Need some help selecting a new (used) car.

The wife is pregnant with our first, due in May. I drive a 2001 Accord EX-L that we bought last March (replaced my 1989 Accord LXi Hatchback that I bought new). She has a 1995 Civic LX with 82,000 miles. The car runs fine, but we both agree she should be in something bigger and safer.

Thinking we can get around $4,000 when we sell her car, we're looking to spend no more than $7,000 total. That's her maximum limit and that's all she cares about. We don't want two car payments right now. I'd be willing to argue (and probably lose) for spending more, but that remains to be seen.

Anyway, we've been thinking about a Ford Taurus. By shopping around a bit I very confident I can find a fairly loaded 2000 model Taurus SEL (kinda like an EX Accord) for that $7,000 figure.

The other choice IMHO is a 98 or better Accord. Don't like the size of the 97's or older. It'd have to be a 98 or better. But that pushes us out of our (her) comfort zone. The closest I've been able to come is a 1999 EX with cloth for $8,500 that has 102,000 miles.

I'm a little uncomfortable getting the Taurus -- although I'm the one who has been researching it and pushing it lately. I do like how they drive. The 2000 and newer do seem to be much improved reliability-wise. Like their safety features, etc. etc., but I'm not quite convinced.

On the other hand it would be cool to have another nearly-identical Accord. The problem is convincing her (and me) to buy one for more money and / or one with high mileage (100+).

Anyone care to share any opinions about this decision?

Thanks!

 

well if the new generation Taurus is more reliable (no crap problems), I'd go for it.

If not, then tell her she'd either have to choose between paying more up front for less problems in the future, or pay less now and pay for costly repairs in the future.

However, even Honda Accords are not going to be ultra reliable, especially if it's a high mileage vehicle...

 

First of all congrats on the little one! :rockon: It goes aginst my grain to recommend any car other than a Honda. They're bullet proof. However the later model years prices tend to be inflated. Now, with a tike on the way one must be fiscally responsible and go for the cheaper and newer vehicle. The Taurus as a good safety record and would be a sound choice. So, if it were me, I'd tell my heart to shut up and use my head...i.e. get more bang for my buck and get the Taurus.

 

Considered a Buick LeSabre? Great mid-sized car. Pre-1996 (I think thats the year)LeSabres had loads of problems, but more recent models have most of the bugs worked out. Same size as a Taurus/Sable but nicer appointments. It has the old-lady name of Buick, but don't let that fool you. Loads of power, decent size, and safe- not to mention that it comes with power everything.

Another alternative is a Dodge Intrepid. Another good car, however the 3.7L V6 feels underpowered for its size and weight. A 1998 Altima could take you to task in a race (although I don't think there's going to be much racing in one of those).

A Taurus will have a lower overall end value for year and appointments compared to the LeSabre, Intrepid or Accord.

 

I would get the Accord hands down. Check out some Car and Driver reviews for why.

 

I also say absolutely get the Accord. My husband and I have matching (except for color) Accords and it is pretty cool. I think the Taurus will seem kind of - well, cheap - compared to an Accord. And I don't know much about the Taurus, but I do know that the excellent crash test ratings and other safety features of the Accord give me peace of mind when I put my kids in the back seat, and that is definitely worth paying a little extra for.

And, congratulations on the baby!

 

After both our daughters were born we went with a Plymouth Voyager.

Kids + vehicle = minivan :rofl: I know it sucks

 

yeah get an accord IMO its better ,good resale value later on and lasts longer plus accord been in 10 best car over i think 11 years now some1 correct me if im wrong.

 

I have one of those too! Loads of fun - but they are practical. Since I got the Accord, though, we only use the Voyager for family vacations or when we need to take the dog somewhere. (He is not allowed in my Accord - white dog in black cloth interior is not a good thing.)

And, I feel a lot safer in the Accord. Our van was never all that reliable, right from the time we bought it new. We more than got our money's worth on the extended warranty on that vehicle. (I didn't even buy it on the Accord, and I'm not expecting to need it. Hope I'm right.)

 

taruses are complete pieces of shit ... buy the honda even if its older cause it aint gonna let you down. I know people that get 300k out of their accords.