Replacement car (for automatic trans)

[smc733]

Hi all,

So I got some great help about my car in the other forum, as far as keeping it running well (2003 RSX), and don't get me wrong, I LOVE this car, but living in a city, the manual can be irritating at times. If I were to trade it in for an auto, I'm not sure what else I could replace it with though, I would want something with just a little pep at the pedal, and more of a smooth ride that I can baby, accelerate moderately, drive easy, etc...

Out of what interested me and wouldn't cost me much to trade for:
-03/04 Accord (Transmission problems)
-03/04 Altima I4 (Engine problems)
-03/04 Sebring (Engine Problems)
-05/06 Sebring (Not too many problems, but still weary with the 2.7L V6, thoughts?)
-05/06 Ford Five Hundred

Any thoughts on these vehicles, or suggestions on a reliable alternative?

 

[fdcg27]

Not so sure I'd be worried about transmission problems on a four cylinder Accord, but if you are, the Ford is a really nice and generally unappreciated car.
It's also the roomiest of those you've mentioned, and it is the most attractive to my eyes.

 

[NHGUY]

I'd stay away from any Chrysler with a 2.7 V6.

 

[eljefino]

If you want pep but a good city car I'd get an I-4 turbo, something like a saab or volvo if you go used or a cruze if you go new.

 

[Mr Nice]

maybe a Civic EX.... but I would keep that RSX.

 

[Quattro Pete]

How about a V6 Camry?

 

[artificialist]

If you choose the Ford 500, do not get the wagon version. The CVT it has wasn't the best of transmissions.

Quattro Pete, the problem with buying a used Camry is that they are so good in terms of durability, that the resale value is huge.

 

[smc733]

Okay, thanks for all of the input so far!

So all 2.7L Chryslers are problematic? Water pumps are still an issue, etc?

Turbo seems a little unnecessary, since I will be driving it easy and I don't need "burst" performance.

A lot of people tell me the Accord is ok with a I4, MOST of the issues I've read do only apply to the V6, which is out of my price range anyway.

And as for the Civic, that was one of my considerations, the only negatives are unrefined interior/ride, and a little too little horsepower.

V6 camry sounds good, not too big of a fan of the interior of those cars, but how do they run price wise.

Everything seems to indicate that I should keep the RSX... Has anyone driven a manual all the time in traffic? I'm worried about how much a new clutch will cost me, inevitably...

 

[Spazdog]

Quote:
05/06 Sebring (Not too many problems, but still weary with the 2.7L V6, thoughts?)


The sludge problem is better on later models but it still has that pain in the rear timing chain driven water pump.

If you are considering an Accord and an Altima, why not a Mazda6i? You at least get another body style choice (sedan and 5-door...haven't seen a 6i wagon yet) Virtually the same engine as a Fusion. Granted, I bought mine 5 years ago, but my V6 powered 6S was the same price as a similar year/mileage Accord LX 4 cylinder or Camry SE 4 cyl.

You can probably get a Mitsubishi Galant that is a couple of years newer than the Accord and Altima choices. I'm still not sold on longterm reliability of Mitsubishi though.

You want a smooth ride with a little pep? For the price of the Accord or Altima 4 cylinders, you can get a 217 hp Hyundai XG350. It rides smooth, shifts smooth, heated seats, the quality of the leather is actually quite good, Infinity stereo(XG300 had a Panasonic sourced stereo which was okay), has rear A/C vents, and it is very quiet.
The Bad? The XG350 is a larger car. Audi A6 sized. It steers a little slow, like you would expect a Buick of that vintage to steer. And it does look a little unusual. Not really ugly, but not pretty either. Maybe some Lexus and Infiniti design elements....don't know what's going on with that grill though. That grill is all Hyundai.
My sister has an XG350 and when my mother-in-law can no longer drive, (which is pretty much now. Her XG300 is 10 years old and has all of 45,000 miles)she's already told me that she wanted me to have it.
So, I'll be the 40-something guy in the pearl white XG300 with the sunroof open and the Steely Dan jamming that the kids all laugh at. Don't care. It's paid for and it's comfortable.

 

[smc733]

Edit: as far as the 500 goes, I know to stay away from CVT, and I don't want a wagon anyhow, haha. I heard the regular auto is from a Toyota supplier and is really high quality, though.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: smc733

Turbo seems a little unnecessary, since I will be driving it easy and I don't need "burst" performance.


Ah but that's where you're wrong, they add torque at low revs and team up great with an auto trans. Test drive a cruze yourself and see.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: smc733


Everything seems to indicate that I should keep the RSX... Has anyone driven a manual all the time in traffic? I'm worried about how much a new clutch will cost me, inevitably...


I used to commute to Boston and area using a 1995 Civic 5 speed over 9yrs/225,000 miles. That included that nice 5 miles in 30 mins down RT128 to Waltham on a daily basis. The clutch is pretty light in a RSX/Civic.

Clutch on a Acura(aka Civic) will run likely between $600-$1000 as a guesstimate. My clutch flywheel broke so they replace it and the entire clutch(not worn much) at 100k for $500 at dealership in 2001.

 

[smc733]

Interesting, I would look at Turbos, how reliable are they? Keep in mind I would need to consider something around $9k in price.

 

[rjundi]

Originally Posted By: smc733
Interesting, I would look at Turbos, how reliable are they? Keep in mind I would need to consider something around $9k in price.


Have you considered an Acura TSX automatic? Wonderful car, basically a decent (European/Japan spec) Accord instead of the US bloated version.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: smc733
Interesting, I would look at Turbos, how reliable are they? Keep in mind I would need to consider something around $9k in price.

You have to know if the oil was always synthetic, and was always changed on time.

Otherwise, don't consider that car.

Anyway, you might be able to get a good deal on a VW Passat. Even though there were turbo versions of the other VW cars, I have only seen good reliability from a Passat. Made in Germany makes a difference in VW cars.

I have seen very few Volvo older S40 cars, so I don't know how good it is. The other Volvos of the time were extremely good.

The SAABs of a few years ago are something I would avoid, as I frequently see costly PCV problems and fluid leaks.

 

[Nick R]

I'd get the Five Hundred. My aunt has one, and she uses it to deliver medical supplies and biological specimens all over the country. She has over 250k on hers, and shes only had to replace tires, brakes, battery, and an alternator.

 

[eljefino]

You know what else is spunky, but old, is an olds intrigue with the 3.8. Actually, the buick regal came with a 3.8 supercharged engine! They're a funky sleeper family sedan with nice handling.

 

[antonmnster]

Be careful!

I allowed myself to buy an autotragic BMW because I, too, thought my 98% urban driving might be better with one.

It's been the BIGGEST automotive mistake of my life! I miss the involvement, and, at least for a BMW, an auto really throws cold water on the whole driving experience.

Turbos are a lot of fun in town. But, again, they're a lot more fun when you control the gears. I always liked riding the torque wave at 1600 rpm in my Saabs. But adding an auto... it just downshifts

Do what you wish... just my experience.

 

[rjundi]

$9k and turbo cars are risky territory. Volvo/Saab are high $$$$ to repair hence the low used purchase price. My brother loves his $16k Saab 95 turbo with 40k that now has 150k. He has spent between $5000-$7000 in repairs including headgaskets, turbo and misc other items including leaks. Nice car to drive.

 

[semaj281]

Out of that list I'd choose the Accord, just because I have more experience working on Hondas. And I would think Accords handle a bit better than other sedans in its class.