Best car for 20k - revisited

[Franky]

Hey, didn't want to mine an old thread but some will remember about a month ago I asked everyone what they thought was a good 20k car. I thought I would just update you guys, I finally bit the bullet and got one!

I got a dark grey '04 model Honda Accord Euro and it is absolutely fantastic. Drove it home today from Geelong and I enjoyed every minute of it. I test drove it and a black Mazda 6 Luxo and the decision was a no brainer. Although the mazda had a bit of front end damage (hence the low price) it was also a great car but it was the little things in the end that made my decision. The 6 was very loud inside, lots of road noise and the quality of the interior was a little dissapointing for an upperclass model. It had leather seats which looks sensational but were quite hard and stiff. The Euro had valour seats which were much softer and comfortable. The sunroof in the Mazda was really awesome (had to play with it) and the leg room especially in the back was excellent, a little more room in the back than the Euro but the Euro had a larger boot which was probably better for me.

Both cars were pretty stiff over rough surfaces (more so than my folks falcon) but it wasn't as bad in the euro which also had a bit more go in it, overtaking wise . Apart from that the Mazda was a little in the wars, alot of scratches from someone who obviously couldn't park for sh_t, every alloy had gutter marks, someone even keyed the back :togo: The 6 had a bose system which I immediately had a play with but for some reason the Euro's premium system sounded nicer, even had a 6 stacker cd player which is handy.

Both cars had very sharp steering, and handled the corners with ease and both had excellent brakes (bloody geelong drivers) I am 100% happy with my purchase atm, it's a nicely made car and attention to detail is superb, I especially liked things such as the boot release which doesn't just unlock but unhinges and tilts for easy lifting (handy if you have you hands full); A diagram of the car on the instrument cluster which indicates whether you have not shut your door properly and the selected door lights up in red ; indicators on the mirrors (lol ****y but cool and the amount of safety features in superb (abs, stabily control, traction control, electronic brack force distribution and driver and passenger + side airbags)

Well that is my review, it's probably worth mentioning that the Euro had done 53,000 kms to the 6's 99,900 and the mazda was an '03 model which also swayed the decison. Some people will probably disagree with me but I can safely say if I bought the right car. I will post some piccies tomorrow it's a little dark to do it now

[Fairlane]

Nah youve done well, the accord euro is a great car. Id personaly myself would proababy lean towards the euro, but hell both are fine cars.

[XRated]

I'm not a big fan of the Mazdas. Nice cars, but a touch over-rated I think. The Euro looks class and hasn't dated like the later model Mazdas. Good choice.

[gozza]

The Hondas sound system sounded better because Bose is overated

[Franky]

Originally Posted by gozza

The Hondas sound system sounded better because Bose is overated

exactly mate spot on, I used the same cd in both cars and compared different songs and although the bose was a smidge louder the Euro's sound system was clearer and the bass wasn't as harsh.

[XR8-260]

congrats, the euro is a nice car. How much did you get it for?

[sleekism]

I've seen TE50's for sale for 20K.................

[XR8-260]

Originally Posted by sleekism

I've seen TE50's for sale for 20K.................

forget the TE50s... get the VX SS :.

[Franky]

Originally Posted by sleekism

I've seen TE50's for sale for 20K.................

I only ever liked the T3 TE50's which were 250kw and not drivable on P's.

The T1 and T2 look very outdated but they come with a lot in them

and '3' got it for $25k on the dot so it didn't quite go out of my price range

[sleekism]

Hmmm I thought in FordForums I wouldnt have to get into a holden vs ford debate....

[XR8-260]

Lol I'm just stirring mate

[brodfloyd]

in 1971 you could have bought 4 GT HO phase III's for 20 grand, imagine that now!
wonder what the accord will be worth in 40 years? :P:P

not knocking mate, just joking. my folks bought a liberty which is the same kinda deal, lovely cars.

[tommo74]

20 k would have maybe gotten you into a c4 vette with a shitload of problems!
Nah good choice!

[Franky]

here a some pics, taken on my phone so probably bigger than they should be.