I was gonna put this in the offtopic section, but thought that I would just ask in the TSX forum because I spend most of my time in here (since I have a TSX) and I highly value everyones opinion in here. After all,....you all have great taste for buying a TSX right,...lol.

Anyway, we are now seriously thinking about trading in our 1999 Infiniti I30t (great car) for something newer. Looking to spend in the 20k - 25k CAD range on the car. Just got the TSX so cant really afford something else new up in the TSX range. Here are the three cars I can think of so far that might be good to have in addition to the TSX. Cars the like RSX,....although sweet, are too small. Need something that will be able to carry a moderate amount of cargo in it from time to time. Anyway,........the list:

1. 2002 or 2003 Acura TL (I heard these had tranny issues though????)
2. 2002 Infiniti I35 (sport),..........260hp,....oh power. (basically upgrade what we have now sort of,......good hwy cruiser)
3. 2005 Subaru impreza 2.5rs wagon,.........AWD, wagon capacity/versatility, fun car.

Anyone have comments on any of these cars? Any other suggestions for cars we could look at? Have not gone and driven any of them yet (but have driven the subaru a while ago).

Thanks for advice/comments/recommendations fellow TSX'ers.
Steve

 

As far as the Impreza 2.5RS, why not the new 2.5 Turbo? Unfortunately, I don't know Canadian prices, but is a Turbo much more than a NA Subaru?

 

Unfortunately the turbo is A LOT more money. The jump from the normal 2.5rs wagon/sedan at 173hp (2006) to the turbocharged WRX at 230hp (2006) is $12,000 canadian. Why the turbo model is so much more,......I dunno. Yes better engine and something else with the awd,.but I cant see the 12k price difference.

Here are the 2006 prices from Subaru.ca. The 2005 prices are a little less.

2.5i sport wagon - 23,495
WRX sport wagon - 35,495
The turbo is just too much,......thats right up where the TSX is in Canadian $'s. Subaru has 0.8% financing on right now btw.

 

I forgot to add,............the 12000 jump includes better suspension I believe and some brakes too I think.

Anyway,..........what do ppl think about the orig post?

 

I love the 2nd Gen TL's but I'd be leary about those tranny issues.. If I were in your situation, I would go for the I35. I've always thought they were nice looking cars and its an Infiniti so you know it's a good car.

On another note, the I35 is basically a Maxima in disguise.. Why not look at an 02-03 Maxima???

 

I have a 2003 CL-S, which share the same engine and tranny as the TL-S, Acura did issue a recall for the tranny, and the previous owner or you can go to a dealership and get it done for free. I have not experienced any problems with the tranny before or after the recall.

 

Why not the new accord? the 4 cyl gives you 170hp. It has a pretty good pick up.
But if I were to choose from your list, I would go with the I35. It is a nice driving machine.

 

Or the used G35 sedan. I believe the price range is right there with the Subaru???

 

have you looked at the nissan altima also?i think you could get a SE for around that price brand new....just a thought

 

Sclass88 - I am leaning towards the I35, although I have not test driven it yet. We have been really happy with our I30t, and we are nissan/infiniti fans,.....so expect the I35 to be a great car, and the infiniti service has been good with the dealers we have dealt with. As for the maxima, its an option but I know ppl that have them and see a lot of that gen maxima around,........so I am thinking the I35 is a bit less common, with a little more luxury. That brings up a good question though. Does the 02 - 03 maxima have the 260hp like the I35? I know the 04 - present ones come with 265hp,...I think,....but I cant remember what the 02 and 03's had. I will have to check that out.

Hondan53 and Sclass88 - ok I was right,...there were tranny issues. That does make me a bit leary,.....If I go in and drive one and like it I will have to ask about that etc.

Foolioness - Hmmmmm, never thought about the accord although I had looked at one before getting the TSX. That starts to get a bit pricey though once you get out of the base model,...which does not even have power mirros. I dont know what the 06's come with base. My uncle actually just bought a 4cyl accord. The mid range accord (ex-l or lx-g,....in canada,..cant remember which) is around 26k, so thats starting to get up there. Maybe with honda dollars etc it might be in contention though. I will have to keep that in mind because I did like the accord.

In terms of a used G35,...........Im on the fence as to weather to look into it. A used 03 G35 sedan is gonna run in the high 20's,....about 28k or 29k. Thats a bunch over what we are thinking of spending,........although its a nice ride thats for sure. I think that is the first model year for the G35 though,...........1st model problems,......260hp right? Ill look into that.

Hawaiiantsx - I did look at the altima a little while ago. I drove a 4cyl, and didnt like it. It was loud and felt weak. I could look into the V6 because Im sure it drives a lot differently than the 4banger,....BUT, Im not so big on the interior,.ESP the orange guages in the altima,.BLAH hurts my eyes looking at them.

I35 is the frontrunner right now. Subaru,.....even the non turbo is a fun little car so its in second. I guess the trade off between these two cars is,.........lux and power,...vs brand new and AWD. I'll keep the accord in mind, but gotta drop the altima because I dont think I could look at that interior for too long,..............although, maybe a used V6 one could be a good grab at a good price.

Thanks for all of the suggestions and comments,..........gives me more to think about. Anyone else have any suggestions etc?

 

The TL's transmissions are covered 7yr 100k miles either way. I have one and I like the package, but I've had a lot of issues - but I think my TL is an exception.

In your case, though, it's probably the best car of the three. I read a review of the TL-S vs. the I35 and the TL-S won easily. So that would be my pick.

 

My buddys got the WRX and he traded it in for RX-8. REASON : Insurance to high because of the turbo!...

So be carefull.

What about? 2003 G35 sedan with 90,000km about for 25k. CDN?

The I35 sounds like a good upgrade.

Keep us updated. Do your best!

 

03coupeV6 - noted, I need to get into the TL cause I have never driven one before,.....and its been a WHILE since I have sat in one too.

Powered by Honda - ya, G35 is sort of the itch that I would like to scratch (if I end up liking the car),....but the prices on the 03 G35's are getting kind of out of the range we are looking at,......but we'll see. Dont want the kms too high either.

If I can I am going to try to get out this week and drive the TL, I35, and Impreza. I will be out in hamilton getting something for the TSX done,..........so on the way back I can stop in at the Oakville dealers and check out infiniti's/subaru's (besides the TL in Hamilton while I wait for my TSX's work to be completed). I will let you guys know what I think if I drive them.

 

I looks like you're looking for a mid-size kind of sedan with reasonable power, otherwise you would have pickup up one of those 05 Dodge Grand Caravans for $17,888.

You could pick up an 05 Altima 2.5S at this time of year, or wait until November/December for the new, Honda Civic-based Acura CSX - 155hp, 2.0L with four doors, and various Acura-worthy upgrades. Reportedly, the new Civic 140hp, 1.8L engine is no/not much faster than an 05.

 

Acura CSX????? I dont even know what that looks like. I will have to look into that. Im going to drive some stuff this saturday,........cant wait.

 

2003 used G35 coupe/sedan

The I35's have a crappy turn radius

 

what about the new CIVIC? those are bangin