First off - I'm making this thread so Dom can tear me a new one.

I've loved driving my tsx but I think i'm getting close to trading it in for one of several reasons.

1) I'd like something with a bit more power. But I do not want to sacrifice handling or "fun to drive" factor.

2) I'm out of warranty and there are some random problems that has popped up(stereo going out, rear window motor froze) that would get expensive fast.

3) I'm a bit high on the mileage side and before long I'm going to need to spend a good amount on maintenance items.... a new set of brake pads, tires(although the zris are holding up better than the stock michelins did)

4) I purchased my tsx but I have a bit of the Provenchitis and love new cars and technology to much to keep them long term and am thinking leasing might be the best option for me.


The Contenders:

1) Keeping my tsx. This is the soundest financial decision but the unknown long term reliability coupled with the problems I have had make me skeptical.

2) IS350: I love this car and I actually have a deposit down on one to keep me on the waiting list -- but it's pretty much outrageously expensive with options and there are no deals to be had. I can definitely afford it, but at the same time, there are things I would also like to be spending my money on(buying a house and another vacation to europe in a few months come to mind)

3) Audi a3 2.0t DSG - Reliability is a question mark but if on a lease I would never have to worry about being out of warranty. I personally like the styling and there deals to be had on them. I'd definitely be getting the sports package. It isn't "fast" but a bit quicker than a MT tsx and with prodigious passing power on the highways -- plus you can get it chipped for some crazy performanc increase. I'm going to drive one this weekend to get a feel for it, but on paper it seems like a very strong contender.



So flame away everyone, give me your opinions/other options etc.!

 

Tinky, I think a big question here is whether you can live with the smaller size of both the IS and the A3. They are both smaller cars that sacrifice a fair amount of interior room. Plus, the space in the A3 behind the back seats is no bigger than the trunk in the TSX and with seats down, the TSX actually has more space.

Also, how much are you willing to pay each month? Are you looking to get maintenance included in the price? What other factors do you need to consider?

 

I wonder the IS350 will give you better gas consumption. And to lease a Audi is way more expensive than to lease a BMW since the residual value is way way lower than other cars unless they have very low interest rate. 6 yr ago, I got a lease quote on a A4 2.8 that was even more than the lease payment of a 540i.

 

As far as the payment I'm looking for I don't really know -- It's more going to be about the cost of the vehicle. I could afford spend a good amount each month, but that's not really soemthing I want to do.(my current tsx payments are ~350 dollars)

Space is not a real concern as long as I can fit four people in a pinch. I'm not married and have no kids so it will jsut be two people in the front seats for the most part.

 

And why isn't a 325/330 being considered?

I'll have more to add after lunch.

 

That's good info and something I was a bit concerned about since I haven't talked any numbers with any dealers. I wouldn't want to buy the audi and the low residuals may preclude that sort of move if they don't have lease deals going on.

 

I kind of assumed that they would be ridiculously expensive....however since they have such high residual a lease might not be such a bad though. I'll definitely look into it. Anyone have ideas on ball park lease figures on a 330?

 

Legacy GT (Spec.B variant preferred for best handling)

 

Hmm...I see...

Well, if you're planning on changing cars every few years (much like I do) leasing make much more sense since you'll be saving a ton of money in terms of down payments and, if you plan it right, you can always get a dealer to pay your lease buyout as a trade-in.

Consider thew BMW (if it suits your taste) since their high residuals give good lease deals and have included maintenance. You could probably get into one for around the same price you're paying now for the TSX and you wouldn't have to worry about the maintenance for the duration of your lease.

 

2006 BMW 325i Sedan Lease Offer
$389*/month for 36 months

That's directly from BMWs website. Figure about another $100 a month for a 330.

Guess their residuals have dropped a bit because the old E46 3-series had lease pricing around $339 a month with the same terms.

 

They don't lease well. Low residual values and high money factors. They're good cars to buy, but not to lease.

 

Is that with a 0 down payment? I have a fair bit of equity in my TSX right now.

EDIT: looks like a 2500 downpayment. Not terrible but not great either. So many options to wade through...i'll have to do some driving this weekend to help me along.

 

Supercharge your TSX =)

 

I have been toying with this idea myself and the top contender for me would be the Audi A3. Reliability "may" be a problem, but other than major engine failure, I don't think it would be that much worse than the TSX.

The exterior style is subtle and classy (unlike bmw), the interior is totally awesome and the panoramic sunroof should keep any cramped passengers quiet.

Tinky, your post brings me much anxiety given that you're a mega mod in this forum. What is more disconcerting is that I have yet to experience some of the "inevitable" issues that you state as your reason for switching.

Good luck in your search.

 

Well I wouldn't let my personal decision bring you any doubts. I think this is more about me wanting something new and more powerful and my concerns, while valid, are more about just rationalizing the decision to myself.

 

I've seen a few A3's on the road and the car simply failed to impress me. Its entirely subjective of course but it just look very good. And like CG mentioned its also very small. But the 2.0T and DSG is atruly great combination which alone give the A3 credibility.

Like I've already told you an IS350 is a great choice. Beautiful exterior and interior and you can fit 4 in a pinch. As for price, your young, single and can afford it. You only live once. Then again, houses in Cali and quite expemsive, or so I've heard.

A 325 or 330 is IMO the best choice for you at the momemt. A better lease deal than a 350 and the sharpest handling of the bunch. Throw in free maintenance and its that much more appealing. Its what I would buy if I was in your shoes.

I'd also suggest a A4. Everything the A3 offers but in a far better looking package.

 

Are you sure the window is freezing or that it is having a tough time comming up? I had a problem with my drivers window, where it would come up then stop. I did some research. Found out how to fix this. All you need to do is spray some silicon spray on the inside edge where the long part of the window that meets the door. This fixed my problem like magic.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for the tip! But it was actually a completely frozen motor that was replaced under warranty no problem!

EDIT: I should mention, to avoid any confusion, that any problems I have had were replaced completely under warranty no problem. It's just the thought that something may happen again after my warranty is out that concerns me.

 

Unfortunately the a4 does not come with the DSG, only a CVT which I am not interested in. If that were to change I would be very interested in the a4.

I'm going to drive an a3 this weekend to get an idea of how it feels and look into the BMW as well. I never pictured myself as the "bmw snob" type, but if a lease is really as good a deal as people are making them out to be I'm going to have to seriously consider it.

 

I have no problem picturing you that way.

 

I say save your money and buy a house. Investment is a good thing, just not good on cars. I have connections to Real Estate Agents around the US, so let me know if you need a good one. IS350 is a nice car tho.

 

I didn't believe you so I went to build an A4.

Thats dumb.

 

Make sure to check the emergency brake handle; you may suddenly lose your "hard on".

 

Agreed, but to be honest an a4 optioned how I want it would be almost as much as the 350 so not worth it.

An a3 with all the options I want will be 30k msrp and I'm willing to bet I can get a hefty discount since I don't think they are selling terribly well. The only question is what kind of lease deals they have; the money factors/residulas may preclude me from making that deal.

I'll talk to BMW this Sunday as well and see what happens.

I'm planning on buying place by the end of the year which is why I'm thinking of going a slightly more inexpensive car option. I'm also planning on going to Europe again(went in Sept) in may. Being single and in a good career situation is a good thing!

 

I don't know what that means but it makes me laugh. Does anyone else think it's weird that Tinky is having a conversation with Tinky?

 

I'm starting to like the SC your TSX idea.

4k out of pocket and you'll have one hell of a car. Although it will still have the slushbox.

 

Beyotch.

I've thought about it but I dont' think seriously modding will ever be for me I'd be too worried about warranty hassels and such.

 

I would be worried about the reliability of the A3. I know it would be all covered under warranty, but it's still an inconvience to take the car in.

 

I thought you said you were out of the warranty period?

 

I am, poor choice of words on my part. I meant in general I wouldn't heavily mod even I had a car under warranty. In the case of the TSX I'd be worried about breaking anything(like a slush box transmission) since it would all come directly out of my pocket!

 

Well, weigh the costs between getting the TSX supercharged and how much you would be spending over the next 3 years on an IS350 or another car. Also, anticipate a number of major problems and figure out the cost of getting those things fixed.

If the cost of keeping the car ends up costing more than getting a new car with a warranty, that should make your decision a lot easier.

If the cost of keeping the car end up being a fair amount less than getting the new car, well, that'll make like easier for you too.

If the costs come to be about equal, then you'll have to decide what is more important to you. Under this last condition, I would peronally get the new car.

 

Hmm, I'd read somewhere that ATs were supposedly good matches for superchargers because of their ability to handle the increased power...

Speaking of new cars are you going to update your avatar at least CG? =P

 

I'll think about it.

 

Then it is easy, just like you did, trade in the slushbox and get a 6sp. That's is a true big upgrade!

 

My answer may be too practical for most tastes; You're right about reliability: Check this month's (April '06) Consumer Reports to confirm what we all know: Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus are far and away the most reliable of all that's out there; resale value reflects this. Other Japanese cars are next in the list of reliability; Can't remember where BMW falls, but the European cars congregate at the bottom of the list. Mercedes is dead last. But if you're not interested in getting 150K - 200K out of the car, that only becomes important to the resale value. (These days, I want to drive each car until it's shot , but I have a pretty high fuddy-duddy factor), I wouldn't mind leasing a German car but won't own one again. Buy Japanese. Lease European.

 

yikes! sorry for out-of-date, obsolete, no-longer-valid, head-in-fog post! Saw "March" on first post - led to SR moment

 

only for drag racing cars with very high horsepower. at that point you exceed the limits of clutches and a torque converter becomes a much more managable solution

 

I don't think getting a new car is a bad idea, but you picked two of the cars I like the least. The IS350, while very upscale, is incredibly expensive for what it is, and has a useless rear seat. The A3 is also much more expensive compared to alternatives and it's an Audi The A3 i took on a test drive had error lights everywhere... of course the dealer said it wasn't a problem.

Why not look into a 2 door car? A G35C 6MT is quick, a E46 M3 maybe?

the Audi interior is ok/different, but the e-brake makes me want to puke

 

IS350 is good Drive it couple of times in a week.The power is good.However......I don't know why,if it comes to me buying another car after my tsx.I would say.......Bimmer.
Don't know why,maybe I stay with whole bunch of IS350 everyday,and kinda bored of it.Or maybe it's the nameplate that I wanna try.But,if you lease,I would say,see if bimmer has some specials.Won't be a bad idea.

 

Thats smart advice, buying and rebuying (leasing) cars is just a unintelligent move. No matter how much $$$$ you got to spend. Try not to get worked up in the frenzy from Car forums to have the coolest, most newest gadgets/cars.