| Ms. Mdx |
I have an '02 'X and now it is time to look for a new car for hubby. He drives an 8 year old Integra. We are looking for a mid size sedan. Haven't decided on a budget yet and won't buy till spring 2003. I guess we don't want to spend another $40K since this will be used for commuting and parked at a public lot in Boston during the day. Decent winter/snow handling is important.
Also should we buy a new car or a 2 year old more upscale model? I guess for this discussion our budget is around $30K.
Some ideas for new: acura TL-s, Maxima, Infinity G35. I would look at Audi, but hubby will only consider Japanese.
Look forward to your ideas and opinions. :4: |
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| Desant |
Only Japanese... Hmmm... Within $30K I would not get a Maxima - I don't like handling in snow, G35 is a great car, but it is back wheel drive. TL would be great, as long as you don't care about new design coming out in 10 months or so.
You can get a decent used SUV for it too. You can get a 2 year old RX300 or MDX from www.cars.com. Ira Infiniti has a special on 2002 Infiniti QX4 for around $30K.
If you don't care about the brand, you can get a fully equipped 2003 Accord with V6 and NAV. |
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| TYP |
Hi..
I'd say TL type S is a good choice.
The TL feels the same inside as the MDX.. but it's lower, faster, and easier to park.
However, I am guessing more hybird or full eletric cars will come out soon.. with the price of gas.. might be a good idea to go with hybrids..
:cool: |
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| Desant |
I love TL-S. A agree it is like MDX inside. I just traded one in. There are two issues with it:
1. It has a transmission problem on about 10% of cars. Acura just extended warranty on that part.
2. New model is coming out in 1 year, that will make the value of the car drop faster.
Other than that I LOVE TL-S. For its price and what it offers, it is one of the best sedans. You can negotiate a TL-S without NAVI and get one around $29K |
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| ghost |
How about a Subaru Outback or Forester? They're dynamite in snow (all-wheel drive), easy to handle in the city, and Japanese? Not a sedan I guess, but three out of four ain't bad.
And I think you should put the Audi back on the list, you can pretend its Japanese.
Or a Volvo, the kind of cars the Japanese would make if they were tall and blond. :) |
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| wmquan |
I'm also looking for a good second family car that will spend some time in park-and-ride lots.
Obviously there's the higher-end trims of the new Accord, Camry, and Altima. I don't like the side-impact crash test results for the Camry and Altima, while the new Accord should be pretty good (especially with side airbags, and side curtains).
However, something bothers me about leaving an Accord (or a Camry). in a park-and-ride lot. Especially a top-of-the-line EX V-6. Sort of like advertising, "steal me!" Punk car thieves and joy riders seem to love Accords!
The new-gen TL should be out soon but would command premium prices (MSRP) for the first six months or more.
If a Japanese model is really in the mix, I agree with the previous suggestion to consider a Subaru Outback, Legacy, or Forester. It won't have any problems with winter driving, being AWD. You can get very good deals on the high-end Outbacks -- the H6 VDC (which comes with stability control) and the LL Bean Edition. Those models are very nicely equipped. I would druther that the car-prowling punks would leave them alone.
The Subarus should also be very reliable. They normally come as wagons but sedan versions are available, although they don't sell particularly well.
Remery has an H6 VDC and I think he still loves it. |
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| TopDog |
| I would go with the new Accord EX-V6. The only thing holding me back from recommending the TL (which we have and love!!!) is that it is being replaced and the new Accord is already out. The new Accord can be equipped with a 240 hp V-6, 5 speed automatic, good center console, leather, navigation, moonroof, etc. Equipped like that it will be about $30K and you get about the features that you would in a current TL. The TL has either a 225 hp motor or the 260 hp in Type-S guise. If your hubby "needs" the status of a luxury name brand, then a TL-S or (German) Audi A4 would be the ticket. The A4 is awful small though. |
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| Ms. Mdx |
Thanks for your replies! Hubby isn't too picky with cars ... I'm the car enthusiast in the family :D . I have a hidden agenda! I will have to drive this car once in a while when he needs the mdx. I will be the one pushing for a sportier version with more horsepower. If it was up to me I would be searching for 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp :10: .
- TL: I just read about the redesign a few days ago. Maybe we could wait till Oct. 2003.
- Subaru: My parents had a Forester and I didn't like it. Not enough power, not stable at 75+mph and very noisy.
- Audi: My parents had 2 Audi 5000 many years ago a now have an A6. Never had any major issues with them. Hubby believes they are unreliable and calls them VW's :rolleyes: .
I guess I'll start test driving several brand after the holidays and narrow down my "suggestions" to hubby. |
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| khaug |
How about the Subaru WRX? 217 HP, quarter mile times in the mid-14 sec range, good brakes and handling, decent fit and finish, quiet, all-wheel drive. Priced in the mid-twenties. A station wagon version is available. Two friends of mine own these cars. They are rocket ships, yet refined enough to be a great commuter car.
-Karl |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by khaug
How about the Subaru WRX? 217 HP, quarter mile times in the mid-14 sec range, good brakes and handling, decent fit and finish, quiet, all-wheel drive. Priced in the mid-twenties. A station wagon version is available. Two friends of mine own these cars. They are rocket ships, yet refined enough to be a great commuter car.
-Karl
I think that's a pretty good choice. And if you resist the add-ons it should not get a lot of the wrong kind of attention in the parking lot. But we know what lurks beneath the hood.......
Might as well have something that's fun as well as a decent commuter. |
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| Desant |
| I personally like Subaru's specs, AWD, handling, but I HATE its design. Even Swedish, I mean American (Ford) Volvo may be a good choice. S60 AWD has some great bargains in MA. |
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| Markedoc |
| $25-$26k all decked out in EX V6 trim. Subarus are OK, but not big enough in the back seat. If you are worried about snow performance, put snows on the Accord. I'd get the Accord over a Subaru any day, and Consumer Reports and the car mags would all agree. |
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| JTM |
Hold off $30K..... :D
Your hubby still drive newer car than I am... I am now driving a 10-year old Maxima. :2: J/K
Well..... If you are replacing the car in early 2003, then new accord will be a good choice. If you can wait, wait for it... TL is changing. I think Maxima and I35 are changing too. [I believe Maxima and I35 change its models every 5 yrs, which will be so for 2004] IS300 is a bit small but fun to drive. What else?? :rolleyes: |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Mdx
Some ideas for new: acura TL-s, Maxima, Infinity G35. I
As my signature shows; I like the TL-S:1: |
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| donsev |
quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Mdx
Thanks for your replies! Hubby isn't too picky with cars ... I'm the car enthusiast in the family :D . I have a hidden agenda! I will have to drive this car once in a while when he needs the mdx. I will be the one pushing for a sportier version with more horsepower. If it was up to me I would be searching for 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp :10: .
- TL: I just read about the redesign a few days ago. Maybe we could wait till Oct. 2003.
- Subaru: My parents had a Forester and I didn't like it. Not enough power, not stable at 75+mph and very noisy.
- Audi: My parents had 2 Audi 5000 many years ago a now have an A6. Never had any major issues with them. Hubby believes they are unreliable and calls them VW's :rolleyes: .
I guess I'll start test driving several brand after the holidays and narrow down my "suggestions" to hubby.
I would certainly give the current generation of the Forester a second look - especially if you can wait until Spring. It is rumored that it will be available with a turbocharged 2.5L that should produce well north of 240HP. In addition, the Legacy will be receiving a turbo option as well by June, and the WRX Sti (260-270HP) will be shipping in March. The 2004 WRX should be available after March as well with changes to the front end (oddly, I prefer the current headlight design to the revised version) and minor tweeks to the engine and suspension. Actually any car based on the Impreza platform would be a good choice. The 2.5 TS Sport Sedan and Wagon have more low end torque than the 2.0L turbo in the WRX and they all have very highly regarded handling.
But if 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp are of more interest, the new Mazda RX-8 should be available by June with ~ 250HP, 6 speed manual and 9000rpm redline, all with seating for 4 6 footers.
And since your looking anyway, by all means check out the Infinity G35Coupe (which probably comes closest to your wish list anyway
;) )
If middle of the road sedans are more appropriate, Consumer Reports just did a review of the Accord, Legacy, Saturn and (?) in the latest issue. |
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| hockeyplayer |
| I do like MDXXX's choice with the Lexus IS300. That was going to be my car of choice but got the "bus" instead.:)(very happy too) |
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| 02SSmdx |
Here's what I would suggest...
If you're in the market for a brand new car, I wouldn't recommend any first year redesign. I would give them a year to work out the kinks. I would wait on the Accord and not consider the redesigned TL right away.
If you're looking used and image...look at a "certified pre-owned" lexus GS 300/400. If you decide to go German then you must consider the Ultimate Driving Machine...a BMW 5 series, CPO'd of course. You should be able to buy either car for less then $30k.
Both the 5 series and GS with a V-6 will make for a nice commuter car with a lot of leg room and status. You'll also get the sportiness that you desire.
Again...just my $0.02. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Infinity G35 Coupe (that's what I'm looking into right now) |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by donsev
But if 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp are of more interest, the new Mazda RX-8 should be available by June with ~ 250HP, 6 speed manual and 9000rpm redline, all with seating for 4 6 footers.
That would be my first pick, but the RX-7 was running close to 30K six years ago, not sure the replacement will be as 'cheap'. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Mdx
I have an '02 'X and now it is time to look for a new car for hubby. He drives an 8 year old Integra. We are looking for a mid size sedan. Haven't decided on a budget yet and won't buy till spring 2003. I guess we don't want to spend another $40K since this will be used for commuting and parked at a public lot in Boston during the day. Decent winter/snow handling is important.
Also should we buy a new car or a 2 year old more upscale model? I guess for this discussion our budget is around $30K.
Some ideas for new: acura TL-s, Maxima, Infinity G35. I would look at Audi, but hubby will only consider Japanese.
Look forward to your ideas and opinions. :4:
How about the Subaru Impreza WRX. That car has AllWheelDrive (AWD) and can handle the snow very easily. And with its powerful engine, I think he would like it but I don't know the price in U.S dollars. It is 36000 in canada thats all I know. |
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| MrPrescott |
| Look under the 'polls' for a similar discussion. The concensus seems to be G35 as far as 4 seat cars. I like the TL-S, but would wait to see if Acura is a little less conservative on the next revision in 2004. |
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| doggiedog |
I've heard nothing but praise for the new Mazda 6.
It was even C&D's 10 Best for this year. |
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| DaleB |
IT's around 20K...a gap filler until the RX8 makes a debut. Not sure how the public will welcome back a rotary engine car, but they have had lots of time to meet smog laws and improve mileage.
And they WILL run on any gas. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
quote:
Originally posted by boxsterS
get him a Boxster S....he will be a car enthusiast for life! :)
03 MBP Tour/NAV/RES
Boxsters are not inexpensive cars anymore!!!!! |
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| DaveI |
quote:
Originally posted by 2002 Acura MDX!
Boxsters are not inexpensive cars anymore!!!!!
Correct, and not a mid-size sedan in the $30k range as msmdx had originally stated she was looking for. It is a very nice ride, however. |
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| nwaring |
quote:
Originally posted by doggiedog
I've heard nothing but praise for the new Mazda 6.
It was even C&D's 10 Best for this year.
Doggiedog, you beat me to it. It's something different. We have owned both Civic's and Protege's. Both have been reliable but the Mazda's always got the nod in the handling department.
Niles:) |
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| donsev |
| Yeah, the Mazda 6 is getting some excellent reviews. I will probably add that to the "at least check them out" list for myself. BTW, the RX-8 will base sticker for between $27k-$28k according to the current C&D Preview. I have been "watching this space" since the '99 Tokyo Auto show with the RX Evolve and all along they have been saying it would be under $30k (Although I was concerned when a UK mag listed its price at 26k pounds) |
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| acura_ed |
| If you are going to wait until Spring, you might want to look at the new Acura TSX. Yes, it is going to be smaller than the TL, but I think it is going to be a "hot" sedan. I'll post more when I get more information on the U.S. version. |
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| 2002 Acura MDX! |
quote:
Originally posted by acura_ed
If you are going to wait until Spring, you might want to look at the new Acura TSX. Yes, it is going to be smaller than the TL, but I think it is going to be a "hot" sedan. I'll post more when I get more information on the U.S. version.
How about the 03 Honda Accord???? The V6 model looks nice, fast and safe but the front bumper looks too plain and the tail light design looks like it is sleeping. I think the pricing will not be that expensive and I assume it will be cheaper then the Acura TSX. |
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| Ms. Mdx |
Thanks! You have given me plenty of options to consider. We don't need to get a replacement for the Integra right now. It runs well ... we just need a slightly larger sedan that will fit 2 car seats. Also, I think that after driving the 'X, Hubby wants a little more luxury in his car.
Mdxxxx - The Lexus does look nice :4: .
Seriously, I will start test-driving most of the options you all listed after the holidays (or as they become available). It's a tough job, but someone has to do it :D . It might take a little longer than I would like due to time/baby-sitter constraints, but I will post comments as I go. |
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| rlm32 |
quote:
Originally posted by Ms. Mdx
- Audi: My parents had 2 Audi 5000 many years ago a now have an A6. Never had any major issues with them. Hubby believes they are unreliable and calls them VW's :rolleyes: .
So my VW is actually an Audi;)
Anyways, he doesn't know what he's missing when he doesn't even consider German cars. They are a fine piece of automotive engineering and as reliable as japanese cars (if you know what to get). Granted, probably more expensive to mantain after warranty expires, but they give you a sweet driver oriented experience like no other. The only japanese car close to that is the G35. |
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| Ms. Mdx |
rlm32,
You don't have to sell me on the German cars. I used to own a bmw 540i 6-speed manual in my single carefree days :22: . I did say I was the car fanatic in the family! To put it in perspective since college I've had about 8 cars and hubby 2 or 3. Maybe I enjoyed my single carefree days too much ;) . |
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| Curtsan |
I have to admit that I am a Honda fan and would not hesitate to recomment the Accord, new or used...I had a 1999 Accord V6 and it was great in EVERY respect...
That being said, budget at some point comes in to the equation and I sold the Accord after 2 yrs of driving for almost what I paid for it, and picked up a car which is rated well, but has the opposite situation, loses value quickly for whatever reason. I bought a Mazda Millenia which has all the same,(and some more) features of the Accord, and is quieter and has a nicer ride...more like the TL ride...a little sportier cockpit also...my kids love it, howver, it is more of a 4 ppl sedan than 5 (if that is an issue) but the 2 in back are far more comforatable than the Accord due to the contoured seats...I took a new one for a test drive just for fun, and it is incredible...possibly one of the most under rated vehicles out there (IMHO) I am very happy with mine ....
The only real way to find what works for you is budget, then narrow it down based on needs..then begin the test drives...some will just feel right and others won't...process of elimination gets you your choice....I have a work colleague who buys cars a couple years old, rather than new, saves some depreciation dollars, but uses the saved cash to buy higher end cars...always has had very good luck this way...(used Bimmers, used Audi's, etc...) Good luck, and what a great position to be in...window shopping (test driving) is great... |
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