Ugh...car likely to be totaled. What should I replace it with?

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Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
The wife got in an accident about a week ago (she's okay, thank god)...and it's looking like that car's gonna be totaled.

She hit a guard rail on the freeway, and all kinds of stuff is fubar'd. 2008 Civic Coupe EX, manual with ~30,000 miles, and the damage is already up to $13,500.

I'm guessing I might be looking at around a $14,000 budget. I liked the civic, but I wasn't in love with it or anything.

Best car I ever had was a 2001 Maxima 20th Anniv. So I was thinking maybe I could find a nicely used 2.5 Altima with the SL package. Looking online, it also seems there's a couple very well-equipped Jettas (one I have in mind is a 2006), with low miles and the 2.0T engine. But reading about VW reliability has pretty much scared me away.

I've looked at a dozen other models, but I really don't know much about the models, brands or their reputations. I think the common thread in what I've been looking for is a midsize sedan that has a luxurious interior...or something that would compare to how nice my old Maxima was on the inside (leather, moon-roof, heated seats, upgraded sound, etc...). But I also don't want something that will fall apart or get atrocious gas mileage.

The other thing I've been thinking about is a truck (despite my previous gas mileage comment), since having the ability to load shit up for my constant back-yard projects, and gear for trips to Wyoming would be nice. But I saw the "what truck should I buy" thread, so I'll study the options mentioned there.

So...any suggestions on a sedan, with a nice interior, around $14,000? I appreciate the help.
 
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vshah

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
ford fusion comes to mind, or perhaps a subaru legacy. you could get a previous gen TL or G35 for that price but the mileage would be more like 60-80k
 
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Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
vshah said:
ou could get a previous gen TL or G35 for that price but the mileage would be more like 60-80k
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Yeah, I guess that's another thing I'm not sure about. I'm totally comfortable buying, for example, a Nissan with up to 50k miles, maybe even 60k (that Maxima I mentioned had 45k when I got it), probably Hondas too. But I have no idea about other models/brands. At what mileage point, for which car, is it just not worth it?

...I hate car shopping.
 
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Demon-Xanth

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
Oh, and for the obligatory woman driver totaling car thing...
street_legal_bumper.jpg
 
Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
Howard said:
Impreza wagon
Click to expand...

Surprisingly, they're really expensive to insure around here. I was told it's because of their popularity, particularly around here. Also, the kids with WRX's basically ruin it for everyone else. *shrug*

Thanks for the suggestions so far, guys.
 
K

KIAman

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2001
3,342
23
81
Gooberlx2 said:
...snip...
So...any suggestions on a sedan, with a nice interior, around $14,000? I appreciate the help...snip...
Click to expand...

If you want good interior, midsize sedan, that is reliable and good on gas, all for $14k, it will be hard to find a better car than a used Acura TL.
 
vshah

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
KIAman said:
If you want good interior, midsize sedan, that is reliable and good on gas, all for $14k, it will be hard to find a better car than a used Acura TL.
Click to expand...

OP should be able to find an 05-07 model with <80k miles within his price range.
 
PricklyPete

PricklyPete

Lifer
Sep 17, 2002
14,582
162
106
TSX if you want to go manual. You could probably get a good price on a used Fusion if you want to go AT. If reliability/cheap repairs is important, I'd stay away from a VW. If you can deal with both, I'd definitely recommend a VW. Possibly try a Subaru Legacy?
 
D

desy

Diamond Member
Jan 13, 2000
5,447
216
106
Mercury Milan since he wants more upscale
Same reliability as the Fusion but nicer IMO
 
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C

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
5
0
Why go with a 2.5SL when you can get a 3.5SE for less than $14k? (05/06)

Should have kept the 20th AE... Those are great.
 
T2urtle

T2urtle

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2004
3,432
3
81
Gooberlx2 said:
Surprisingly, they're really expensive to insure around here. I was told it's because of their popularity, particularly around here. Also, the kids with WRX's basically ruin it for everyone else. *shrug*

Thanks for the suggestions so far, guys.
Click to expand...

the wagon should be less. and the base model impreza should be less as well. its when you get the WRX or STI class that goes crazy....

if the impreza sedan/wagon is your thing.... consider going to Legacy, base or GT model. sedan or wagon in 05-06. These cars have the same engine as the WRX/STI minus a few things but good amount of power. more touch of luxury VS a impreza best of all no kids with WRX mark up.

i priced shoped for a WRX and it was about $675/ 6 months VS $350/6 months for any legacy. This is just to give you an idea of how much diffrence it is.

Legacy have heated seats as a standard. You would need a limited package to get the sunroof/leather. The wagon as a HUGE roof. I personally love this car to death, still wish i picked it up. But i went G35x instead because at the time i couldn't find a manual GT limited.

Only thing you might have beef with is MPG. I think they get about 20-22 mixed driving. a WHOLE lot diffrent VS your civic.


A used TL 04-08 would be nice as well. Gives you honda feel and more luxury. 22-26mpg. bigger car if your wife has a issue.
 
StageLeft

StageLeft

No Lifer
Sep 29, 2000
70,150
5
0
You don't want a Volkswagen, just put that idea to bed.

Altima 2.5 is ok but it's got what 175 horsepower or 180 vs the Maxima's V6 and 200+. $14k buys plenty of maxima used, though.
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
126
Skoorb said:
You don't want a Volkswagen, just put that idea to bed.

Altima 2.5 is ok but it's got what 175 horsepower or 180 vs the Maxima's V6 and 200+. $14k buys plenty of maxima used, though.
Click to expand...

Yeah the Altima is okay. I'd recommend the manual tranny with the 4-cyl though, the auto kinda robs it of any fun at all. $14k does indeed buy a decent Maxima, although I think at that price I'd be looking at G35 Sedans, which are widely available in great shape/low miles for $14k.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...=&max_price=14000&cardist=1617&standard=false

^^ That's a pretty sweet ride. 6-speed manual, sport package, ~30k miles. Only real downside is buying 18" tires sorta sucks, but it's still gonna be cheaper than owning a VW/Audi/BMW. There are also plenty of performance upgrades for the motor. All of the 3.5VQ can be tuned to ~300-320hp with tune and quality intake (Nismo/Stillen/etc), even without the 'rev-up' variant.
 
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