Car Advice

[naiku 10+ year member]

I need a new (used) car so come to the caraudio forum for some unbiased opinions, since most specific manufacturer forums all lean favorably towards the one brand.

I currently drive a 2004 Nissan Maxima, its a dog, constantly costing me money in repairs I want to get rid of it, I am going to take a hit on it since I owe money, but I can't afford to drive something that constantly breaks down. Sooooooo I want something big enough for 4 people (2 car seats in the back) and it needs to be reliable. I don't care what manufacturer, would prefer something at least 2003 or newer, and with at least a decent amount of power. When the Maxima is working, its great to drive and pretty zippy for a sedan. I don't really want an SUV, only one I would consider is a CX-7 and they are out of my price range.

Budget is about $16k, hoping to get around 11-12k for the Maxima, but owe about $15.5k on it (if it was more reliable I would be keeping it). So any suggestions are welcome, I have my eye on a 2003 Audi A6 but finding it hard to find much info about reliability on them. Also looking at a 2006 VW Passat/Jetta with the 2.0T engine (will add an APR chip in the future if I got one of these).

Thanks.

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[andrewmoore13 10+ year member]

meh if you're not horribly against SUVs the Chevy TrailBlazer is VERY reliable and it sounds amazing with any type of system in it.

 

[pilyin 10+ year member]

Look into a newer Subaru Legacy. Those have some pop to them. Around here you can get a 2005 for under 14K if you look. Also maybe an Acura TL. Both nice IMO. Both also typically pretty reliable.

Also, I'm constantly around people who work on cars and they personally hate the newer VW's. They say if the check engine light is on, it means your car is running. They constantly seem to have little to large problems popping up (that's what they say).

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

^^^^^legacy gt

great performance, room for 4 comfortably(I am 6'4" and fit in the back seat:fyi and decent gas mileage

 

[PepsiFiend69 10+ year member]

Look into a newer Subaru Legacy. Those have some pop to them. Around here you can get a 2005 for under 14K if you look. Also maybe an Acura TL. Both nice IMO. Both also typically pretty reliable.
Also, I'm constantly around people who work on cars and they personally hate the newer VW's. They say if the check engine light is on, it means your car is running. They constantly seem to have little to large problems popping up (that's what they say).

partially true.. VWs are great if you keep up on normal maintenance... keep in mind though parts for it will be a little more expensive.

my buddy has a 2008 rabbit 2 dr, i am 6' 2" and fit comfortably in the rear with leg room to spare, so i can only imagine the room in bigger models.

 

[Louisiana_CRX 5,000+ posts]

Toyota Camry...would be a reliable replacement in the same catagory as your Maxima...also a Honda Accord....

 

[naiku 10+ year member]

^^^^^legacy gt
great performance, room for 4 comfortably(I am 6'4" and fit in the back seat:fyi and decent gas mileage

I like this suggestion, not sure on reliability though, but as far as I know Subaru have a good reputation in that department. There is a red one near me for $15k, 2005 GT with 60k on the clock. I might make an offer or keep looking for one with lower mileage or CPO.

 

[BoomBoomBoy 10+ year member]

Honda Accord EX Sedan

/thread