Looking at these 2 cars (2005 TSX, 2006 IS 250) and this class of car (cheap luxury sedans).

Anyone have an opinion on what the best value in this class of car is? I value luxury ahead of performance, which is why i have not listed the g35 or bmw 3 series.

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 8:37 PM. Reason : sdfkj]

10/18/2005 8:36:41 PM

g35 and 3series not luxurious? hmmm

I dont know about the g35 actually (in terms of luxury)... but 3series is the standard/target for all the other makes

10/18/2005 8:39:17 PM

If luxury > performance for you, I don't know that the IS will be your type of ride either. It's been aimed squarely at the 3-series its entire production run.

For what you're looking for, I'd be thinking along the lines of an '04 Mercedes C-class, unless you're set on new and that '05 TSX is a leftover or program car or something.

How about an A4, or even a loaded Passat?

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 8:41 PM. Reason : VW-Audi]

10/18/2005 8:40:16 PM

I'd personally go for the TSX

I agree though, the BMW 3 series isn't about luxury.

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 8:42 PM. Reason : .]

10/18/2005 8:41:10 PM

^^^ah, the only reason I said that about the 3 series is that all the reviews of it say the emphasis is placed more on performance rather than luxury. Many reviews also say that other makes may be more luxurious but less powerful.

__

^^ interesting. I wasn't sure about the quality of either of those (a4, passat -- saw negative comments about them)



[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 8:44 PM. Reason : kl]

10/18/2005 8:41:54 PM

have any of you owned a 3-series or spent significant time driving one?

how much more luxurious do you expect to get at that price point?

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 8:47 PM. Reason : haven't driven the new one...fair amount of seat time in E36/E46]

10/18/2005 8:45:01 PM

Dude, A4 isn't good.

for your specs.

10/18/2005 8:45:23 PM

& why is that esgargs?

10/18/2005 8:50:40 PM

^^^ Ideally, it would come with hot models

10/18/2005 8:52:08 PM

have any of you owned a 3-series or spent significant time driving one?

how much more luxurious do you expect to get at that price point?

10/18/2005 8:52:14 PM

Have not owned one, driving limited to test drives when I was last shopping, so that makes my comments less valuable than those of an owner/driver of one. "More luxurious" at that price point probably isn't going to be a huge difference, I do agree, though at least in terms of "feel" there was quite a difference between a C280 and a 323i that I looked at.

However, if the buyer clearly stated that he values luxury over performance, than one thing to consider is the price premium of a 3-series since it is the "standard/target" of the class. He might save money by considering something that doesn't quite match it in performance or image, but is right on target in terms of luxury accoutrements.

10/18/2005 9:01:28 PM

I have tried an A4

granted it was a 2003

but I wasn't impressed with it...ofcourse opinions are like assholes.

10/18/2005 9:01:59 PM

^^ I agree with that sentiment

10/18/2005 9:03:39 PM

my roommate got a tsx a few months ago - he loves it

10/18/2005 9:21:31 PM

I've gotta say I'm really impressed with the new IS250/350. However, I haven't driven one, so as far as performance - don't know yet. I am intrigued with the IS250 all wheel drive though...

10/18/2005 9:37:30 PM

caddy?
jaguar x type?

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 9:45 PM. Reason : f]

10/18/2005 9:45:08 PM

Selling a used 2004 TSX.

10/18/2005 10:01:47 PM

Quote :

"Have not owned one, driving limited to test drives when I was last shopping, so that makes my comments less valuable than those of an owner/driver of one. "More luxurious" at that price point probably isn't going to be a huge difference, I do agree, though at least in terms of "feel" there was quite a difference between a C280 and a 323i that I looked at. However, if the buyer clearly stated that he values luxury over performance, than one thing to consider is the price premium of a 3-series since it is the "standard/target" of the class. He might save money by considering something that doesn't quite match it in performance or image, but is right on target in terms of luxury accoutrements."

i've never owned one, but i had a roommate with an E36 318i...for what it was, i thought it was a superb low-end luxury sedan. I drove it enough to get a pretty good feel for it.

Dad had an E46 330i. Excellent, excellent sports sedan. Engine was a little underwhelming, although smooth and with nice power delivery. Chassis, brakes, and steering were great, for a sedan.

I've driven a few other BMWs (friend's E36 M3 and dad's Z3 2.8 and X5s), as well as an LS400 (mom had one), a 2nd gen Q-shit (dad's), and a G35 coupe (friend's). The BMWs, in my opinion, as every bit as luxurious, but more sporty. The two aren't really a trade-off (not until you really get to more serious performance levels, anyway). BMWs feel more lively and interactive with the driver, and tend to have firmer seats, etc, but they are every bit as comfortable, practical, and luxurious as their rivals.

if you don't care about any of those benefits and can get something else for cheaper, then that might be a different deal, but if not, well, there's a reason that the 3-series has been the measuring stick for as long as any of us have been driving.

oh, and front wheel drive is gay. do they make an AWD version of the TSX?

10/18/2005 10:29:50 PM

id say Audis have the nicest interiors of all the cars mentioned. plus quattro, but to get it up there in performance, 3.0 and sport package, its price would be up there. id look at the bmw, too.

10/18/2005 10:42:50 PM

what are you defining as luxury?

10/18/2005 10:55:45 PM

I guess any neat technology, solid build quality, nice materials. Definitely going to look at a lot of these to see what feels nice.

[Edited on October 18, 2005 at 11:04 PM. Reason : dfs]

10/18/2005 11:04:38 PM

are you trying to stay under 30k - what is your ideal price and highest

10/18/2005 11:05:39 PM

probably 35k highest, 30kish ideal.

10/18/2005 11:08:59 PM

i looked at other cars in that range - went with the 2005 maxima - was under 30k - just about fully loaded (didn't get the rear center console package) - however interior was a huge make or break deal for me - and it had the best interior for what i wanted to do with the car and the such

10/18/2005 11:56:57 PM

i was actually going to suggest a maxima...

but he seemed to want a luxury brand

10/19/2005 12:02:01 AM

yeah that's why i asked what he meant by luxury - if he just means leather interior and nice - along with the amenities like heated steering wheel/heated seats/7" lcd info screen then the maxima was an option - but definitely the infinity brand is more "luxury"

10/19/2005 12:03:36 AM

loaded maxima has all you want except the name pretty much, although it doesn't have the sporty handling of a BMW

10/19/2005 12:06:35 AM

yeah only upgrade i need to do to it is add a rear anti-sway bar - it's definitely much needed - but for ~150 it's a cheap one

10/19/2005 12:07:55 AM

^^^ yeah, getting a fully loaded "non luxury" brand is definitely an option

10/19/2005 12:40:03 AM

either way i'd try to move quickly and get a 2005 that they are trying to move off of the lot instead of grabbing a brand new 2006

10/19/2005 12:41:02 AM

Getting a brand new car makes zero economic sense...buy one only if you want that new car smell.

Better to go for a 2 yr old car and let the first owner bear the cost of 15% depreciation in value.

10/19/2005 12:42:14 AM

Quote :

"do they make an AWD version of the TSX?"

nope.

Quote :

"solid build quality"

then you'll want to exclude the acura. build quality and factory support is rather shoddy. they do have decent toys though.

a lexus IS300 feels better built/solid compared to a TSX.

10/19/2005 1:38:01 AM

Quote :

"Getting a brand new car makes zero economic sense...buy one only if you want that new car smell."

mmmmm, carcinogens.

10/19/2005 9:20:04 PM

Quote :

"probably 35k highest, 30kish ideal."

if you are willing to go up to 35k, consider:

TL and IS350

as opposed to

TSX and IS250

especially the IS350: 306 hp, 0-60 in 5.3 seconds (more powerful and quicker than the GS430!)

10/20/2005 7:47:23 PM

Not going to get a IS350 with any options for 35k

10/20/2005 8:57:18 PM

^yeah good luck finding an '06 IS350 for less than $40k. For $35k you'll get a stripped out BMW. Get the TSX or IS250. Acura's build quality is improving, and you can't beat the price of the TSX. And its also a great handling car.

10/21/2005 10:44:54 AM

An idea that I just thought of--is the Lincoln Zephyr in production yet? I think it's going to start under 30K, and looks pretty sharp. Might be worth a look.

10/21/2005 11:37:03 AM

^its not

10/21/2005 1:29:28 PM

I have a TSX and sat in a IS250 last night at the Greensboro Car Show. The TSX is much bigger on the inside then the 250. The seats are wider and there is more room in the back seat. I haven't driven the 250 and I am not sure what the price range is. If you drive the TSX, it handles pretty good but sees DRAMATIC improvements with a better set of tires and a stiffer suspension upgrade. The tires were a huge difference though.

I have had a couple problems with my TSX, but I bought one of the first few that came out.....my fault. But Acura Service is very very good. They paid me cash one time for having my car for over a week while waiting on an AC part. They let me drive the loaner because I told them I didn't want to drive w/o ac.

10/22/2005 8:27:36 PM

at least go test drive the saab 93 SS. you can get a 210HP 4 cyl. or the new 250HP v6, both turbo.. great features.. fun as hell to drive.. fwd is a negative for most but it has a LOT of options included that others charge out the ass for.

10/22/2005 9:04:15 PM

I'm not getting a fucking saab.

I test drove the is 250 today for like 2 seconds. I was expecting more "wow" factor, but I also felt as though I didn't have adequate time to get acquainted with it. I'll see how the others go.

[Edited on October 23, 2005 at 12:05 AM. Reason : sdfkj]

10/23/2005 12:00:08 AM

Quote :

"An idea that I just thought of--is the Lincoln Zephyr in production yet? I think it's going to start under 30K, and looks pretty sharp. Might be worth a look."

Quote :

"^its not"

Actually, yes it is. (Unless your "its not" was referring to worth a look, in which case you're entitled to your opinion) Just checked lincoln.com out, the Zephyr is out and starts at $29K. There are two of them at Capitol Lincoln Mercury in Crossroads, if the thread starter feels like taking a look at one.



[Edited on October 23, 2005 at 11:28 PM. Reason : pic]

10/23/2005 11:24:38 PM

i have an 04 TSX and absolutely love it. it has more hp (200) than my old bmw 323 (granted the bmw was a little "quicker"). has a more sporty suspension than most sedans. looks fairly sporty too. gets about 32 on the highway. has a timing chain as opposed to a belt. 50k warranty. inside has perforated leather, heated seats, decent stereo, dual climate, etc - pretty much everything i wanted.

i compared several vehicles - tl, altima 3.something, is 250 (didn't like cause honestly it looked like a corolla to me), bmw 325 and 330, cadillac cts, g35, passat, and the lincoln ls. personally i found the best deal in the tsx. if you want something larger, go with the tl.

10/24/2005 11:55:37 AM

^Queti, the IS250 you're referring to was the IS300. The IS250 is a brand new for 2006 model.

^^yeah I was mistaken. I didn't think the Zephyr was coming out for a few more months.

Quote :

"at least go test drive the saab 93 SS. you can get a 210HP 4 cyl. or the new 250HP v6, both turbo.. great features.. fun as hell to drive.. fwd is a negative for most but it has a LOT of options included that others charge out the ass for."

options others charge out the ass for? The Acura TSX comes with one option. Navigation. I doubt the Saab comes standard with everything the Acura does.

10/24/2005 12:58:56 PM

If luxury is the biggest thing, get a 300c or a caddy

10/24/2005 1:09:56 PM

Maybe a 300 Touring or Limited. If performance isn't a big issue, no need to step up to the Hemi, plus the 300C starts at $35K.

10/24/2005 1:20:53 PM

http://autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=187874596&dealer_id=56785044&car_year=2004&model=TSX&bkms=1130179518845&lang=&isp=y&start_year=1981&certified=&search_type=used&distance=75&make=ACURA&min_price=&address=27609&advanced=&end_year=2006&max_price=&cardist=0

Seriously, I'm moving back to the Raleigh area from Elizabeth City, let me know if you would like to check it out.

10/24/2005 2:48:04 PM

^why are you selling?

10/24/2005 5:38:32 PM

Going back to school and my last ticket has finally caught up with me, so the collision insurance that you are required to have on vehicles with a lien on them is quite expensive. I love the car and have considered just pushing through the higher insurance, but I think it's best to get rid of it whlie I'm not working full time.

10/24/2005 7:40:13 PM

^a little too many miles for me.


Test drove a TSX and TL today. Probably should have driven the TSX first. After driving the TL, the TSX seemed to be somewhat underpowered. The interior was fine, though. The biggest knock on the acuras is that they look like a hondas. I really like the experience of the TL, though.

Probably gonna look at the mercedes next. It looks as though I can go higher on the price range now.

[Edited on October 25, 2005 at 2:14 AM. Reason : sdfkj]

10/25/2005 2:10:40 AM