What's a good $25k'ish car?

[SossMan]

I want to get a new car in the 25k range? anyone have any suggestions?

No truck, no suv. I need a sedan. I was thinking Altima, Camry, Pasat for new.

Maybe a 1-3 year old Acura, BMW, Benz...

thanks.

[M2d]

how bling do you want it? accords are always solid, but very low on the bling factor. I'm partial to the accura TL, and you can get a used one for around your price range.
One thing I've found is that a few friends have cars leased for them by their companies, and they telecommute a significant portion of the time. when their lease runs out, the company just leases them a new one. If you know anyone like this, you may be able to purchase the car. you'll know the history because the leasee was a friend, and, because of the telecommute thing, it should have pretty low miles.

[Clarkmeister]

I bought a very low-mileage lease-returned 3 year old Acura 3.5RL in the low 20's. I love it, and people give it compliments all the time.

[lil']

Check out edmunds.com

I am biased towards Acura. My wife and I have an Integra and RSX. Great cars, no problems, and you can get an RSX for under 25K.

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
Check out edmunds.com

I am biased towards Acura. My wife and I have an Integra and RSX. Great cars, no problems, and you can get an RSX for under 25K.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do they make an RSX in a 4 door sedan?

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
I bought a very low-mileage lease-returned 3 year old Acura 3.5RL in the low 20's. I love it, and people give it compliments all the time.

[/ QUOTE ]

Acura - 3
Everything else - 0

this is starting to look like a dodger game, inning 1.

[Oski]

I have a Passat and I am very happy with it. You should at least test drive one.

[SossMan]

something like this? (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&paId=152 990030&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumR esultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=YEA R+descending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=fals e&recnum=6&leadExists=true&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_1_%7CD-_5_%7CN-N%7CR-30%7CI-1%7CP-YEAR+descending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-descending%7CZ-94536&aff=national)

[fsuplayer]

i have an Acura ('91 Legend), and its awesome. Its no suprise if they top 200k miles. They are made great and have cool options too.

My dad just got a 2002 TL, similar to the picture, and he loves it. He used to be a BMW guy, but he slowly starting to lean towards acuras more now.

acura-4
everything else-0

[WEASEL45]

no, but they have a TSX that is just under 30 that is 4door.

[SomethingClever]

I'll toss another vote in there for Honda/Acura, Toyota and Nissan.

But there are also some pretty sweet Subarus (WRX) and Audis out there.

I have a 92 Honda with 158,000 miles on it and it's only broken down once.

[hutz]

Infiniti makes primo cars that have a track record of suffering way above-average value hits as soon as the car leaves the new car dealer's lot. They do a pretty good job, on the other hand, of holding their value in the resale market. So, if you let someone else take the initial new car hit and then look for a 1-3 year old pre-owned G35 or Q45, you can get a sweet car for a good price.

[Clarkmeister]

Yup.

[regisd]

mini cooper S. surprisingly spacious inside, particularly considering the fact that it looks like a giant converse sneaker (at least the red with white roof and stripes one does). it's incredibly fun to drive, and loaded with heated seats, the premium package including sunroof, and a few other goodies will run you about $24K.

it's safer in a head-on collision than a ford F150.

only available in a 2-door model, although they're marketing the convertible version later this year.

regardless, edmunds.com is full of excellent car information.

[skp]

The TL rocks. I bought mine new in 2000. It was about 20K (Canadian) cheaper than the RL. Both are great cars though.

[Packerfan1]

We've got two VW Passats in the garage. I couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Don't waste the cash on the V6, the 1.8L turbo-4cyl is an outstanding engine, especially if you would consider a stick (which I have and would recommend).

IMHO, nothing else comes close.

Pack

[gcoutu]

Can't go wrong with an Acura, but I drive an 01 QX4 Infiniti (suv) and it has been great. The G35 sedan has gotten great reviews and will likely by my girlfriends next car. It hits your price range and competes with a TL. Also, I almost bought a RL...that is a great car for the money. Get one that is 2-3 years old for like 25-27 and you will be happy.

[BottlesOf]

The newest Lexus IS is 29K, get a certified pre own and you can have one good as new for 25. Lexuses are incredibly reliable, and kick ass.

[PokerPaul]

More importantly, what tunes will you play when cruising in your new car???

Just recently got myself a nice sportscar from poker winnings, and love cruising along with the roof down.

Currently, my CD only consists of Stones gimme shelter (reminds me of movie 'casino'), 3 acdc tunes, and i recently added jimi hendrix Voodoo child, which i did not even know he sang until 2 weeks ago.

Anyone else have some favourite cruising tunes?

[WEASEL45]

i have a g35 coupe and its already falling apart at 13k miles. i would vote for acura

[Clarkmeister]

I don't like small cars, that's why I wouldn't get a TL. The RL is very roomy, partiularly for passengers.

I'm looking at an S500 next. Probably about 1-2 years from now. Like I said, I like big cars. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[mike l.]

no such thing. that's why i drive $1000 cars and will happily do so forever.

but cars just arent my thing.

[casinogosain]

I second this - the S500 will likely be the wife's next car. As to the Acura, I was underimpressed with the entire line's build quality when I was shopping in early 2000. Things may have changed. I went with the 3 series.

-Ash

[M2d]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't like small cars, that's why I wouldn't get a TL.

[/ QUOTE ]

granted, it's a matter of perspective, but the TL is usually thought of as a pretty big car.

[DanS]

[ QUOTE ]
how bling do you want it? accords are always solid, but very low on the bling factor. I'm partial to the accura TL, and you can get a used one for around your price range.
One thing I've found is that a few friends have cars leased for them by their companies, and they telecommute a significant portion of the time. when their lease runs out, the company just leases them a new one. If you know anyone like this, you may be able to purchase the car. you'll know the history because the leasee was a friend, and, because of the telecommute thing, it should have pretty low miles.

[/ QUOTE ]

If ever there was a "bling" man, it would be Sossman.

Dan

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I don't like small cars, that's why I wouldn't get a TL.

[/ QUOTE ]

granted, it's a matter of perspective, but the TL is usually thought of as a pretty big car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Most people get 2-doors when they get a TL, or at least, that's what it seems like to me. 2-doors are out of the question for me, at least for as long as I only own one car.

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
If ever there was a "bling" man, it would be Sossman.


[/ QUOTE ]

yeah, I have diamond studded dining room chairs (for extra sturdy-ness)

[mmcd]

I say go with the BMW. You can probably get like a 2002 330 if you shop around. It drives a lot better than the TL (although thr TL is a little bigger). If you like good aggressive driving, than the beemer is the way to go.

[Gabe]

Mike bought a Oscar Mayer Wienermobile (http://www.kraftfoods.com/om/Wienermobile_main.htm) for $1000. He painted over Oscar Mayer and painted "Pinks" on it with black spray paint. Now Pink's pays him $175 a month to keep it in Oceanside.

[Ionphore]

My tastes may not reflect the norm, but In your price range I would really look into a preowned audi A4 or a volvo s60.

[WEASEL45]

you get a 3 series and the wife gets an s500. that doesn't seem fair

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
you get a 3 series and the wife gets an s500. that doesn't seem fair

[/ QUOTE ]

It doesn't until you remember that she's the one who has a p****. Then it seems perfectly normal.

[Phat Mack]

that's why i drive $1000 cars and will happily do so forever.

OK, I'll bite. What's your favorite $1000 car?

I bought a '66 Mustang in '70 for $800 that I'm still driving.

[Danielih]

Hi-

I couldnt help not responding to this post. I moved to Las Vegas several months ago and got a very nice looking 2002 RSX with 19k miles on it for only 17k. At first the car seemed ok, but I realized it has no power, no handling, and is certainly not worth the money. A Camry or Accord will serve you much better. With that said, the other cars Acura makes are all very good. The rsx/integra is their cheap car which looks nice but doesnt drive all that well.

With that said, I traded in the RSX for an 04 Infinit G35 coupe with 5k miles that cost 29k and I have never driven a better car in my life. Interior, Exterior, Handling, Acceleration, A++

[Diplomat]

You guys are on the wrong track (http://www.carclassic.com/html/DR67.htm)

Now you just need to grow a moustache and buy a Tigers hat.

-Diplomat

[riverflush]

Brand new 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX...

Blow your doors off torque, 0-60 times as good as the Porsche Boxster, decent fuel economy, 50/50 realtime AWD...the ability to go into a wet corner at 65mph and not flip the car...

The best $24,000 you can spend, pound for pound in today's auto market.

Of course, totally impractical, small, and unruly for the average car buyer.

But I gave it a shot.

[skp]

I think that the CL is the 2 door version. The 3.2TL is 4 door and quite roomy. In fact, it's not much smaller than the RL.

Incidentally, they made a whole bunch of changes to the TL and the 2004 model is particularly attractive.

[J.Brown]

I just bought a 2002 Lexus ES300 and could not be happier
with it. Sedan, but stylish. Powerful and yet very very quiet. All the bells and whistles and rides like a dream. Something to check out anyway and Lexus seems to make really solid cars.

I did a ton of research looking for the same thing you are asking about and this is the best thing I could come up with. Just look for low miles and you will be set, buying "new" used is the ticket. Brand new and lose that much value when you drive it off the lot???!!!!!!
NO THANKS. gl car shopping--J.Brown

[beernutz]

I've owned 3 Accords, a Prelude, and a Pilot and they were all well worth the money. My biggest car-buying mistake ever was a patriotically-induced, but highly-regrettable foray into Fords. Won't happen again. Ever.

[shadow29]

I've got an Audi A4 2.8 5 speed, couldn't be happier. You could get a 2002 or 2003 for 25k.

You must go with the V6 and not the 1.8T, however. I highly recommend it.

Oh yes, 5 speed >> automatic.

[mmbt0ne]

I have the same thing. The A4's are amazing. I got my 1999 2.8 Quattro for just over $17k last July, and the only problem I've had with it is my roommate running his F-150 into the front. Great car, drives well, I just can't praise it enough.

[SpiderMnkE]

I just bought a 2000 BMW 528i for 19k.

It is fing incredible. I say find yourself a used bmw, I'm in love with mine.

[carlo]

You can get a Honda Accord,V-6,top of the line(leather,etc) for approximately 26K. Honda Accords offer the best price/value ratio one can imagine. Present 98 Honda Accord,V6 120K miles with absolutely no problems. Previous Accord was the same -still runnning at 165K miles but lost to another family /images/graemlins/grin.gif

regards,
carlo

[Mikey]

Why allocate $25,000 to a car..... you should purchase a Honda Civic which

1) Costs Less
2) Consumes Less
3) Has a high residual value

Purchasing a car should not be view as an investment; it should be viewed as an expense.

Its a mode of transportation people, not a part of your personality.

[scalf]

/images/graemlins/grin.gif clarkie:::

the reason you get compliments:

is because you are so good looking;

but the rl stands for real luxury..:

lol

aber:

the rl does not have separate temp controls for front passengers; i can tell you are not married;

lol;

ewe are still waiting for your first book clarkie

gl

/images/graemlins/mad.gif /images/graemlins/cool.gif /images/graemlins/grin.gif /images/graemlins/diamond.gif

[mike l.]

oh man you outclass me. muscle cars are cool, are those muscle cars. i have a really cool framed photo in my office here with some sort of part of muscle car and it says "super charged". that's the one thing i like about cars, cool older stuff.

that said, our cars are boring. a vw jetta that i think is a race car and i fly totally unsafely swerving along the
I-5 screaming at tommy or gabe on my cell phone on my way to or from commerce stuck and on complete tilt. it's great. we also love subarus. they last forever.

[Gabe]

So what car are we taking to Vegas. I thought you were going to call me.

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
Why allocate $25,000 to a car..... you should purchase a Honda Civic which

1) Costs Less
2) Consumes Less
3) Has a high residual value

Purchasing a car should not be view as an investment; it should be viewed as an expense.

Its a mode of transportation people, not a part of your personality.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I told you my penis is small, would that help you understand?

[EVIL]

I recommend the Ford Crown Victoria.

[mike l.]

oh sheesh man ill call you right now? why dont you own a ferrari or something? i thought you were a winning player?

oh wait your number aint in my cell anymore so you call me.

[pudley4]

2005 Mustang (http://www.nadaguides.com/vhp/features.aspx?LI=1-10-1-2018-0-0-0&Lnk=1&wSec=10&wPr=1&wPg=2042&sy=266697&type=Ne w)

http://www.fordvehicles.com/2005mustang/images/home/mst05_home_car.jpg

[Mikey]

"If I told you my penis is small, would that help you understand?"

Well that response right there makes me want to scowl.

[mike l.]

gabe call again i missed your number.,

me dum.

[BusterStacks]

W....R....X

[andyrogers]

folding is dumb

[andyrogers]

folding 7dTd is dumb

[bunky9590]

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe a 1-3 year old Acura, BMW, Benz...


[/ QUOTE ]

Thats the way to go, and I practice what I preach.

I much prefer the Benz and beamer though. Better cars and they hold value.

[TobDog]

Ok, my $.02

I have owned 2 accords, both V6 - EX models, they are very good, I dont like the current body style as much, but they are very good, you do pay a little more for them(Acura too) but you (also Toyota) will/should make up for that in breakdown/broken parts or occurances. I curently own 2 Civics both EX and a Toyota Sienna(kids, my wife needed and I inhereted her Civic) Both of my current rides have over 120k and never a problem, just keep up the maintenance and your good. If you were looking in the 25k range, you are better to spend like 30 and get into a new 3 series, Lexus ES, IS, or something like that. Personally I dont believe Mercedes in that price range in comperable to the price(the C230 has a 1.8 4 cylnder engine for over 32k). CPO luxury vehicles seem to be having a big pust here in the LA area probably because so many people lease or buy every 2 years they have a lot of them. If you stay unbder 20k you should ask Eugene...
Sorry, apparently thats too old or everyone missed it.

[BusterStacks]

BMW's are stupid for the money. I've worked in the car business for several years and in all honesty cannot find the appeal in a BMW. The ride sucks, the reliability sucks, they change the looks so often you never own the "new" one. Their good handling is halfway negated by their crappy weight and the interiors are super-ugly and completely non-intuitive. But hey, they're german, right?

[fsuplayer]

You couldnt be more wrong about BMW's if you tried.
The only point that anyone who has had one would agree to is that some dont like the ride. Personally, i much prefer the ride to Mercedes, bc i actually like to feel like i am driving the car, not the other way around.

the relability thing is so wrong its funny. those things go over 200k miles with very common frequency.

[nothumb]

If I had 25k for transportation I'd keep my truck and buy a motorcycle and an old Camaro.

But what do I know.

NT

[bunky9590]

I bought the Benz.

ML320, Sweet Ride

[Duke]

[ QUOTE ]
Purchasing a car should not be view as an investment; it should be viewed as an expense.

Its a mode of transportation people, not a part of your personality.

[/ QUOTE ]

You should eat only rice and drink only water. It's only food, people. It's not something to be enjoyed.

~D

[EVIL]

This is a link to a bunch of reviews of the Crown Vic:

Ford Crown Victoria Reviews (http://www.carreview.com/Midsize-Compact/Ford/PRD_235_1531crx.aspx#reviews)

[Rushmore]

[ QUOTE ]
Infiniti makes primo cars that have a track record of suffering way above-average value hits as soon as the car leaves the new car dealer's lot. They do a pretty good job, on the other hand, of holding their value in the resale market. So, if you let someone else take the initial new car hit and then look for a 1-3 year old pre-owned G35 or Q45, you can get a sweet car for a good price.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perfect.

Bling, and the best ride you'll ever own, all for exactly what you're looking to spend.

I will drive my Q45 until it won't drive no more.

Which might never come, seeing as it drives as well today as the day I bought it, SEVEN YEARS AGO.

Test drive a low mile 2001-2002 Q45. I defy you not to buy it.

[Wahoo91]

Stay away from German engineering, its all crap, especially VW. Everything VW makes is for women anyway, especially the Jetta and the Passat.

Stick with the Japanese. Like Clark stated above, the Acura 3.5's are very sweet. I have my eye on one of those for the future.

[BusterStacks]

[ QUOTE ]

the relability thing is so wrong its funny. those things go over 200k miles with very common frequency.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is absolutely false.

[Ray Zee]

quote--
"mini cooper S. surprisingly spacious inside, particularly considering the fact that it looks like a giant converse sneaker (at least the red with white roof and stripes one does). it's incredibly fun to drive, and loaded with heated seats, the premium package including sunroof, and a few other goodies will run you about $24K.

it's safer in a head-on collision than a ford F150."

it may be safer than a f-150 in a collision with a bird but hit a truck or suv and i will live to scrape you up off the road in that cooper after i stop in my f-150.

[Ray Zee]

nice car jason, lets take it up to canada for a spin. instead of that caddy suv thingy. providing you drive slower for us old folks.

[fsuplayer]

dumb luck then that my parents have had two of them over 150k with no major problems.

[aslowjoe]

.

[J.Brown]

Next trip you get to drive for sure and I think it would be a touch more comfortable on the highway than my wife's gas guzzler. Do we have any trips in the works?? I am up for whatever..............give me a call or I will come up and see you and the Shadow at the poker game sometime soon. J.

[regisd]

[ QUOTE ]
it may be safer than a f-150 in a collision with a bird but hit a truck or suv and i will live to scrape you up off the road in that cooper after i stop in my f-150.

[/ QUOTE ]

nope.

it's mostly a matter of truck construction techniques vs car construction techniques (and crumple zones and all that groovy crapola), but i'm safer in my mini than my pickup truck.

during a head-on collision in a truck, you end up with the engine where your legs want to be.

head-on crash comparison between F150 and mini cooper, with pictures. (http://www.bridger.us/2002/12/16/CrashTestingMINICooperVsFordF150)

neither is as fun as a motorcycle when the weather's good, though.

[cornell2005]

get a used g35. at least get something used.

[Ray Zee]

yep

i dont know about where you are. but most crashes involve hitting another vehicle. then the f 150 will totally outshine that little cracker box. it even implies that on the site. you drive that and ill drive my truck. both of us can feel safe.

[astroglide]

most wrecks are single-car wrecks, and bad weather happens all the time

[Senor Choppy]

I don't think you're taking into account the fact that one of those is built Ford tough and the other is not.

[Moonsugar]

Prius.

I know its not a sedan but that car is getting more and more cool the higher oil goes.

[Ray Zee]

prius is a neet car and they are giving them away at 25 g's.
still after 8 years on the batteries it will be worth zero as new batteries will cost more than the car is worth.
i love the new systems that unlock your car just because you have the keys in your pocket and approach it. and you can start it with a push on a button without putting a key in as long as you possess the key.
but im am old fashioned and like carburators as when the car doesnt want to start, put some gas in the carb and VRooooom. so i will still by old junkers and drive them around. and not worry about someone keying them as that would improve the value by adding a pin stripe.

[HUSKER'66]

Nobody's mentioned it, but if you want to go American....have you ever thought about a Dodge Magnum? It's four door, plenty of passenger/cargo room and the '05 SXT stickers for around 25k. Depending on your area, you might get them to come off of sticker on the top of the line '05 RT that has the 350hp 5.7L Hemi.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Husker

[astroglide]

i think the 300c is better than the magnum (and probably has higher resale)

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
Prius.

I know its not a sedan but that car is getting more and more cool the higher oil goes.

[/ QUOTE ]

Should I mention that I'm 6'4"?

[mostsmooth]

one word:
toyota corrolla
if you really really want to spend around $25k, buy two of them

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
one word:
toyota corrolla
if you really really want to spend around $25k, buy two of them

[/ QUOTE ]

If I buy two of them can I glue them together so I have the "combined" leg room?

[mostsmooth]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
one word:
toyota corrolla
if you really really want to spend around $25k, buy two of them

[/ QUOTE ]

If I buy two of them can I glue them together so I have the "combined" leg room?

[/ QUOTE ]
the corolla has plenty of leg room

[ftball0000]

2005 subaru legacy, with the new engine, AWD, over 200 hp, decent sized sedan and looks nice too. If you want to be even sportier then go with the WRX

-Ftball

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
one word:
toyota corrolla
if you really really want to spend around $25k, buy two of them

[/ QUOTE ]

If I buy two of them can I glue them together so I have the "combined" leg room?

[/ QUOTE ]
the corolla has plenty of leg room

[/ QUOTE ]

Trust me, i speak from experience....my girlfriend bought a '04 Corolla LE less than two weeks ago and it may have plenty of leg room for you, but not for me.

[AndysDaddy]

I really like my '04 Mazda6. The sport model with a V6 and manual tranny has great power and handling for its class / price and its a nice looking sport sedan that easily fits two child seats in the back (even with the driver seat all the way back).

I got mine last December for $22k out the door - but I passed on some of the more expensive options like sunroof, Bose speakers, etc. The '05 version should be out soon - you should be able to get a close-to-fully-loaded model for $25k. Avoid the '03 - first year problems and so forth.

JMHO.
--
Scott

[coolhandtom]

I will add to the Acura posse.

Current 98 CL coupe has been flawless. Previous was a 94 integra that never missed a hitch.

Acura's/ Honda's are your best bet. The new RL's/TL's/TSX's are badass.

[mostsmooth]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
one word:
toyota corrolla
if you really really want to spend around $25k, buy two of them

[/ QUOTE ]

If I buy two of them can I glue them together so I have the "combined" leg room?

[/ QUOTE ]
the corolla has plenty of leg room

[/ QUOTE ]

Trust me, i speak from experience....my girlfriend bought a '04 Corolla LE less than two weeks ago and it may have plenty of leg room for you, but not for me.

[/ QUOTE ]
shes a smart girl, how does she like it so far?
also, fyi, the seats are adjustable. im 6'0 and im comfortable and have plenty of adjustment room left. ive never been 6'4, but it seems thered be enough room, maybe im way off base.

[DrSavage]

[ QUOTE ]
I really like my '04 Mazda6. The sport model with a V6 and manual tranny has great power and handling for its class / price and its a nice looking sport sedan that easily fits two child seats in the back (even with the driver seat all the way back).

I got mine last December for $22k out the door - but I passed on some of the more expensive options like sunroof, Bose speakers, etc. The '05 version should be out soon - you should be able to get a close-to-fully-loaded model for $25k. Avoid the '03 - first year problems and so forth.

JMHO.
--
Scott

[/ QUOTE ]

I got the '03 , haven't had any problems at all really.

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

[ QUOTE ]
I want to get a new car in the 25k range? anyone have any suggestions?

No truck, no suv. I need a sedan. I was thinking Altima, Camry, Pasat for new.

Maybe a 1-3 year old Acura, BMW, Benz...

thanks.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is NO other answer to this question other than the SUBARU WRX. If you want performance, no Acura, s-type or otherwise can touch a WRX. Don't come talking about Hondas or VWs, Audis are a maintenance nightmare... WRX all the way.

[astroglide]

i can deal with the outside, but the interior of a wrx sucks

[jmark]

I'll add to the Acura lovers. I'd get a TSX -- a little more than $25k, but worth it I think. I've had an Integra for almost 7 years. The biggest problem I've had is a tail light burned out once.