Sorry to say that I'm taking the more economical route and have decided to replace my TSX with an Si sedan. As much as I love the TSX, my goal for now is to save a little dough. My main two contenders were a VW GLi (I think the GTi is ugly) and the Si sedan. I soon discovered that the VW is just as expensive as the TSX even with less equipment.

I got my local dealer to quote me $259/mo for 36 months and 12K on an Si sedan with Nav... to me it sounds like a pretty good deal. The Gli is pretty sweet looking (esp in person), but with a $2,500 savings for the Si compared with a $1,100 savings for the Gli over my current lease, i'ts pretty tough to turn down the Si.

The only thing it's really lacking is VW's loads of tourque, I must admit that the engine is quite amazing. Also little things like all auto windows, nice trip computer, outside heated mirrors, audi-like switch gear... Afterall I guess it's those things that bump the price up. I have to keep reminding myself that I am getting Honda's superb Navi in the Si.

Anyway, does anybody have any opinions on my tentative choice? I haven't signed any papers or put down any deposits, so I have still have time to switch. Both cars are a lot of fun to drive, and depending on which review you read, one is a better car than the other. However, being as though I'm financially driven I'm leaning towards an Si.

 

Are those the only two you will / have considered / looked at? What other things are you looking for besides saving money? Before I got the TSX, I drove the Si coupe, and I loved it. I liked the TSX that much more, though. I wouldnt touch a VW. If these are your only two options, id say the Si is a much better choice. Gota love Honda.

 

Icculus, can you clarify what things are expensive about owning the TSX? I have had my 2007 AT NAV since June 2007 and it has been pretty reasonable to own.

A few cool things I know about my car:

1. Loan payment isn't bad.
2. Maintenance so far has been under $75
3. Gas is closing in on $3.75 here in DC but I know that I can always downgrade to regular once it gets to $5.
4. I only fill up every 15 days or so
5. The thing is a glorified Honda Accord

Thanks.

 

Correction, It is a Honda Accord (Japanese Accord). And I would choose the Si any day. It was my only other choice when considering my TSX

 

[QUOTE=wildjohn999]Icculus, can you clarify what things are expensive about owning the TSX? ...QUOTE]

My current TSX lease (2005 6MT) is $339/mo, and a 2008 (6MT non-navi) is quoted to me at $300/mo. It's not that the TSX has costed me more money in addition to the lease, it's that I'm trying to cut down on car payments in general. Basically an Si (w/ nav) will double my savings over a new TSX ($80/mo vs. $40/mo). That's where my savings is coming into play. I'm no 'money bags' so I could use the extra savings.

I've really only considered the Si and GLi because I really can't come up with other reasonable choices in my price range. Sounds like opinions lean towards an Si.

 

Go with the SI and Good Luck. I would stay away from a vw

 

The SI is nice but it's kind of shifting away from the luxury side. And I think it should be more expensive for insurance, but don't quote me on that.

 

For you it would.

The OP is 26 and with a clean record and after the age of 25, insurance can drastically decrease.

 

What other reasons are motivating your decision? If cash flow was your main concern, you should consider downgrading even more. A Honda Fit would reduce your payments and gas bill (better mpg's and lower octane requirement) significantly more. Don't get me wrong...I test drove an SI and tried to rationalize cost savings to myself. In the end, other factors would be driving the decision if I pulled the trigger (e.g. the thrill of getting a new car). If you are still hard pressed on getting the SI, consider getting a non-nav one. That would reduce the payments even more.

 

I say good choice. I'm considering a similar move next spring. My 05 will be pushing 90K miles and since a good 75%-80% of my miles are commuting, a Civic may fit the bill. It seems there are still (as of last week anyway) a number of leftover 07s around (Si sedans; I think the 4 door's the only way to go) and not surprisingly, they're pretty heavily discounted. If I was on the market now, I'd be all over one of those (for a lease car anyway; the fact that there are that many leftovers still available I find disconcerting since it indicates the car wasn't/isn't a big seller. Can you say resale?).
I also share your attraction to the GLI/GTI. We looked at and drove a GTI a year ago when we were on the market (bought another TSX) and they are neat little cars (very different than the 85 we had over 20 years ago). That 2.0 is a great engine and the DSG is way cool. We drove various Audi models for years in the past (including a couple of versions of the 1.8 which is itself a great motor) and VW has definitely stepped up. They're much more like an entry level Audi now than they used to be (which is what they are I guess). And although we never kept an Audi past its' warranty expiration, they were all pretty dependable. One of the things that knocked the VW out of contention last year was the fact that the closest dealer was too far away. With the miles we do now, I like to have a dealer close by.

 

What is the mpg rating on the Si? It takes premium gas, so unless it gets a lot better mpg than the TSX, I don't really understand the switch.

I just got gas last night. It went up about 20 cents from just a couple days ago.

Oh, and between the Si and a VW, I'd take the Si. Reliability is a major concern for me.

 

somebody suggested a nicely equipped honda fit ... that would significantly reduce your payments and spend less on upkeep in the long run. but if you must choose b/w the si and vw, it's honda all the way

 

[QUOTE=LuvMyTSX]What is the mpg rating on the Si? It takes premium gas, so unless it gets a lot better mpg than the TSX, I don't really understand the switch...QUOTE]


A lot of cars (including the TSX) RECOMMEND premium gas for best performance; I believe this is the case with the Si. However I usually fill with 89 to try to save some money. Besides, the Si does get slightly better gas mileage than the TSX and GLi. My commute is only about 12 miles city/highway so gas mileage/prices are not my main concern. I only fill up about once every week and half to two weeks; my TSX has 38K miles on it and it’s going on three and half years (about 1100mi/yr). I know it’s a shame to give away such a good car with low mileage, but buying is not in my agenda at this point.

As for the FIT, I want some excitement in my ride! The reduction in monthly lease payments from the TSX to the Si (w/ nav) is more than enough to offset increased insurance costs and any possible increased gas costs.

 

Stick with the Family. Go with the Si Definitely! Money wise amd looks wise, I would take that over the GLI in a heart beat.

 

I'm in the same boat. My 01 CL-S has 83K on it and with the tragic auto tranny I don't know how much more I will keep her. Plus w/ the gas prices on the rise I was wanting a TL or TSX at least...but I too was looking at the SI and GTI.
I think for the bang for the buck/reliability/practicality you can't beat the civics.

 

Avoid VW, they can be maintenance nightmares. It's a toss of the dice. With Honda you're much less likely to get a lemon (although a recent post seems to show that it can happen, especially if you're buying used from someone who flogged their car mercilessly...)

That said, I agree with other posters here that a Fit would be an even better option. I hope to trade my wife's Jetta (there's that VW again) in for a 2nd Gen Fit when they come out this fall. At $15k fully equipped and able to get >35mpg city, they are VERY economical and really all around great little cars. I admit they are not as luxurious or as 'hip' as a TSX or an Si, however...

Oh... I see you turned down the Fit option. I understand, once I get a Fit as a second car it will be great for me (I will drive it as much as possible to save on gas) but it would be more difficult to do without the TSX all the time...

 

Have you driven the Fit? I checked one out just for the hell of it because I thought it looked nice and was really surprised by how enjoyable it was. The thing weighs nothing and still has a decent sized motor. I'd love to try one with the stick shift but I didn't get the chance.

Since money seems to be such an important factor I'd highly recommend giving the Fit a closer look. It hardly seems worth changing vehicles for only $40 a month. If you're going through all the hassle, at least make it worth your while.

 

As good of a car as the Fit may be, I'm just not into it. I'm really looking for something more 'raw', fun and more sports-car oriented. I feel like the Si is the best choice from all perspectives. It's not that I'm struggling and need to save every penny possible, I just feel at this point in my life (26 yrs old) it makes sense to save some extra cash (in this case it's $80/mo, not $40/mo as you mentioned) and save the more upscale cars like the TSX or an Audi for a few years down the road.

The main goal was to undercut my current TSX lease of $339/mo, but also want something fun and, yes, cool. I don't spend too too much time in the car so going upscale just doesn't make sense, plus the Si does get a couple of more miles to the gallon than the TSX. I figure a $259/mo Si with Nav is looking pretty good.

I was seriously considering a GLi, it was blast to drive and feels more substantial than a Civic (I have to admit very similar to a TSX). But leasing is actually just as expensive (even with less goodies) as an 08 TSX.

 

I've driven the 5MT - took it for a test drive when I was serious about getting a 1st gen - it was a lot of fun. Reminded me of my 4th gen Civic hatch, which is my favorite car of all time. It's no TSX and it's definitely no Ferrari but it's fun and VERY economical as we've all noted. The 2nd gen is up 11hp to 120 I think, which would make it more fun.
Get the Si. The 2nd gen Fit looks nicer, but I understand why you'd want something sportier.

 

Back in the day, the GLI and A3 were my 1 & 2 choices. I chose the TSX.

Audi/VW needs to show a decade of reliability until I buy. I would not even do a two-year lease.

Road & Track had a good long-term test with the A3, but I'm not buying it. Nobody else is either, I see no A-3 or GLI on the road.

 

I actually saw a GLI, it was either yesterday or today. Honestly, it was very plain looking. I think it's the first one I've ever seen.

 

might as well find a used SI instead and save yourself some more, buying new only means paying a 10-20% premium for its newness.

 

Agreed - I do think the Jetta is a bit plain looking in general. But I also think the GLi is much better looking with the black grill, blacked out headlight insert, black body cladding, nice wheels and red break calipers. It does more 'luxury' features than the Si as well. Although I know the average person couldn't tell the difference between a GLi and regular Jetta - then again, can they tell the difference between a regular Civic and an Si?

As ridiculous as that sounds, I'm sure you know people that couldn't tell the difference between completely different cars. W're a different breed.

I'm leasing, not buying at this point - The GLi is priced out pretty much identical to a TSX. The A3 actually leases for more than the A4 despite the base prices (unless the dealer was blowing smoke up my ass) which is really expensive, and the Si is by far the least expensive, even with a Navi.

Test drove all by the way...

 

You have to separate VW, which has a terrible reliability history, from Audi, which in the last few years has shown a committment to improving their quality... in fact, the A4 is now on CR's recommended list. That leads me to believe that R&T's LT test w/ the A3 is no fluke...

I personally REALLY dig the A3 for its utility (big snowboarder) and the forthcoming redesigned A4 (which seems to take everything the 1G TSX did well and adds power). I'm out of the Honda/Acura family when I start shopping again... at least until the 3G TSX or the 4G TL-S come out.

Congrats to the OP on the Si --- I think you made the right choice, esp at your age. At a 12 mile commute, the Fit isn't nearly as much of a necessity for savings. You might as well have some fun, eh?

 

Signed tonight for a black Si with navi! Got a sweet deal for 259/mo. Took 3 visits and a lot of negotiating. As much of step it will be from the TSX, I'm very excited and even took it for a third test drive. I'm picking it up tomorrow evening and saying a sad farewell to the TSX. I must say the Si looks pretty sweet in black in person. One of the best things about the car is the sound, from the inside and out. Just hope I can win some drag races.

 

Your most inexpensive (and boring) option is to keep your TSX. Have you run the numbers on what it will cost to buy your current car. You will need the residual value and the loan terms (duration and interest). Since you will own the car at the end of the term, don't be surprised by the relatively high payments. If you want to keep your payments low, you can contact a local leasing company and ask what type of terms they will give you to lease your TSX back from them. Since the depreciation will be low, so will your payments. Try calling the company that is leasing you the TSX and check if they are willing to make a deal to avoid taking your car back. Also try googling "auto buy vs lease"

 

If you want something nice sporty like an Si, I would also consider getting a used RSX Type S. I'm personally a big fan of how the updated 2005-06 Type S's look.

 

Too late! Picking up the Si tonight. I do like the RSX, but I was in the market for a 4 door, and to me there's also just something about a 'new' car. I think I'll go used when I eventually decide to buy instead of lease.