Best car for 8k, newbie driver?

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Currently driving an inherited Chevy Impala LS 2001 (3.8L, 200hp) gas guzzler. It has many issues, had to spend $3k repairing it last year, so I want to buy a new car in 1-2 months.

My budget is $8k cash. I don't want to lease. I would prefer to buy outright.

- I will be driving this for 2-3 years and then I will sell and get a newer car, so the car must have SOME retail value.
- I would ideally like to take this on road trips as well as a daily commuter, I'm not sure how many miles I'll drive per year. Right now I don't commute via car and have no idea, really. Estimating 10-12k per year.
- Reliability is most important
- Exterior and interior are both equally important. I don't want an outdated interior.
- I don't have a family, single 24 year old male, coupe is preferred
- I live in the DC area so there's not much snow
- Good MPG

After researching cars thoroughly, my top 3 picks for $8000 car (through private dealer most likely)

1. 2005-2007 Acura TSX ~70-100k miles

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Why:

- luxury division of Honda, so Honda but better build quality
- looks better than accord, fancier, sportier, faster
- i love the exterior and interior
- good mpg

2. 2005-2008 Accord Coupe EX ~60-90k miles

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Why:

- honda reliability
- cheaper than TSX, will have less miles
- great interior on EX
- better mpg than TSX

3. 2007-2009 Scion tC ~50-80k miles

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- toyota reliability
- cheaper than both TSX and accord coupe EX
- alright interior
- good mpg

4. Honda Civic EX-L or SI - I only like black colored because it somehow makes the low end front look better; but this I think is inferior to the tC in everything except maybe mpg/reliability and pricing.

Other notable picks I have already cancelled out and why:

- Nissan Altima - cancelling out because while it is a great car, 2 of my friends already have it and I don't want the same exact car. I like the coupe but it's way more expensive.
- Acura RSX - it looks better than a tC but the year would be too low, I would have to find a 2004-2006 one becaues they discontinued in 2006 and while the quality may be better than a scion tC, interior is important to me.
- Lexus IS - RWD is horrible for snow, but more importantly it's almost impossible to find a good deal on a IS. I don't want a 2002-2003 one.
- Audi A4 / BMW 3 series circa 2004-2005 - I don't want to deal with maintaining a high performance german car - It's expensive.

Can anyone offer some input/insight on my picks? Should I just go for a low miles tC and buy a TSX in 2 years?

Obviously if I find the perfect deal I will jump on a TSX but all the ones within my price range are high miles (80+).
 
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Ricemarine

Lifer
Sep 10, 2004
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Scion TC is a good pick. 8k sounds right for that many miles and that year.

I would also consider the g35 (04+, same tranny and engine as the 350z) and the mazda3 (06+, few issues regarding the tranny and engine afaik). Both are good cars and reliable.

If you want cheaper, 1.8L sentra, Xb, or integra.
 
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Wyndru

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2009
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I just looked at a TSX in my area last week, they wanted 14k for a 2006 base model with 85K miles on it.

I think the only thing coming in at 8k or less in my area for those year and mileage ranges is a Sentra.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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I'm ruling out the G35 because I don't need 300HP (coupe) and the mpg is same or worse than my current car. Super powerful cars will only get me speeding tickets, and that's not good for a newbie driver.

Why mazda3 compared to my top 3 picks? Isn't it owned by Ford? Isn't it inferior to Honda in every way?

Oh yeah, Corolla/Camry were considered but the exterior is too boring compared to Honda's equivalents.

I was considering Integra but might as well consider RSX because it's just a prettier Integra.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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I just looked at a TSX in my area last week, they wanted 14k for a 2006 base model with 85K miles on it.

I think the only thing coming in at 8k or less in my area for those year and mileage ranges is a Sentra.

Yeah. The only chance I stand with TSX's is something like this:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/3656891036.html

106 miles 2004 TSX, manual.

I don't know manual but I'm open to learn it.
 

Wyndru

Diamond Member
Apr 9, 2009
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Oh and I feel your pain with the gas mileage, I still drive a '99 monte carlo z34 (3.8/200hp also).

I'm hoping to get a newer car this year.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Also forgot to mention, Civic was considered but I can't get over the front, it's too low. I don't like the look, but spec-wise it's fucking awesome great mpg, reliable, etc etc.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
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Acura is a good brand but I see too many people trying to sell them for over 10k with tons of miles.

I would go with a 2007-2009 Honda as the value will hold and maintenance is simple.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Acura is a good brand but I see too many people trying to sell them for over 10k with tons of miles.

I would go with a 2007-2009 Honda as the value will hold and maintenance is simple.

Yeah I'll probably jump on the first Accord Coupe under 60-70 miles that's an EX, that I see.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
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Yeah good idea. I wish I was able to get one instead of financing a new car but when I finished school I had no money other than the job I had started at. Even at 60k miles they still are reliable. My friend had one with 65k he still uses it all the way up past 100k as long as you take care of it.

My 3000gt lasted me to 203k until I sold it but I put a lot of money in repairs in the span of 4-5 years.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
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Sick with the Impala -

I'm guessing the car is averaging around 22 - 24mpg. Knowing the issues you have is better than knowing the issues you don't. In 2yrs buy the car you were planning on buying in 3.

I'd pick the Accord out of your bunch.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Do you realize that I spent 3k in repairs on the Impala last year, and that the left rear axle is kind of messed up, there are all sorts of issues with it. I definitely don't want it.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
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Do you realize that I spent 3k in repairs on the Impala last year, and that the left rear axle is kind of messed up, there are all sorts of issues with it. I definitely don't want it.

That's exactly why you keep it. Buying a car with 80-120K miles on it is often buying someone elses maintenance nightmare.

Car will probably need new plugs, wires, brake pads,Trans flush, timing belt, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, fuel filter, cabin filter, air filter and other miscellaneous things within the first 6-months you own it as you are unsure of the maintenance history.

Generally the 3800 & 4spd auto is pretty stout so maybe you have rounded the corner to where very little will break over the next two years. You never know.

Whatever you decide to buy - take it to an independent mechanic and pay them $100 to do a full pre-purchase inspection.
 

Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Fmr12B - we *are* talking about Japanese cars here. If I try to shoot for low miles then I doubt I'd spend as much money maintaining, say, a 2008 Scion tC with 50k miles.

And yeah, my friend is coming with me to inspect it.
 

jlee

Lifer
Sep 12, 2001
48,518
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Do you realize that I spent 3k in repairs on the Impala last year, and that the left rear axle is kind of messed up, there are all sorts of issues with it. I definitely don't want it.

All sorts of issues like what? There aren't any axles in the back - should just be a spindle thing with a wheel bearing.
 

Dr. Detroit

Diamond Member
Sep 25, 2004
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hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
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I had an 05 tsx for 4.5 years. Its probably more fun to drive than the much larger accord.

I only had one problem with it and it was that the starter died at 30k miles. That said its pretty reliable generally.

I'd get an 06 or higher since those have Bluetooth if you care . If you get one with nav the 06+ nav is much nicer too


I sold my 05 tsx AT with nav 3 years ago with 65k miles on it for $12000. I'd imagine you can do around that now for an 07-08 . Used car prices seem to be higher now so I could be wrong
 
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Woosta

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2008
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Oh I forgot - Japanese cars all run to 200K miles with zero maintenance. Yes, of course.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/honda-transmission-problems-seem-to-persist/

I'm confused, you're trying to convince me that Japanese cars aren't the most reliable on earth when they are? It's mutually agreed upon.

Yes, I know I'll have to do SOME maintenance work because I actually care about my car, but it'll be much less work and $ than an American/German car.
 
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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
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All cars need maintenance. And despite which one you get, you could get a bomb from either American or Japanese. I've seen more problems with American cars.
 
May 13, 2009
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3k in repairs and you're ready to bail? Sounds like the major issues have been taken care of already. Now would be the time to drive out the value.
 
May 13, 2009
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Btw just looked up kbb value on a 06 accord ex with 70k miles. Kbb value is 12k.
If you find one for less than 13k I'd be shocked.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
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Try finding someone that goes to auctions. You can find a good accord there I'm sure.
 

kitatech

Senior member
Jan 7, 2013
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My 05 Camry LE 4cyl/5-speed stick with 97K miles and a new clutch...gets 25mpg in town and burns no oil...was $7k out the dealer's door last Oct....runs like it just came off the showroom floor.

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