- Im Looking at a 1996 Honda Accord coupe ex with 122,000 miles for 3k and im also looking at a 2001 Lexus es 300 with 140,000 miles for 4k. They both have automatic transmissions and don’t have any problems and seem to run really good
Neither is a really great choice. Both are very old, of course. Hondas of that era have weak automatic transmissions.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Honda/Accord/1996/
The Lexus ES300 was a solid car in its day but 22 years later there is plenty to break down. (Are you good at doing your own repairs?)
Be sure to have any car you buy checked out by a good mechanic before purchase.
I only have 4k right now so there’s not a lot of newer options I don’t work on cars like that but I will do what I can and learn I mean if the Hondas transmission is really that bad then that’s a bummer I’ll probably get the Lexus or try to find something newer if i can but i don’t wanna get something newer that has problems too and is more expensive
Just make sure to have a mechanic check it out so you don't wind up with a $4000 lawn ornament.
I know what that’s like my uncle gave me a 2005 Land Rover Range Rover that I never got to drive haha
What the heck did you do to your uncle to deserve that kind of abuse? 😮
I don’t know that’s why I really just wanna get something as reliable as I can and I know if I can get something newer it would be better but I’m 19 and I’m trying to get something sooner rather than later for what I have rn maybe a 2005 Corolla or something but I was looking at how high a rating the Lexus has but I know it’s old
Out of those 2 I'd probably go with the Lexus since it's a bit newer and doesn't have the weak transmission of the Honda. That's assuming all the important bits currently work and a mechanic says it's in good condition.
At that age, individual things like maintenance history are more important than broader model characteristics. I agree with the above that it is worth $200 to get a prepurchase inspection.
FWIW, parts for the Honda should be cheaper.
