I need help convincing myself to get a TSX. I'm looking at a Satin Silver/Ebony/no-navi/5AT. Dealer is offering $600 off ~ $26390. Not a bad deal. What I'm having a problem with is justifying trading in my 2001 Civic EX coupe w/ 21000 miles and is paid off. I'm getting married next month and it sure would be nice to have a 4-door paid off in the next few years before the little ones come.
I've looked up my trade on KBB and it says around $11k. If I put another $3k down, payments would be ~ $225/mo. What do you guys as current TSX owners think?

 

atsx-- only you can really make that decision, but it sounds to me like the TSX is for you....

I have had mine since Tuesday night and i LOVE it... possibly the best purchase I have ever made (next to my house)... I think it would be a great car for both you and your wife/family... and a $225 payment is very reasonable... I think you should go for it!!!

 

The $600 off is a good deal. Is the $11k a quote or your own figures.

It sounds good if that is a real trade quote.

What is your rate and how long is the term?

 

The used car market is flooded so don't expect their first offer to be above $9000 for trade-in but hold out. Now is a good time since it is the end of the month - make your salesperson/F&I guy work it hard.

 

I agree. Dealers will try to give you as little as they can get away with (I don't blame them for that, BTW - some used cars they lose money on, some they make a lot, and making a lot is the reason they're risking their money to be in that business). They have a saying about book value - "sell it to the book, then".

You might just try selling the Civic yourself. I've sold several, and it's not a bad way to go. And, if you sell it at all, you'll get more than you'll get from the dealer. I don't know what the book says, but I'd guess there's a spread of several thousand dollars between trade-in value and retail.

As to whether to do it at all, can't help you. You're not gonna be able to justify it financially. But I understand why you want to do it. Sounds like something I would have wanted to do (and did) when I was younger.

 

I bought my TSX when it first came out. I paid full MSRP (although I got some stuff thrown in for free). Then, I demanded $700 more on the trade-in then any other dealer had offered me. It took my four hours of negotiating to get that, along with the fogs and luggage net thrown-in.

Anyway, the point of all this is that the dealer gets his pound of flesh and you get yours. I got a lousy deal on the price of the car, so I insisted on getting more for the trade than it was worth.

 

wolfeacura:

The dealer said the $11k I got from KBB.com and Edmunds.com is about what he was thinking as well, he said that is a very good guess considering the options and low mileage my car has. The rate would be 2.99 for 60mo.

I realize that only I can make this decision, but I HATE dealing with car dealerships. The dealer I've been speaking with the over the phone and internet hasn't been too bad.
The only other thing is since I'm from Omaha, the Acura dealership here sucks - they want MSRP ONLY. I'd have to go down to KC for the car. Since I'd be driving the car back, what about the break-in period on the highway?

 

Who are you working with in KC? I'm with Jay Wolfe.

 

Superior Acura. They first said $1000 off, but they have trade for the one I want.

 

If things do not work out let me know. I have a Silver/Ebony AT here that is not sold.

 

wolfeacura:

i just sent you a private message

 

I just picked up my SSM/ Ebony this week. If your serious about buying a new car - you can't miss with TSX. I've been smiling for 3 days straight. The silver and ebony together are a great combo, and if you're getting $600 off sticker that's a solid deal. I paid MSRP, but I had no trade in for them to make any extra $$ on.

I also have Civic that's paid off and in fine shape. But Dude, trust me, after a couple days in the TSX and you'll easily be able to justify the car payment. I highly recommend picking one up if you have the means.

 

a little reference to Ferris Bueler?
More than likely I'll probably be picking one up. It sure would be nice to have one before the wedding. (That way my groomsmen won't know which one is mine to decorate).

 

It's so choice....

Have fun with it WHEN you decide to buy. You know you will if she's up for it.

 

It's so choice. If you have the means, I highly suggest picking one up. /Ferris

Honestly it all comes down to the sacrifice you want to make.

It sounds like a good deal. Try to get some accessories thrown in for free as well and you have a good deal.

You know, I recind my opinion. You're getting married. Get the car NOW before you new wife tells you that you can't have any more toys!

 

actually, she's all for it. I think she was skeptical until we test drove it. after this though, no more toys! j/k

 

My advice to is to wait. You have a good car that you like, that's paid for and that has lots of miles of reliable operation left in it. Life has a way of throwing you curveballs, marriage doubly so. So I say wait it out and see what your priorities are in six months or so. The TSX will still be a nice car at that time if you really want one. If you were looking at an amazing deal on one particular used car it might be different, but new cars are like Doritos - they'll make more.

 

I also had a 2001 Civic EX Coupe which I traded in. The dealer gave me a good deal on my trade-in. I can't remember the exact figure but what I remember is that it was much more than trade-in value listed at KBB. I was still under thr Mfr warranty when I traded the car in. I have no regrets with the TSX. The car is absolutely perfect for me!

 

I believe the car and driver review of the TSX cites Ferris as well (this line, no less).

KBB is a scam, IMHO. Too bad the used car market sucks right now (for sellers, that is).