Looking for a new/new to me car

I'd spend some time in a SRT-4 before signing anything. I was *certain* I'd want one, seemed like a perfect new car for the money. But I decided I wasn't gonna be happy driving a car of the Neon's quality, no matter how quick it is. Not flaming anybody for suggesting it, I just think it would get old fast.



I'd rather buy a used car of higher quality. High miles don't always mean impending trouble, just gotta find the right car.
 
Acura CL Type S

Acura TL Type S

Nissan Maxima (00-03)

Lincoln LS V8

Mercedes E430





I was gonna sell my teg a few months ago and I had around the same budget for the same type of vehicles. Those are the ones I came up with. I would say CTS because my dad loves it, but it's not quite as quick as the others.
 
I'd take a serious look at used BMW's. My preference would be a 3-series, but take a couple more years off and you could get a 5-series. At $20K, you can get one with a factory program.



There is a reason BMW always comes up in comparison tests. It has terrific brakes, handling (rear wheel drive), and suspension tuning.



If you are bored, these cars will remind you of what driving is all about. You said this, not me. Otherwise I would have recommended the usual appliances from Japan. They are great appliances, but not for someone like you.



Couple examples for $20K:





http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6008&item=4524185730&rd=1

MVC-001S.JPG








http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6008&item=4522935571&rd=1

MVC-001S.JPG
 
Go Euro if you can stand the repair costs and insurance. Make sure you get a factory warranty with at least 50k miles left on it just in case something happens. My dad's 2000 E320 has seen the shop 10+ times in the past 3 years with a good $4,000+ in cummulative costs, but M-B has paid for all of it since he has a 100k warranty. He's selling it as soon as it hits 100k. :D He also owned 4 Hondas prior to his Mercedes, and all he had to do for them was replace tires and freshen fluids on schedule. No problems with them whatsoever. A smart buy would be a 2002-2003 Acura TL Type-S like this one. They have adequate power, they're a quality product, plenty of room for 4, smooth, reliable, and they look great. Plus they have that tiptronic tranny. Most are selling in the $20k range with around 40 thousand miles.



Good luck with your search!
 
I advise against the TL-S. Honda has had a real problem with transmission failures on the TL and CL ('99-'03), particularly the type-S models. It prompted an investigation by the NHTSA though it was dropped (not sure why)...perhaps 30,000+ failures across the Honda/Acura line is not a large enough issue.



I love BMWs but the reality is if you buy a European car, chances are you'll be spending quite a bit of time getting to know your mechanic. Great cars though when it comes to performance and handling!
 
yes I know a guy that had a tranny put in his TL

at 28,000 miles. It must be something is up with those

trannys?
 
Some do just fine and some break early. The one in my Odyssey went at 53000 however I have a friend in TX that has a 2000 TL that is over 100k that has had no problems. It is a relatively small problem as it spreads over several years and many models but a very small percentage. The difference is that Honda is stepping up and fixing the cars/extending warranties as opposed to what many other manufacturers would do(deny the problem).
 
The problem was recalled from Acura and fixed. I have a buddy who works at Acura who advised me against any CL/TL except the 03 Type S. He said the problems sometimes reoccur in the others, but they finally got it right with the 03's. I am a big fan of this one:



878acuratl_p21s.jpg


Scottwax detailed
 
GSRstilez said:
The problem was recalled from Acura and fixed. I have a buddy who works at Acura who advised me against any CL/TL except the 03 Type S. He said the problems sometimes reoccur in the others, but they finally got it right with the 03's.
Click to expand...



Tell your buddy to check the notes. It's the same tranny and subject to the same recall. If it's fixed in the '03's it's fixed in the others. The reason for the recurring failures was that it wasn't fixed just patched in the beginning. When they actually figured out the problem and corrected it, some people needed another of the fixed tranny's. Not flaming, just stating.
 
Nothing changed with the '03 transmissions. The TL/CL failure rate was along the lines of 6-7% which is actually pretty high. They still tried to sweep the issue under the rug.
 
My apologies, those were my interpretations are what I recalled hearing. It was over a month ago, but after just talking to him, he let me know:



The Type S has a different tranny than the standard TL as well as the CL respectively. He told me they are completely different part numbers. The other ones (standard models) had speed sensors replaced due to an overheating 2nd gear (reason for recalling). He said this led to slipping, locking, vibrations, and even holes in the cases.





So that's his take on it. He's a very reputable guy at Acura (plenty of awards). Not trying to flame either, just trying to get facts straight ;).
 
The repair has been(latest known) to add a fluid squirter that shoots fluid at the second gear pack to keep it cool and stop the shedding of metals that leads to the clogging of the passages and overall failure of the unit. The difference in a TL/CL tranny and the respective Type S tranny would be gears and very slight operational differences but they are just about identical otherwise.
 
gkerr4 said:




why do we (UK) pay so much for our cars?!?!?
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Import fees helping pay for the 'free health coverage"?



I'd go with a 6 speed '02-03 Maxima or the '03 and newer Accord V6 coupe with a 6 speed.



Both cars are reliable and run deep into the 14s.
 
Wow...lots of great suggestions so far. It looks like I get to log some test driving time when everything thaws out and melts this spring.
 
Scott P said:
Wow...lots of great suggestions so far. It looks like I get to log some test driving time when everything thaws out and melts this spring.
Click to expand...

For $20k you have a LOT of choices and they're all way better than what you could get new for the same amount of money. Upon thinking about it some more how about an Audi A6 2.7T. Will fit adults comfortably in the rear seat, huge trunk for its class and I believe the rear seats fold. AWD, very nice interior (better than BMW or Acura which are also excellent choices IMHO) and great performance, especially if you reflash the ecu chip. I think a 2000 or 2001 would fit your budget.
 
I've been thinking about a Bonneville SSEI. Supercharged, good size, nice ride.



I'm trying to avoid cars that can be easily modded. Just another way to spend money. :D If I get a Maxima or Mazda, etc., I won't feel the desire to race it since I won't want to hang out with ricers. :D
 
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