2 Sweet Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 My girlfriend is looking to buy a car in a few months when the lease is up on her 2013 Focus, which might be the worst car I've ever driven. Seriously, it's terrible. She basically asked me to choose a car for her, and keeping in mind what SHE wants in a car, here's the criteria: 2010 or newer 4-door mid/full size FWD, automatic Decent on gas Comfortable Reliable (she will probably keep the car 5-10 years) Under 50k miles (the less the better obviously) Under $15k I'll be driving the car a lot, so it can't completely suck. I'm already 0 for 2 with it being FWD and auto, so it needs to have a little power and not look terrible either. We both like Buicks a lot, and the Lacrosse with the 3.6 seems like it would be a good fit. I figure we'll also look at the Impala, Regal, Taurus, Fusion, Accord, Mazda 6, and Legacy. In the end she will pick what she likes best, but I feel like the Lacrosse will probably be the one she likes most in her price range. I've read a lot on forums but would like to hear what CR thinks. I know most of you typically hate any GM that isn't LS powered, but that's fine, I'm always looking for objective opinions. I know there are GM techs on here too, so any insight you could provide would be cool. So, what ya got? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiek2000 Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 They are nice but more suited for old people. I'd highly recommend a Regal with the 2.0t. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEVE-O Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 I vote a accord or legacy given your needs and price range Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Littleguy Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 She may be able to squeeze a 2010 Lexus ES350 into that price range. 272hp and dead on reliable with all of the modern features. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geeesammy Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 Non cvt 4cyl accord Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dharris89 Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 My mom has a 2009. It's very nice and has the tried and true 3.8 v6. It rides great but is not sporty. Gas mileage is about what you would expect for a full size Buick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 IMO get the newest Accord you can for the money and thank me later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiek2000 Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 I wouldn't touch a 3.6/6t70 that is older than 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRTurbo04 Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 Had one for 10 days on my honeymoon. Was a very nice car, Shifting in it was a bit weird but other then that it was spot on. I did like my 2012 accord (which would be right up your price range) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallard Posted November 9, 2015 Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 Too bad you're looking used. I just got an offer for 20% off MSRP on 2015 LaCrosse. Stay away from anything with the n/a Ecotec 2010-2013+. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 Sweet Posted November 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2015 I wouldn't touch a 3.6/6t70 that is older than 2011 Why's that? Are the '12+ that much improved/different? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 They are nice but more suited for old people. I'd highly recommend a Regal with the 2.0t. Another vote for the Regal 2.0t, my mom just picked one up last April. It may be just outside of your price range (I am thinking around the 17-20k if the prices are around the same as last April) but they are very nice cars and you won't want to blow your brains out every time you drive it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjrsplat Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 +1 on regal t. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buck531 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 You could get one of these with a 5.3 in it.. http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-2008-Buick-LaCrosse-Super-t31567 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiek2000 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Why's that? Are the '12+ that much improved/different? 6t70 had numerous issues especially wave plate failures that if left go for too long will ruin the transmission. 2010 and older. 3.6 had timing chain, oil consumption, and fuel system issues 2010 and older Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2 Sweet Posted November 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 6t70 had numerous issues especially wave plate failures that if left go for too long will ruin the transmission. 2010 and older. 3.6 had timing chain, oil consumption, and fuel system issues 2010 and older Thanks, good to know. I'll go ahead and cross 2010s off the list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 6t70 had numerous issues especially wave plate failures that if left go for too long will ruin the transmission. 2010 and older. 3.6 had timing chain, oil consumption, and fuel system issues 2010 and older Correct. 12 or newer on the lacrosse. The regal have timing chain issues on the non turbo models, and the the turbo models I've seen a lot of issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iwashmycar Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Geesh. Id stay away from the Buicks altogether if you have to look at 12+...those are still new enough where they will probably be saying the same things about them in 5 years...."stay away from the 15 and earlier ones" LOL. I'm daily-ing this 15 Rav4 and its everything you have mentioned you are looking for. gets 28mpgs combined and I dont mind it for being FWD. Ours is a lease being a 15 and all, but you might find a slightly used one for around your price. Inside is certainly comfortable, good features...not a terrible look to them, and sitting up like a slightly taller car is kind of nice, especially with winter coming. Odds are you would find AWD though...as it seems these base 2WDs are all lease specials Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mallard Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 3.6 had timing chain, oil consumption, and fuel system issues 2010 and older 2010-2014 Ecotec has been identified as having the same issues. The DI fucked my engine up, had a rebuild under warrenty, and still isn't the same. Change oil frequently and you may prevent some issues. Don't follow the dealer recommended schedule, do it every 3k miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grudes Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Here is something to look at also http://www.lashchevy.com/VehicleDetails/used-2013-Buick-Verano-Premium_Group-Johnstown-OH/2636988123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiek2000 Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 Geesh. Id stay away from the Buicks altogether if you have to look at 12+...those are still new enough where they will probably be saying the same things about them in 5 years...."stay away from the 15 and earlier ones" LOL. I'm daily-ing this 15 Rav4 and its everything you have mentioned you are looking for. gets 28mpgs combined and I dont mind it for being FWD. Ours is a lease being a 15 and all, but you might find a slightly used one for around your price. Inside is certainly comfortable, good features...not a terrible look to them, and sitting up like a slightly taller car is kind of nice, especially with winter coming. Odds are you would find AWD though...as it seems these base 2WDs are all lease specials There is a reason why I'm a GM tech but drive a Holden and a Toyota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iwashmycar Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick90lx Posted November 10, 2015 Report Share Posted November 10, 2015 I'm in and out of a lot of cars in my line of work. I really like the newer Taurus and surprisingly enough, I like the Kia Optima's. I'd atleast give them a look / test drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shmaa Posted November 11, 2015 Report Share Posted November 11, 2015 If I were to buy a Buick, I'd go for one of these. MT is cheaper, but you could still probably find one closer to 15. Regal GS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shmaa Posted November 11, 2015 Report Share Posted November 11, 2015 This is probably the way to go though... AMG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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