You could probably find a ~2008 Infiniti G35s with low mileage for around $20k. Not going to get great gas mileage with this option but they're definitely reliable and fun to drive.
For 20k i'd get a used Lexus IS350, BMW 3 series, or Infiniti M45. All very good luxury cars that you can find around 20k dollars with low miles.
You can get a used 2008 Acura TL with around 30-50k miles for around $20-$22k. I've got a 2004 that's going to hit 200,000 miles in about 6 months or so and it's still running well.
Forgot about the IS. I like those cars. 350 for sport. 250 for mpg. If you have time for a mini-vacation: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ONE-...7646408?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item4cfd53ddc8 (no reserve, 1 owner, no wrecks, low miles, under warranty)...heck I might be bidding against you on this one. Closer to home: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007...8445718?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5d31dbc816 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007...9973527?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item337073dd17 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007...4689970?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19cc796432
What are the maintenance and any issues have you had since getting the car? I had a TSX that was about to reach 95k miles and I haven't had any issues. Would like to know if anything significant needed to be replaced after 100k.
I have a TSX with 135k. No issues. The great thing I like about the TSX over the TL is it was made in Japan (vs US), has a timing chain which never needs changing (vs a belt every 100k) and gets better mpg (I get 24 city/ 32 hwy). Change the transmission fluid and plugs and you should be ready for the next 95k.
Wow I didn't know the TSX had timing chains. I agree that they are great cars, especially with extra features for a decent price.
My bubble butt got the Mazda S sport. Slightly larger engine and more features such as stability control. The I- trims get good reviews as well.
Had to replace a couple of engine mounts at 120,000 miles and a power steering rack at 175,000-180,000 miles. I had a power steering pump making weird noises at 88,000 miles that they replaced under warranty. I also had an SRS light come on that they fixed for free at around 150,000 miles - it was soemthing wrong with a seatbelt sensor. That's about it. I do have things like the little lights on the seat heater switch and cruise control switch going out on me, but after this many miles, I'm not complaining about that. lol. I'm still getting around 22 mpg in the city and around 29-31 on highway road trips. I drive about 20,000-30,000 miles per year nowadays, probably - not sure. I'm at around 188,000 miles now. There's a guy on one of the forums I'm on who put over 215,000 miles on his 2005 TL in about 4-5 years and had no major problems. Unless something serious goes wrong, I'll hang onto it for another 1-2 years before I get another car, I think.
They may be killing it in the future but that's just a rumor. They're coming out with the ILX as the entry-level Acura, so it'll be interesting to see what they do with the TSX and TL. The TSX is the same thing as the European Honda Accord - they look identical, except for the badges.
thanks for the input everyone. A few of the posters who mentioned that I will miss my Acura TL and notice the difference if I get a relatively cheaper car (around $20k), do you speak on experience? From driving my Altima rental car, i do notice a couple of things, like the steering, some electronics (seat adjuster, seat heater, tire pressure gauge, etc) but I'm hoping that after even just a few weeks i'll get used to the differences. The main reason for 'downgrading' that since i'm getting $16k from the insurance company for my totaled car, i want to just add a couple more thousand from my own pocket and just pay the whole thing off either in the first month or just pay straight cash and get a discount. don't want to deal with a monthly car payment again. I had a VW Jetta before that i think was a lemon, which has turned me off from ever buying another VW again. European luxury cars, used, do not have good warranties and cost too much to repair as it gets older. Rather stick with a dependable new car that has a good warranty. Which has me leaning towards a Hyundai again.
I have to disagree. We own an Acura TSX and a Honda Accord. I always prefer driving the Accord. It feels far more solid and I always have much more control with it. For around $20k I don't think you can go wrong with an Accord. I've had the car for 3 years now and I love it.
The first new car I ever owned was VW Jetta...biggest piece of crap ever. Everyone I've spoken to in recent years about the Jetta always complains about it too. It seems like everyong buys a "lemon" when they get a Jetta. I love the way Audis look, but I'll never buy one since they are owned by Volkswagen.
Interesting. They did have a recall on a power steering hose that might catch on fire. I tried to set an appointment to get it fixed about 2 years ago but they never responded and I just gave up. Also, I had a weird whistling noise like a kazoo every once in awhile which was odd around 70k miles. Thanks for the input DoD!
