need to make a decision on RELIABLE used car

newrival

So my wife's car was hit a couple weeks back. Her car was subsequently totalled officially on Friday. So now I have to find a car this week to replace it. I'm looking in the <$10k range so i wont have a car payment. I'm looking for a reliable car. I know I'll get a lot of toyota and Honda suggestions but I'd like to hear some options. I've looked at a couple Subaru's with the H6 engine, a few Lexus ES300's, Volkswagen, Jag x-type, and a few others. But I thought I'd throw it out there and hear your recommendations/comments.

So what say you?

thanks in advance :cheesygrin:

falconcry72

newrival wrote: »

...I know I'll get a lot of toyota and Honda suggestions ...

There's good reason for that.

heiney9

Stay as far away from the Jag as possible. Don't even go near it, some of it's bad karma might rub off.

Glowrdr

Damn - typed out this nice long post, and it Reply instead of Post. So much for nothing.

Well, long story short my vote would be to check out some older Acura TL's. I used to have an '04 that I just loved. Sporty, yet has enough luxury to let you know this is an "adult" car. I'd keep 04+ though, as that was their newest style.

I'd still have the car, but I came across a deal on a new Infiniti G35x that I just couldn't pass on.

Not sure of what you are looking for in a vehicle (power, features, gas mileage) so it's tough to recommend much. Personally, I'd rather drive a 5 year old Acura then a new Kia, but that's just me.

nguyendot

Stay very, very far away from the X-type. Unreliable, underpowered. Had too many friends with problems that weren't worth it. I love the 2006 G35 that the fiance has.

Glowrdr

Definate big +1 for the G, but not sure of prices on them. If they are affordable, then I would say the G over the Acura. Although, I've done some work on the Acura and they are easy to work on (if that's your thing). I have yet to work on the Infiniti so I can't comment there.

(Never had issues with the Acura, just regular maintanance, and some mods like CAI, better brakes, ground effects and lighting)

nguyendot

G35's use the corporate drivetrain with the VQ35 variants. Very easy to work on, plenty of parts and service available. Gas mileage isn't super great, but that's really the only thing I dislike about the car. Drives great, has plenty of power, and many parts if so desired. Ours is stock as she won't let me do anything, but that's fine.

Gadabout

While I won't recommend a specific car, pay for a one months online membership to consumer reports. It should only be around $5 and see what they have to say about the repair records of the cars you might be interested in. I'm sure you will get a lot of Toyota and Honda recommendations there too. Consumer reports is also pretty year specific on repairs, some years cars being better than others.

Scott

Polkersince85

These are good sites to compare pricing.

http://www.cargurus.com/

http://www.carmax.com/

http://www.autotrader.com/

Toolfan66

Lexus
Acura
Toyota
Honda

inspiredsports

I've had excellent results with Lexus 300's and Toyota Avalon's.

DollarDave

Gadabout wrote: »

While I won't recommend a specific car, pay for a one months online membership to consumer reports. It should only be around $5 and see what they have to say about the repair records of the cars you might be interested in. I'm sure you will get a lot of Toyota and Honda recommendations there too. Consumer reports is also pretty year specific on repairs, some years cars being better than others.

Scott

I haven't read CR in years, but our weekly radio broadcast in the DFW area ("Wheels with Ed Wallace") doesn't seem to think much of their ratings. Of course, he doesn't like NADA, or Kelly Blue Book either. Says they just make up prices. Ed is very well respected in the industry and his "Moment in Rock 'n Roll History" each morning is good.

BTW, I have an Infinity G35, love it, but wouldn't recommend it for our Chicago friend as it is rear-wheel drive and would totally suck in their wet snow. I've had several Camry's that would fit his <10k criteria and would generally be very reliable cars.

Glowrdr

I'm sure Infiniti is no foreign term to the OP, but just to put the cards on the table - the G35x is all wheel drive (I live in MN, and this vehicle replaced both my 04 Acura and an 04 Dodge Ram)

Again, the price point may not be there - but I didn't want newrival to just throw that idea out the window without doing his homework.

nguyendot

DaveMuell wrote: »

I

BTW, I have an Infinity G35, love it, but wouldn't recommend it for our Chicago friend as it is rear-wheel drive and would totally suck in their wet snow. I've had several Camry's that would fit his <10k criteria and would generally be very reliable cars.

Ever seen the G35x/G37x?

Works wonders in snow. In actuality, as much as I thought the G35 would suck in snow - my fiance's G35 destroys snow compared to my CTS...I was actually amazed it did not once get stuck in the snow the past 2 years..and we got over a foot both years in one day. The g35x does even better. Ours is RWD. Now, that's not me saying you should get it for snow, just saying I was pleasantly surprised.

Jim Shearer

My experience: we buy cars new, take good care of them & keep them as long as we can.

My 2001 Toyota Echo is going strong at 147K miles. My wife's 2004 RAV4 is doing fine at 275K miles. Both are still on their original clutches.

As always: YMMV, and as a friend says: "We are all victims of our own experience."

Cheers, Jim

starkiller

I vote for subaru, have driven them since 1987 and have since put on over 1.5 million miles on various models. Stay away from the late 90's, early 2000's ones with the 2.5 unless the head-gasket has already been done. I love my wagon, good handling, decent gas mileage, very reliable. As would be the Forester which I also have had. Really can't go wrong with them, especially in the Chicago area!

newrival

thanks for all the replies.

Good point on the G35 rear wheel drive. I prefer rear power (and lots of it), but that's me, and my wife has only ever known FD, so that is not likely a wise choice.

Thanks for pointing out the TL's, I got a line on on I'm going to check out tonight.

While I don't much care for the styling of the RAV4's, she actually thinks they're *shudders*... "cute." so we're going to look at one of those as well. And it's not that I'm opposed to toyota or honda, we've owned both, they're just ubiquitous and a bit bland, IMO.

thanks for the responses on the subarus. I know Subi owners are like a cult and typically lifers. And I am sure it is not without great reason. I found a 2005 outback VDC that I quite liked with the H^ engine, however that transmission couldn't possibly be geared any slower. WTH is up with that? I had the urge to hang my foot out the door and push! But VERY smooth engine.

nguyendot

Well the G35x/G37x are all wheel drive - little heavier but better traction. Nothing like FWD though, so she may not like it.

TECHNOKID

Gadabout wrote: »

While I won't recommend a specific car, pay for a one months online membership to consumer reports. It should only be around $5 and see what they have to say about the repair records of the cars you might be interested in. I'm sure you will get a lot of Toyota and Honda recommendations there too. Consumer reports is also pretty year specific on repairs, some years cars being better than others.

Scott

+1! Also if you are a AAA member (I believe that is it in the USA?) if they are like the CAA (Canuck version) they also have reviews for free and I would strongly advise you invest in a car check-up before buying (AAA approved). I've been doing so on my last used purchase with great success.

Subaru is up there too nowadays and usually you get more for your money than Toyota & Honda witch you pay for the quality but unfortunately for the name too (I'm also a big fan of Mazda too for that matter (more for the money while less for the brand)).

Glowrdr

newrival wrote: »

While I don't much care for the styling of the RAV4's, she actually thinks they're *shudders*... "cute." so we're going to look at one of those as well. And it's not that I'm opposed to toyota or honda, we've owned both, they're just ubiquitous and a bit bland, IMO.

Funny you mention that... my wife just got an '07 Rav4 this spring. It's not the worst thing in the world, but I make my errands quick if I need to use hers. lol (hers is the closest "truck-type" thing we've got now)

If you are interested in a Rav, make sure you can swing a V6 if you can. The standards were in our price range, then I realized they aren't all-wheel. We sepnt extra to get her a 4x4, at the expense of having the V6. Never driven a Subi before, but I have a feeling I know what you mean. I practically floor the thing just to pull out in traffic. If I do that with my G, I can spin all 4 tires and drift into traffic. Much more fun. lol

Sherardp

I like the look of a G35 but those darn seats are hella uncomfortable for that car. I spent a week driving one and was glad I didn't own one in the end. I'm partial to Mercedes & BMW these days, owning both flagship models. I would suggest a C or E class if you can find one in your price range. BMW will probably rape your pockets for parts but a 3 series should be cheaper. If your thinking Toyota, Camry or Avalon is nice.

BeefJerky

Glowrdr wrote: »

Funny you mention that... my wife just got an '07 Rav4 this spring. It's not the worst thing in the world, but I make my errands quick if I need to use hers. lol (hers is the closest "truck-type" thing we've got now)

If you are interested in a Rav, make sure you can swing a V6 if you can. The standards were in our price range, then I realized they aren't all-wheel. We sepnt extra to get her a 4x4, at the expense of having the V6. Never driven a Subi before, but I have a feeling I know what you mean. I practically floor the thing just to pull out in traffic. If I do that with my G, I can spin all 4 tires and drift into traffic. Much more fun. lol

I second this. I test drove the '08 Rav4 (both 4cyl and V6) and the '08 CR-V. The 4cyl Rav4 was just plain unresponsive and dog slow; I don't really know whether to blame the transmission (the V6 uses a different one) or the engine, but it is probably a combination of both. The V6 was much nicer to drive, but truthfully the 4cyl in the CR-V isn't that far behind. The CR-V was just as responsive, with plenty of power for my usage; I don't plan on racing with it.

I ended up going with the '08 CR-V. While the Rav4 is bigger on the outside, it feels incredibly cramped on the inside. The CR-V just has a much better interior design which is more open. I'm not really a fan of the exterior looks of either the CR-V or the Rav4, but that was at the bottom of my list; well below important factors such as reliability, drivability and gas mileage.

rromeo923

Infiniti fan here. G35 owner. I had a J30t that went to 250k w/little to no maintenance. When the J30t was close to the end I test drove a lot of other cars (BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, Jaguar etc, etc) and ended up coming back to Infiniti.

Tour2ma

I am a dedicated Honda owner, but in case you are not... here's the 2011 list of reliable used models from a "popular Consumer's magazine".

I can also post a list of models to avoid, if nothing you want is on the good list.

Polkie2009

The Suburu AWD and the Honda Civic or Accord sounds interesting especially if you can find one with very_ low mileage and complete maintenance records. Avoid the Jags like the plague. Older, private one time owners who garage their car are the best to buy from ,they usually are the ones who are meticulous about maintaining their vehicle and will have the proof with the maintanance records.Avoid the dealerships also!

Drenis

I don't have much to add regarding this because 4 out of my last 5 cars have been bought for under $400 and have gotten me by for the last 5 years...

However, my GF recently purchased a 2008 Hyundai Tiburon with very low mileage on it. I have to say, that for a Korean car company that had crap cars MANY years ago, wow have they come a long way. What a solid car, great looking and awesome fuel economy. It's been very reliable for her so far. I feel safer in her car (I'm 6'4" so my head touches the roof) then in anything else I've owned. That's a big statement. I have no experience with the other Honda/Toyota mentions other than I hate the negative talk that comes with them and the interiors look cheap.

With saying that, I'd pick up a Genesis Coupe if I was in the market. Otherwise, a Elantra or Sonata Turbo would be badass. Good luck with the venture!

vlam

Look for a 2nd generation TL (TLs if you want the extra power). 2003 is a good year. I've had mine since new. Very reliable so far. Only time when car is out of comission is when it got hit and in the shop for repair.

nguyendot

I like the TL type-s 2nd gen..very aggressive looking. Just wish it came with the SH-awd the 3rd gen comes with. It pushes FWD to it's limits I have to admit.

newrival

Tour2ma wrote: »

I am a dedicated Honda owner, but in case you are not... here's the 2011 list of reliable used models from a "popular Consumer's magazine".

I can also post a list of models to avoid, if nothing you want is on the good list.

thanks for that!

newrival

frenis good points. I like the genesis. But I think so do their owners because they're impossible to find used!

newrival

Glowrdr wrote: »

Funny you mention that... my wife just got an '07 Rav4 this spring. It's not the worst thing in the world, but I make my errands quick if I need to use hers. lol (hers is the closest "truck-type" thing we've got now)

If you are interested in a Rav, make sure you can swing a V6 if you can. The standards were in our price range, then I realized they aren't all-wheel. We sepnt extra to get her a 4x4, at the expense of having the V6. Never driven a Subi before, but I have a feeling I know what you mean. I practically floor the thing just to pull out in traffic. If I do that with my G, I can spin all 4 tires and drift into traffic. Much more fun. lol

Even funnier, my dad called this morning and told me he bought a new RAV last week. He said the same thing about the v6 and AWD. apparently its a much better engine with nearly identical fuel economy. We looked at a few varieties and theyre quite uninspiring, but they seem solid. I'm leaning Subaru at the moment.

Learned today about the ES350's and some other models having sludge issues. Only good way to check is to remove the head cover but can be catastrophic.