and here are the requirements: 1) 4 door sedan (no SUVs/wagons) 2) auto only 3) around $25K. I want to keep it cheap so I have more $$$ for other toys. Saab 9-3 with GM discount is a possibility but I want to hear other suggestions from this esteemed board. Thanks!
If it doesn't have to be brand new, I would recommend a 2003 Acura TL Type S. It has 265hp and nice styling. The Navigation system is pretty nice too. You might be able to snag a 2004 TL too, if you look hard enough, for about $27 or $28 grand.
Oh, yeah, duh! Sorry, was just on a GN website doing some research so the answer just popped out. Seats 4 though
http://forums1.roadfly.com/jaguar/forums/xj8/6794320-1.html '01 Anthracite/Charcoal XJR with 63k and under Select Edition warranty, already sorted by the previous owner.
but it must be new and FWD-wife will drive it most of the time. That's why it has to be an automatic. Thinking of either Saab 9-3 (w/GM discount) or Acura TSX. Love the S40 but a little too small inside.
Saab came to mind first, but don't discount the more traditional suspects, if you want to stay with a new car: Honda Accord (Plain, but very reliable, good resale, good value, and quick with the V6) Mazda 6 (great write ups, good handling, good value, reliable) If you could accept a RWD car, the new Charger comes in right around the $25k mark as well, and has ESP standard. Have fun shopping.
PutnamTX- Had an accord that went over 240K miles and a Protege that went over 170K miles-they were both running when I donated them to charity. Great cars. For my range I'm looking at Japanese cars-TSX, Accord, Maxima SE, Avalon (did well in Touring guise in C/D comparo last month but may be too much $$$) and Mazda 6. I prefer european cars but I'm not a big turbo fan (unless it is a Porsche!); local mechanic (former vw mechanic) tells me to stay away from all new German cars as too many electrical gremlins. I have the Toyota, Mazda, Acura and Honda (along with other makes) dealers within a 1/2 mile of each other so I'll be busy this pm....
Ok, since it has to be new, I would definitely recommend the TSX. I drove one for a weekend when I took my car for a timing belt replacement just a couple of months ago, and I was surprisingly impressed by the versatility and quickness of the 4 cylinder engine. I think hp is at 200, which is not bad for a small car like that. The only problem is that you're not gonna be able to get one for $25, its gonna take at least $28,000 I believe. But you're gonna have a good car for a whiile.
2005 Toyota Camry SE. A little sporty, Nice V6, and FWD. Could get one for under 25k. You will not find more car for the money
checked out saab 9-3, tsx, mazda 6, maxima and accord. So far Accord EX V-6 best deal-$24,500; on my way to Toyota as the kids started acting up. TSX is nice also but the guy was staying at $27K; auto, no nav. Hated the Maxima's interior.... If I were going to do rear drive would look at Caddy CTS...
Camry and new Avalon "Touring" edition that C&D raved about-not interested in the Camry but new Avalon (280hp and 31 mpg highway?!) has potential. Talk about a sleeper. Couldn't get a salesperson to help me as the place was mobbed; I thought they were giving cars away. As for the Saab 9-3, big question is reliability. I'm looking to buy, not lease as I put miles on my cars. If you get a good Saab, they are great cars but if you get a dog watch out, and the resale sucks on them. I think European cars as a whole are not as reliable as they once were. If I had to have a european car it would be either the 9-3 or the Jetta when it comes out with the 2.0 turbo w/DSG tranny. As an F1 fan I would like to give biz to companies that are in the sport, so a Toyota or Honda gets the nod over a Nissan or Mazda.
I have a 2004 Saab 9-3 and it has been a pretty good car. I only have had a few minor issues. The cup holder in the dash broke off, the passenger side power door lock quit working and the passenger side seatblet wouldn't latch. Overall I am quite happy with the car.
