So how did the 01 look? Two things wear on cars: miles and time. Much less miles on the 01; if it was built after May 01, transmission should be good. Still will need to check the status of the secondary tensioners and cooling system pieces.

I, for one, don't like old used cars that have been driven in northern states: I think these (and you) are in Chicago, right? Winter is a bitch on these cars. All the same, much better vehicles (either one) than an equally old Honda.

When I traded my 01 (I couldn't get out of it, too low!), it was still a much better ride that my wife's 04 Maxima (the Maxima had 30,000 less miles and was three years newer. Difference between a a $68,000 car brand new and a $33,000.