Used 4-cylinder car with quiet, smooth ride of a luxury car?

longskate88 · Sep 30, 2010

So I'd really like a used 2000-2004 Lexus GS300, but I don't think I want a V6 due to low MPG and I drive a ton of miles.

I DO however like the quiet, smooth ride...are there any used 4-cylinder cars in the under-$12K price range that might have similar noise-damping and suspension to a 'luxury' car like the Lexus?

Thanks!

whiteslashasian · Sep 30, 2010

Originally Posted by longskate88

So I'd really like a used 2000-2004 Lexus GS300, but I don't think I want a V6 due to low MPG and I drive a ton of miles.

I DO however like the quiet, smooth ride...are there any used 4-cylinder cars in the under-$12K price range that might have similar noise-damping and suspension to a 'luxury' car like the Lexus?

Thanks!

Good luck. I have a friend who bought a 2006 or 2007 I-4 Accord and it's fairly quiet/solid. Paid around $15k for it last year.

Rambo · Sep 30, 2010

Short answer - no

longskate88 · Sep 30, 2010

Originally Posted by whiteslashasian

Good luck. I have a friend who bought a 2006 or 2007 I-4 Accord and it's fairly quiet/solid. Paid around $15k for it last year.

Thanks, i was thinking about the coupe version, looks pretty lux with the tan leather interior..

Rambo · Sep 30, 2010

Originally Posted by longskate88

Thanks, i was thinking about the coupe version, looks pretty lux with the tan leather interior..
Its a great car but the ride isn't going to be anywhere near as smooth as a Lexus. If you're looking for a good used Lexus, check out the 04 - 06 IS300's.

ratboycom · Sep 30, 2010

+1 to the IS300, but it is the same INLINE 6 as the GS300. They didnt go to a V6 till that latest (350) generation. You could also look at a used 318i, A4 or something along those lines. Its really too bad you didnt get the IS200 in the states.

whiteslashasian · Sep 30, 2010

Originally Posted by ratboycom

+1 to the IS300, but it is the same INLINE 6 as the GS300. They didnt go to a V6 till that latest (350) generation. You could also look at a used 318i, A4 or something along those lines. Its really too bad you didnt get the IS200 in the states.

Amurikans likes the displacements!

*EDIT* I just saw on facebook marketplace a friend of a friend has a 2005 Merc c230 for $11,500 in Burlington MA. No clue on the condition, mileage, etc but he says the KBB value is like $16,500 (likely inflated).

http://i.oodleimg.com/item/2170438316u_0x?1285779305

DerekS · Sep 30, 2010

I have a lexus ES. Love it. rides great and I get great gas mileage.

thekunk07 · Sep 30, 2010

get an A3 or a4 with a 6, 4 cylinders are for housewives and pussies.
i can sell you mine for 37k.

whiteslashasian · Sep 30, 2010

Gotta love the kunk poast lol.

Flambeur · Sep 30, 2010

$12K will get you a nice used camry 4-cyl... as close to lexus as you can get with a 4-cyl outside of the non-NA cars.

300zx1985 · Sep 30, 2010

I would be very surprised if the car was clean, my guess is a salvage title or something along those lines. I see alot of so called great deals on mercedes - they are usually for people who want to look baller on a budget......

I would check out a Lexus is300 or a clean b5 or b6 a4 audi with a quattro drivetrain. The turbo 4 cylinders in them are surprisingly peppy and have sufficient power for the average driver.

Originally Posted by whiteslashasian

Amurikans likes the displacements!

*EDIT* I just saw on facebook marketplace a friend of a friend has a 2005 Merc c230 for $11,500 in Burlington MA. No clue on the condition, mileage, etc but he says the KBB value is like $16,500 (likely inflated).

http://i.oodleimg.com/item/2170438316u_0x?1285779305

whiteslashasian · Sep 30, 2010

Originally Posted by 300zx1985

I would be very surprised if the car was clean, my guess is a salvage title or something along those lines. I see alot of so called great deals on mercedes - they are usually for people who want to look baller on a budget......

I would check out a Lexus is300 or a clean b5 or b6 a4 audi with a quattro drivetrain. The turbo 4 cylinders in them are surprisingly peppy and have sufficient power for the average driver.

Yeah, I'm not vouching for the car, but it popped up that email I get every so often from Facebook Marketplace this morning.

If I were the OP I'd look into a camry or accord for the reliability and decent ride. Not sure if you can find a decent IS300 south of $12k...

Just did a quick search in my area and did find a 2003 IS300 in my area for $12k, 67k miles so I guess it is doable.

*EDIT* Just saw you can get some well equipped 2007+ Honda Accords for under $12k with only 35k miles or so and still under warranty...OP's call though.

sonick · Sep 30, 2010

Camry or Accord.

Or an E36 BMW 318.

longskate88 · Sep 30, 2010

What's everyone think of the Mercedes C230 or Audi A4 1.8T, both from 2002-2004ish?

They seem awfully cheap at $10-12K, and I've heard Audi's are not very reliable.

As far as the Camry recommendation, sure they're decent, my step mom has one...I guess they're about as boring as my current car so no problem there! LOL. I'd probably go with a 2004-2006 Accord EX coupe or sedan before the Camry.

I have a '96 Civic EX Coupe with 250,000 miles on it for reference, so i'm used to a cheap, reliable car.

Used 4-cylinder car with quiet, smooth ride of a luxury car?

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Timed Out

Distinguished Member

Timed Out

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Guyliner

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: