I am looking to purchase a used car. I was sold on a 2003 TL, but now after doing extensive research, have learned about the transmission issue. I would LOVE to buy an 04, but it's just not in the budget. I know Acura covers them up to 100k miles, but do they actually fix the issue or put a bandage on it? Also, was this just a small % of the cars of the production line? I have to go back to the drawing board if this is a big issue. I love cars and really want to get something used, but nice. My budget is 16-18k. Was thinking (if not the TL) 04-05 Volvo S60, Infiniti I35 (if i can find one), was thinking Audi A4, but don't think I could sleep with the reliability issues I hear about. Any others??? I also was thinking about an 03 Lexus ES 300, but getting such an old vehicle bothers me, should it? All thoughts, experience, advice would be great. I have to turn in my company car next week as I'm switching jobs. Thanks a lot in advance.

Instead of trying to buy a old luxurious car, how about just buying a new car?

Around that price you can get the new honda civic which looks really nice and when you get the highest trim, you get full option including navigation and many other systems.

Also you can get the Scion tc, really sporty looking and have almost same options as the civic.

Volkswagon Jetta is a good choice which looks luxurious and sporty at the same time.

Mitsubishi EVO X is a good choice too.

What do you think?
Gettin a new car is not that bad of a idea.