Which one to buy? Altima 2006, Accord 2003 or Camry 2004?

Question

I'm a student with not a lot of money to spend and want to buy a nice big car (I've had small or compact cars in the past, I want a big one now). I have one of these choices:

1. A 2003 accord V-6 LX with 83,000 miles on it for $11,500.
2. A 2004 camry V-6 LE with 75,000 miles for $11,500.
3. A brand new 2006 nissan altima 2.5s (v-4), which (thanks to Nissan's year end rebate) sells for around $17,000+ with a lot of extras (special edition package).

Now, I'm a big fan of the quiet ride of the camry, but the interior looks very old and bland. I love the styling of altima (it looks contemporary), but the ride is much harder compared to a camry and the engine is noisy (it's strong though). It is also more expensive (when you're a college student, $6000 is a lot of money!) and I don't know if the 3 year warranty would provide me any extra benefit since accords and camrys are very reliable cars. Honda's ride is pretty harsh too, but I like the styling.

Help me out here pls, I'm stuck!

Update: Thanks for your thoughts folks, but I need more advice!
Notes:
1. I really want a big car, I've had three small cars already. Civic is not in my list.
2. I have enough cash for the used ones. If I go for altima I have to finance the remaining $6000.

Answer 1

WOW that is a tough decision. I do understand how the $6,000 could make a huge difference to you.

Here is a thought..on the 2 used cars you are looking at--negotiate a 2 year warranty on the cars. Dealers do it all the time (I used to sell cars back in the day). That would level out the playing field a bit.


If both used cars are sold at the very same price, and both were given a FREE 2 year warranty, I would most likely opt for the Honda. I have never owned a Honda but I have heard good things about them. They also hold their re sale value very well.
M

Answer 2

If you're thinking of the honda. If it's an automatic, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. The V-6 Automatics on that model year were trouble, especially around that mileage range. So much so that Honda right now will not let their service and parts departments let go of any of their remanufactured transmissions, telling them to hold onto them for warranty issues. Oh, and there's a current lawsuit against them for this issue too.

Not to say, run away from it, I really like the Accords, better than the Camry. Just have the transmission thoroughly checked out.

And, make sure the Camry has had timing belt replaced. By 70K miles, it's a necessary maintenance issue.

As mentioned, you never said if you're financing or not. If you're paying cash, I'd opt for the Camry or Accord. Even if you have to make the aforementioned repairs, you'll still have a lot more money in your pocket rather than buying a new Altima. And being a college student, it would make more since to save the $6000. Then, upon graduation and getting your first job, go look for something newer.

Don't get me wrong, I really like the Altima. The 3.5 Altima is one of the cars I'd actually buy for myself. And if you're financing, you may find that the payments will be close to the same as on the Camry or Accord (just for a longer term of course). But it might be a car that you'd be happier with for a longer amount of time.

Answer 3

You did not mention financing. Financing on a new car usually gets you a better interest rate than used, and may get the payments down to where they are actually better than the used cars. If this is the case, the money difference does not matter anymore and might just make the decision for you right there.

The used prices you list seem a little high, but the Accord & Camry are more reliable cars than the Altima. Resale is better as well.

Answer 4

See if you can bargain down the prices of either the Camry (my first choice) or the Accord to closer to $10K. Take whichever one that you can have at $10K or $10.5K. If neither is willing to bargain, take the Altima; you may get very good financing terms on the new car so the monthly cost difference between Altima and the older cars won't be very much.

Answer 5

I think you should get the Camry because its a nicer ride and there are less miles on the Camry.

Answer 6

I like your question and choice of vehicles but what triggers your emotions as to what suits your needs and lifestyle best will not be the same as others, you have to find out on your own.

With a little homework I would narrow my choice down quickly, go to my website http://www.usedcartips.org/ and navigate to THE TEST DRIVE from there if your interested there will be steps to follow you getting valid value for your bucks.good luck

Answer 7

Here's another scenario: get a 2006 honda civic, its big enough, quiet, classy, stylish, good gas mileage, good warranty, and every thing you'd want on a car

Answer 8

Umm, if you're a student, why do you want/need a big car? Put 1/2 the money in the bank and get something nice but cheaper to use until you graduate.

Answer 9

Go with the Camry.