Which car

[vp911]

Ok ok. Which car to get? I have already had a TSX (sad story isnt it guys?) obviously my luck with cars isnt so great... so here are some cars that i am looking at... i want to stay under 45k STICKER price (gives me some room to bargain)

Of course - no nissan/infiniti crap

Try to be unbiased (hard in an acura forum huh? lol). If you have other ideas, feel free to suggest - I want something sporty with the high tech toys :)

Audi A6
Acura TL
Acura TL with a-spec
Cadillac STS

Other? (list below)

oh damn dont i feel like an idiot... i forgot to add the poll, oh well, just tell me which ones :)

[larchmont]

Don't ask me -- I don't think you can do better than a TSX up to $45K.

In fact, I've gone on record saying you can't do better even up to $80K. And the only reason I stopped there was I don't know the cars over $80K.

BTW please refresh our poor memories: What sucked about the TSX?
Then maybe we can answer better......

[vp911]

Don't ask me -- I don't think you can do better than a TSX up to $45K.

In fact, I've gone on record saying you can't do better even up to $80K. And the only reason I stopped there was I don't know the cars over $80K.

BTW please refresh our poor memories: What sucked about the TSX?
Then maybe we can answer better......

nothing sucked.... dealer left radiator cap off during oil change...melted bunch of crap in engine... i was so mad at acura i couldnt go get another tsx or tl at the time...

[larchmont]

Oh, OK, then the answer's easy.

Just wait till you get over it, then get a TSX or a TL. :D


But seriously, folks.....if you really need to get something different, it all depends on your priorities. You said some of them, but besides that.....?

Like, if "reliability" is important or not that important, it puts us in totally different directions.
Likewise FWD/RWD/AWD.

We need to know! :nod:

[ChinchillaX]

I added a poll for ya, vp911.:)

I'd test drive the cars to see which one offers the best ride, features, price, etc. before making a decision. I drove the new Cadillac STS back in October and I liked it. The TL is okay IMO, haven't driven the Audi A6 yet. Which type of car you looking for FWD, AWD, or RWD.

[TSX 'R' US]

hmmm...you've got quite the mix of cars to choose from :D

I'd get the A6..only if you're gonna get rid of it after the waranty is over.
Hmmm...STS...kinda screams "old" :D
TL is nice...
RL is nicer...

:D

[vp911]

FWD or AWD

I have driven them all, I can't decide :(

of course, reliability is important - but with my luck it won't matter if its a "reliable" car or not

[vp911]

I added a poll for ya, vp911.:)

.
Thanks

[APOGEE]

Like Larch said. It depends on your needs/wants. Can't blame the TSX for dealer error. If you love the TSX get another along with a new service department. If you liked it but wanted a bit more under the hood get the TL. The Audi is beautiful but the reliability/dependability is not as high as the Acura. I put my neck on the line on a TSX web page and vote for the TL as the TSX is not on the poll list.

[larchmont]

Like Larch said. It depends on your needs/wants. Can't blame the TSX for dealer error. If you love the TSX get another along with a new service department. If you liked it but wanted a bit more under the hood get the TL. The Audi is beautiful but the reliability/dependability is not as high as the Acura. I put my neck on the line on a TSX web page and vote for the TL as the TSX is not on the poll list.
Correction: Reliability of the Audi is just awful.

A car you should definitely consider is the Mazda 6. It doesn't handle quite as well as the TSX, it doesn't have quite the feeling of quality inside, and the ride is probably a little rougher despite it being a bigger car, but it's real good.

On second thought, as I said before, you probably should just wait till you get over it, then get another TSX. :D

[vp911]

haha. I think I am leaning toward the TL with A-spec. My problem is, I don't want to shell out 6 grand for a-spec because I can't find one to test drive. But... from the aspec reviews, it seems that the aspec is worth it. Decisions decisions.

[larchmont]

Seems like a good place to ask: What's really the story about A-spec on the TL? I imagine it's similar to how it is on the TSX, which is:

Totally cosmetic except for the suspension, which you can get separately for like $800.

Do you really care about the cosmetic stuff?? If it was me, not only wouldn't I care about it and not only wouldn't I think it was worth a few thou, I wouldn't want it if it was free.


On another subject: Even though you can go all the way up to $45K, don't be surprised if there aren't too many suggestions over about $35K, because the cars you start running into don't meet your criteria unless you go way higher, and even there, the cars you start running into are either short on reliability or (for most of us) way too big.

I found this out when I was looking for cars a couple of years ago (before the TSX was out), and also on the old ClubTSX when I started a thread asking what cars people might suggest that would beat the TSX at its own game -- i.e. very good handling, very good (expected) reliability, fun/sporty feel, and not RWD -- even if you go all the way up to $80K. And what we found was that if you value those criteria, you run out of candidates after about $35K. The cars that should win, like the BMW 3's and 5's and all kinds of Mercedes, are short on reliability, except maybe the 5-series although that's debatable and of course the price is well over $50K.

The best real competitors on those criteria were arguably the Saab 9-3 and 9-5. Historically Saab's reliability was subpar, but it's been improving in recent years and while it's not as good as Honda/Acura, you could argue that now it's good enough for people who put any emphasis on reliability to consider Saabs. If there were no TSX or TL, the Saab 9-5 is probably the car I'd be driving.

[vp911]

a-spec is the same on the tsx as the tl... and i agree the suspension is what I want the most, for $800 worth it... my guess about 800 in labor also (does it really take 8 hours? probably not, but thats what they charge)

I personally like the body kit.. so thats an extra thousand (and we will say 200 in installation)

so $2600 for what I want? Although, I do like the a-spec steering wheel, so add $400... ok ok $3000... so is the other $2000 for the wheels and tires!? Yep, basically. The automatic TL does get upgraded brakes. (i took these prices from what I have seen on ebay from acura dealers)...but if you just walk into a dealer, it is $6000-6500 installed

I do kind of like the a-spec wheels... hmm. Not exactly sure what to do then. IMO it is kind of if you add part of the exterior styling..add it all... but who knows... RonJon has his wheels for the tsx/tl... and he is coming out with a body kit for the TL which looks more agressive... so perhaps I should wait for his body kit.

Thanks for the info on the other cars larch... I will look at the saab before I decide. Although, the TL is looking more and more like the choice. (I am sure I would rather have the RL, but a little out of the price range... and there have already been a few reports of the AWD system acting up and failing...causing smoke fromt he rear of the car.. oh well)

[larchmont]

......the TL is looking more and more like the choice. (I am sure I would rather have the RL, but a little out of the price range... and there have already been a few reports of the AWD system acting up and failing...causing smoke fromt he rear of the car.. oh well)
I would have thought the RL was in a totally different category from what you want -- not for any reason other than that I would have figured that anybody who gets something like the TSX isn't someone who would be interested in such a bigger car.

And in fact it seems like people on this board haven't been that interested in the RL, which is what I would have expected.

We've had discussions and polls about whether people would prefer the TSX over the TL, even without considering that the price is lower (i.e. making believe that they both cost the same), and it seems a lot of people would.

Maybe it's time for that kind of TSX vs. RL poll -- I mean, totally forgetting about price -- which car would people rather be driving? And I'd bet the winner here would be the TSX -- because I don't think most of us are RL type of people.

Then again I thought Kerry would win the election......

[TSXinity]

wats funny to me is that this is a tsx forum and of course the TSX would win over any other cars since it is a tsx forum and people favor the tsx here because it is a tsx forum and since it is a tsx forum, all cars vs the tsx would be dead.....lol

[vp911]

Maybe it's time for that kind of TSX vs. RL poll -- I mean, totally forgetting about price -- which car would people rather be driving? And I'd bet the winner here would be the TSX -- because I don't think most of us are RL type of people.

Then again I thought Kerry would win the election......


Size wise, the RL is bigger; however, when you look at them side by side it doesn't look much bigger (infact looks much smaller when next to the 04' RL), and when you are sitting in it, it feels like you are driving a smaller, more tossable car. At least thats the feeling I got.

I am sure I would one of a minority, if not the only one on this board who would like the RL. On the other hand, in terms of pure sport, the TSX does beat it - of course. I would love to have the RL features in the TL with the sound (engine sound, roaring) of the TSX. It would be great :). On the other hand, there simply is no perfect car, so as everybody has said before, you have to weigh what is most important, and get what suits your personal tastes and preferences the best.

Now, the RL, I really doubt I will get. The only way I would get it is if somebody threw me ten grand today, and that's not happening!

So it is likely the TL... perhaps the TSX. I havn't driven a TSX in a while, so I will test drive it and the TL side by side, and decide which is best. But, I believe I am back with Acura. As much as I hate some of the service I get (mainly from their customer care HQ, and TLC/roadside assistance) the dealer is pretty good aside from the mechanics screw up with my old car.

I would hope that I don't have to deal with customer care or TLC with a new car, but if I do, I know that having AAA or even something like onstar would be great. (Granted, the two Acura cars I can afford don't have Onstar. If there are any aftermarket systems like Onstar, let me know!!!) Well, actually I found www.guidepointsystems.com and from RadioShack (or even ADT)
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F005%5F005%5F000&product%5Fid=49%2D1050

I do wish that these cars had even some variety of Onstar, BMW and MB have their own versions of it. I know I am also in the minority here, but with my luck with cars, I will need it!

[larchmont]

wats funny to me is that this is a tsx forum and of course the TSX would win over any other cars since it is a tsx forum and people favor the tsx here because it is a tsx forum and since it is a tsx forum, all cars vs the tsx would be dead.....lol
Actually it's not exactly like that. Yes of course the TSX does better here against anything than it does in the real world, where only a tiny percentage of people would take the TSX over a more expensive car if they could get either one for free or for the same price or whatever.

But.....put the TSX up against the M3 or the M5 or a Porsche, for example, and just about everybody here would take the other car.

P.S. Not me though. :D

[vp911]

wats funny to me is that this is a tsx forum and of course the TSX would win over any other cars since it is a tsx forum and people favor the tsx here because it is a tsx forum and since it is a tsx forum, all cars vs the tsx would be dead.....lol

dude, you said "tsx forum" wayyy 2 many times! lol. But you are right, if TSX was on the list, of course it would win. I knew I was going to get biased answers, but even with those, people point out good and bad qualities in all cars. I had my TSX, and I have seen some of the good and bad things with it. :) :rollsmile

[larchmont]

.....So it is likely the TL... perhaps the TSX....
Looks like we're softening him up. :D

BTW very interesting stuff you said about the RL. Sounds like it's closer to our kind of car than I would have thought.

But in terms of size, I don't think that for most people it's mainly a thing of how much bigger it "looks," but how it FEELS. So the fact that it doesn't look that big (I agree with that) doesn't help that much. However, from what you say, it also has a more "compact" feel than you'd expect -- but still not like the TSX.

[vp911]

Looks like we're softening him up. :D

BTW very interesting stuff you said about the RL. Sounds like it's closer to our kind of car than I would have thought.

But in terms of size, I don't think that for most people it's mainly a thing of how much bigger it "looks," but how it FEELS. So the fact that it doesn't look that big (I agree with that) doesn't help that much. However, from what you say, it also has a more "compact" feel than you'd expect -- but still not like the TSX.

Larch, all you do is cause me trouble, trying to get me to buy another acura... see you have succeeded (damn, did I spell that right? I think I forgot how to spell since joining all these forums!!)

But yes, the RL feels smaller...closer to the size of the TSX. NOT quite as small - but I thought it was pretty good a tossing around; however, I am sure that part of me saying that is just from all the hype about the car and the AWD.

Cars cars cars, maybe I should just buy a couple used cars, a nice sports car, and a nice suv. Or I could just buy another Acura and have more fun!

See, in this short time, I think it will be the following:
2005 TL w/navi
Anth w/ebony interior
A-spec (although I am starting to be more and more attached to the RonJon Inspyre wheels, 19" of course)
Tints (back windows)
Rear Sway bar
Laser Jammer
Aluminum Pedals (from ultimatepedals.com)

HMMM ALL your fault, making me get another acura... :-D It's ok, Acura is awesome!

[larchmont]

.....see you have succeeded (damn, did I spell that right?....
Yes. :ikno:
And looks like you're picking a good car too.

Although you could have done better. :D

[vp911]

Yes. :ikno:
And looks like you're picking a good car too.

Although you could have done better. :D

lol... by picking the TSX? HMMMM

[228]

G35 sedan

[tradsf]

Personally, I'd go with a TL, but the A-spec treatment is way overdone, in my humble opinion.

[vp911]

G35 sedan

hahahahhahahahahahahaha thats hilarious, im just guessing you havnt read about my current infiniti? ill never buy nissan/infiniti again :)

even still... the interior of the g35 sucks IMO at least...

[vp911]

Personally, I'd go with a TL, but the A-spec treatment is way overdone, in my humble opinion.


I wish I could drive an a-spec equipped TL - the dealers around here don't keep any on the lot to drive... but from the reviews I hear it does a lot for the handling of the car.... now the wheels, i think if i get the tl ill get the inspyre from www.ronjonwheels.com - what do you guys think?????

i am considering holding out and waiting for the a-spec body kit... the kit from ronjon is something i may want instead....? i dont know yet... decisions

[tradsf]

hahahahhahahahahahahaha thats hilarious, im just guessing you havnt read about my current infiniti? ill never buy nissan/infiniti again :)

even still... the interior of the g35 sucks IMO at least...

I much prefer the interior of the TSX to the G35 also. I don't like those big round buttons in the TL though.

[vp911]

I much prefer the interior of the TSX to the G35 also. I don't like those big round buttons in the TL though.


the metal/aluminum ones for the sound?

[robert_tg]

US$45 K ???
I'd try darn hard to get RL for that $

[vp911]

US$45 K ???
I'd try darn hard to get RL for that $
they wont move on the RL price.. :-\

rl out the door is 52ish here.... almost 53....

[vp911]

I was just quoted $36,800 2005 TL, with navi, automatic, anth w/ebony, entire aspec WITHOUT tires (but with the aspec wheels)... i wanted to get my own all season tires... I was thinking the mich sport a/s

Is that a good price? Or should I try to get lower? Thanks!

MSRP: $35470 and a-spec is $6000 ontop of that (msrp, WITH tires though) I will spend bout $1000 on tires seperately.

[Buff121523]

Listen my honets opinion(i love my tsx btw) but if i had to get a differnest car def would sprong for teh extra 405 grand and get that new Rl. That car is sick look up all teh specs on that. And as fra as teh int, i hate to say it, but sicker then the tsx and tl combined. Just a thought!

[vp911]

whoa sorry dude, but i cant fully comprehend what you just wrote...

i got most of it lol... the extra 405 grand!? i assume you meant extra 20 grand over the tsx or 15 grand over the tl?

"And as fra as teh int, i hate to say it, but sicker then the tsx and tl combined." whats that???

[Buff121523]

lol srry i was tryin to type fast here goes again--in my opinion i would try and spring for the exxtra ohh i dunno 6 grand from the original 45 u were going to spend. I mean if u cant u cant ya kno. When i test drove teh TL i didnt like the soft "big" ride it gave i cant really explain it. When the new RL came out i immediatly thought that was a real nice car. The interior i believe is much nicer then the TL and even the TSX(btw i love ma car lol) i mean either way u cant go worng especially since u already had a tsx but my honest opinion, although more expensive, the RL is worth it. AND look at that not one typing mistake lol

[vp911]

lol. Good job!!! Yeah, the 45 was stretching the budget anyways. Besides I'm 19 years old, I need something to move up into eventually!!!!

[Buff121523]

haha yeah i didnt tell u im only 17 lol but hey as long as you love cars especially acuras thats all that matters right-- yeah i mena TL espeacially the A spec cant go worng i just didnt like the ride it gave thats pretty much the only reason i didnt buy teh TL maself--like 3 of ma friends MOMS have that car ya kno what im tryin to say the TSX much tighter, sportier and i think the Rl is a good mix between teh 2 but hey wutver and good luck!

[vp911]

Thanks :) Yes, I know the stock ride is WAY too soft and quiet. I am told the a-spec aleviates the issue a lot. I don't really mind it being quiet, actually the more I think about it, I would love the active noise cancelling, as long as I was getting the handling!

The RL is just out of my league at the moment. I am sure all those features will drop down to the TL within a couple years, and the sh-awd coming with the next model revision (4 years is my guess).

I would love to wait for the 06' TL to have the keyless go, xmnavtraffice, etc... (just speculating it will be out... i of course have no real facts or anything lol), but I can't wait for a car for another year.

[Buff121523]

Yeha no doubt i hear you--we can tell this jsut form teh minor changes made from the 04 to 05 tsx such as xm radio and some other featires that were in teh 04 model of teh tl so i would bet ur right seeing soem RL features in teh future Tl's

[larchmont]

I think any 17 year old who likes teh RL will be retired and dead before he's 25. :lol:

Larchmont, who doesn't know what he's talking about. :D

[Noel]

Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Subaru Liberty/Legacy GT

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 MR

[vp911]

Larch.... 25? comon give him to at least 26 :-D

[vp911]

Nice choises Noel... infact I rather like the WRX, but I want the Navi and such :-\

[tony4311]

you already have the nice comfy ride so the other car should be the sportier one.

STI

[vp911]

what nice comfy ride do i have? infiniti is going to be gone...that leaves no car for myself.........

[TSX 'R' US]

what nice comfy ride do i have? infiniti is going to be gone...that leaves no car for myself.........
well...go out and get two!! :D

[vp911]

well...go out and get two!! :D


gime more money!!!!!!!! :-D

[Noel]

The Liberty/Legacy GT is a good balance of both IMO.

[Joker]

How about the Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan Aero?

2.0T turbocharged engine

210 hp and 221 lb. ft. of torque

Lowered sport-tuned chassis

Leather-appointed sport seats and metallic finish trim

17" twin 5-spoke alloy wheels, all-season tires

http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/93s/index.jsp

[vp911]

I will go drive the Saab and Liberty/Leg tomorrow. Not sure where the nearest subaru dealer is, but I will look it up.

I am slowly moving away from the TL - the more I read on the TL forum, people are complaining a LOT about rattles and other problems... it was one of the most bought back car under the lemon law... concerns me slightly

[Joker]

I will go drive the Saab and Liberty/Leg tomorrow.
<-- Is really looking forward to hearing what you think of the Saab 9-3 Aero after driving it :thumbsup:

[vp911]

I'll let you know :)

[vp911]

<-- Is really looking forward to hearing what you think of the Saab 9-3 Aero after driving it :thumbsup:



Gotta love it. Saab sales person said I can't drive the car because I'm not 21. Yet, every other dealer excluding Benz allowed me to drive cars? Hmm.

[TSX 'R' US]

Gotta love it. Saab sales person said I can't drive the car because I'm not 21. Yet, every other dealer excluding Benz allowed me to drive cars? Hmm.
sounds like they don't want to do business with you... Did they see what you drove up in?

[vp911]

sounds like they don't want to do business with you... Did they see what you drove up in?

Yep. He walked right up to the car. (I was driving the Lexus at the time)

I am struggling a little bit with the decision still. I can't believe the 2005 model still has the headliner problems - and all the rattles. You would think they would have fixed it by now!

There are so many cars, so my restrictions were $40,000, xm radio, and bluetooth. Well that leaves the TL lol. Should I take my chances?

[Joker]

Gotta love it. Saab sales person said I can't drive the car because I'm not 21. Yet, every other dealer excluding Benz allowed me to drive cars? Hmm.
This is really hard to believe. Did you find the desk manager, and deal with him? In the event that you did, this is very poor business on their part.
Did you get a chance to check out the 9-3 Aero (other then driving it)? If so, what did you think?
Joker - who is also disappointed, as he wanted to hear what Vic thought after driving the 9-3 Aero

[Joker]

Should I take my chances?
Speaking from experience, I'd proceed with caution with the TL. It has been some time since I bought mine, and they may have some of the kinks worked out.. But on the other hand (as it has been mentioned) there are still a lot of complaint's on the message boards about the TL.
Joker - who hopes you can go back and drive the 9-3

[vp911]

Their explanation was that their insurance policy doesn't cover anybody under 21. Well, nor do any of the other dealers, but they seem to understand that 1. I have full coverage (max coverage actually), 2. There are a lot of people between the age of 18 and 21 who buy cars, so they are clearly losing a lot of business if you ask me.

When the benz dealer turned me away it was a little more rude. I walked around the showroom for 20 minutes before the manager asked if I needed help, and I said yes. A sales person came up to me and said, "I'm sorry, you can't afford any of our vehicles." I said, "Oh yeah? Well, I will just take my fifty thousand dollars and go to the BMW dealer down the street." He looked shocked and I walked out to the lexus. ha! But, it shows the poor service younger people get. The Infiniti dealer was skeptical at first for a minute, but quickly came to their senses. Acura never gave me a problem test driving. BMW didn't either. Hmm what other dealers..... Nissan, Audi.

Oh well!

[vp911]

Speaking from experience, I'd proceed with caution with the TL. It has been some time since I bought mine, and they may have some of the kinks worked out.. But on the other hand (as it has been mentioned) there are still a lot of complaint's on the message boards about the TL.
Joker - who hopes you can go back and drive the 9-3

Yeah, it concerns me a little. Especially after reading one post, apparently one of the Acura dealer's came out and said there is a welding problem on the TL's and it causes rattles. (Not sure how a welding job can cause the problem, but it just sounds bad)

I love the TL. The power, the interior is nice, I love the aluminum (like the TSX).

I really want bluetooth and xm radio in my next car, and I really can't find any others that do. I know I shouldn't base my decision on a couple of features; however, there are so many cars without them, these features help me narrow it down. Oh yeah, the ambient blue lighting is awesome, I HATE the orange guages in the Infiniti.

[Joker]

A sales person came up to me and said, "I'm sorry, you can't afford any of our vehicles."
This is unbelievable :mad: :mad: :mad: :nono:

[vp911]

His loss not mine :-D

Would any of you get the MB C-class? There are other MB dealers around here... hmm.

[Joker]

Would any of you get the MB C-class? There are other MB dealers around here... hmm.
Let me get WanTing on here, as her family has owned many MB's
BTW, they shell out serious $$$ everytime they take one of them to service :thumbsdow

[vp911]

Let me get WanTing on here, as her family has owned many MB's
BTW, they shell out serious $$$ everytime they take one of them to service :thumbsdow

Figures - kind of like the lexus, my mom pays $100 bucks for a damn oil change? (I am sure they do other stuff, but still $100 ever 5000 miles)

[Joker]

This is really hard to believe. Did you find the desk manager, and deal with him?
Oops, I meant "fleet manager" :nutkick: :laugh:
Get a hold of him, explain your situation, and he should take care of you :thumbsup:

[vp911]

Oops, I meant "fleet manager" :nutkick: :laugh:
Get a hold of him, explain your situation, and he should take care of you :thumbsup:

I'll beat them down if they don't let me drive. :) haha

[WanTing]

I'm not a big fan of MB C-class.. style-wise and performance-wise
drove one over a weekend.. and I couldn't wait to give it back.. :lol:
f you are looking for "sporty with the high tech toys "
you might want to consider the new SLK ;)

general speaking..
like lot of people say.. once you own a MB car.. you basically hook with it..
I mean great service-- lot of you guys might think.. well.. you get what you pay for..
but keep in mind-- MB offer everything free for the first 4 year
service .. roadside assistant .. oil change.. car wash... MB rental--- anything you can think of, they will even fill up the gas for you .. if your gas light is on. :laugh:

[vp911]

I'm not a big fan of MB C-class.. style-wise and performance-wise
drove one over a weekend.. and I couldn't wait to give it back.. :lol:
f you are looking for "sporty with the high tech toys "
you might want to consider the new SLK ;)

general speaking..
like lot of people say.. once you own a MB car.. you basically hook with it..
I mean great service-- lot of you guys might think.. well.. you get what you pay for..
but keep in mind-- MB offer everything free for the first 4 year
service .. roadside assistant .. oil change.. car wash... MB rental--- anything you can think of, they will even fill up the gas for you .. if your gas light is on. :laugh:

I thought they did away with their 4 year maint program... I thought BMW was the only one left?

But hmm... once you get the options its $57 grand (not AMG of course)

[vp911]

Well, I saw pictures of the new lexus gs300/gs430 (2006 model) I am impressed... damn it's gonna be too long before it is released for me to get it... oh well