This Memorial Day weekend my wife and I went out and test drove several cars. I'm looking to buy a car in July-August time frame, and wanted to get a feel for what is out on the market. Here is a list of cars that we test drove this weekend along with my comments and thoughts:

Infiniti G35

PROs - This car was absolutely fun to drive. Probably one of the more enjoyable cars to drive. The salesman took me and my wife out to an empty parking lot and basically let us open her up on the empty parking lot. We did a few donuts to show off the handling with the traction control off and on. To be honest, this car was my favorite in handling and in fun.

CONs - I'm a Computer Consultant that travels all over the Texas area, mainly focused in the Houston area. The Navigation system is very important to me for that reason. The Navi in the Infinity G35 bascially sucks. I could get a third party Nav system instead. Also, gas mileage is not so good. 25 MPG on the highway is not so hot to me. What will I bet getting in the city? 19? Last, price. The price with the options I can get on the TSX or TL is a lot higher. I priced out my options on the G35 to meet up with the TL / TSX and the car is now up in 38K - 39K region. Too much for my blood.

BMW 325i Sedan

PROs - Another car that is just fun to drive. The interior seems to be nicer than the Infinity G35 as well. The Maintenance and Warranty on the vehicle are simply fantastic. I do not know if the salesman was pulling my leg. But he mentioned that when the warranty expired in 4 years of 50k miles, that you can renew another warranty for $2700. Again, don't know the facts on this, but that is what I was told. I asked him if I got a tear in the fabric of my car after owning it for 6 year would they repair this? He said, as long as you have the warranty, you just bring it in to get fixed, and they fix it without me paying a dime. (Sounds too good to be true) but I could be wrong. Car looks good on the outside as well.

CONs - My sister and a friend own used BMW's. They hate them! My sisters has had a lot of problems on her BMW so she said she would never own another one. My friend had a BMW 3 series and said that his has been in the shop 6 times in 3 years. Now, he did mention that he is picky, and took it in for squeaks, rattles and such. And he said that they fixed these under the warranty without him paying a dime. So, I guess, I'm just a little concerned about owning a BMW over an 8-10 year period, which is what I typically own cars for!

Acura TL / TSX

PRO's - My brother in law (who is on this forum) owns a TSX. I drove around and test drove his for about a week when he was last here in Houston. The car was very nice on the inside. In fact, his interior in the TSX is what I have used to compare other cars against. It was fun to drive, but not quite as fun to drive as the G35 and the 325i. We also test drove a TL this weekend, and to be honest, the thing felt like my grandfathers Lincoln! I was expecting more of a ride like the G35 or the 325i. But it was just smooooth. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted a more sporty feel.

CONs - Mainly the TL does not drive the way I was expecting it to. I was thinking it was more along the lines of the G35, but it just feels wrong. :-) The TSX feels a bit more responsive than the TL, but lacks the power of the G35.

So that is what I have on my plate. All extremely nice cars. I want to have a safe, reliable car that I can drive for 8-10 years and not worry about it that much. I think the Honda / Acura line has proven this point. I'm honestly not sure about Infiniti or BMW. I get mixed reviews from folks on who own BMW's and the fact that my sisters BMW just sucks, does not help! I know nothing about Infiniti quality or reliablitity. I own two Honda's now, and have not had any problems with them so far.

All of this said, what are your opinions on these cars when it comes to reliablity, safety and long term ownership? And plus I would like to know which hold the value the best. I know this is a TSX forum, but I'm sure some of you have test drove or own a G35 or BMW and can give some feedback positive, or negative. I like the TSX for the options and the gadgets. Not sure on the performance if that tells you my dilema. The TL just does not drive the way I wanted it to. But I have two teenage kids. One 16 and another 14 that will be in the back seat of these vehicles. So space is a plus. Thanks again for any information you can throw at me.

 

did you test drive the Lexus IS 350? why not give it a try?

 

Nice, but he needs backseat space with 2 teenagers.

I vote TSX...good navi, fun to drive but lacks a little power compared to competitors, reliable, decent backseat space. Has a good blend of everything you seem to be looking for. No car is going to be perfect, but you have to figure out what you can live with and without.

 

kia sedona?

 

If you want a car that is reliable as long distance transportation, has an excellent navigation system, gets good gas mileage, and won't be problematic to own over a 10 year period, skip anything made by BMW.

The G35 could have all the power in the world, but it fails to meet your needs in so many other areas that it probably is not worth the money.

 

I think if you own 2 Honda's you have already realised their reliability, and I don't think you will be able to find a car that matches that. That is one of the main reasons I chose the TSX as I was a previous Accord owner and I never had a single problem with it for 5 years.
I also test drove the G35 but was very dissapointed by the interior and the final price after all the added options.
I always recommend to people to test driving the Subaru Legacy GT as it has plenty of power and has a very similar interior and price to the TSX.

 

I'm sure if you stick w/ Acura you will be fine in any department when it comes down to reliabilty/safety/long term ownership/ and above all else maintaining residual value.

 

As far as holding value, your list includes the top value holding vehicles in the entry luxury class. The list below is how much of the original MSRP the vehicle holds after 5 years and 75,000 mi, from highest to lowest.

39% BMW 3-series convertible
38% Acura TSX
37% Acura TL
37% BMW 3-series sedan
36% Infiniti G35 sedan
35% Lexus IS 250/350
... (lots more in the middle)
24% Jaguar X Type
22% Lincoln LS


This is just a sample of the information that comes with the FightingChance.com new car buying packet you can order (I did when I bought my TSX about a week ago, I'd recommend it).

 

In addition, please read the fine print on the BMW warranty. It is not as straight forward as the sales person would have you to believe. You should check with the service dept. to see how it works and what they honor.

 

Try a Legacy GT Spec.B - the '07s will have some new toys and should be available in your timeframe.

 

The Acura's will have the better gas mileage between those choices. You just have to decide what is more important, performance or non-performance. The TSX is more sporty handling than the TL and is peppy for a I-4 engine IMO. As far as gadgets and roominess, it meets my needs fine. I've had 4 adults in the TSX comfortably for long distances. Trunk space is actually a tad more in the TSX over the TL, plus TSX has fold down back seat (60/40). If your into modding the car at all, you can gain a little more performance. My

 

I agree w/ what everybody else has said so far. . . I test-drove just about everything out there including the 325i, and the point of turn and drive reliability should point you to the TSX. While not a stoplight dragster, I love the handling/cornering of the vehicle/gas mileage/content for the $$ paid. No other car out there is going to offer this combination.

I was going to purchase an '06 BMW 325' w/ sport/HID's/lthrette and for $8k less I have an equally impressive car that will be much more reliable. I, too, have had hondas all of my life and find it hard to to choose another brand. . yet. Another car you may want to look at is the Saab 9-3 Aero. While they may not be as reliable, the 2.8l V6/styling/back seat/driving dynamics/ would also fit my bill. . .I like that not many people have many of them. You should be able to get at least $5k off MSRP. . . that is what was quoted to me about 3mo. ago. Also the Audi A-3, and new Nissan Altima and Saturn Aura are coming out soon. . .make sure you test drive as much as you can. You may be surprised what else is out there. .

In the end, there is no "perfect" car (or if there is, I'm not aware of it) Most people will make sacrifices somewhere. For the TSX, the only sacrifice I made was a marginal size back seat and not much torque/thrust for acceleration. A Hondata reflash will take care of that after my warranty period.

Hope this helps. . .

 

I agree totally on the roominess comment as I have an 11 month old in a huge car seat and regularly have three more adults travelling with me and its very comfortable and still very peppy. Plus I can fit a huge stroller and 5-6 bags of groceries in the trunk. The only downside is the DVD nav system in the trunk restricts the height a little when placing large bags or suitcases. It depends what Honda's you have right now. If you own a V6 accord you might miss the power a little if you decide on the TSX, but you will gain in handling.

 

Civic SI FTW

 

If you're concerned about power vs. the G35, consider the 6MT. It makes the TSX feel like it has the power, best utilizing the 205 hp. Otherwise, there's no real advantage to buying the other cars dollar for dollar, except the BMW free maintanence/warranty. If you want to extend the TSX by 3 years, it's about $1500.

 

You all have great points. Thanks for taking the time to answer me. I'm leaning towards the TSX. Need to make sure the family can get in it comfortably, so our next test drive will be with the family! :-)

Oh yeah, I like the price tag on the TSX. Not that I can't afford the other cars, but I have one child getting close to college and I will own this car most likely while he is in college. My daughter is right behind him and those monthly payments can get high during the college years and tuition!

I would get a TL, but just don't like the handling. It's a great car and has great options, but just is not that fun to drive for me. I might test one out with an A-Spec package to see if it handles differently.

CGTSX2004 said That is what is pushing me away from BMW. I'm hearing a lot of folks having problems with these cars after owning them for 6-10 years. My sister being one of them.

Tmetcalf said Bingo! You expressed my feelings on the G35 as well. The interior was not that hot, and once you add on all the options, the price just goes out the roof! I have not looked at the Subaru's. But might have to check into one of those for a test drive.

Keep your comments coming. I just wanted to comment on a few of the ones that I have read.

 

Yeah, I personally would love the 6mt. But I have a wife who can not drive a "stick". So, that is out of the question!

 

Of course she can drive stick. She just doesn't know it yet

 

What about the Lexus IS250?? That would be one of my top picks.

 

If he thought the TL was like driving a Lincoln, he's not going to like the IS.

 

What about the new '07 G35 sedan that's coming out soon? They improved the interior...

 

What he said, and the new G35's engine will be at least 300+~

 

I'm not sure that's the description I used, but I think I know where he's coming from. When shopping for a new car last month, I went to my Acura dealer thinking the TL was what I wanted. After I drove it (5AT), I wasn't thrilled by it. Not sure I can remember the reasons now. The TSX was (in my opinion) MUCH more rewarding, and is what I ended up buying.

To be fair, the original pro/con comments should be posted on other car's websites, to see what responses you get there. Not surprisingly, I think most people who respond here will be biased towards the TSX.

Jef

 

Problem with the new G35 is that he'll still end up with mediocre gas mileage, a so-so nav system, and a huge sticker price.

And this is all supposing that the production car lives up to the quality of the show car, which may not be the case.

 

TSX and mod it till you get the power you want.

 

Absolutely not, the salesguy was either lying to you or he is severly misinformed

The warranty will not cover a rip/tear after six years that you caused by wear and tear. Let alone an extended warranty. If you choose this car give the commission to another sales guy just for that

 

TSX will be best over 8-10 years, which is a long time to own a car. I drove a TL too, I understand why it is not on C&D's 10-Best list for the last three years. TL is more roomy. however. One of the writers from that article said simply don't spend more than $30k for a car, there are a lot of great cars under that threshold.

Infinti interior is deplorable, even after it was "updated". Enough to keep me out of Nissan/Infinti showroom.

BMW would be most fun to own, and has most bling. If you own the car for a long time, maintenace will be a pain, and possibly cost-prohibitive to repair, (outrageous dealer fees). If you are considering German sedans, check out the Audi A4 with the 2-liter FSI engine, skip the V6.

Would you consider something more bourgeois? 2006 Accord sedan w/V6 and 6-spd? Did you see the C&D review of sport sedans under $30k? You get the performance of the TL at many thousands less. But when you pull up to the stop light, there will be two other Accords, in the same color!

Good luck, those are all nice cars you picked out.

 

Might be an appropriate comparison: at timeshare presentations, one of the documents they make you sign at the start of the presentation (ie. NOT purchase agreement) is a disclosure that basically says, "Any verbal statements made by the salesperson are void, the only thing that matters is what is written in the contract." It's a sh*tty way to have to buy anything, never really knowing if what a salesperson tells you is the truth, but unfortuantely when it's oru new reality.

Jeff

 

Have you tried the TL with Aspec package? It should reduce some of the body roll and brake dive while making you feel more connected to the road. If you add a rear sway bar with the aspec, it should give you more responsive steering as well.

It's funny because I test drove the same cars with the exception of the 325i. I originally wanted the 330i. In my opinion, the 3-series BMW was the best handling and "fun to drive" out of the group while the G35 and TL were my least favorite.

It was surprising to read that you felt the G35 sedan was the 'funnest.' Was this due to power or handling? I felt the car had wayy to much body roll for my taste. What suspension package was on the car? If it had a sport package, keep in mind that an aspec package and summer tires on the TSX or TL makes a world of difference and you may have not been comparing apples-to-apples. Additionally, many G35 drivers I know personally report gas mileage in the teens. (15-18 mpg)

Either way, good luck.

 

Man, you guys rock on the responses. Gave me a lot of good ideals to check into. One being the Lexus IS 250. I was on the website and they RWD model runs around 36k with navi. Have to check that out. But I have heard that they are liking riding on a cloud. Not sure I will like that or not. So, off to test drive this afternoon!

NinjaMyst said I have not seen one of these yet. Is there an article on what is new in the 2007 G35's? It was a fun car to drive. I wonder if the gas mileage is improved over 25mpg on the Highway. But if they bump up the horsepower to 300, I bet it's not going to be much of an improvement.

Jwhite4 said Good point. I will have to hunt me down some active forums for those vehicles. It will be interesting to get some repsonses from that side of the fence.

Jazzyguy said That is what I'm afraid of! I just got thru talking to another BMW owner and he mentioned the same thing. He said that I need to read the warranty verbatim and check out what they do and don't cover. I'm sorta leaning away from the BMW the more I talk about it. It really sounds like a hassle to own after 6-8 years.

Zoopa said Haha. Yeah, I actually thought of the V6 Accord just for the peppy feel. But, I guess you have shown my vain side. I see Accords all over Houston. To be honest, I don't see a lot of TSX's in Houston. And I see very few TL's. I do see a ton of Lexus, and BMW's here in Houston. So yeah, I would like something a bit different and that does lean me more towards the TSX or TL. Wow, I can't believe I just admitted that! This site is like Therapy or something!

 

i think out of the three cars you said, i'd get the TSX. for an 8-10 year period, it's hands down the best of the 3, with a sacrafice in performance. i wouldn't get a BMW for longer than a 3-5 year period.

nissan/infinity are great cars, but i'm also unsure of the longevity of them. they've gotten better, but they used to not hold up as well in the body, the engines do fine though.

the altima is a boring car, i haven't read much about the 2007, but the 2006 has very little power response, unless you get it loaded.

my coworker just got quoted 25k for a v6 maxima, but i don't like them that much either.

if it's in your price range, the lexus ES is amazing. i know it's a jump, but 8-10 years of owning a car, you want to make sure you love it. I love my dad's 2004, and the new one is hotter. But, this is not in the same price boat as the other cars you are considering.

try the mazda 6 v6 also. a lot of people on here compared to that car. i don't like the interior all that much though (namely, the dash).

 

I did find the G35 very fun to drive. It could be the way the sales person demostrated the car to me, plus the way he let me drive it by opening it up on the parking lot. I did not get to do that with the 3-series. I'm not 100% sure on the package of the G35. He just went out and pulled one off the lot. I think it was a pretty basic model.

I think you hit it on the head. I enjoyed it for the power. I know that power equals less gas mileage in this case. So I can't imagine what 300hp will do to the mileage on that car. The more I Think about it, the 3-Series did not have quite the power of the G35, but it did handle better.

Believe it or not, while driving the car back to the lot, the BMW salesperson was in the back seat. Wife in the front seat. I was changing lanes with my blinkers turned on, when out of my right side a pickup truck cut into my lane. I had to swerve a bit back into my lane to avoid hitting him. It was smooth handling all the way! I laughed because the salesman said "Que the truck" while he was talking about handling.

 

Get a used 5 series and call it aday..

 

You asked me to post this on some other car forums. Well, check out the "bias" leanings of these posts on the Infiniti and BMW forums:


Infiniti Forum

BMW Forum

 

Maybe you should edit your posts at those sites... it still says "I know this is a TSX forum" and "My brother in law (who is on this forum) owns a TSX"

 

I'm not sure if it's reality or perception, but around Phila and South Jersey I've been noticing a ton of TL's recently (though probably still more Accords). Outside of the Acura meet in Phila I went to earlier this month, I think I can count the number of TSX's I've seen on one hand.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this in a previous post, but one factor which could influence your decision is color. Maybe it's just me, but I hate all black (or dark) interiors. I really like the parchment (tan) interior. I would have considered (at least looked into) an Accord, but the two exterior colors of their's I liked (red & blue) didn't come with tan interiors. Ironically, on the Acura version (TL), they do.

I read the initial replies on the Infiniti and BMW boards. I think you might find universal recommendations against BMW from Japanese-brand car owners.

Jeff

 

I was in your shoes at one point. It all boils down to what you want to drive, because you will spend most of your life in it. I am sure you will pick the right car. I picked the TSX is because "best bang for my dollars". Plus, i love modding my car and the TSX is easy to mod. The BMW is nice tho.......................

 

Done. Your right. I just cut and pasted and did not see all the stuff I had written. Hahaha. Well, it's cleaned up now.

 

I was in the same boat as you are about three months ago and with a budget to buy along the lines of BMW, M-Benz, and Audi but it came down to the Acura TL and TSX. The TSX was the one I took because it was the right driving dynamics and balance I was looking for....I felt the same thing you have on the TL, felt like I was disconnected to the road. G/L whatever you decide!!

 

I would get the Acura. The Tsx drives smooth with cool interior features and all for a great price unlike the Bmw.