Hello everybody. I am currently driving a 96 Ford Taurus which is not exactly the most fun thing to drive. I am wanting to buy something with more luxury and more fun to drive while I am still kinda young.

I am looking at the TSX, BMW 3 series, Infiniti G35 and the Lexus ES. I checked out a Saab 9-3, but I didn't like the interior and also checked out a Volvo S60 and I didn't fit in it very well because I am 6'5". I would prefer front wheel drive or AWD because I do drive in areas of the country with snow. I would like some zip in a car, but I don't drive need to drive like Dale Jr. on Sunday afternoons in the Bud Chevy.

What are your thoughts on the TSX vs the others I am looking at? I like the TSX the best so far. I would really like to hear from thoughts from some tall people. Thanks.

 

Are you thinking of purchasing a TSX?

TSX or G35

More comparisons

 

It really comes down to personal taste =)

I bought the TSX because 'I' thought it gave the best balance of luxury/fuel economy/power/handling/comfort/affordability. Nobody can make the decision for you....just test drive them all and really think about what you want in a car. You might also look at a TL because I actually think the TL is a great buy for the money...but maybe not quite worth the $8000 more than the TSX.

Just my 2 cents

 

Wow...if you're 6'5", skip the BMW. There is now way you'll be able to fit comfortably in the 3-series.

 

True...For the money you cant beat the TSX...

 

I wasn't even gonna go there. That's for each person to figure out on their own.

But I'm 5'11" and even I feel uncomfortable in a 3-series. I have a friend who is 6'5" and he definitely doesn't fit into a 3-series so I know from experience.

 

Be Honest thats what I always say. As soon as he prices the 3 series, he'll see for himself.

 

Exactly

 

No, I am 5'11" and I have no problem with my 3-series with sunroof. It maybe too cramp on E36 but E46 are quite roomy. Yes, TSX is a bit roomy in the back and has a huge trunk compare to E46 sedan. For the money TSX is way more worth than 3-series but if money is the main factor, I will say no1 can beat Mazda3 GT Sport. So it all depends on what your need. But I can tell you for sure bmw is never never consider reliable. I am so glad that I only need to pay $3500 for extended warranty on my 328i. But I am struggling should I pay $900 for the extended warranty on my TSX since it sounds like a waste of money. The handling of my 328i is a bit better but the car is on factory sport-tuned suspension, 18" high preformance tire but tsx is only pure stock. Yes, 328i is a bit faster & more torque than tsx but tsx engine is way more smoother and more happy to rev it high. The stick shift has no comparsion at all! bmw = sucks and honda = the best, no doubt! Good things is that my 328i still looks and drive like new after 5yr and 60k miles that no other german can even come close on it. But am I ever consider it is a problem for Honda? I used to have a 7yr old Civic Si with 140k miles and still like new. But if I have the money I dun mind to have more power so my choice is 6MT G35.

 

in my opinion, the es 330 and g35 are not in the same class as the 3 series, c-class, is300, tsx, saab 9-3, etc...
the es330 and g35 are with the tl, cts, and new 300c. it depends on 3 things...
1.)$
2.) size
3.) power and fuel econ.

$= TSX or g35, depending on...
size= thats your choice to make
power=g35
fuel econ.=TSX
best of both, but for more buck, less bang=3 series

of course this is just my opinion. I also have an opinion that the 3 series, c-class, and a4 for that matter are totally not worth it. For about 3-4k more you can get a fully-loaded TL, G35, CTS, or ES330. But then again, I see the 3 series as being a very well rounded car all around. Combines great performance and luxury in plentiful amounts, but cmon, for that price? I'll take a TL or G35.
Besides, the 3 is due for a change any time now, and THIS TIME BMW has said it's coming. Rule that out, and now its between the TSX and G35. It's all about personal desire... that's up to you. Good luck either way.

 

Why rule it out? After the new 3-series is Bangled, E46 drivers may see their residual value go up!

A 3-series is totally not worth it? It may not be worth $5-7000 for any one individual, but it's the benchmark for a reason. If it was the same as the TSX, a lot of us would be in BMWs right now.

(yes, I know not all of us)

 

The ES330 is a luxo barge. I'm not sure how it can be compared to a TL, G35 or 3 series?

If luxury is your priority over performance than the ES is the ticket, but if you'd like some performance in your ride than the ES shouln't even be on your radar.

 

I actually think the stock TSX handles better than a stock BMW....

 

It is true for a non-sport package bmw

 

i'd love to see a test between a 325 sport and a accord euro R in japan soon...just to see how they do against eachother =)

I think bmw's understeer wayyy too much for its own good though...i wish they would tune the car to make it rotate a little beter

 

I think G35 will probably fit him better

 

stomp on the gas if you want rotation..pretty easy.

 

I could be wrong here, but don't all car manufacturers make their vehicles biased towards understeer versus having too much oversteer? It makes the vehicles safer to drive for the general public. Enthusiasts on the other hand are a different breed.

:P

 

yeah just to clear this up, it's not that i don't think the 3 series is a great car, it is of course! (c&d's 10 best for like 11 years straight?). but, for that same price more power, amenities, and space can be found in a TL or G35. The reason why I said the ES is in that class is due to size. I think the 3 series should be in a "sports sedan" class (IS300, TSX, 9-3, C-Class, A4). The G35, TL, and ES are more like an entry level midsized luxury sedan, cheaper M45's, RL's, G35's, etc...
As for the bangle design, I LOVE the new 5 Series. But it doesnt fly on the 7 Series. People in that target market want good old time looks a la S-Class, or maybe even A8.
Anyway I got off-topic, yeah a TL or G35 is the best suited from what I could see. I don't know, I just don't see why people would buy a smaller car with less in/on it over a G35 or TL, both with power, size, and the TL with crazy technology. Can it be the BMW propellor emblem??

 

Have you ever driven one???

 

I'm sure the emblem doesn't hurt, but there's more to it then that. The 3-series wins comparisons (usually) year after year after year for a reason. Really, you could make the same comparison between a TSX and a loaded Accord :ducks: Why pay the same or more for a TSX when you could have more space and a bigger engine in an Accord?? There's more to it then that, i.e. handling. The 3-series is just plain a blast to drive, moreso than it's competitors. Does it have the absolute best interior? No. Is it the biggest or fastest? No. Is it the best value? Not for most people. Does it have those superior handling characteristics that most competitors just can't quite match? Definitely.


jcg, whose surprised he's defending the 3-series

 

and doing a good job at it to . i see your point. i mean there is NO DOUBT it's a hell of a car. ::looks around:: Hey 1 thing it CAN'T do is blow away cops like super-waxed IROC Camaros .

 

well, you also mentioned about AWD have you considered the Subaru Legacy GT Limited, almost the same price as a TSX with 250 hp AWD

 

No! the Legacy Turbo has the same price range as TL not tsx.

 

Legacy GT Limited sedan is $28,495 and the wagon is $29,695 MSRP

 

Yep, after the money issue is resolved, it just comes down to personal taste. I looked at the G35, ES 330, BMW 3 series, TL and TSX. The Beemer is a great enthusiast car except that it is overpriced, has less HP than the TSX (BMW 325), and the interior sucks. G35 is a good car too, but the buttons on the right and left side of the seats sucks for people with big butts and no dvd-audio. The ES 330 is too "old" people car for me. There is no sporty feel to it, but it has that luxurious feel that other brands can't match, even my gf gets "excited" sitting in that car. The TL, an excellent and great packaged car, just too expensive for me . It seems like most of the car enthusiast (C&D, etc..) seem to like RWD. I thought about it, but I had friends with RWD vehicles and they always tell me about close calls when the car spun out on them on the highway. I believe that C&D would rank the TL #1 if it was RWD. So after looking at all the options: price, comfort, gas mileage, performance, overall quality, options (in no particular order), I choose the TSX and I looooove it! Only beef is I wished it had more horsepowder.

 

nice choice and congrats! hope you vome to enjoy it. by the way, what's the color, at/mt, navi/non, bodykit?

 

i wish i had more oooomph too ....

the intake/header should improve it a little bit i hope...

 

the subaru legacy 2.5GT starts at MSRP$25,995

250 HP/250 TQ

http://www.subaru.com/servlet/resear...command=photos

 

I have test driven all of the cars I was looking at. I test drove a Lexus IS300 instead of the ES. I like the IS300, but I still like the TSX better. I guess the Lexus has better brand recognition and a better warranty.

It is between the IS300 and the TSX now. The TSX has the better bang for the buck, but I think the Lexus has better reliability and better customer service from what I have heard. Any thoughts from anybody else who has driven them both?