an NSX that might not be your priority...
OT |
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| timbrwolf9 |
| I would steer clear of the RX8 since it is a brand new model in it's first year of production. I would lean toward the Honda EX V-6 with Navigation. |
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| ndahbar |
330 all the way. Just don't get a 2001 model, those have SH*T steering feel (they lightened it up for some stupid reason...hopefully the guy that made that decision got fired). Steering was PERFECT up to the year 2000. 2002 and 2003 are improved over the terrible 2001 (ok ok it's not terrible, but to me it is, relative to the previous years) alas I don't think it'll ever be the same. I drove a 2002....and it was NOT the same as the 1999 BMW 328i that I drove for a while. :(
However...what an engine...chassis...brakes...interior... |
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| A6MDX |
| Later 2001 MY 330's went back to the old steering configurations and those earlier 2001 330i owners that requested it got their racks:D and couplings replaced. Can't remember the exact date they fixed it but my best buddy has a 2001 330i and I remember the uproar and the resulting fixes. |
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| ImOnlyTen |
OK. Here:
VW Passat Wagon (just get the wagon, it looks so much nicer)
BMW 525i (I more concerned about the bimmer reliability compared to the VW)
2003 Honda Accord EXV6 Nav (if you can get the coupe even better)
Acura TSX- good looks, awesome interior, good handling, good performance (even with the 4-cyl), but get the 6-speed
How about a CRV or Pilot or Element.
Just my 2 cents |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
330, but I'm biased like LL.:4:
Gee, are we?:4: |
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| laborlitigator |
| If you can, get it Certified Pre-Owned. . . 100K mile warranty |
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| hammermdx |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Gee, are we?:4:
Now if I could only get the M3 like you :4: |
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| MDXLuvr |
thanx for the replies.
it seems like a bunch of you guys have 3 series(coupe/sedan/convert/m3). congrats on the M3 thai, you are gonna luv that car. its crazy fast with the smg.
All i need is basic transportation. That is why i was leaning towards the accord/passat. lately, i have noticed passat owners complaining about bunch of quality issues. I figure the accord will be more reliable.
As much as I luv the 330/530- they will be more expensive to maintain. However, i keep thinking that a G35 sedan would be a better choice. Its roomier than a 330i, smaller than a 530i, more powerful, and less expensive. Alas, there are no Inifiniti dealers in our town.
choices, choices.:p |
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| dvilla |
| My common sense/cents (performance, cost, and reliability) tells me you are better off with the 2003 Honda Accord EXV6 Nav . |
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| X2Z |
| We have had our VW Passat without any problems for just under 24,000 mi now and love it, but as many people stated, when it comes to reliability a Toyota or Honda its not. If reliability is an issue definitely go with the Accord. |
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| OverTime |
My wife and I have had our Passat wagon (1.8T) for a little over three years and 55k miles now without a single problem. No squeaks, no rattles, no mechanicals, no materials/quality issues of any kind. Averaging 29mpg to boot!
Great car. I just wish it was faster which has me drooling over an Audi S4 nowadays :). The new S4 is a match for the M3 and I can get it in wagon form...oh the joy! hehe
OT |
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| tigmd99 |
MDXLuvr,
I would buy a 2004 Accord, just to make sure Honda worked out all the bugs (if there are any). I hate first year designs. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
Now if I could only get the M3 like you :4:
Hammermdx. . . save your money. . . ever hear the term "trophy wife". . . :4: |
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| Jon |
My friends mom bought a brand new Passat and 4k miles into it she had to take it in for ignition problems. My buddy bought a new Jetta and he had to take it in for a faulty power window motor, leaking sunroof, and an overheating engine. I tried to tell him.........get the 325i but noooooo, he wouldn't listen. Personally, my '99 330Xi has been nothing but a dream. Maintenance cost is no more expensive than a "domestic". Also, the build quality of a Bimmer is second to none (unless it's another German maker). After putting 54K miles on it, it feels just as tight and solid as the day I got it. Unlike the MDX that emits weird creaks and rattles here and there. Not to be ungrateful the MDX is pimp, but I kinda wish I would have bought the X5 3.0 instead.........
My Opinion: Bavarian Motor Works:29:
good luck!!! |
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| lawprofs |
Jon-
I'm glad you have had such a great experience with your 3 series, but you shouldn't think it transfers to the X5. I have a 2001 X5--four recalls (2 brakes, 2-fires) and numerous other problems, including a back gate that opens on its own and apparently cannot be fixed, mirrors that change position when you are driving down the road, bizarre noises from the engine, the list goes on. Be happy with your MDX. |
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| ndahbar |
quote:
Originally posted by tigmd99
MDXLuvr,
However, used BMW is not worthy...i don't trust used cars period. Used BMW is even more questionable...you know how yuppies drive their beemers, especially when girls are in their cars!
Good Luck.
While we all like to joke about this (heheh) I think in reality it's not true. I've seen it with my own eyes. All over the place. BY FAR more than 9/10 BMWs are driven like grandma is behind the wheel. Very sad...if you ask me. Oh well. At least Porsche drivers aren't mostly like this, even on public roads...as it SHOULD BE! Heheh. |
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| MDXLuvr |
quote:
Originally posted by lawprofs
I have a 2001 X5--four recalls (2 brakes, 2-fires) and numerous other problems, including a back gate that opens on its own and apparently cannot be fixed, mirrors that change position when you are driving down the road, bizarre noises from the engine, the list goes on. Be happy with your MDX.
Holy Cow!:eek:
People claim that bimmers are very reliable. I don't necessarily buy that. I believe that the 5-series is the only bmw with above avg. reliability- according to CR. william can correct me if i am wrong.
btw, nice collections of cars(once u get the mdx).;) |
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| MrPrescott |
Best daily ride: Accord v6
Add personality: Passat
Add performance: Bimmer
Add more perform: G-35
Different Approach: RX-8
I'm looking for something, preferably with 4 doors, that's fun, fast, and a little unique (sound like the mdx?). Currently, am eyeing the RX-8. |
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