William Wallace

I'm 20 years old and I have roughly $18K or less to spend on a used car. I'm in college and looking for something decent on gas, reliable, and I'm going to do some typical mods such as tint, springs, HID's (if they don't come stock), etc. I'm not doing any of the heavy mods like turbo or supercharging.

My choices so far are:

- 2001-2002 Lexus IS300
- 2000-2001 BMW 3-Series
- 2002-2003 Nissan Maxima
- 2003-2004 Mazda 6

What do you guys think?

So far I've driven the IS300 which was nice, the 3-series, and have yet to drive the Maxima and Mazda6. Out of the 3 so far I've driven I think I would take the IS300 but I'm not crazy about RWD.

SIIK2NR

1 vote for the Mazda 6

S2KBDub

Definetly the Max or the IS - moreso the Max

bjohnston

I'd go for the IS. RWD and inline 6 with Toyota reliability are enough for me. I had a '97 Maxima, and the handling was crap. I doubt '02-'03 would be THAT much better (still riding on the twist beam rear axle). BMW 3 series are always nice, but a 330i for that coin would have some miles, no? Then, I'd be concerned about maintenance $$$. The Mazda 6 has always left me totally cold. Styling is damn forgettable and maybe a bit ricer for me. Powertrain also leaves me cold. It allegedly handles well for FWD, but it still makes me yawn.

I, however, would do whatever I could to find a nice E36 M3. IMO, they are one of the greatest cars ever made. To me, that car would be worth the added age and maintenance $$$. Pure brilliance.

Just re-read your original post. Why are you "not crazy about RWD?" Do you get much snow in Scotland (never been)? If so, just invest in some snow tires, and you're good to go with RWD. FWD just plain sucks in 90%+ of its applications.

William Wallace

I like the IS300's handling, was definitely impressed for stock handling especially in the 5-speed version. And the 2JZ is always a plus, even though I really don't plan on taking advantage of it.

There is a lot of snow in the winters around here in PA, and thats the biggest reason I don't want RWD. Plus I hate RWD in the rain, etc. Would much rather deal with torque steer.

S2kracka

S2000?

sam_spider

I had an IS300 for 2 years, not enough engine. It is/was a great car just WAY underpowered. Not quite enough "refinement" compared with other Lexus' cars, but looked really good IMO. BTW, it handles okay in the snow for a RWD car.

sam_spider

Something to consider - the VSC was not available with the stick, only the auto, it can help a lot in the bad weather.

slicksilver

A 2000-2001 3 series for $18K will have a LOT of miles on it. With 18K on hand I wouldn't be looking at anything BMW.

An Acura TL-S would be my choice for a front driver. If you're looking for a manual, I'd say IS300.

bjohnston

Where are you in school in PA? I went to Bucknell. Anyway, I should think a good set of tires will alleviate any concerns about RWD in the rain. Shouldn't be an issue any more with modern shoes. But, you would probably be well served with snow tires if you drive in a lot of the white stuff. By the way, there is much more to the handling downside of FWD than torque steer. I think understeer is a much more annoying/fun-killing problem. IMO, the only FWD cars not ruined by understeer are 4-cyl (less weight crammed over those over-burdened front wheels).