ok car buffs, need help, truck it out of the picture, need car advice

Been looking at used Nissan Maxima's. Seems like a nice sporty car, would work great for commuting etc. Not buying until after tax time. I gotta find a car (4dr) that has a v6, that I can be happy with for a while. I am trying to avoid honda's at all costs, i hate them with a passion.

I need ideas for other cars to look at that may fit the bill but am drawing a blank. My wife suggested a Mini Cooper but not sure I would enjoy it or not.

Sports cars are out , but sporty sedans would be ok. I am considering used Mercedes as well as long as I can find one in my price range. At the moment seems to be around 15k before fees.

Hoping to stay around a 2000 or newer model year without a TON of miles on it.

Anyway, throw out suggestions please. Im dying over here.

 

If you're looking at Maximas, take a look at the V6 Altimas. About the same size and power, and quite a bit cheaper. The V6 versions have taut suspension, good wide tires, and plenty of horsepower. I've got an '03 and love it.

 

Thanks for the heads up GT.


How about a Volkswagen Jetta? Found an 02 27k miles, v6, leather for 15+K

 

BluesMan wants a 4 door in his post. Do USA Mini's have 4 doors? Only 2 doors here in OZ. Would love a picture of one. Bazza

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If you are going for a Lexua IS300, I would get much more bang for the buck and go '05 Acura TL.

But then, you don't like Honda.

Shame, Acuras are nice.

The new Accord Coupes are, too. The V6 has great pickup.

Can't stand the 4-Door.

 

Have you thought about a Saturn? I have one with 4-cyl that has been a very good car plenty of performance and very good mileage. They have v6 models but don't have any experience with them. All side panels are plastic so no dents from parking lots (MAJOR PLUS)

 

Plastic doors

http://fireupdate.com/recovery/fu/pictures6.htm

 

Subaru WRX

Might look into a used Acura TL

 

Look at the Subaru Outback's. I know several people that have one and they love them. Good on gas, plenty of room, 4-door, and according to them very dependable.

Steve

 

Are you crazy? I had the trip from hell behind the wheel of a Saturn last summer. It would not go above 75 mph without a whine that was followed by weird vibrations in the motor. I gladly dumped it in exchange for a PT Cruiser to complete the already ruined trip.

 

Mazda 6. Oh yeah.

 

Good advice, I love the 6s Very affordable, reliable, and stylish. Definately worth checking out Blues.

BTW Jam, sweet avatar... plankton >all.

 

a Mini will do 60 around the inside of a cheerio ..one of the best handling cars on the planet ................

 

I don't look like the metal did much better.
http://fireupdate.com/recovery/images/Img0202.jpg

 

You could always try a PT Cruiser, saw one today, and it has four doors.........and I see them in the fast lane................wobbles

 

Coworker drives one. They are ok, but not my cup of tea. I am hoping to find a sleeper. You know, kind of like the maxima is. 4 doors and a little on the hopped up side. It's killing me to look at cars. I would rather get an old camaro or firebird, but was told that was not an option lol.

 

The V6 Altima is a bit of a sleeper. My 03 has 245 hp, only weighs 2900 pounds (aluminum hood and trunk help keep the weight down), wide rubber & tight suspension drives/handles VERY well. And still has large trunk, comfortable seating for 4 (more than adequate for 5) with lots of backseat leg room. Quiet, comfortable, well decked out, and goes like hell.

 

Checking carmax now, thanks

 

I had a choice between the 6 and an Accord coupe.

The Accord produces more horsepower, with a smaller engine, and better gas mileage.

Coupled with 8 airbags, I was sold on the Accord.

The Mazda 6 is nice, though

 

A friend of mine has a Mazda 6 - great car for the money IMHO.

 

a friend had a 93 maxima with 250K on the ticker, still ran like a top. If well maintained I don't think you can go too wrong.

 

I'm a dodge guy and would look at a Stratus R/T , but a cadillac catera, they are very nice, 4 door, v6, a lady that works for my business has one and it looks like it could do everything you want. I dunno how hard is to work/get to the engine.