[mgarba]

I'm looking for advise here, I want to buy a used car, not looking to spend tons as I'd rather spend on other stuff.

I want speed and power mixed with good looks. Price range 15,000 - 18,000

I do not want a I4, minimum V6, or V8, and no older than 2003.

I've come to the following:

2005 Chrysler 300C
2004-2007 Maxima
Altima 3.5
Magnum RT
Used 350Z or G35 (2003) from the states or here, although in that price range I'm a little leary on the quality.
2005 Mustang GT

Do you guys have any better suggestions or warnings?

[Timpo]

Nissan Altima SE-R
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/05q3/nissan_altima_se-r-short_take_road_test

http://www.motorwayamerica.com/resources/2006+Altima+SE-R+.jpg

[Sid Vicious]

Nissan Altima SE-R
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/05q3/nissan_altima_se-r-short_take_road_test

http://www.motorwayamerica.com/resources/2006+Altima+SE-R+.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/sexyton1988/fwd_sucks.jpg

[EX-R]

you didnt say H4 so how about a used 04-05 wrx?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

in that case maxima altima and GTI all sucks than

[TRD Rs200]

s2000 or tsx

[d1]

Out of your list, the Z. 2 seaters ftw!

[minimebang]

why not I4? S2000, Itr, RSX-S
For 15K you wont get a good condition nor low kms 350z. Also the first yr of 350z has lots of problems. ECU,tranny,driveshaft,power window motor. Not all of them has the same problems, but lots :)

[yellowpower]

I heard rsx's are hella expensive when it comes to insurance.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

$2700 a year with 35% discount


s2k wont be cheap on insurance either

[TRD Rs200]

s2k is not cheap on insurance at all

[CivicTypeRice]

Toyota Aristo - Toyota Soarer

[PK-EK]

older RSX-S for under $15,000, take the rest and mod it!

[mgarba]

Insurance is an issue too, RSX is out of the question, as is S2000, I want a V6-V8 engine.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

u dont want to pay for high insurance vehicle


yet you dont mind paying the gas for a V6-V8

hmm

[unit]

well you're getting something in return for that gas money having a v6-v8... power.
what are you getting in return for high insurance rates buying an rsx? .... not much.

[1exotic]

buy a 98 civic and do this:
http://www.importtrenz.com/v3/catalog/images/T/KAMINARI/K098645.jpg

add a turbo... money very well spent.

[StewartJD]

^please don't!

Might not be what you're looking for but maybe a Pontiac G6 GT. You can almost get a new one for $15K considering that the Pontiac moniker won't be around.

A rule of thumb is expect to spend $1K to $2K in random repairs for any used car. Try to get as new and as low km as possible!

[busdriverman]

i was going to say ITR. its in your price range although insurance might bite pretty badly

4 dr or 2 dr preferably? makes it easier for us to help you out

[shenmecar]

Honda Accord Coupe V6

This model year:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/2004_accord_coupe.jpg/800px-2004_accord_coupe.jpg

Its actually not a bad car to own. Within the price range (or less), Fairly decent power, looks not too bad. Got a V6!

All your requirements met.

[TRD Rs200]

buy a 98 civic and do this:
http://www.importtrenz.com/v3/catalog/images/T/KAMINARI/K098645.jpg

add a turbo... money very well spent.

failed

[jaretron]

failed

dual exhaust!!!! thats like 3g right there!

[124Y]

hmm from that list I would pick the G35...

[Pt20]

From the list, I'd go G35 or 350z.. but 15 grand wouldn't get you a very good one.
Have you considered a TSX?

[ilvtofu]

Honda Accord Coupe V6

This model year:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/1e/2004_accord_coupe.jpg/800px-2004_accord_coupe.jpg

Its actually not a bad car to own. Within the price range (or less), Fairly decent power, looks not too bad. Got a V6!

All your requirements met.

+1, but expect a pretty thirsty V6 for the performance/practicality you are getting, I was gonna say the TL too, but again quite bad on gas.

Out of your list, I'd definitely go for a mustang GT even though the new/current model is a much nicer car, the old one's not too bad. Don't even look at the V6 though, it's pure garbage.

To warn you, mercedes C-class is a big no no, in fact any newer mercedes will bite a huge chunk out of your bank account nowadays, and for a guy looking at 15k cars...

You might be able to find an E36 M3 for that price range, but those are quite old and pretty rare cars.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

04 V6 accord 6speed is pretty good

[ivys2k]

may i ask why do you want a v6 or v8 but not I4?

[twitchyzero]

IS300? they should be in the 15g range now..not sure

[jlenko]

may i ask why do you want a v6 or v8 but not I4?

Probably wants the power that a V6 or V8 gives, that an inline 4 doesn't make that easily.

I'd suggest a turbo 4 though... the turbo LNF that can be found in the Cobalt SS turbo.. or the Solstice GXP or Sky Redline... fun little cars to fuck around in.

[jlenko]

Here's a nice supercharged 4 cyl: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/1390577133.html

[mgarba]

Why V6 or V8 rather than I4? Torque pretty much.

TSX is also tempting as well, how is the torque with the TSX vs say the Chrysler 300 or Mustang, or even the Accord V6 mind you?

As for 2 or 4 door, while I would prefer a 2 door, realisticly for the power I'm looking for I have to go with a 4 door vehicle.

You guys say the 300C's aren't that great? The Mustang V6 are horrible as well huh?

[mgarba]

FYI I'm also considering the Accord V6.

The only reason I stopped considering it, is because I feel that it is boring. I'd rather drive a Maxima personally.

Thing is with the Accord as well, most sellers want to try to sell you a 2003/2004 with 100+ klicks for 15G, which in my opinion is stupid. I'd rather turn around and buy a newer vehicle with lower clicks for the same price.

[Bender Unit]

TSX has no torque

IS300?

[saveth]

coming from a tsx owner their's a lot of torque for a n/a 4 cylinder but dont expect it to impress anybody. However where the tsx lacks in power it makes it up in looks and comforts. I've been inside a 300 and quite frankly the interior is garbage. Its a trade-off, lets just hope you make the right one you can live with.

[ilvtofu]

^The 300 rides too much like a boat and doesn't feel very solid IMO
G35's really aren't bad but local ones won't be in the best condition for 15k-18k, but you might as well buy from the states I guess, I'd go with the G

[Vansterdam]

Here's a nice supercharged 4 cyl: http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/1390577133.html

im in the market for something around 15k as well and that looks preety sweet. ecept for the interior lol

[Blinky]

:rolleyes: @ rs and this thread.

OP asks specifically for 03+ and 6- or 8-cyl and 3/4 of the replies are for 4cyl, pre-03 automobiles.

mgarba,

I'd ignore 99% of the advice here. I suspect more than a few people who say "such and such is garbage" haven't driven that many vehicles. The advice about spending 1-2k on random repairs is good, though IMO. You've a pretty good shortlist of candidates. If you want power + looks you're probably best off looking at some domestic coupe; I think the Mustang really fits that bill.

G/Z -- as you suspect for $15k, you probably get a mound of crap.

If you are willing to give up looks for a decent get-around car, a domestic sedan from that era will be quite cheap and will have plenty of torque.

All this said, you've narrowed the options. Get out there and start looking. The chase is the fun part!

[KuSouL]

- RX-8 for looks and a fun drive but not practical
- Subaru?
drive that shit all year round with minimal problems
- BMW E46?
lots of choices here
-Audi?
get it for cheap and the money you save will be spent on maintenance haha ...

personally i'd take a subaru or BMW ... maybe you should consider it

[3seriesBeeM]

it depends on if you want power or to be more practical. G35 has some nice power adn interior is nice. 300c interior is pretty much plastic as well as the mustang. I would say go for the accord coupe the G you arent gonna get a decent one for your budget.

[mmmk]

OP...it doesn't sound like you've test driven much of the cars on your list.

I suggest you take a day to test out all the cars you consider buying. Go to the Richmond Automall or a place with lots of dealerships around so that you easily find the cars you are considering.

For the people who say buy a G35...I wouldn't buy a G35 coupe listed at $15,000......definitely something fishy with the car

[mgarba]

I've tested the G35, 350Z which I both loved, but realisticly a good one is out of my range I'm willing to shell.

I've also driven the Altima 2.5 and 3.5 which I loved personally. The 3.5 can sure kick it.

Since the Maxima is basically an Altima 3.5 I know what I'm getting into engine wise.

Haven't driven the 300 or Mustang however. Which I will do next week.

I appreciate the advise though, I will knock the G35 and 350Z off my list, I was only planning to buy one if it was from the States, but I'd rather skip the hassle of searching for a used car across the border.

As for the Suburu, once again insurance, in addition to be totally honest I'm not a fan of the looks unless its the newer model STI's.

As for interior, I really don't care. I care about a newer vehicle, lower clicks, torque and power, I would say interior quality ranks near the bottom for me, I don't plan to sleep in my car :)

[triplexcel]

2002 wrx :)

[ilvtofu]

I've tested the G35, 350Z which I both loved, but realisticly a good one is out of my range I'm willing to shell.

I've also driven the Altima 2.5 and 3.5 which I loved personally. The 3.5 can sure kick it.

Since the Maxima is basically an Altima 3.5 I know what I'm getting into engine wise.

Haven't driven the 300 or Mustang however. Which I will do next week.

I appreciate the advise though, I will knock the G35 and 350Z off my list, I was only planning to buy one if it was from the States, but I'd rather skip the hassle of searching for a used car across the border.

As for the Suburu, once again insurance, in addition to be totally honest I'm not a fan of the looks unless its the newer model STI's.

As for interior, I really don't care. I care about a newer vehicle, lower clicks, torque and power, I would say interior quality ranks near the bottom for me, I don't plan to sleep in my car :)

The G and the Z feel a little too heavy IMO,
I like the wrx cos of it's awd and available in hatchback, If you can find one, the legacy gt wagon is great, torque/power, good looks, nice interior, sleeper in a way, and quite practical. Hard to come by one in manual though

[ivys2k]

Why V6 or V8 rather than I4? Torque pretty much.

TSX is also tempting as well, how is the torque with the TSX vs say the Chrysler 300 or Mustang, or even the Accord V6 mind you?

As for 2 or 4 door, while I would prefer a 2 door, realisticly for the power I'm looking for I have to go with a 4 door vehicle.

You guys say the 300C's aren't that great? The Mustang V6 are horrible as well huh?

i think if you want torque then you should probably look in on the euro or american cars cuz japanese cars usually doesnt give that much torque i mean its fast but not too much torque.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

IS300? they should be in the 15g range now..not sure

ya IS300 is around that range now if not cheaper

[shenmecar]

ya IS300 is around that range now if not cheaper

I've seen one for $11000. Yellow though.

[skyxx]

Honestly I'd recommend a 2004.5-2005 Jetta GLI. Good looks plus pretty decent amount of power. :)

The 1.8T engines are great! Decent amount of torque at 1700RPM :)

[svelt]

http://ericfilcoff.com/pictures/is300_45.jpg

An '03 should definitely be in your price range.

[twitchyzero]

i like the original IS...but i cant stand the alteeza's

[brute_4s]

its funny how many 4 cylinders are mentioned hen he said he didnt want an I4

[skyxx]

^ but but but the 04.5 GLI's are awesome. :(

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

i like the original IS...but i cant stand the alteeza's

hey at least it belongs on the original car


look at those riced out civic with ALTEZZZASSSSSS


dear lord
:cry:

[q0192837465]

^wut u talking about, Altezza is the sh!t man. :p

[roastpuff]

Some stuff from Repo.com:

300C Hemi (http://southsurrey.repo.com/details/36216)
Super-cheap 350Z (http://burnaby.repo.com/details/35593)
Jag XJR (http://burnaby.repo.com/details/34608)
Jag X-type (http://southsurrey.repo.com/details/34860)
3-series Convertible (http://southsurrey.repo.com/details/36164)

Might be intereting to take a look at these personally. The Hemi is very tempting... I'd be worried about the 350Z being beat up on, and the electricals on the Jag XJR.

I drove a 300LTD (no Hemi) for ~3000km as a rental and it was actually a pretty nice car, except it needs more power (3.5L V6 = too weak) so the Hemi should just about be perfect. The rental person was so surprised we put on 3000km in like 10 days, especially since the car was so new (only 4000km on the odo when we rented it).

[ivys2k]

i like the XJR and hemi the most out of all those

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^wut u talking about, Altezza is the sh!t man. :p

we must live in a differnet world lol

[TOS'd]

whats the deal with repo.com again? were there some hidden fees added on top of the listed price or something?

[roastpuff]

$300 conveyance fee... that's the only thing they list on top of taxes.