[vivekiny2k]

Originally Posted by Rocky_Balboa

Well, it maybe time when I might be in the same situation sooner than later.

now you are looking for a car?

anyway, a used car market is driven by the supply. see what you guys have available in the area and then make up your mind. both craigslist and ebay have good listings. cars.com is also a good place to start.

you already know you are looking for a premium sedan. that should guide your search. as somebody said, reliability and stability wise, subarus are cool. but may not work as a date car. for that you need something fancy with quiet and plush interiors at the least.

[lamborghini]

Hey guys,
Sorry for the late reply. Spent the last two weeks looking around for a car.
Given the economy, I have no hopes for a high resale value though I would like to have one with high resale.

GTO: While a lease seems like a good idea, it gives me very limited options to play around with as well as many restrictions. Also, since I am here only for 2.5 years, I couldn't find anything that was worth it new and am hence looking for a pre-owned car.

Some options I looked at and considered:
2007 Audi A4
2006 BMW 3 Series
2006 Nissan Altima SE-R
2007/8 Toyota Camry
2008 Honda Accord

I had (and still have) my heart set on a used Nissan Altima SE-R with the 3.5 V6 and 260 BHP and even paid a non binding deposit on her (who wouldn't given the insane power, 18inch alloys, Bose speakers etc.)

However, I had a change of mind and have reduced my budget primarily because:
- It's not my money. I would appreciate a more expensive car more if I bought it with my own money and suppose I bought a more expensive car now, I wouldn't want to downgrade to another car with my own money because it simply wouldn't feel as nice and wouldn't give me the level of satisfaction that one would like.
- Some unforseen expenditures and high insurance rates.
- I am a college student, don't want something too flashy or something here. I feel weird driving the Merc in Mumbai where they are really common. I would rather buy a car which fits in with the surroundings rather than a really flashy car.

My new budget is around $7000 and I have shortlisted the following:
- 2004 Lancer ES (similar to the Cedia Select minus alloys) done 68,000 miles with a clean Carfax for $5500 (with a plan of alloys, new ICE and probably some performance mods). 2 Owners.

- 2000 Honda Civic LX done 73,000 miles with a clean Carfax for $6,000. Again 2 owners.

- 1999 Toyota Camry V6 done 80,000 miles. Still to see the carfax on her for around $7000.

- 1999 Honda Accord done 80,000 miles, 3 owners, clean Carfax.


Out of these, I am leaning towards the Civic and the Lancer as they have the emotional feeling I am looking for and want in a car. We already had a similar Accord and I want to experience new cars, not drive the same ones again (even though I miss the Accord a lot).
I would prefer the Civic as I have a really good feeling about that car, though the Lancer seems like a better deal with more features, newer body, more powerful engine etc.
Please advise me guys on the:
Reliability of these four cars
Performance
The ideal price to pay for them
Things to look out for
Your choice

Thanks a lot guys!

Pics have been taken from Buy Cars Online, New & Used Car Search, Auto Classifieds and are actual pics of the car in question.

[devarshi84]

lancer is a newest car for the cheapest price and looks well maintained. This is minus the brand preferences.

[vivekiny2k]

good thinking lambo.

if you are planning to study and then settle here, and it's only a temporary transition, go with the civic. Mitsubishi is cheaper but needs upgrades. I have a feeling civic will be a better ROI.

if you plan to go back and this is one time fun you are going to buy, you might want to continue looking for exotics (the dodge you mentioned earlier, convertibles etc). all the cars in your list are good value for money though.

[iraghava]

I think the Civic or the Lancer would be the best bets for you Lambo.

[Mpower]

Is the Accord a V6. If so, then it will be a fun ride.

The Camry has a lifeless steering but otherwise reliable as a rock.

[lamborghini]

Hey guys,
Thanks for your replies.

@Mpower: The Accord is a 2.3 and we've already had one in Mumbai so I don't see the point of buying another one here.

@Vivek: I am going back to India after studies. I might stay here for a few more years for further studies or a job but am not sure on that. My point was that I would prefer to get a fun car once I earn it on my own and also I don't think a fun car would fit in my college campus and I like to keep a low profile.

@Iraghava and devarshi: I am seriously considering the Lancer and the Civic as my main options. Just wondering which one of these two would be better.
Now if I could only get the Lancer Ralliart (2.4L, 162bhp, 16" alloys, Sports kit (like on Cedia) and what not!) for $8000, then the choice would be so much easier. Damn!

And also, what should I look out for in used cars and the Carfax report?

[Rocky_Balboa]

Sorry guys, dont know how i missed this post.

First of all, there has been change of plans and am not gonna be here atleast until August 09. That leaves the car selection, out of the pocket to the bag.

Originally Posted by aah78

The BMW 328 is a good little package but then the 335's twin turbos just work wonders

Yeah, the 335s are a overleap and are in the corner of the mind. Infact, the new M3 has been the precise model, close to heart.

Originally Posted by aah78

Theres a wait-list on the Camaro so don't expect one this year or even the next.

Yeah theres a long list on the Camaro, but from what I heard from the Camaro forums, people who booked last Oct were promised delivery in March. I have no quips against the Challenger but the 2010 Camaro (as it is called) is so so gorgeous.

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

now you are looking for a car?

not anymore...
I dont need car for a date Vivek, but want to date the car (no no no wild imaginations ) If BMW remains my choice, its definitely gonna be from the used market/earlier year deals from the dealer. I cant definitely miss the sports package and have no other way of getting it unless wanting to live in the car.

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

@Mpower: The Accord is a 2.3 and we've already had one in Mumbai so I don't see the point of buying another one here.

Then get some other V6 like a Maz6 or Altima. You will find the V6 for the same or lower price than the 4.

My recomendation is to enjoy V6 power while gas is cheap for the next 3 years. The old Civic auto is a wheezy, slow car in this country of big roads and no fun at all.

[mohit]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Then get some other V6 like a Maz6 or Altima. You will find the V6 for the same or lower price than the 4.

My recomendation is to enjoy V6 power while gas is cheap for the next 3 years. The old Civic auto is a wheezy, slow car in this country of big roads and no fun at all.

+1.

try and look for a V6 altima or a maxima. You should be able to get a decent one in your budget. One more option : A ford fusion V6 - a reskinned Mazda6 but the price should be lower than an equivalent mazda

[Nitin]

I would definitely dissuade you from getting a V6. Even if the mileage difference is 2-3miles/gallon, with prices hitting $5/gallon this year,you'd be better off with a 4-cyl car.

[devarshi84]

how about you look for a Mazda mx-5 if possible your budget? they are great fun and reliable too. Also try looking for Nissan sentra SE-R's if they appeal to you.

Otherwise The lancer is saving you some money to get alloys and other stuff on it.

that's what I would do.

[lamborghini]

Hey guys,

No 2 doors for me. Insurance is higher and during the winters convertibles are a NO!
Also, as an only car, a 2 door isn't that practical.

As for a V6, still haven't found a decent one, within my new budget. All V6's are over my budget of $8,000/9,000, unless they are family sedans like the Camry. Also, I can't title a car here that is 10 years and older. It would also affect my resale value if it is over 10 years old when I sell it.

Looks like the Lancer, I found a Lancer Ralliart, done 58,000 miles, single owner. Carfax doesn't list any accidents or anything and the dealer has offered me a last price of $9000.
Car is fully loaded, in Red, with the skirts, tints, spoiler, sunroof, 16" alloys and most importantly a 2.4L MIVEC engine with 16x Bhp.

Anyone know how reliable these are?

[Nitin]

The Lancers are pretty reliable. In terms of fit & finish, its not the best.Interiors have a plastic/flimzy feel, and if the car's put thrown around be ready for some squeaks and rattling .
Do post pics of the car, if possible. It'll give us a better idea of how its been maintained. How old is it? I'm guessing a 2003/2004 model..

[lamborghini]

Hey Nitin,

Thanks for the reply. Mostly going to be the Lancer Rallisport. Here are the pics from the craigslist advt:



Here's one from google to check out. I want it! Fun and practical. Perfect for a college student with a love for cars isn't it?