Purchasing a new car...

[Funez]

Hey guys,

I currently own a 95 318i, it has about 250,000 km on it, but the harsh Canadian winters have taken a toll on the body, and its time to retire it.

I have 3 cars in mind to replace it with. All models would be 2006 or newer with under 100,000 km on it.

The one I'm really liking is the Acura TSX. I have a long commute to work, so the 4 cyclinder engine with 200 HP is intriguing. Also from what I've read, the TSX has an excellent record in terms of maintenance and such. Basically a car that you'll just have to change the oil on.

I thought another BMW would be out of my price range. But to my surprise, a 3 series is almost on par with the TSX. I like the style of the BMW better, however it guzzels more gas. Also, the TSX basically comes fully loaded as stock. Now I really like the BMW, and would love to stick with the brand. However, I need a car thats going to be rock solid reliable. My e36 has had its share of problems, Im just wondering how these newer 3 series stack up.

Finally, I'm also considering a Lexus 250 IS. I'm not that serious about this car, I think I would prefer the BMW or Acura. But it is on my shortlist.


I've talked to a few people with the TSX and have heard nothing but good things. I was hoping to get any experiences you may have had with any of these cars. How does a 325 or 328 compare to the TSX?

[Rocket99]

I've talked to a few people with the TSX and have heard nothing but good things. I was hoping to get any experiences you may have had with any of these cars. How does a 325 or 328 compare to the TSX?

I never owned a TSX, but I've owned its predecessor, the Integra. Very well built car (Honda engineering) and drives nice. But it aint' a BMW. The Acura has a noticeable "Japanese feel". Also, it is FWD, and an AWD BMW xi model will not only give you something better for the Canadian winters, but also something for the nice summer days too. The BMW is a more solid, better balanced car, and just generally has a much better feel to the driver. Also, it has a "German feel" not a "Japanese feel". That's important to some people, not others. Since you've been driving a BMW, I suspect that you would appreciate the difference.

You may also want to consider the VW Passat or Jetta TDI. Also not BMWs but "German feel" and good efficiency, especially the TDI.

[mryakan]

I think you will be happier with even a 323 than a TSX. Maybe lesser options on the inside, but driving wise there is no comparison.

[Hollywood D]

You really need to go and drive both. Of course this forum is going to be biased towards BMW. Both are good cars, depends what YOU are looking for in a car.

[mattjw916]

I never owned a TSX, but I've owned its predecessor, the Integra. Very well built car (Honda engineering) and drives nice. But it aint' a BMW. The Acura has a noticeable "Japanese feel". Also, it is FWD, and an AWD BMW xi model will not only give you something better for the Canadian winters, but also something for the nice summer days too. The BMW is a more solid, better balanced car, and just generally has a much better feel to the driver. Also, it has a "German feel" not a "Japanese feel". That's important to some people, not others. Since you've been driving a BMW, I suspect that you would appreciate the difference.

You may also want to consider the VW Passat or Jetta TDI. Also not BMWs but "German feel" and good efficiency, especially the TDI.
I test drove a brand new Jetta TDI and although it's a decent car in it's own right it really doesn't compare to any BMW. It is a lot cheaper though and gets far better mileage if that's a concern.

I'm not a big fan of FWD or Acuras in general except maybe an NSX but to each his own. They are well-engineered at least.

[mreloc]

Not sure you will do better with fuel economy in the tsx over the three series on the highway, if that's your commute route. The tsx revs fast at cruise compared to the bmw.

[coldfish]

I have a 2004 Acura TSX with a manual transmission. 120,000 miles.

Good points:
- Very little maintenance
- Great gas mileage. I drive mostly highway and get 30mpg.
- Nice stick shift. Very smooth with short throws.
- Everything is put together well (except for the windshield which rubbed on the dash and had to be fixed)

Bad points:
- Front wheel drive gives you all the driving issues that front wheel drive gives you
- Even with a standard transmission, the car isn't real quick

Overall, this was a great car for me for what it was. Depending on what you are looking for, I would recommend it. Mine didn't have all the bells and whistles, but the newer ones do.

Oddly, I joined this forum because I am in the process of selling this car for a new BMW 328. Why?
- I wanted 4 wheel drive. In my area, there are about 10 times per year where snow makes driving dangerous. Beyond that, I like the feel of all wheel drive over either front or rear.
- I wanted more engine power. The 328 is noticeably quicker.
- I really wanted bells and whistles. Trying to drive a stick through traffic while answering your phone and turn down the radio is dangerous and I hate aftermarket systems.
- I don't like the looks of the new TSX's.

[Funez]

There were some good points made there.

I never really considered all wheel drive because I always assumed it would be too much on gas. But after the comment about the 325 having better fuel economy vs the tsx, I'm kinda embarrassed to say I hadn't even looked into it. I just assumed because the TSX was only 4 cylinder it would be better.

The numbers show they're pretty close together. And according to what I was reading, theres only a difference of 1 mpg between the 325i and the xi.

I'm re-evaluating the situation now. A 325xi would be pretty nice, I'd have to take one for a spin, I've never driven all wheel drive besides a truck.

[Radman981]

Are you referring to the 328xi? If so I can pipe in about gas milage...on long highway trips with speeds ranging between 65-85mph (yes I like to drive this car) I was getting about 27 mpg. Regular commute driving I am getting between 20-22 mpg.

I think the all wheel drive rocks....its pretty sophisticated. As for speed put the car in DS mode and it takes off....

But seriously....go for a drive in a BMW and you will see why people are crazy about these cars. I never understood it until I test drove and eventually bought one.

Hope this helps....

[DCDeac]

I loved the TSX prior to the 2009 revision... The new one just seems bulky, sluggish, and less refined. Don't get me wrong, still a nice car, but after driving a 2004 TSX for 2 years and a 2006 for 3 years I couldn't make myself go for the new one. My hopes for the V6 saving the day were dashed when they refused to offer a manual transmission with it.

I don't think the gas savings are worth the downgraded driving experience when compared to a 328 personally, but I'm new to the BMW world and drove Acuras for 10 years, so I can certainly vouch for them being great cars. I will add that before the TSX blew up in popularity it was a better deal money-wise, but it seems a bit overpriced now.

[ElRedOne]

I will echo what others have said. Traded my E39 for a TL and just hated it, trading it 4 short months later for a G35, which brings to mind another choice available to you, and that is Infiniti. Bulletproof reliability and RWD or AWD, though lacking that "German feel" others have mentioned. I understand they're introducing a smaller displacement variant that should be adequately powered but less espensive. To me closest one can come to a Japanese BMW.

[Mudder325]

I drove a TSX and loved it at the time then traded it for a G35s coupe with 6 speed manual. This had all the sports package upgrades and was super fast...I thought it was amazing compared to the TSX. Now today, I drive a 325i sedan and by far, a much better driving machine! No, its not a fast as a G, but it handles FAR better and inspires confidence in the twisties. The feel is very well put together, no cheap plastic trim and I love how the doors sound when they are closed, very solid. No other car, in my opinion, has the feel of a BMW.:buttrock