~$15k Sport Sedan Comparo

[1X83Z]

Hey all,

The circumstance is this: You will have to keep this car at least through 2010, and possibly through 2014. Values are given, all vehicles are automatic. Other suggestions welcome but vehicle must have Tiptronic, which eliminates the WRX and Maxima so please don't bring them up. ABSOLUTE PRICE LIMIT IS $19,825 WHICH ELIMINATES THE INFINITI G35.

2002 Acura 3.2TL Type-S / Interior
- 260hp 3.2-liter V6; 0-60 in 6.8sec
- $15,402 [$19,930 AUD; £8079; $17,439 CAD]
- side airbags, automatic climate control, heater leather, power seats with memory, power sunroof, 6-CD, sport suspension, 17-inch alloys
- navigation adds $250 (you pay $63)

2002 Acura 3.2CL Type-S / Interior
- 260hp 3.2-liter V6; 0-60 in 6.7sec
- $15,465 [$20,011 AUD; £8112; $17,511 CAD]
- side airbags, automatic climate control, heated leather, power seats with memory, power sunroof, 6-CD, sport suspension, 17-inch alloys
- navigation adds $530 (you pay $133)

2006 Hyundai Sonata / Interior
- 230hp 3.3-liter V6; 0-60 in 6.9sec
- $18,184 [$23,530 AUD; £9538; $20,589 CAD]
- side airbags, 16-inch alloys

2001 Lexus IS300 / Interior
- 215hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder; 0-60 in 7.3sec
- $16,256 [$21,035 AUD; £8527; $18,406 CAD]
- side airbags, automatic climate control, leather, 6-CD, Xenons, 17-inch alloys

2003 Mazda 6s / Interior
- 220hp 3.0-liter V6; 0-60 in 7.3sec
- $14,845 [$19,209 AUD; £7787; $16,808 CAD]
- automatic climate, side airbags, leather, power sunroof, 6-CD

2004 Mitsubishi Galant GTS / Interior
- 230hp 3.8-liter V6; 0-60 in 6.8sec
- $16,324 [$21,123 AUD; £8563; $18,483 CAD]
- side airbags, automatic climate, power seats, leather, power sunroof, 6-CD, sport suspension, 17-inch alloys

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP Competition / Interior
- 260hp 3.8-liter supercharged V6; 0-60 in 6.6sec
- $16,755 [$21,680 AUD; £8789; $18,971 CAD]
- power seats, sport suspension, 17-inch alloys, 6-CD, side airbags

2004 Toyota Solara V6 / Interior
- 225hp 3.3-liter V6; 0-60 in 6.9sec
- $19,824 [$25,522 AUD; £10,346 GB; $22,333 CAD]
- 17-inch alloys

Which would you take and why? Remember you will own the car for another four to eight years.

 

[Sage]

Is the hypothetical “you” you or me? I personally wouldn’t touch a Solara with a ten-foot pole, but I could see why it’d be appealing to you.

 

[1X83Z]

I like the interior a lot, but the ones I can afford haven't got much spec. But it's both reliable and quick, so it has some appeal. Also, I see a huge drop in prices coming up (otherwise it would be way too expensive for me right now). Why don't you like it?

EDIT: The hypothetical is you. I want to see what you guys think.

 

[ND4SPD]

I'd vote for the IS300, I prefer rwd.

 

[Sage]

Why don't you like it?

One word: handling handling handling. Okay, three words, but same concept. If a car feels even slightly boaty or floaty or mushy, I simply won’t enjoy driving it. I like cars that inspire total confidence at 9/10ths.

Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for the Acura TL/CL – I think they’re underrated. Nice interiors, anonymous-but-sharp styling, good specs, and while they don’t handle like Beamers, they’re close enough.

Of course, I like the Mazda the most just for the handling alone, but I think you’ll be better off in the reliability department with one of the Acuras, even if they’re a year older than the Mazda. If I were in that situation, I very well might choose the Acura instead just because it should be more reliable.

On the other hand, I’d be somewhat uncomfortable parking an Acura on a college campus. It’s anonymous enough that it might not matter, but still.

I dunno. That probably doesn’t help you much, but that’s my line of thinking.

 

[1X83Z]

One word: handling handling handling. Okay, three words, but same concept. If a car feels even slightly boaty or floaty or mushy, I simply won’t enjoy driving it. I like cars that inspire total confidence at 9/10ths.

I definitely agree. Have you driven a new Solara? I kind of want to just to see if it's really that bad. I imagine it's not awful, and anything's a step up over my Volvo, but the Solara doesn't seem to possess the performance I need, especially for the price.

Of course, I like the Mazda the most just for the handling alone, but I think you’ll be better off in the reliability department with one of the Acuras, even if they’re a year older than the Mazda. If I were in that situation, I very well might choose the Acura instead just because it should be more reliable.

Speaking of handling, what do you think of the Lexus IS300, which is probably the best of the bunch? Or do you think it's too old?

On the other hand, I’d be somewhat uncomfortable parking an Acura on a college campus. It’s anonymous enough that it might not matter, but still.

The TL-S would be among the cheaper cars on this campus.

I dunno. That probably doesn’t help you much, but that’s my line of thinking.

No, it helps a lot - especially from someone like you who's willing to give this more than a second of consideration. Let me know what you think of the IS300. And which is your overall favorite of the bunch? I feel like we're not giving the Galant due consideration, but then again, no-one else did, and perhaps there's a reason for that.

 

[Wolfe]

I vote for the Lexus IS300. RWD, good looks, great handling, fairly sporty, orgasm-inducing roar of a straight-six, not very big but practical enough for its size, and comfy on the inside as long as you can fit.

 

[1X83Z]

I vote for the Lexus IS300. RWD, good looks, great handling, fairly sporty, orgasm-inducing roar of a straight-six, not very big but practical enough for its size, and comfy on the inside as long as you can fit.

Interesting. Thanks for your input. 👍 My biggest issues with the IS300 are its age and relatively high cost (especially when considering its relatively low power output) and its manumatic feature, which is inferior to those on the rest of the vehicles here. It's a hell of a handler, though, the badge and interior are nice, and it looks great.

 

[Wolfe]

True enough on the power. I wouldn't worry about the age, though, because it is a Lexus after all.

Those old IS's were a great 3-series alternative. It's just too bad that the new ones are like a step backwards.

 

[1X83Z]

True enough on the power. I wouldn't worry about the age, though, because it is a Lexus after all.

That's basically my line of thinking on the issue too. But, the engine it uses was cancelled so I'm afraid parts will eventually become in short supply. It's definitely a good car, though. Very strong.

 

[Sage]

Speaking of handling, what do you think of the Lexus IS300, which is probably the best of the bunch? Or do you think it's too old?

Yeah, I didn’t say anything in my first post, because I thought it might be pushing the age issue a bit – I realize the Acuras are only a year newer, but for some reason 2001 just seems old to me. I think lots of research would have to be done to decide between those two when it comes to reliability.

If you take reliability out of the equation, they’re fairly even to me, with the Acura having a slight edge. Sure, the IS has the handling advantage, but the Acura isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, and I love the interior. Yes, it’s a little dour, but I just think it looks so classy, like a nicely tailored suit. I’ll probably get some flack from boomie for saying this , but the IS’s interior just never did it for me. It seems to be trying too hard.

The TL-S would be among the cheaper cars on this campus.

Wow. There’s one student here who has a Porsche Cayenne (no joke – I pass by it every day), but most students here have Corollas, Civics, Mazda 3s, Korean cars, or beaters. If I see a car that’s something other than those, it probably belongs to a professor.

And which is your overall favorite of the bunch?

Taking reliability out of the equation, the Mazda 6 – just because it can slice traffic like a scalpel (well, so can the Lexus, but it’s two years behind). Taking reliability into consideration, I think I’d still have to side with the Acuras.

I feel like we're not giving the Galant due consideration, but then again, no-one else did, and perhaps there's a reason for that.

Yeah, the Galant is what I’d call homely at best – it really turns me off styling-wise, and I’ve never read anything particularly outstanding about it. It’s just kinda there.

 

[a6m5]

IS>TL>Mazda 6 for me.

But...

Remember you will own the car for another four to eight years.

This will make me strongly consider the Toyota(yes, I realize Lexus is a Toyota, but it's older).

 

[-Fred-]

If I were to choose for myself, I don't think I'd choose anything in there, especially since they're all automatic/semi-automatic. Ever thought about learning stick, Doug?


Aside that, the IS300 is the oldest car here, and that's something to think about. Mileage is generally higher on older cars, and I assume that most IS' in that price range are going to be relatively high mileage, moreso than the others you're including in your comparo. It is a Toyota though, like others have said, so mileage isn't exactly the most fearsome thing, unlike say, the Grand Prix.

But, and this mostly concerns the Acuras and the Lexus, since they're the upscale brand of their respective manufacturers... Maintenance costs are going to be higher than the others in your list, because of that. Plus, Lexus and Acura both have a somewhat limited dealer network (at least up here, anyway) and I don't think your local Honda or Toyota dealer will want to work on them.

I quite like the TL nonetheless, certainly you'll get a more luxurious feeling than a Hyundai or Pontiac, and it still looks fairly good. That's what I'd go with, personally.


I can't believe you're talking about sport sedans and forgetting about the car everyone thinks about usually... Why no 3 Series?

 

[niky]

My vote goes to the Acura TL or the Mazda 6s...

I would vote IS300, but age is kinda a factor here.

 

[Slicks]

I think my head may explode here... I am in a true conundrum. The IS300 and the CL-S are neck and neck for me.

On one hand, you've got the IS. Wonderful I-6, rear drive and consequent better handling, and very nice exterior. I, however, do not like the interior as much as the TL, and not only is it an older car, but it is also higher in price.

On the other hand, I've got the CL Type-S. Considerably more powerful V6 powerplant, although in a front drive layout. It's understated looks are on par with the IS300, but it's interior definitely is better. Honda reliability is also to be considered, and added to the liklihood that it is a lower mileage vehicle then said IS300. Additionally, it is the cheaper, faster, newer, and better optioned of the two. And therein, is the clincher. Acura CL-S for the win, in my books.

I will add that it is indeed a shame that these cars are automatic. I belive the CL-S is available with a manual transmission, and would be much more fun with it.

Okay, and as a second edit, I would like to add that I wouldn't touch either the Solara or the Galant with a ten foot pole, and that the dashboard of the Sonata looks hideous.
I cannot stress how much I loathe the Solara (And all current Toyota products, for that matter) for multiple reasons including, but not limited to, the giant jellybean looks, the sloppy, lackluster handling, and the overall look of senioritis that has taken hold of most of Toyota's model range. An excersise in mediocrity are all the Toyota brand is to me.

 

[Ghost C]

If you want anything even remotely approaching "sport", you will stay away from anything remotely close to being named "Solara". I drive one several times a week, pushing it on some of the famous backroads of NC. On top of numb steering, a floaty suspension, bouncy ride and poor braking ability, they're also extremely prone to spontaneously breaking on you. One thing I've noticed about the Camry/Solara of that generation is the ABS doesn't work worth crap - It locks the rear tires up in panic stops. I don't know if this holds universally true to all models, but I've driven several from 99 to 04 and they have all done it.

All that considered, if you were going to purchase a Solara, I'd actually get a Camry. I don't know why but I seem to find the handling of the Camry as much better than the Solara. Where the Solara will understeer if you attempt to push it, the Camry is fairly neutral and will actually oversteer, even if given full throttle during turns. Keep in mind, I've never driven a V6 version of either model, but I assume given more power the Solara's tendancies will become worse.

This is all coming from someone who drove a '99 Camry so hard that I actually sent the strut piston into the top of the cartridge, so my review is obviously from the extreme side of things.

 

[Casio]

I don't think I'd be particularly happy with any of them. So I'd throw up my personal suggestion

2001 Saab 9-5 Aero / Interior

- 247hp 2.3-liter I4-Turbo; 0-60 in 8.2
- $18,471 [$23,990 AUD; £9702; $20,839 CAD]
- side airbags, climate control, leather, sunroof, 6-CD with 9 speakers, sport suspension, power seats, heated seats, refrigerator/icebox, parking sensors, stability control, woodgrain, 17" Alloys....

Kinda quirky and different. Still has power, and some economy, and looks great 👍

 

[Sage]

Doug and 9-5’s don’t coexist too well.

Of course, if I had to pick a car for under $19,000, I’d pick the very car that I picked for under $19,000 – Mazda 3s.

 

[a6m5]

I second Ghost C's selection of Camry over Solara, and kind of agree with Sage's take of new compact over the used midsize. I'd rather go with a new compact car in $17,000-$19,000 range.

 

[Kent]

I'm suprised sage...
It seems almost like you simply don't like Toyota related products.
The Acura and the Mazda were both mentioned by you for their handling and road slicing qualities yet you never initiated conversation on the IS (which I would think has better handling than either, not to mention its RWD).

If I was to pick on of these I would go with the IS300 or which ever Acura weighs less (because I'm not too big a fan of Acuras and buying one for the handling wouldn't be worth it without picking the best for the job ).
Since I'm not picking any of those though... I'm gonna have to stick with my Corolla.

Good question for a thread but I think the possible answers are limited a bit too much. It would be nice to see some of the less expensive sporty sedans on that list (like the Nissan Maxima or even a slightly used "G6" option).
BMW should have a place on there as well, and probably VW with their GLI Jetta (a slightly used GLI should fit into this price range).

Both Ghost C and A6M5 get rep boost from me as well.
Ghost C speaks well of the Camry I used to drive ('98) and he's right about the handling compared to a Solara. 👍
a6m5 also gets some rep for seconding that post and suggesting to do exactly what I did (which ended with me driving a $15,800 2006 Corolla S).

 

[skip0110]

Either Acura is what you want to buy out of the suggestions you gave.

If it was my money, I'd spend less than $10K of it on a car.

 

[Duke]

...all vehicles are automatic. Other suggestions welcome but vehicle must have Tiptronic.

You know what, Doug? Unless you're missing your left leg from the knee down, it's time to man up and learn how to drive a manual transmission. Particularly if you're venturing out of Buick Regal territory and into sports sedan territory.

And tiptronic or no, the WRX with an automatic is utterly horrid and to be avoided at all costs.

I can't believe you're talking about sport sedans and forgetting about the car everyone thinks about usually... Why no 3 Series?

Because, after the incredibly inflammatory (and largely untrue)things he's said about the 3 series, he knows that ///M-Spec and I would get e-medieval on his ass if he ever dared to admit considering one, let alone buying it.

Doug, if you're considering owning it for that long, I'd get the 2002 TL-S. The CL-S actually got glowing praise from Grassroots Motorsports as a daily driver, but I would think that by the time you were ready to part with it, you'd need the 4-door version. If you think you could live with 2 doors that long, then get the CL. However, I've never understood the prejudice against 4-door cars, so I'd recommend the TL because it is inherently more practical, but not much less sporty in S form. I'm in complete agreement with Sage on the styling - slightly anonymous, but well-tailored, and very clean. The interior is quite nice, as well.

I drove an IS300 in the early days of my car shopping (manual, though - getting the hint, yet?). It was nice, but not nice enough to justify the prices they are still commanding. I agree with whoever said the interior is trying too hard, though I can't fault the exterior. Every small sports sedan in the world wants to be a BMW 3, and none moreso than the small Lexus. It comes close but doesn't quite make it. And considering that the asking prices are no cheaper (and, in fact, often more expensive) than the Bimmer, why not get the real thing? Ohh, yeah, it's because you've already staked out such an absurd position against the 3-series.

The IS300 will also come nowhere near feeling quick enough for you, particularly with an automatic. However, if you get this one, I could understand what was driving the decision.

What about a TSX? 2004s are dipping into your price range at the 50,000-mile mark. 2 years and 13,000 miles after buying ours, we still love it. It's also more modern looking than most of the cars on your list (though I am partial to most of the new Hyundais, and I think they are actually nice cars, you'd be hard pressed to describe a Sonata as a 'sports sedan'). The TSX has adequate power, it's got the nicest automatic trans I've ever driven, and the handling is great for a FWD car. The interior is nice, too.

 

[Keef]

To me, the Sonata is just common sense. Hyundai makes good cars now, the new Sonata looks good, is fast, handles decently, and is plenty fancy inside for me. Unlike the other cars in the poll, it's brand new, so there's no worries of previous harsh treatment. Oh, and Hyundai has that funny 10 year waranty going on. Too bad it doesn't have a stick...

 

[Sage]

I'm suprised sage...
It seems almost like you simply don't like Toyota related products.

No, not at all – I just happen to not be so hot about those two particular Toyota products. I very seriously considered getting a Celica instead of my Mazda, I helped my dad buy a Tacoma, and I absolutely adore the new Lexus IS (that’s one nice butt). For some reason, I just never “felt” the first-gen IS – the interior is kind of a turn-off for me. Trying too hard, as I noted. And I think I have good reason to not like the Solara.

 

[a6m5]

I love the Acura TSX, too. I'd prefer that one over the Lexus, or other Acuras. I love four bangers, so TSX engine suits my taste there, except I believe it only takes premium fuel. And if you get a stick shift, isn't it a six speed? That would be pretty sweet.

and I absolutely adore the new Lexus IS (that’s one nice butt).

Agreed. I thought the best thing about the Lexus IS model change was the new rear end. I could not stand the multiple lens setup on the previous IS and GS sedans.

 

[skip0110]

How about the Lincoln LS V8 Sport? I think it meets all the criteria...

 

[-Fred-]

Because, after the incredibly inflammatory (and largely untrue)things he's said about the 3 series, he knows that ///M-Spec and I would get e-medieval on his ass if he ever dared to admit considering one, let alone buying it.

Ahh I see. This is what happens when you get lost out of the loop for a while.

 

[a6m5]

Lincoln's pretty nice, too. 👍

Exterior / Interior

Seriously, don't pay mind to name of the link. I honestly don't know what they are talking about.

 

[Tornado]

And they depreciate like mad, so you may even be able to walk away in an '03 or '04.

 

[a6m5]

Holy cow! Toronado's right. I'm not even looking for a midsize sedan, and I might even want one.