Only Japanese... Hmmm... Within $30K I would not get a Maxima - I don't like handling in snow, G35 is a great car, but it is back wheel drive. TL would be great, as long as you don't care about new design coming out in 10 months or so.

You can get a decent used SUV for it too. You can get a 2 year old RX300 or MDX from www.cars.com. Ira Infiniti has a special on 2002 Infiniti QX4 for around $30K.

If you don't care about the brand, you can get a fully equipped 2003 Accord with V6 and NAV.

 

Hi..

I'd say TL type S is a good choice.
The TL feels the same inside as the MDX.. but it's lower, faster, and easier to park.

However, I am guessing more hybird or full eletric cars will come out soon.. with the price of gas.. might be a good idea to go with hybrids..

 

I love TL-S. A agree it is like MDX inside. I just traded one in. There are two issues with it:

1. It has a transmission problem on about 10% of cars. Acura just extended warranty on that part.

2. New model is coming out in 1 year, that will make the value of the car drop faster.

Other than that I LOVE TL-S. For its price and what it offers, it is one of the best sedans. You can negotiate a TL-S without NAVI and get one around $29K

 

How about a Subaru Outback or Forester? They're dynamite in snow (all-wheel drive), easy to handle in the city, and Japanese? Not a sedan I guess, but three out of four ain't bad.

And I think you should put the Audi back on the list, you can pretend its Japanese.

Or a Volvo, the kind of cars the Japanese would make if they were tall and blond.

 

I'm also looking for a good second family car that will spend some time in park-and-ride lots.

Obviously there's the higher-end trims of the new Accord, Camry, and Altima. I don't like the side-impact crash test results for the Camry and Altima, while the new Accord should be pretty good (especially with side airbags, and side curtains).

However, something bothers me about leaving an Accord (or a Camry). in a park-and-ride lot. Especially a top-of-the-line EX V-6. Sort of like advertising, "steal me!" Punk car thieves and joy riders seem to love Accords!

The new-gen TL should be out soon but would command premium prices (MSRP) for the first six months or more.

If a Japanese model is really in the mix, I agree with the previous suggestion to consider a Subaru Outback, Legacy, or Forester. It won't have any problems with winter driving, being AWD. You can get very good deals on the high-end Outbacks -- the H6 VDC (which comes with stability control) and the LL Bean Edition. Those models are very nicely equipped. I would druther that the car-prowling punks would leave them alone.

The Subarus should also be very reliable. They normally come as wagons but sedan versions are available, although they don't sell particularly well.

Remery has an H6 VDC and I think he still loves it.

 

For my $30K.....

I would go with the new Accord EX-V6. The only thing holding me back from recommending the TL (which we have and love!!!) is that it is being replaced and the new Accord is already out. The new Accord can be equipped with a 240 hp V-6, 5 speed automatic, good center console, leather, navigation, moonroof, etc. Equipped like that it will be about $30K and you get about the features that you would in a current TL. The TL has either a 225 hp motor or the 260 hp in Type-S guise. If your hubby "needs" the status of a luxury name brand, then a TL-S or (German) Audi A4 would be the ticket. The A4 is awful small though.

 

Thanks for your replies! Hubby isn't too picky with cars ... I'm the car enthusiast in the family . I have a hidden agenda! I will have to drive this car once in a while when he needs the mdx. I will be the one pushing for a sportier version with more horsepower. If it was up to me I would be searching for 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp :10: .

- TL: I just read about the redesign a few days ago. Maybe we could wait till Oct. 2003.
- Subaru: My parents had a Forester and I didn't like it. Not enough power, not stable at 75+mph and very noisy.
- Audi: My parents had 2 Audi 5000 many years ago a now have an A6. Never had any major issues with them. Hubby believes they are unreliable and calls them VW's .

I guess I'll start test driving several brand after the holidays and narrow down my "suggestions" to hubby.

 

How about the Subaru WRX? 217 HP, quarter mile times in the mid-14 sec range, good brakes and handling, decent fit and finish, quiet, all-wheel drive. Priced in the mid-twenties. A station wagon version is available. Two friends of mine own these cars. They are rocket ships, yet refined enough to be a great commuter car.

-Karl

 

How about the Subaru WRX? 217 HP, quarter mile times in the mid-14 sec range, good brakes and handling, decent fit and finish, quiet, all-wheel drive. Priced in the mid-twenties. A station wagon version is available. Two friends of mine own these cars. They are rocket ships, yet refined enough to be a great commuter car.

-Karl

I think that's a pretty good choice. And if you resist the add-ons it should not get a lot of the wrong kind of attention in the parking lot. But we know what lurks beneath the hood.......
Might as well have something that's fun as well as a decent commuter.

 

I personally like Subaru's specs, AWD, handling, but I HATE its design. Even Swedish, I mean American (Ford) Volvo may be a good choice. S60 AWD has some great bargains in MA.

 

Lexus IS 300 SportCross?

~31k.

 

Get the Accord

$25-$26k all decked out in EX V6 trim. Subarus are OK, but not big enough in the back seat. If you are worried about snow performance, put snows on the Accord. I'd get the Accord over a Subaru any day, and Consumer Reports and the car mags would all agree.

 

Hold off $30K.....

Your hubby still drive newer car than I am... I am now driving a 10-year old Maxima. :2: J/K

Well..... If you are replacing the car in early 2003, then new accord will be a good choice. If you can wait, wait for it... TL is changing. I think Maxima and I35 are changing too. [I believe Maxima and I35 change its models every 5 yrs, which will be so for 2004] IS300 is a bit small but fun to drive. What else??

 

Some ideas for new: acura TL-s, Maxima, Infinity G35. I

As my signature shows; I like the TL-S:1:

 

Thanks for your replies! Hubby isn't too picky with cars ... I'm the car enthusiast in the family . I have a hidden agenda! I will have to drive this car once in a while when he needs the mdx. I will be the one pushing for a sportier version with more horsepower. If it was up to me I would be searching for 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp :10: .

- TL: I just read about the redesign a few days ago. Maybe we could wait till Oct. 2003.
- Subaru: My parents had a Forester and I didn't like it. Not enough power, not stable at 75+mph and very noisy.
- Audi: My parents had 2 Audi 5000 many years ago a now have an A6. Never had any major issues with them. Hubby believes they are unreliable and calls them VW's .

I guess I'll start test driving several brand after the holidays and narrow down my "suggestions" to hubby.

I would certainly give the current generation of the Forester a second look - especially if you can wait until Spring. It is rumored that it will be available with a turbocharged 2.5L that should produce well north of 240HP. In addition, the Legacy will be receiving a turbo option as well by June, and the WRX Sti (260-270HP) will be shipping in March. The 2004 WRX should be available after March as well with changes to the front end (oddly, I prefer the current headlight design to the revised version) and minor tweeks to the engine and suspension. Actually any car based on the Impreza platform would be a good choice. The 2.5 TS Sport Sedan and Wagon have more low end torque than the 2.0L turbo in the WRX and they all have very highly regarded handling.

But if 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp are of more interest, the new Mazda RX-8 should be available by June with ~ 250HP, 6 speed manual and 9000rpm redline, all with seating for 4 6 footers.

And since your looking anyway, by all means check out the Infinity G35Coupe (which probably comes closest to your wish list anyway
)

If middle of the road sedans are more appropriate, Consumer Reports just did a review of the Accord, Legacy, Saturn and (?) in the latest issue.

 

I do like MDXXX's choice with the Lexus IS300. That was going to be my car of choice but got the "bus" instead.(very happy too)

 

my $0.02

Here's what I would suggest...

If you're in the market for a brand new car, I wouldn't recommend any first year redesign. I would give them a year to work out the kinks. I would wait on the Accord and not consider the redesigned TL right away.

If you're looking used and image...look at a "certified pre-owned" lexus GS 300/400. If you decide to go German then you must consider the Ultimate Driving Machine...a BMW 5 series, CPO'd of course. You should be able to buy either car for less then $30k.

Both the 5 series and GS with a V-6 will make for a nice commuter car with a lot of leg room and status. You'll also get the sportiness that you desire.

Again...just my $0.02.

 

Infinity G35 Coupe (that's what I'm looking into right now)

 

But if 6-speed manuals w/ 300hp are of more interest, the new Mazda RX-8 should be available by June with ~ 250HP, 6 speed manual and 9000rpm redline, all with seating for 4 6 footers.

That would be my first pick, but the RX-7 was running close to 30K six years ago, not sure the replacement will be as 'cheap'.

 

I have an '02 'X and now it is time to look for a new car for hubby. He drives an 8 year old Integra. We are looking for a mid size sedan. Haven't decided on a budget yet and won't buy till spring 2003. I guess we don't want to spend another $40K since this will be used for commuting and parked at a public lot in Boston during the day. Decent winter/snow handling is important.

Also should we buy a new car or a 2 year old more upscale model? I guess for this discussion our budget is around $30K.

Some ideas for new: acura TL-s, Maxima, Infinity G35. I would look at Audi, but hubby will only consider Japanese.

Look forward to your ideas and opinions. :4:

How about the Subaru Impreza WRX. That car has AllWheelDrive (AWD) and can handle the snow very easily. And with its powerful engine, I think he would like it but I don't know the price in U.S dollars. It is 36000 in canada thats all I know.

 

Look under the 'polls' for a similar discussion. The concensus seems to be G35 as far as 4 seat cars. I like the TL-S, but would wait to see if Acura is a little less conservative on the next revision in 2004.

 

I've heard nothing but praise for the new Mazda 6.

It was even C&D's 10 Best for this year.

 

IT's around 20K...a gap filler until the RX8 makes a debut. Not sure how the public will welcome back a rotary engine car, but they have had lots of time to meet smog laws and improve mileage.
And they WILL run on any gas.

 

get him a Boxster S....he will be a car enthusiast for life!

03 MBP Tour/NAV/RES

Boxsters are not inexpensive cars anymore!!!!!

 

Boxsters are not inexpensive cars anymore!!!!!

Correct, and not a mid-size sedan in the $30k range as msmdx had originally stated she was looking for. It is a very nice ride, however.