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I agree the intrigue is a great car. However, I'm not sure Altima/Maxima types will like it. It has more of an upscale look, while the Altima/Maxima have more of a sporty flavor.
A reliable entry-level option would be the Lexus ES300 or maybe even throw the dice on the Infiniti G35 which will stomp any of the entry levels in most performance aspects.
I've never driven the A4 front-wheel drive, but the AWD feels darn good and better than the MB's IMHO.
BMW 330i
Infiniti G35
Infiniti I35
Costs - performance - maintenance costs - dealership experience before and after the sale...
Andrew
True Cost to Own (TCO): Revealing the Hidden Costs of Car Ownership
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/59897/article.html
kirstie_h
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Update: I have tried the TCO for a couple of cars and it is a great tool. This will definitely help the prospective car buyer with his/her research. Thanks again Edmunds. You are doing a great service here with your web site. fredvh.
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Jeannine Fallon
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Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
Pls. help us, we would really appreciate all the insights you can give. Thank you so much.
-2002 Toyota Camry LE or SE
-2002 Honda Accord LX or Special Edition
-2002 Nissan Maxima SE
Also, is it worth getting the V6 option for the camry and honda, or is the 4 cylinder on both cars strong enough?
Thanks in advance guys and happy hunting!
come on....
The Maxima is going to be harder to get a good price, because they just put the more powerful engine in it, and IMO it is not worth it, because in a year or two they will be coming out with an all new maxima, which for one thing will not have the rear beam axle (how could they still have that on this car?). If you love Nissan, DEFINITELY go with the new altima instead - all the powertrain is intact, handling is better, and manual available with V-6 engine. Plus, about the same price, just a little less of the luxury goods.
Camrys are going pretty cheap right now too - lots of incentives, free maintenance, advertised prices under $18K. BUT you should be able to do even better than that price on an Accord, as long as you are not hung up on having the latest best thing.
And hey! Doesn't the accord LX and EX have the same powertrain now? It is just the DX that has the wimpier engine. So mechanically they are about the same...they definitely have the same engine.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
and also, where did u find an Accord EX at around $17K? do let me know, thanks!
FWIW, was at my local Nissan dealer today and you can't touch a 2002 SE for under $23K....
And IMO=In My Opinion (variation is IMHO where H=Humble)
Grand High Poobah
The Fraternal Order of Procrastinators
I'd always buy a new car over a more lavish used car.
Just a thought. If the TL appeals to you, you might look at the new Corolla. It's smaller and cheaper but quite a car. It's brand new and I think blows the doors off of the Jetta unless fun is paramount.
What kind of Jetta are you considering? The price variation is HUGE (from a 2.0L GL to a fully loaded GLX). Unless you choose the cheapest Jetta otherwise I don't think you should even consider it. It is too SMALL!! Also I heard all the horrible story about it's reliability (Jettas are made in Mexico, I don't know that have something to do with that) If you like VW, why not consider the Passat??? They are much bigger than the Jetta and both 1.8T and V6 engine provide adequate power with much better reliability record.