NJSGTI

A friend is looking at leasing a new car within the next week or so. He has narrowed it down to two. The first is the 2012 Acura TSX Special Edition and the other is the 2012 Mercedes C250. If you were in his position what would you choose?

The TSX is priced around $31,000 and the Benz is around $38,500. He got some quotes on leases and the monthly payment on the Benz are about $100 higher a month. He is back and forht on weather to spend the extra cash for a Benz or save some with the TSX. Both cars have almost the same features and options.

NJSGTI

These are the 2 cars.

pttl

Is the C250 RWD or AWD? The TSX is FWD. Does that matter to your friend?

Shoofin

C250 = RWD
TSX = FWD

OP, if money isn't a concern, go with the C250. I personally would go with the TSX. More bang for your buck, and more reliable overall.

NJSGTI

The C250 is RWD. It has a 200 hp 1.8 liter turbo and its quicker than the TSX.

neuronbob

TSX all day long. I have driven the TSX on several occasions and it is simply awesome for what little power it puts out. Honda/Acura did a great job with the gearing so the car never seems slow. I was shocked at how well it drove.

Costco

TSX 6MT, end of story.

Though neither of the two cars are near the top of any prospective car list of mine....

TSXy Luster

Did your friend consider the tech package for the non SE TSX? That's EVEN MORE bang for his buck!


I think getting a C250 is like getting a G25. Not worth it unless all you care about is the badge.

Moose Muscles

by the time you add anything to the C250 you will be in TL/RL prices (assuming she sticks with acura).

She can end up with a lot if she were to go certified pre-owned in that price bracket.

honda_nut

Why not get a TSX with the technology package? You get a boat load of more features (navigation, ...) than then Benz and it still is much cheaper.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

TSX in my opinion.

nj2pa2nc

owned a few mercedes many years ago-prefer the acura-

F23A4

$38k for the C250? Maybe the OP's friend needs to throw the TSX V6 into the mix.

neuronbob

I disagree. The TSX V6 is not as good a value IMHO, and the handling dynamics are not as good as the 4-banger. I'm quite serious when I say people should drive one. It is REALLY brilliant.

luvmycarz

I have had 3 MB's and 3 Acura/Honda products, the MB's were trifling to fix and expensive when they went out of warranty.

njzprettyboy

TSX tech

TSXy Luster

and if you need to "feel" more power in the 4banger, then just drive in a lower gear (but watch your mpg go down)

Saintor

Between the two, I would want the Merc but the price difference is important so I'd try to stay away from 40K$ when my initial budget was more like 30K$.

I suggest a Passat V6 280HP sunroof + NAVI for 30600$ - it only costs about 200$ than a C250 more in fuel every year.

ttribe

Probably the TSX. That C250 just doesn't give you much return on the dollar.

doopstr

I think the MB is a better looking car. How does the power compare to TSX? Since it's a lease the long term reliability isn't an issue. Up to your friend to decide if it's worth $1,200 more a year.

Black Tire

TSX for...the M-B is just a money pit...trust me..our M-B is a money pit.

Crazy Bimmer

Assuming hes doing a 36 month lease, then I think its worth $3600 more to get the C230 over the TSX with similar options.

Really like the new layout in the benz interior. Materials feel much better than the TSX. IMO

Also the C250 has more torque for daily driving yet getting the same gas mileage as the slower tsx.

With that said, he should look at the new 328i which is better than both.

ttribe

+1

SSFTSX

I would go with V6 TSX. 4cylinder are not smooth and certainly not something close to $40k. THere is isnt a big diffference in fuel economic
THis C250 sport has cheap rims. and narrow, lower car.

pttl

Probably true. But optioned similarly, i'm guessing, it would probably be close to 50K.

neuronbob

328i is a good choice.....but costs significantly more optioned like a TSX. It'd be amazing to drive, though!

CAgine

I'd definitely go with the Benz.

FWD layout just isn't my thing anymore, though I own a TSX myself.

I think the Benz has more spirited driving too, and reliability is good with the C's. Quality seems nicer. Also the exterior > compared to the newer model tsx, but that of course is subjective.

F23A4

With respect to current markdowns on the V6, it represents good value. (my local Acura dealer had two marked down by $5k) But as I've driven both versions as well as their 7G and 8G Accord sedan counterparts I do agree when it comes to handling.

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

I would go with the TSX over the Benz- had a 1st gen, loved it, but I'm not a badge whore

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Even if someone were a "badge whore", would having 250C make them feel some how superior? Isn't it bottom of the range?

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

^ doesn't matter, as long as its a beamer or a Benz, it doesn't matter if it's the bottom of the range. My sister has a c300, my cousin has a BMW 328 and they feel like they have the best cars in the world.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

I just got one of the latest issues of R&T (or C&D, dont remember ) and they had a comparison between the G25, S60 T6, A4, 328, and C250. The interior, while the layout is nice, looks cheap IMO. At least in the lighter grey they had.

Oh, and of course the 328 came in first. Second was the Audi.

ttribe

C&D. Just got through reading that article.

charliemike

Was that the one with the new Regal GS in it? The Audi was 4th.

1st 328i
2nd Volvo S60 T5
3rd Mercedes C250
4th Audi A4
5th Lexus IS-250 F-Sport
6th Acura TSX V6
7th Infiniti G25
8th Buick Regal GS

Shocked by the Volvo's finish but if you go by their review, the OP's friend should get a Mercedes.

I'm not really a fan of the Acura ... I would think any of the top 4 would be a good choice. But the 328i tested was $50k ... LOL

ttribe

No. That was the MotorTrend comparo.

charliemike

ROFL, stupid brain. You're right. Sorry man.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Read that one too, the best part was in the end when they try to justify the 50k price tag as being irrelevant to the comparo.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

The Benz is noticeably more solid in build quality and has the badge factor, but that's about it. I wouldn't touch a C250.

Crazy Bimmer

Then they should buy an Accord and not a TSX.

I know silly thing to say but you get my point.

KillerG

I have a TSX and papi has a C300 im very familiar with.

Any car to car comparo question you have that you cant get out of an article?

I got you.