Which Preowned car?

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49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
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Shopping for a preowned. Very firm budget and I'm really only leaning to one of these three but was curious what everyone though in terms of value, performance, safety, replacement/repair costs, etc. Having owned one, I'm very familiar with the Maxima but wasn't sure about the other two. I have found good deals on each of the three and need to decide by end of the month.

2002 or 2003 Maxima GLE
2002 or 2003 Acura 3.2TL (either standard or Type S depending on deal)
2001-2002 Audi A4 Quattro AWD 2.4 L

Each one I'm looking at all have anywhere from 45K-70K miles. One is a 2003 TL with 52K for $13,999 (car lot) and one is a 2001 A4 with 55K for $11,500 (private party). Several Maximas within same range. Kind of leaning towards the TL or GLE right now.

Thoughts? Thanks.
 
K1052

K1052

Elite Member
Aug 21, 2003
53,888
48,668
136
01-02 Audi?

*holds up crucifix* *starts throwing holy water*
The power of Christ compels you!The power of Christ compels you!The power of Christ compels you!The power of Christ compels you!



I vote Acura.
 
Linflas

Linflas

Lifer
Jan 30, 2001
15,395
78
91
Preowned? I understand why someone selling a car would use that stupid term but why would a potential buyer use anything other than used to describe a used car?
 
vi edit

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Tough call between the Max & the TL(especially S-Type). But I would probably lean more to the Max because of transmission concerns on the Hondas of that time frame and TCO on the Maxima would also be lower (insurance, repairs, ect).
 
slatr

slatr

Senior member
May 28, 2001
957
2
81
Acura 4thewin

My friend had an A4. It was a nice looking car, but just started to fall apart. The parts were far, far from being cheap.

 
A

Aimster

Lifer
Jan 5, 2003
16,129
2
0
Ignore ignore

TL type-S has transmission problems and you are going to be screwed
You want to replace your transmission every 10k?

Go get the Maxima
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
2,095
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Originally posted by: Linflas
Preowned? I understand why someone selling a car would use that stupid term but why would a potential buyer use anything other than used to describe a used car?
Click to expand...

I've spent the last month looking at the preowned inventory of every online dealership within 100 miles of here. So after seeing the word "PREOWNED" 50 gazillion times, it just kind of sticks with you. :D But I'm with ya, it's just a "used" car but "preowned" makes it sound more appealing from a seller's perspective I guess.

What's with the mechanical concerns on the TL that have been mentioned? Reason for concern? The last thing I need is a car that is gonna be unreliable or require some serious repairs down the road. My current Maxima has 152K on it and I haven't had to do anything beyond tires/brakes so I'm not looking for a money pit car. With that said, I really like the TL I'm looking at but only if it's going to hold up.
 
4

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
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Originally posted by: Aimster
Ignore ignore

TL type-S has transmission problems and you are going to be screwed
You want to replace your transmission every 10k?
Click to expand...

The TL I'm looking at is not a Type S. Did the transmission problem only affect that particular version or all of the 2003 TL's?
 
C

chris7b

Senior member
Nov 11, 2003
390
0
0
Stay away from audi...Go with the Maxima.

2001-2002 i believe were the years Honda had problems with the V6 engine and tranny combo. If im not mistaken they fixed the problem in 03. Might need to double check that.
 
B

brikis98

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2005
7,253
8
0
from what i've seen/read, the audi's would be nice cars if they didn't spend all their time in a garage being fixed. the maxima and acura are both decent and out of (mostly) personal preference, i'd go with the acura.
 
T

thomsbrain

Lifer
Dec 4, 2001
18,148
1
0
i would avoid the TL from that generation, because they are known to have transmission issues. if you can't step it up to the 2004+ generation, then you either need to get the 2003 CL Type-S 6-speed (the only manual from Acura in that generation), or look elsewhere than Acura. they are great cars otherwise, but not worth the risk.

In the $16-20K used-car range, you could get a current-gen V6 Accord EX-L, which would actually give you more features than the TL (stuff like dual-zone climate control, 2-stage heated seats, etc), slightly more power, and a solid transmission. i'd replace the TL in your list with something like this.
 
M

MercenaryForHire

Lifer
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: Aimster
Ignore ignore
Click to expand...

I agree, you're full of it. :roll:

The 01-03 TL had a transmission recall, which caused Honda to extend the warranty to 7yr/100K miles on affected units as well as footing the bill for repairs. So he's covered for another 3yr/48K on it - and that's only if he's affected.

Check the repair history, ask if it's had the recall fix for the transmission.

- M4H
 
M

MercenaryForHire

Lifer
Jan 31, 2002
40,819
2
0
Originally posted by: thomsbrain
In the $16-20K used-car range, you could get a current-gen V6 Accord EX-L, which would actually give you more features than the TL (stuff like dual-zone climate control, 2-stage heated seats, etc), slightly more power, and a solid transmission. i'd replace the TL in your list with something like this.
Click to expand...

Good substitute. I'm not exactly sure why he's so fixated on these three cars in particular.

Plus, you can get the Accord V6 in a 6MT if you get a coupe. ;) (Edit - Yes, I know you can get the 6MT in the sedan now, but not for the used-car market.)

- M4H
 
D

dmw16

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
7,608
0
0
You dont want an aging Audi...they are expensive to fix.

I'd go with the TL simply because I think Honda's are very reliable and it is the best looking car on that list.
 
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