Which Preowned car?

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

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

I'm fixated because of the "firm budget" I mentioned in my OP. I have a strict limit on this purchase and the Accord you mentioned is not within it. The cars I listed in my OP are the ones in my budget that I actually like in terms of appearance, performance, etc.

I'm not a big car person because I'm just not in one very much. So I'm only looking to spend $13K or less on this purchase, not really any over. I can likely get the TL I'm looking at for that price, after some negotiating.

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire


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

I've been researching the recalls but I'm still not sure if the car I'm eyeballing would be affected. It's an 03 but when I ran the VIN on the recall site, it said that this particular car didn't qualify for the extended 100K warranty. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

I've read about a lot of personal experiences with recalls on 03's but it seems to be the early production line. I came across a thread that said the problems were with cars under xxxxxxx19000 in VIN #'s. This one ends in xxxxxx77725. So it's over that number but I can't confirm the validity of that claim.

I ran a Carfax report on this particular TL and there were no transmission services done on it thus far. Have no idea what to do. I want the TL but only if there's a way to confirm it isn't one of the ones with the potential tranny problem.

 

[ViviTheMage]

acura

 

[OVerLoRDI]

Originally posted by: lightpants
Run away from that Audi

The TL for sure

Audi makes wonderful cars to drive.... while they work. Get the Acura they are nice cars.

 

[Aimster]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: Aimster
Ignore ignore

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

Check out the acura forums.
People are on their 4th and even 5th transmissions.
http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32947

One dude even is on his 10th transmission.

SO .. yes I am full of it....
Always remember, Aimster > ALL

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: Aimster


Check out the acura forums.
People are on their 4th and even 5th transmissions.
http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32947

One dude even is on his 10th transmission.

SO .. yes I am full of it....
Always remember, Aimster > ALL

Actually, that forum is more optimistic than another one I found where every single person posting had a tranny replaced. Often 2-4 times. And many of them didn't qualify for the extended 100K warranty. I just wish there was a way to know if it were only a problem with a certain VIN range. I may call the local Acura service department to see if they can tell many anything. I have no desire to buy a car that will end up costing me an arm/leg in repairs.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Aimster
Check out the acura forums.
People are on their 4th and even 5th transmissions.
http://www.acuraworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32947

One dude even is on his 10th transmission.

SO .. yes I am full of it....
Always remember, Aimster <3 COCK

/skims through thread

Let's see, 01, 02, 02, 02, 01, 00, 99, 02, 01 ... Hmm. I don't see any 03s. Maybe that's because they started shipping fixed ones in the later runs?

One dude with no proof claims to be on his tenth. Sure. If you buy that, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

- M4H

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire


/skims through thread

Let's see, 01, 02, 02, 02, 01, 00, 99, 02, 01 ... Hmm. I don't see any 03s. Maybe that's because they started shipping fixed ones in the later runs?

One dude with no proof claims to be on his tenth. Sure. If you buy that, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

- M4H

The other forum I was on had countless 2003 models with tranny problems but most were with the Type S, some standard editions as well. Just tough to tell but it seems that most of the ones that had problems, had them very early on. This one being over 50K with no previous issues is encouraging but you just never know.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
The other forum I was on had countless 2003 models with tranny problems but most were with the Type S, some standard editions as well. Just tough to tell but it seems that most of the ones that had problems, had them very early on. This one being over 50K with no previous issues is encouraging but you just never know.

If you're anything less than 100% comfortable with buying it, don't.

Given that your preference for vehicles is based mostly on budget, why not throw down a list of "desired features" and see what the bargain hunters of ATOT come up with?

- M4H

 

[psteng19]

Maxima.
Loved that generation.

I would stay far, far away from any Honda/Acura with a V6 auto tranny.

 

[vetteguy]

There is nothing wrong with an Audi, as long as you take care of the scheduled maintenance. If it's around 55k it's still got a little ways go go on the timing belt, but it's something you should start saving for if you get it. As long as you have/can find a reputable local repair shop that works on Audi/VW, you can save hundred, possibly thousands over the dealership. Last year the fuel pump in my 03 A4 went out, dealer quoted me over $900, the other shop I use (which does better quality work than the dealer) charged a little over $400. So, while they can require some maintenance, it really annoys me when people treat them like they're the plague.

 

[Aimster]

There was no transmission fix for the 2003 TL. If it was fixed they would put that transmission in the previous years. Reading the boards it showed that even if your transmission was replaced, it didnt guarantee a fix.

Most of the issues are with the Type-s transmission, but I've seen the problem reported on TL transmissions.

The problem has been reported on other Honda models for that year as well

Warranty was increased to 100,000 miles and on top of that you had 10,000 miles for each transmission.
Who wants to take their car to the dealership every other month?

 

[andy04]

Maxima Maxima Maxima

... did I mention Maxima ?

 

[Aimster]

2003 Maxima SE - All Options > Maxima GLE

GLE has fake wood, if you like it then why not I guess.

 

[AdamK47]

I agree, get the GTO.

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: Aimster
2003 Maxima SE - All Options > Maxima GLE

GLE has fake wood, if you like it then why not I guess.

My current Maxima is a SE and I like it a lot. The only reason I have been looking at the GLE's is because I'd like nicer interior features. A lot of what is standard on the GLE is optional on the SE. If I can find a 2002 or 2003 SE in my price/mileage range with leather interior and auto climate control, I'd jump all over it. I could probably live without the climate control but I think that the layout on the other looks crappy. Actually, the buttons/dials on the 2003 SE look no different than the ones on my 1995 SE. Nissan should have put the GLE layout on all three editions. Just looks so much nicer.

 

[Al Neri]

Im in the same exact boat.

I may go with an 02 TL or an 03 Maxima...

Too bad the hondas from that year are gross..

 

[Al Neri]

and Audi's are pretentious cars...

anyone know the space in an '04 Audi A4 compared to a '04 Civic and an '04 accord?

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez
Im in the same exact boat.

I may go with an 02 TL or an 03 Maxima...

Too bad the hondas from that year are gross..

I'll be honest... This whole transmission situation has really pushed me back into the corner of the Maxima, which was my first choice to begin with. I had been shopping for Maximas for several months and only for TL's a couple days. The main reason I like the TL's are simply because of all the options that come standard. They are REALLY nice cars. But I just know how rugged the Maximas are and since I own one, I feel like I know what I'm getting.

I'm not ruling out the 2003 TL I found but I can genuinely say I have a big discomfort with the poor tranny reputation.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez
and Audi's are pretentious cars...

anyone know the space in an '04 Audi A4 compared to a '04 Civic and an '04 accord?

Pretentious? Why do you say that? They are very safe, fun to drive cars with well designed and comfortable interiors(for the front passengers).

The A4's are small, for sure. But a BMW 3 series and a Lexus IS aren't exactly known for their cavernous interiors either.

 

[Al Neri]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: Don Rodriguez
and Audi's are pretentious cars...

anyone know the space in an '04 Audi A4 compared to a '04 Civic and an '04 accord?

Pretentious? Why do you say that? They are very safe, fun to drive cars with well designed and comfortable interiors(for the front passengers).

The A4's are small, for sure. But a BMW 3 series and a Lexus IS aren't exactly known for their cavernous interiors either.

In my opinion, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS' are "buying a luxury brand to buy a luxury brand when you can't afford one," again, that's my opinion... Maybe the 330xi isn't SO much doing that, but I still think those two models are pretentious, along with the A4. Throw the mercedes C class on that as well.

Maybe because I see all rich kids who's parents bought them their first cars driving one of those 4, maybe not, but when I see those cars it makes me laugh.

again, it's my opinion

 

[AMCRambler]

Don't smoke crack, go for the Ack.

 

[krunchykrome]

TL all the way.

The Audi will have a lot more issues than the Nissan or Acura, and Maintenance will be more expensive.

The Maxima is nice, but the TL is more refined.