Yes, another post about my used car search.

Kinja'd!!! by "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
Published 08/12/2017 at 19:24

Tags: acura ; tsx ; tl ; g35 ; gs300 ; gs400 ; lexus ; infinti ; is300
STARS: 0


So I had originally been considering 2nd generation GS400s and 2nd generation g35 sedans, but now finding out that the infiniti may have rust issues down the road, I am not really pursuing them as much. The GS400 is still high on my list, but lack of availability in my area is a downer, and I need to buy quick.

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I also looked at some 3rd generation TLs, but I am not sure if they completely solved all transmission issues after the 2nd generation. I have heard that early 3rd gens, which are the ones in my price range, can still have A/T issues. Best solution would be to find one with a stick, buuuuut thats impossible.

Of course I looked at IS300s as well, but lack of availability and a ton of riced out/salvage title examples is overwhelming.

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So now I am looking at a lot of first generation TSXes, which are rock solid reliable and overall good cars but a little slow. And I always really resented them because they look so much like the 3rd gen TL but just significantly worse. I have learned to hold it in its own merit though and I actually think its a decent looking, handsome little car.

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Definitely a car I would have to put a couple mods into before I fall in love, but that’s half the fun.


Replies (25)

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
08/12/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 1

Based on recent viewing - any AMG sedans or wagons out there that would fill the bill?

Kinja'd!!! "dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
08/12/2017 at 20:10, STARS: 1

What is your budget? Can you get an LS430 in your price range?

As far as the G35 goes, check them out for rust when you go to look at the car, and if it’s too rusty, don’t buy it. If you find one that’s not rusty, all you need to do is spray some Krown or something on it every year or two.

I like the TSX look better than the TL and Accord of the same era. Of course, all three are simply versions of the same car. And don’t forget about the 06-07 Accord V6 manual sedan.

Also check out the Mazdaspeed 6.

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/12/2017 at 20:14, STARS: 0

No AMGs that look clean in my range, but theres a good e430 that ill drive. I wish I could find a wagon...

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/12/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 1

LS430s are in my range but not a lot for sale around here. I also prefer the GS size, but who doesnt love a nice older LS.

G35 I already texted two owners and they said they had subframe rust and bubbles on rocker panels. Sounds like a road ive been down before and dont want to again. my pathfinder was “rust free” a year ago when I bought it but it was just all below the surface waiting to show its face.

There are like 4 good tsxes for sale near me so theres a good chance I like one of them. TLes and accords there are plenty as well I need to drive.

And mazdaspeed 6 I love but I would have to be careful for rust.

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
08/12/2017 at 20:32, STARS: 1

Best of luck ...

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
08/12/2017 at 20:42, STARS: 1

And what’s the price range and age/mileage limit? There’s insane shit out there for pennies on the dollar.

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/12/2017 at 20:53, STARS: 0

Price under $8k

Mileage depends on manufacturer but most under 160k

Age younger the better because rust is my #1 concern. Less winters spent in PA, the better.

Kinja'd!!! "E92M3" (E46M3)
08/12/2017 at 21:09, STARS: 1

Either Acura gets my vote.

Kinja'd!!! "ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)" (adabofoppo)
08/12/2017 at 22:21, STARS: 0

Don’t get a 2nd generation IS. They are terrible, slow, and have, hands down, the worst seating position I have ever had the misfortune of suffering.

My right hip was sore for a full week after a trip from Dayton to Chicago and back for work.

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/12/2017 at 22:23, STARS: 0

Only looking at first gen! And 2nd gen is350 or is250?

Kinja'd!!! "ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)" (adabofoppo)
08/12/2017 at 22:25, STARS: 1

OG Is 300 is best.

Avoid the 2nd generation IS 250/350 entirely.

The newest Is 300 isn’t as hateful. Still a bit harsh on long trips. But it’s a vast improvement over the prior IS.

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
08/12/2017 at 23:56, STARS: 1

There’s a lot of interesting iron available in that price bracket, and some of it could bankrupt you. Maybe a Subaru of some sort (STI?) until you can spend for something with a CPO warranty? Subarus are pretty reliable ...

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 00:02, STARS: 0

I think there are a couple nice wrxes around me so ill be sure to drive one. Under 8k there are cars that actually cost 8k and then cars that have a buy in of 8k with a lot to spend after that. I want one that is 8k end of story.

Kinja'd!!! "Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
08/13/2017 at 01:53, STARS: 1

8K end of story is an Avalon. Or an Acura, or maybe an Infiniti if you want to take chances. But what about one of those giant Hyundais that passes for a big Lexus? Or what about a big Lexus - 600LiH or a 460? DEAD reliable.

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
08/13/2017 at 10:23, STARS: 1

I looked at that one down the road. Looks ok, a little rust on the rear right quarter seam. Could not see the miles with it turned off, but I took a pic of the number for you.

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Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 10:59, STARS: 0

Thank you so much ill call today. This is good Oppo.

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 1

Is it just me or does this white one look lower than this gray one? The white looks so much newer/better to me but im being told white sedans are for chicks. I couldn’t care less but I feel crazy for preferring the white when dark grey is usually my favorite:

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Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 11:13, STARS: 0

Which TSX Shall I drive first

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Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
08/13/2017 at 11:29, STARS: 1

If you want some pics of the car, let me know. I was on a family walk, so I only had a brief stop, but I can stroll down there later for you.

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 11:42, STARS: 1

One side pic or just a description of the wheels and if it has a spoiler or not would be enough

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
08/13/2017 at 11:51, STARS: 1

Sure!

Kinja'd!!! "dogisbadob" (dogisbadob)
08/13/2017 at 12:09, STARS: 1

the white one is indeed lower. You can especially tell by the front wheels. Sitting on coilovers or cut springs or something.

Also, the gray car is parked on the sidewalk, and the left side is hanging off the curb

Kinja'd!!! "awmaster10" (awmaster10)
08/13/2017 at 14:03, STARS: 1

Ill instantly walk out if its cut springs. I think it is probably just lowering springs and I also just noticed it has honda emblems...interesting.

I had originally just chalked it up to the gray one being on the curb, but it looks significant enough to be suspension modification.

Kinja'd!!! "E92M3" (E46M3)
08/13/2017 at 16:29, STARS: 1

Probably the one that isn’t lowered. Though white is my favorite color.

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
08/14/2017 at 17:15, STARS: 0

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