I'm a college sophomore and my parents and I are looking into getting a car for the end of my second semester or before my first junior semester. I'm in a fraternity and need to drive some brothers around at times. I would also like to get off campus more. Getting to class is no problem without a car. Here are my current options...

My family owns a 2001 Honda Accord with all the luxories (2-door, moonroof, spoiler, 6-cd changer, sporty) and a pretty stock 1998 Chevrolet Malibu (4-door, basic sedan with no power). I could take one of them while my parents get a new car to replace whichever I take. I'm thinking of taking the Accord.

Another option would be my grandmother's 2000 Lexus ES 300. It's a very nice 4-door sedan with a little more luxories than the Accord and more power than the Malibu.

A final option is to buy a new, basic car (such as a Honda Civic) or a used car (my parents are looking at an Audi A4 for them or me).

My question is what car should I get for my situation? I am really good with vehicles, so don't think I won't take care of a luxury car like a Lexus. And yes, I know I'm spoiled

1998 chevrolet Malibu

Well I would get the Lexus but how many miles do they have? Are they all around 50,000, does one have a lot more than the others, I would get which ever has the least

Honda Civic

Malibu: ~60k miles
Lexus: ~35k miles
Accord: ~35k miles
By the way, thanks for everyone's help in deciding.

Amnesia888: Why do you say that? I have heard that they are unsafe. I do like them a lot, but If I was to get a Civic, why not take the Accord?

2000 Lexus ES 300

The ES300 is basicly a Camry, right?

What engines do the Accord and Camry... I mean ES300 have? jk.

2001 Honda Accord

Get the Accord, Hondas last forever! Even after the body has rusted away to nothing, it'll still be running.

Yeah I'd probably go with the accord if it is black (Or other dark color) and has a manual transaxle with a V6.

id get the 05 malibu

IF you want a good luxury car, i suggest a 1992 Cadillac eldorado ( Touring coupe kinda rare)
I had one Back in california and i have to tell you that this car is top notch, If you can find one i highly suggest it. To me Lexus's are just another pokemon car being that there played out and are made by toyota , Cadillac defines automobile luxury

review 19992 Eldorado Touring Coupe
If you can get one with the Northstar system, your even that much more set good luck and tell me what you think about my choice. This car floats like a feather on the freeway and is soo damn quiet i had to listen to see if it was running when i was at red lights. The handling is superb even in rainy weather.
remember if you cant get a Touring Coupe edition dont worry about it then. only the Touring coupes are rare and yield a higher value in the kelly blue book.

I was in the same situation as you a few months ago. My parents drive a 2000 Honda Accord and a 2002 Mercedes E-Class. I didn't want to take their cars because because I wanted a smaller and new car, since I won't have much time to take care of the car if something doesn't work, which is usually the case for the Mercedes.

I finally bought a Mazda 3 Hatchback. I know its a more unconventional choice, and it doesn't sound like what you would normally consider a good car. But I got it completely loaded (including navigation system) for a little more than $20000, which is a pretty good deal. It's a great little car, and all my passengers loved it. It's a pretty good college car.

It might not be the right car for you, but at least I would suggest you get a new car, which would hopefully minimize the number of problems and the amount of time you waste trying to get it fixed.

randy_tho: They are both V6 with ~175 HP. Also, the Accord is metallic green (dark).

ripgut: Hmm, that's pretty old and we already got rid of my 1992 Chevy Cavalier.

elfangor: I never looked into Mazdas. Thanks for the tip. I'll stop down the dealership this week to have a look!

V6 Malibus have had problems with Gasket leaks.

GM engines in the SFI series (3100, 3400) have this problem.
This problem effects SFI engines from 96-2003.

So if you get the malibu make sure you ask the dealar about this problem.

More information: http://www.gm-v6lemons.com/ / http://www.geocities.com/gm_intake/index.htm (primarly for 3400 engine... Malibus are still effected even know they have the 3100)

I can vouch for this as we've had an Impala with the 3400 and it had the leak.
It's very costly to repair and if not caught early can destory the engine.

Oldsmobile Aleros with the 3400 V6 also have this problem (since I own an Alero this Is how I found out about the leak)

What's wrong with Toyota? Great and quality company. Never had a problem with any of their cars. My familys had a Corolla 88, Camry 95, Previa 96, Camry 03, Avalon 01, Sienna 05, and soon a Lexus ES300. All great cars.

I would go for the lexus. 4 doors will come handy since youre in a frat. If not, get a new one or that Audi.

You're a college sophmore, and I'm not being demeaning here, but you can't rely on your parents forever. I think in this situation, you need to look foward. Look into a cheaper new car with a really nice warentee, the worst thing you want is a 7 year old car (1998) that may or may not break during your college endevours.

I'd suggest a 4 cylinder, because you really don't need much power under the hood, maybe even a Hyundai, they've got a 10 year 100,000 mile warentee and a cheap price to boot. The 2.7l V6 GT Tiburon is fast and cheap.

There's no dealer as we already own the 1998 Malibu. We bought it new and have not yet run into that problem.

Lexus! No brainer, especially if your parents are footing all, most of the bill.
Yes I agree you are spoiled, my car in collage was a 77 Honda Civic.

Another problem the GMs have is a clunky steering column. I'd stay away from GM altogethor though.

Between the Lexus and Accord I'd have to drive them.

If you looks at Mazdas look at the 6. They are supposed to be great cars.

Lexus. Its the best brand out of those you provided. I'm not a big fan of pokemon cars (As a matter of fact, anything that isn't European), but I guess Lexus is alright.

ripgut: Cadillac and Luxury? LOL

[Moved to The Auto Point]

Please tell me you're not being serious

hmm wel maybe the car isn't very famous there but I drive the NEW Audi A6.

It didn't cost a hell of a lot but its very luxury and rides very well. It uses 6.1L/100km.

I would pick the accord, even for a coupe, its has a lot of room in the back seat.

i would stay away from the Malibu, 1. it is a demostic car which basically means 0 value and the Malibu is one of the worst cars to drive when it comes to safety, how they passed government testings, i don't know.

The Lexus is nicer, but i don't like small cars.

The Accord definetly, and here's why.
The room for 5 people is much appreciated.
You can sleep in it if you had to in a pinch on a road trip.
Kegs fit in the trunk and backseats.
Its low profile from the police.
Its fuel efficient and takes regular 87 octane fuel.
Honda reliability.
Easy to find parts online and in person and to fix yourself if you ever had a problem.
And you have to park it at a frat house, and from experience i can tell you other frats may do maliscious things to your new or "supposedly cool car".

The Lexus while poser cool is slow.
Takes premium fuel at premium prices.
gets regular fuel efficiency.
draws attention to you in a place and at a time in your life that you want to be low key in.
doesn't warrant the transport of mass amount of beer.
will make you obsess over your car then you won't enjoy having a vehicle as much.

All in all i have to say as a fellow fraternity guy its just better to wait untill your done with school to get your cool car. I had a toyota corolla FX in college and sold it then got my parents old mercury sable to have more room. While neither of them were hot rods of any sort they were both very practical and provided the room for transportation of people or objects while not drawing attention to me. After i graduated i bought my Yellow Mustang GT Vert! It was worth the wait because from my own observation, the frat house across the street a at the time brand new m3 and T/A WS6 in their lot and they each were damaged at some point by drunk people. The guy behind us had a new 325 Coupe and that got damaged by another frat. Guy downteh street had a new bright red Stang GT that got jacked. My fraternity brother had a new eclipse gsx and the neighbors hit the house with a rock and the window fell out on his car and damaged the roof. Living in fraternity row while fun doesn't really warrant having a vehicle that you'll consider prescious to you. All this is of course just my opinion, but going practical is the best route. Good Luck!

KXH: Thanks for the reply. You made some excellent points.

So I think I have nailed it down to (a) the 2001 Honda Accord or (b) a different car, more suited for college -- I'll be looking at the Civics and Mazdas more along with some other cars recommended. Even though the Lexus has the highest vote at the time of this post, I think I'll stay away from it. Again, thank you all for your help!

Well whatever u pick, dont put a big ass fin or tail or whatever they call it, paint it some funky color, install a big ass exhaust pipe while absolutely not doing jack **** to the engine to make go faster than it would look like , and lower it to where it looks like you rolling on half wheels.


PLEASE the streets dont need anymore pokemon,digimon, pikachu cars

anything honda

Get the A4, thats what I drive, great car! lol...

I agree. From what it sounds like though you won't be doing that. Theres not much more rediculous lookin than a stock civic (or any other car for that matter) with cut springs, rims, and a huge wing. It just screams ignorance.

I'd get the Audi.

Though ricers are getting popular these days, theyre no where near in competing with regular cars on the street. I see maybe 1 out of 100 of those types of cars on the street.

get the accord. Hondas are and always have been very reliable cars. Also fairly inexpensive to keep up and fix when something does need fixed...unlike the lexus.

As for the power, someone said 175hp for the v6 in the accord. I disagree, I was thinkin it was about 200hp for the accord. eh, someone google it 4 me.

The only disadvantage is the depreciation value of the car compared to the lexus. If u are thinking long term that is.

*edit
confirmed, 200hp for the V6 in the 2001 accord. Damn i'm good

How much are you going to spend? That will help us recommend a car. That Lexus and that year Accord are ugly IMO. Don't get a Lexus just to say you have a Lexus because that ES 300 is not nearly as nice as the brand new Lexuses.

id take the oldest one u can, becasue if you park in a uni car park its going to likely get vandalised by drunken students and what not

Pretty sure it depends on the year. The newest ones are around 220. I don't know when they started.

On a new car, I guess we are willing to spend an upward of $20,000. As for the Lexus (aka Camry), I actually like the looks, but I think that's out of the picture now.

Heres some specs I pulled up on the 2001. I think they redid the car in 02 with a more powerful engine and optional 6spd manual.

Engine Specs: 3.0L V-6 200HP
Transmission: 4-spd auto w/OD
Fuel Economy City: 20.0 mpg
Fuel Economy Highway: 28.0 mpg
Bumper to Bumper Warranty: 36/36,000 (months/miles)

You can get some nice little cars brand new for $20,000. If I were you'd I'd buy new if could. If you do buy used make sure it has low miles because chances are that you'll be putting a lot of miles on it when you're a student. You can search for new cars based on price on sites like this one. Good luck on your search.

The Lexus is a sweet ride make no mistake but you'll obsess over it because of its sweetness. Mazda 6 is pretty huge inside with a nice amount of power and good reliability. 2001 Accord Ex had 200HP if it was a V6 EX and not the I4 EX. Either way good luck and funnel a 6 pack for me, because "its so good when it hits the lips."

So you want cool and cheap? I suggest when it comes late this summer the new Chevy HHR, or better yet get a Chevy Colbalt.

GM = low build quality = problems. With few exceptions.

I really don't want a Chevy.

Anyway, I went to look at the Mazda3 today. I got to drive it and I was really impressed. I thought I would like the hatchback, but now I don't know because the sedan looked sweet also. Unfortunately, now my parents are leaning more towards me taking the Honda/Chevy listed above (I think the Lexus is out with them, too) AFTER they have me go looking at cars (and really liking the Mazda). Grrr.

what are you talking about? they wouldnt be as big as they are if they build low quality.

Their big because they have a dealer on every corner, they offer lower priced vehicles, and they have great advertising and variety.

They have some nice stuff but just look at TSBs and you'll know what I mean. In general they have a lot of flaws.

I know of an Impala with 34,000 miles and it has needed rotors twice and still vibrates badly. It has a clunky steering column/ pinion, and needed the intake gasket replaced as discussed earlier in this thread I believe.

I've seen chevy trucks with less than 25K with weatherstripping falling off and clunky steering and messy welds. I know the weld thing is nitpicky but it just has to do with the care that is put into the vehicle as its manufactured.

Ok, I think you'll get the best gas mileage with the Chevy Malibu, this a real plus if you're gonna play Taxi.
Appears as all your options have AntiLock Brakes, I think the Malibu and Lexus look fine not a fan of the Accord you have there. In terms of Horsepower, the Lexus and Honda are the clear winners, autotrader marks the Lexus as having slightly more, so if you wanna push around heavy ppl, that one will do it as it also has more Torque.

Final SUGGESTION: Take that Lexus! Probably would fetch you the most resale value, it has the DOHC, and it'll push the most "BROTHERS" but at more cost than your other 2 options.

2000 Cavalier Z24: 1 recall 146 TSB's

2000 Escort ZX2: 1 recall 30 TSB's

thats high build quality for you. lol

Thats what I'm talking about. Plus look at the safety tests for the Cavalier. Its really sad. The malibu on the other hand does well. At least the new model. TSBs may be different.

You are comparing one model from one year from each company. You cannot make a generalized statement of quality based on that. If you do you're an idiot.