Getting a new car!

[TheDreamX]

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 :D

[cmove]

1998 chevrolet Malibu

[Toastyone]

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

[Amnesia888]

Honda Civic :yes:

[TheDreamX]

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?

[Con]

2000 Lexus ES 300 :cool:

[randy_tho]

The ES300 is basicly a Camry, right?

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

[NeoMasamune]

2001 Honda Accord

[gdodson]

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

[randy_tho]

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

[Mr.Evil]

1998 chevrolet Malibu

585278923[/snapback]

id get the 05 malibu :yes:

[vincent]

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 :x , 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.

Edited January 13, 2005 by ripgut

[elfangor]

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.

[TheDreamX]

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!

[shockz]

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)

[giga Veteran]

To me Lexus's are just another pokemon car being that there played out and are made by toyota

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. (Y)

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.

[anthony]

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.

[TheDreamX]

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/

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.

585283999[/snapback]

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

[rvbfan]

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.

Edited January 13, 2005 by keratosis

[randy_tho]

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.

[VGVL]

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 :rofl:

[shockz]

[Moved to The Auto Point]

[vincent]

ripgut: Cadillac and Luxury? LOL :rofl:

585284099[/snapback]

Please tell me you're not being serious :rolleyes:

[Wannes]

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.

[kombolcha]

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. :no:

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