yuhoo22

Hi all,

Currently in the market for a new car. Before last night my top 2 choices were the Audi A4 and the TSX.

Went to both dealerships and basically ruled out the A4. (for pricing and lack of options on the 1.8T)

My dilemma now is this: (before tax)
2004 TL with nav is ~34k
2004 TSX with nav is ~28k
2003 CL with nav non S (automatic) ~25k
2003 CL w/o nav Type S (6 speed) ~ 25k

which would you choose?

My situation is that I am 24 living in NYC with some of the worse roads, driving about 100 miles a day....mostly city. Occasionally camping(summer) and snowboards fairly often(winter..duh :P )
Is the 3k difference on the CL worth getting dealing with removing and putting on a rack when i go boarding? S or non S? Transmission is not a big deal to me....i can drive manual

Buff-Daddy

For the money, I would go 4 doors (TSX) and hold off on the navi unless you really think you need it. $26,990 for the TSX is better than 25k for the out-of-production 2003 CL. The TL is too big of a car with too large of a turning radius for city driving, go with the slightly smaller, tighter handling TSX and save some $$$.

osubuckeye98

Well, I'm 24 too and if I were living in NYC I'd definitely be going with the TSX because the size is more manageable so not only is it easier to park but also better for squirting in and out of traffic. I would go with the auto since it offers a pure auto mode for those dog days when you just want to drive and a sequential mode for those days when you want to rule the road.

If you're not familiar with NYC I'd definitely get the Navi. I'd do the same living in DC. Otherwise save your money for the down payment or accessories. The 4 doors is great for taking co-workers to lunch and friends to the ski lodge.

I'm not sure if the CL has the VSA system or not, but the TSX does and I will attest it works very well in the snow and slush so as long as you don't go beyond the limits of physics. Don't be fooled, TCS and VSA are different. TCS works only when you are accelerating under 25mph. VSA works to correct oversteer and understeer, which are what cause you to spin out. VSA includes TCS. TCS is featured on most late model Hondas and Acuras, but I don't think VSA is.

If your primary concern is comfort over rough roads however, the TL may more suiting as it has a more compliant suspension. The TSX is really tuned for sportiness and you will feel almost every small ripple, crack and crevice (though not in a bone-jarring way). However the TSX does handle large imperfections in the asphalt with aplomb; suspension monkey motion is well controlled.

In the end, it's all up to you. Choose what makes you happy, you'll thank yourself 60 payments later (if you plan to finance, it helps the months go by easily).

Just my

aarmprie

TSX w/navi (on a TSX board, so this will probably be your overwhelming answer here.)

CL is out of production and it's a 2DR. Resale won't be very good. Plus it won't be as practical if you want more than one person to join you snow boarding. If you haven't had to do it, you'll hate getting out of the driver's seat to let people in and out of the back.

I like the TL a lot, but the price being 8-10K higher doesn't exactly give you $10K more of a car IMHO. With the exception of the size; the TSX being smaller, for $10K you could make your TSX faster, have a better sounding stereo, and anything else you want done to it, equaling or even excelling beyond where you think the TSX falls short.

So unless you "need" those gagets found on a TL and not on a TSX (memory seat and what not), and they are worth $10K to you, I would go with the TSX.

But what the hell do I know, I won't be making your payments.

tsxer.ca

This is hard to compare.. cause TL TSX is 4 door and CL is coupe. and there is $9k differnce between these cars. you have to give yourself mian topic you need to compare with these cars like price, handeling, mile/g. Also find the $ differnce in insurance for you.

iamhomin

hey, before i go on,"yuhoo" meaning "fox", or am i completely off?

anyways, the cl, tl, and the tsx are all great for city driving. their gas consumption is generally the same, (give or take +/-2). but given that you commute 100 miles a day, i would have to say the tsx is YOUR best choice. from what i know, i think the tsx has a better gas/mileage than the tl and the cl.

MoMocedes

TSX is alot more manuverable than any of the above and the TSX has good handling, and for your camping needs I would prefer it to because the VSA and storage is good plus its a 5 seater but hey good luck take it from me the TSX.

kiteboy

The TL doesn't have folding rear seats and I doubt your snowboards will fit in the ski-passthrough in the armrest.

yuhoo22

Thanks for all the help...

I think I'll be going to the dealer this weekend to talk about better numbers.

What range should I be looking to get below MSRP or above invoice? Anyone recently buy a TSX in the NY/NJ/CT area?

ECsteve

I had similiar options when looking at the TSX as well. I decided on the TSX 6sp non navi! The body style of the 03 and older TL's were boxy and not nearly as attractive as the new TL and TSX, so I kinda ruled them out based on looks. If price is not a big concern, the 04 TL is a heckofa car (a little bigger, faster, few more options), but does not have split folding rear seats (a little less utility than the TSX). If pure performance is not a big deal to you, the auto should be fine for city driving (but I love the 6sp). If you like shifting alot, go for the 6sp, it really is sweet!

Good luck-

dom

TSX - 6sp

The only people who should be getting Autos are people to lazy to use a MT in traffic, people who have others who can't drive MT driving the car or people who don't want to learn a MT. If you can already drive a MT then there should be no choice here.

osubuckeye98

You can check out Edmunds.com for their TMV pricing which is supposed to reflect what others are paying for their TSXs in your area. The number you see should be your maximum, try to start bargaining a little over invoice.

Good luck!!