54 Votes

If Your Friend Asked You To Recommend Your Top 5 Used Cars Between $10-$20K, What Would They Be?

Agent001 submitted on 2/17/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 2:58:38 PM

64 user comments | Category: Report Cards | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Used Cars

Everyone knows the AutoSpies.

com is reader is not only the most affluent in the net, but they are also the leaders and influencers in most sought after demographic by advertisers.

So we know it's not uncommon for friends to ask our recommendations.

So if a friend or relative needs a good used car between $10-20K, what would you recommend to them?

BMW? Mercedes? Lexus? Infiniti?

Or none of the above?

Also, which models?

Are there any screaming bargains/bang for the buck you're seeing out there in dealerships or on eBay that they shouldn't pass up?

One that comes to mind to me is the last generation Infiniti M45, if you can stand the looks.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Infiniti-M45-SPORT-TECH-PKG-PREMIUM-PKG-NAVIGATION-WHITE-TAN-WARRANTY_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ119146QQihZ019QQitemZ290204911552QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

What other gems are out there for the astute used car buyers in this price range (We're talking true selling street price here, not asking price...)?

If Your Friend Asked You To Recommend Your Top 5 Used Cars Between $10-$20K, What Would They Be?

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— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

To be honest,

I DO NOT CARE.
— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 3:08:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -30

seriously, this is not a CAR NEWS.

I would rather talk about this with a dealer or friend or family.

Just don't wanna take any advice from people I don't even see!
— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 4:04:27 PM | | Votes: -1

GunFun,

That's Why Posted Topics Also Have Categories, In This Case: Report Card

If the Topic/Category Doesn't Interest You, Then Do The Courteous Thing, And MOVE ON To Something That Does...

It's Far Better Than Posting A Bunch Of Negativity That Does Nothing To Add To The Conversation.
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 8:34:12 PM | | Votes: 5

My top 5 used recommendations in terms of what? Power? Reliability? Value?

If I were advising a close friend, I'd suggest the following:

05-07 Ford Focus - One of the best small car values on the market, and you'd walk away with a few thou.

04-05 Ford Ranger - Cheap and reliable used truck with no frills. Also walk away with a few thou.

01-03 Accord - Nicest of the "family sedans". Kind of sporty.

02-05 Buick anything - great quality, great reliability, cheap as hell. Great value in luxury.

01-04 WRX - Best bang for your performance buck. $20k will buy a nice one for sure.
— tundrahq (View Profile)

Posted on 2/21/2008 1:26:00 AM | | Votes: 1

1999 - 2002 Porsche Boxster

1997 - 2006 Lexus GS-Series

2002 - 2006 Inifiniti G35

1997 - 2000 Chevrolet Corvette

— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 3:12:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

The Gloria (US M45) was sweet. It was severely underrated and definitely ahead of its time. Two years later, the Chrys 300C popped up and everyone figured Chrysler had the initial "grand" idea of bringing back the large 300+ hp RWD luxury sedan. Whenever my wife spots one on the road, she says, "WTF is that?!" She thinks it looks ugly, but I've always liked it.

And I would, actually, recommend a used AWD 300C or Magnum RT. They are roomy vehicles with a solid platform for loading your stuff and other people and just going...the RWD versions are OK in the snow, but the AWD verisons add better stability in slippery weather or conditions. And if you can get them loaded, go for it. You'll appreciate the Nav, CD changer, auto-adjust reverse systems, etc if you have longer road trips or just tend to have more than other passenger riding along.
— dumpsty (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 3:27:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

I have always loved the m45s like the ne pictured. I like the darker colors. It isn't pretty, but it is sure different. For a used car, I give that one high marks. If some one has to ask what the car is, it is a plus to me.
— Shredmo (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 6:15:48 PM | | Votes: 4

I'm sorry, that gen M45 was HIDEOUS. Its painful to even look at that picture
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 11:23:15 AM | | Votes: 0

If you select a BMW 3 series, or for that matter any BMW, make sure you get a long-term extended warranty, or you'll be sorry...very, very sorry.
— BMW995 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 4:03:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Really, I've owned one out of warranty and I was very, very happy.
— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 5:10:17 PM | | Votes: 5

Me too, 102,000 miles and still drives like new.
— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 9:20:16 AM | | Votes: 7

True. Porsche has a cool ECU recorder that will display how hard the car was driven. It will record if the driver did a huge Clutch drops (i.e. 5th to 2nd gear) or maxes out on RPMs. It will give you a # of times it has occured. Higher the number the harder that owner drove it.

Def something to look at if you buy a used Porsche.
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 8:49:03 PM | | Votes: 3

Anyone that says this hasn't actually owned one. I've had two E36 3 series that I purchased at about 70k. Put 50K on both. The biggest expense was brakes at about 100K which I did myself for $120. Also changed the water pumps on each around the same time for $60. Not too bad for cars I saved $20K on by not buying new.
— FULEXUS (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 11:43:01 PM | | Votes: 5

Sports Coupes
2000-2002 MERC. CLK430
2000-2004 AUDI TT
Mazda RX-8
2003-5005 Infiniti G35 Coupe
2001 BMW M3 (high mileage..see Autotrader)

Sports Cars/roadsters
Mazda MX-5
2004 BMW Z4
2003-2005 NISSAN 350Z
Honda S2000
PORSCHE BOXTER

Sedans
2000-2002 LEXUS GS400/GS430
2003 MERC. E320
2004 ACURA TL
2004-2005 ACURA TSX
2000 S-CLASS

SUVs (I dislike them but they are Useful sometimes)
2003Infiniti FX35 (high mileage)
Lexus Rx300 (super duper reliable)
Nissan Murano
BMW X5
Audi Allroad

Pick-ups
2004-2007 Nissan Titan
2003-2004 Ford F250 Super Duty 7.3 Diesel (ever seen one looming ur rear view mirror?)
2005 Toyota Tacoma
2003-2005 Toyota Tundra
2003-2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi

— BFABS (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 4:05:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

I have to say, my '02 CLK430 was the biggest piece of crap I've owned, other than the '82 Camaro. In the shop at least once every 3 months for a different electrical problem.
— ExGC (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 10:53:10 PM | | Votes: 4

"2000 S-CLASS "
No, I'm afraid not. This car was very unreliable. The later years were better. At least 03 when there was a brief face-lift. 05-06 were best, however, as there were no recalls either year (unlike previous years of the W220). But those models may be getting a bit pricey. Therefore, the W140 from the 90s would be best. I've had a 95 S420 and a 97 S420 and they are both very reliable cars.
— senilefender (View Profile)

Posted on 2/22/2008 10:50:48 PM | | Votes: 1

hmm...the news must be slow today
— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 4:42:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

2004 Jaguar XJ-R (390hp)
2004 Jaguar S-Type R (390hp)
2004-2005 Nissan 350Z
2000-2004 Audi TT
2004 Infiniti M45
2004 Volvo S60R
— fuelfool (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 5:35:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

depends on what my friend would like.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 6:28:07 PM | | Votes: 0

S60R used sells for that much?
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 7:22:16 PM | | Votes: -2

I kinda broke the rules with my picks as far as the $10-20k price range goes. Just went for good values on enjoyable, performance-oriented cars. If you're going to stick within that range, I'd definitely recommend an '04 G35 Sedan or '04 350Z.

Sure, a used Accord or Camry represents a good value and a safe pick, unless, of course, you factor in the heightened risk of falling asleep at the wheel of such a boring car.
— fuelfool (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 9:51:51 PM | | Votes: 3

I have also owned a BMW (M3) out of warranty and I was very, very happy.
— SixxFive (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 6:15:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

2004-2006 Nissan Maxima
2004 Acura TL
2004-2006 Honda Accord
2005 Lincoln LS
2005 Acura TSX
If they wanted a car that was fun and also held its value (not including the Accord for fun to drive, and excluding the LS for fun to drive and value)
— Blakura (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 6:34:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

To be honest, I would recommend something a little simpler than a luxury car. Chances are, if you're getting a luxury car between $10k and $20k, it's been around the block a few times which means you're not going to get the same amount of life out of it as a cheaper car. Personally, I would recommend a 2000-2004 Honda Accord EX-L V6. It's very reliable, luxurious, and still has considerably low miles within that price range. Or maybe a Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Acura TL, etc.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 7:14:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

practically anything toyota, lexus, and honda that you can find at that price.

id probably stay away from anything Mercedes because that price range means 90s and anything 90s from germany is...well...garbage
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 7:20:19 PM | | Votes: -7

"Personally, I would recommend a 2000-2004 Honda Accord EX-L V6. It's very reliable, luxurious, and still has considerably low miles within that price range."

when recommending one to a friend, make sure they check for transmission problems.
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 7:23:51 PM | | Votes: -3

"anything 90s from germany is...well...garbage"

Stupid and biased comment. Are you saying the likes of the e34 and e39 5-series and e36 and e46 3-series are garbage?
— Kinger (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 9:24:57 AM | | Votes: 3

"anything 90s from germany is...well...garbage"
WOW
— senilefender (View Profile)

Posted on 2/22/2008 10:55:30 PM | | Votes: 1

The Honda S2K should def. be on the list for any enthusiast. I love that car.
— israr316 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 7:44:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

1) Honda Accord V-6
2) Toyota Camry hybrid
3) Nissan Altima V-6
4) toyota Tundra V-6/8
5) Any and all Lexus, Infiniti or Acura
— Homer008 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 8:11:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

i dont think you can get a camry hybrid (year 2007 and above) for less than 20K. but otherwise, a great choice.
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 9:04:23 PM | | Votes: 0

"One that comes to mind to me is the last generation Infiniti M45, if you can stand the looks."

Good one. I don't know many people who would want to be seen in that thing, which is the most bland and boring car to ever leave japan without a toyota emblem.
— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 8:58:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7

Well luckily all my friends and most of my family members have a sense of style and fun, and drive like they have pulses, so I'd never recommend a lexus. My list would include:

2002-04 330i
2001-03 530i
2002-04 A4 1.8
2003-05 CTS
2002-04 S80

— tattedtwice (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 9:06:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

"2003-05 CTS"

The nicest Pontiac Grand Prix that GM ever built!
— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 2:42:33 PM | | Votes: 0

it would depends on what type of car he wants...
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 11:17:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

or she...:)
— ThierryHenry14 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 11:17:34 PM | | Votes: 1

to anyone looking to buy a $10-20k auto, each of these cars should be available in quite good condition:

1. 1993 mercedes 500e
2. nissan 300z tt
3. bmw 850csi
4. 2nd gen lexus gs
5. mercedes w124 e320 coupe
6. porsche 928
7. 1997 m3 sedan (any color but yellow or purple)

8. oops, thats more than 5
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/17/2008 11:29:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I have to say that your list only makes sense if the car is a weekend or special occasion car as nobody in there right mind would spend that type of money on a used car that was 15 years old and expect daily driver reliability from it. Secondly, find me a bank that will give the average person a loan for any of these vehicles, they are too old and will have too many miles. I don't think the average person looking for a car in this range are looking for a weekend car they can pay cash for.
— chilipalmer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 2:47:00 PM | | Votes: 2

yes, a few of these are not daily drivers. and it is tough to find a loan on a car as old as these. you're right.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 9:03:58 PM | | Votes: 1

Actually, the Mercedes w124 would be an excellent choice. Most people here think that a car older than 5 years is too old. I think that is ridiculous. Those cars can go for 500,000 miles easily if properly maintained.
— senilefender (View Profile)

Posted on 2/22/2008 11:01:43 PM | | Votes: 1

For this amount on a used car definitely Lexus, if shopping for luxury sedans, Toyota 2nd, shopping for sport cars Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z.

Definitely no German nor American brands.
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 1:14:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Nissan Altima
BMW X5
Lexus GS
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 3:02:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

and my 528i or a 540i with the M pk.
— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 3:03:30 AM | | Votes: 3

Fun Five:

04-06 Pontiac GTO 6.0
06-07 VW Passat 2.0T
98-03 MB SLK 230 Kompressor
03-04 Audi S4
05-07 Chrysler 300C (w/ 5.7L Hemi)

MPG Five

99-05 VW Jetta TDI (or New Bettle TDI)
01-05 or 06 Honda Civic Hybrid
02-06 Honda Accord Hybrid
01 Honda Insight
01-07 Toyota Prius

Out of your mind Five:

98-01 Honda Prelude Type SH
96-03 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
BMW E36 or E46 M3
BMW E34 or E39 M5
04 VW Touareg V8
— Bored (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 4:55:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Can't get a reasonable B6 S4 under $20k. Might be able to get the B5 around 18 or 19.
— budfrogS4 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 1:36:06 PM | | Votes: 2

"good used car between $10-20K"

Till USD 20K, u can get many good condition cars.

but i think 2000 Lexus LS400, 2004 GS, 2007 Audi A4
are one of the best buys in this range. and also add some Saabs, Volvos, GM, Ford...etc. I mean 'out of market' cars. Sometimes u can get an great deal on a year old model. Something like nearly half the price for only one or two year old model.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 5:19:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Are you mad? You can't get a 2007 Audi A4 for $20K!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/20/2008 1:13:17 AM | | Votes: -1

Since everyone is picking old cars, I will just go ahead and pick new ones. And to whomever put that you can get an Infiniti G35 from 2006 for 10-20k is out of their frigin minds!

Honda Civic
Toyota Matrix
Scion tC
Nissan Altima 2.5s
Subaru 2.5rs
— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 9:30:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

just about the BEST guide available anywhere, is provided by Consumer Reports in their Used Cars section. they list the best and worst, across a broad price spectrum.

for those with anti-toyota and anti-honda biases simply on the basis of "they're boring," the listings are instructive.

i'm sure faced with 'excitement' vs. the 'boredom' of RARELY having to see a mechanic, the vast majority of USED CAR buyers will pick 'boredom.'

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/18/2008 6:17:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

consumer reports is a joke! everybody knows this!
— kpaxx (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 10:31:37 AM | | Votes: 2

So then, what you're trying to tell us is...

That You Do, In Fact, Drive A CR-V?
— DaHarder (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 6:05:08 PM | | Votes: 3

LOL!

all the fanbois who simply can not swallow my truthful statement, seem to have just jumped up to deboost me. be it noted, that in the list of Vehicles to Avoid, there is all of ONE (1) honda model, the rebadged Isuzu called Passport.

and there are ZERO (0), zip, NADA toyota models listed.

the CR "BAD BETS" list (even MORE to be avoided than the 'vehicles to avoid'), does not even list the honda passport. seems there is limited space for this list, and its already HEAVY on chevy, gmc, mercedes-benz, and volkswagen models.

ok, deboost away!

— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/20/2008 3:37:51 AM | | Votes: 0

What's wrong with the looks on the '03-'04 Infiniti M45? I personally like it quite a bit, but I can see how some people wouldn't like it. A bit unusual to be sure, but it's no Aztek.

Anyway, 5 cars $10-20K:

1: 2000-2004 Infiniti I30/I35
2: 2003+ Honda Accord EX-L V6
3: 2004+ Acura TSX
4: 2003-2005 Infiniti G35
5: 2004+ Nissan Maxima
— MattB (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 11:10:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

And if I didn't make it clear, my point was that the Aztek is far more hideous than the M45 could possibly be.
— MattB (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 11:12:08 AM | | Votes: 1

especially since they have some of the highest resale available. is that junk?
— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 4:01:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

corporalZoo works on a garbage scow. he LOVES the smell of his work environment.

he hates japanese vehicles, because japanese garbage just smells TOO CLEAN for his tastes.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 2/23/2008 7:44:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1999 Infiniti Q45
Honda Accord
2000-2001 Mercedes E320/420
2003 BMW 330i
2001 LS430

— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 2/19/2008 3:56:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

2000-2003 Audi A8
BMW E46 3 Series
2002 Infiniti Q45
1998-2002 Audi A4/S4 (B5)
1999-2002 BMW Z3 Coupé/M Coupé

---(Next 5)---

1998-2001 Lexus GS
2004 Acura TL
2002-2004 Ford Focus SVT
2003 Jaguar XJ8
2003 Audi S6 Avant
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 2/20/2008 1:21:26 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

S4

I have a 2007 Audi A4 2.0 FSI Multitronic 130BHP in the store right now. we are selling it for 80K Dirhams (nearly 20-21K USD). U Want?

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/20/2008 4:58:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

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If Your Friend Asked You To Recommend Your Top 5 Used Cars Between $10-$20K, What Would They Be?

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