Need some suggestions

[Biohazard]

My plans of getting a G at the end of this year have been squashed by my acceptance into an MBA program. I guess that is a good thing.
Now I need to buy something to get me through school and then get either a G or an M3.
I was looking to spend around 10K and was thinking maybe a Prelude.
I was hoping for some suggestions on a used car that has similar qualities to the G.

[TINMAN]

similar qualities to the G for 10k? not gonna happen.why don't you look at a used pick up truck?you just want something to get you through school right?

[Texasscout]

As a poor student, I would suggest a nice Honda Civic. You will get 35 to 40 in town an 45 and up on the highway. Good reliable transpo. And you won't lose your A$$ when you sell it later.

[Biohazard]

Actually, I had my Integra GSR stolen and had to drive a buick for about year and a half. Now I am giving the Buick to my mother who really needs it, and getting something for myself. I planned on getting the G, but now i rather get something used to save some cash. I don't want to drive a POS. I want to have a car I can enjoy (not like the buick) until I can get the car a really want.
And I realize I can't G35 looks, style, and performance for 10k. Just looking for a watered down, bootleg copy of the G...should be able to get that for 10K

[G35Alex]

Yes, look for the 95-95 SE model Maximas. They are usually loaded, the lightest of the bunch, and can be customized for a few bucks. Parts are cheap, and if you find one with low miles, the motor will last forever (literally). The only other model you could think of, and if so, find is the 98-99 Maxima GXE with Automatic and power/convenience package. It eliminated the governer, and the shift limiter.

[what2do]

I agree with the prelude. The SH version is faster and corners alot better than GSR (not type-R). It will probably beat an e46 325i and has amazing torque for a honda. The insurance rate is insanly high, speically on the 97+ models. Reliablity is excellent but can be expensive cause you need to change timing belt. I honest believe honda make a big mistake when they merge the integra and prelude into RSX. Integra is nice but there is one every corner. Prelude has a lot of soul and hertiage behind it. I hope they bring it back as toyota is bring back the supra.

[VarianceJ30]

Second gen 300ZX?

[calejohnson]

At a $10k price point I think you're going to have some tough trade offs to make between performance and reliability. My guess is that you wont want a lot of maintenance hassles interfering with school. That rules out cars over 5 years old. The Preludes priced around $10k in NC (Charlotte area – just a guess) are the 2001 standard coupe or the 2000 type SH, according to Edmunds private party pricing. The 2001 coupe will be more reliable but there’s nothing really special about the performance. The 2000 type SH adds Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS), which is supposed to neutralize under steer. Power’s about the same for both cars but the SH will handle better and be less reliable. (If the clutch hasn’t been replaced, that’s one of the first things you’ll be buying.)

I drove an 89 Acura Legend coupe for 10 years/200k miles and it was very reliable, if a little boring. The one thing I didn’t like about it was the classic Honda “sit on the floor” seat position. I think the Prelude would be just like the Legend coupe only smaller. Frankly, I’ll never buy another car (short of winning the lottery and getting that Ferrari) with such a low position. It’s tiresome getting in and out of the car and it feels cramped.

Which bring me to my recommendation. A 2001 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6. I would only get this car on two conditions. 1) You’ll keep it for your 2 years at B School, and then sell it and 2) You really value a performance driving experience and are willing to put up with some reliability issues.

I like the size and driving characteristics of the Jetta. It will make it easy to move your stuff to school and once there you and your three girlfriends will be comfortable. It has a very strong engine that when combined with the sports suspension will guarantee miles of smiles. The styling is attractive, there are a ton of luxury features, the driving position is commanding, and the trunk will swallow your stuff. You’ll also find lots of modding potential on this platform, if that’s your bag. Best of all, it depreciated like it was wearing cement tires so this car is now within your price range.

Sorry for the long post. Good luck and enjoy B School. My favorite B School advice, add the numbers 3 times and average the result.

[decoy]

How about the Pontiac G6? It, arguably, has the looks of a G35, although it sure isn't 10k.

[kenchan]

In your situation, I would get a used hyundai/kia with warranty remaining (at least 4-5yrs remaining). If you're saving money, don't halfass it. Save money like you
mean it.

[Biohazard]

my 3 girlfriends....I don't think my wife will approve.
I considered a jetta, but the car is too cramped inside (6'2" 220lbs-not fat)
Any car I buy will likely be sold in 2-3 yrs (part-time MBA program). And some maintenance expense is ok, since I can afford more car. I juts rather hold off and get the car I really want instead of paying 20k+ for something that is ok. I figure 10K will get me something decent for the next 2-3yrs.

[Biohazard]

hyundai/kia...no way
I want something I will enjoy driving. I am not looking for a beater.

[calejohnson]

Originally Posted by Biohazard

my 3 girlfriends....I don't think my wife will approve.
I considered a jetta, but the car is too cramped inside (6'2" 220lbs-not fat)
Any car I buy will likely be sold in 2-3 yrs (part-time MBA program). And some maintenance expense is ok, since I can afford more car. I juts rather hold off and get the car I really want instead of paying 20k+ for something that is ok. I figure 10K will get me something decent for the next 2-3yrs.

Uhh, okay, your wife and her two girlfriends. Having info about your height is helpful but I can't really see how a Jetta is any different from a Prelude. Front seating is about identical in overall space. Finding something that drives like a G35 in that price range just isn't going to happen in a larger sized vehicle. But if it's thrills you're after, how about a 1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning? Supercharged V-8 performance (0-60 5.9 sec.), performance suspension, and 3-1/2" more head room than the VW. The price is the problem. This bad boy's gonna run you about $14k.

[Biohazard]

1999 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning..interesting suggestion, but I am defiently not a truck guy...my friends would laugh their asses off
I have driven both a jetta and a prelude and the prelude is a lot more comfortable. The Jetta was really cramped. The jetta seemed smaller than my intergra (which was getting cramped).
I really appreciate all the suggestions.!

[calejohnson]

True, they'd laugh but they'd also be begging to drive it. Who's laughing now? The Lightning, as I understand it, is a truck for tall guys that wouldn't be comfortable in a Mustang SVO. I'm not a truck guy either, but this baby's tricked out with all sorts of performance parts. Reviews I've read say it handles more like a sport's car. And if you are going to be carting stuff to school and back, that bed will come in handy.

Okay, you've raised the bar once again. I'm avoiding the obvious suggestions like a Maxima or Altima. I think you'd be bored with something like that.

My next suggestion is 1999 Cadillac Seville STS. It's not a sports car but it's solid, powerful, and it has style. Don't dismiss its 4000 lb curb weight. With 300hp the STS will take you to 60 in 6.8 sec. Reviews of the car compare it to the MB 300E or BMW 528i but complain of nagging maintenance issues. But from what I've read about the reliability of MB and BMW's of that period, I'd rather go to a Cadillac dealership for repairs. At just a bit over $11K private party, it's $3K less than the MB and BMWs I've mentioned.

My final recommendation is the 2000 Volvo S80 T6. This is a car my father owns and I've driven it. Again, it's powerful (0-60 in 6.6 sec.), roomy and, drum roll please, NOT BOXY! It cruises on the highway effortlessly and has nice manners around town. Not exactly sporty but not too frumpy either. Reliability has been mixed. My father's car is a 2000 and has been reliable but his close friend has a 1999 (the first year for that model) and has been disappointed with the reliability. The Volvo S80 T6 would run you about $12.5K private party.

Please note, I'm recommending larger sized cars because I think you'll be more comfortable, and I'm specifically avoiding choices that are too cookie cutter plain. You're in B School, image is important.