Berkeley

Yep..the usual suspects! However, all must be automatic as this will be an NYC commuter car adn I haven't the patience to shift in gridlock...that said, I still want to be able to enjoy a spirited country drive from time to time.

I was nearly ready to go with an 06 TSX, but after test driving the auto I was not overly impressed by the lack of oomph. That said, switching over to manumatic mode did yield some satisfaction although I defintely did not really know what the hell I was doing. Of course, this car really has everything at a price point $10-15k less than the other "luxury" brands with the same options. In New York the IS is coming in at $33k, TL $31k, A3 $29k, and the TSX at $27k. None except the TL are as loaded as the TSX and it seems impossible to find an A3 for the base $25k price. I somehow expect reliability to be a long term issue with the Audi.

Thus, I am most seriously consideirng the TL or the IS250 as competitors. But are they worth the extra $4k and $6k respectively? Any thoughts from the gallery? Or should I just save some $ and go with the Accord?

Can driving the TSX in manumatic mode be fun? Will I learn to use it properly? The standard auto mode somehow took me back to my K-car days...help?!?!

Beoshingus

Tsx.

paranode

Depends on what your priorities are. Are you the type that wants the most horsepower or do you look at the overall package and value? Because the TSX is the best value hands down.

Berkeley

Value is definitely important! This is what brought me into the Acura showroom...on paper and in the flesh this is a remarkable car. However, test driving the automatic was a let down - it did not feel as though it was pulling any harder than a PT cruiser.

evo_to_tsx

If the power in the TSX was a letdown to you (in automatic, especially) then I think the TL is your best option, if you could afford the extra $4000 (it has the highest hp rating of the 4 cars you've mentioned). When it comes to luxury/features/comfort, the TL should not be any less than the TSX (although torque steer and handling are some of the common complaints). The IS250 generates a very moderate 205 hp, being a V6, and you might be disappointed.

calgary2800

Accord V6 EX for 25k if you know how to bargain.

evo_to_tsx

Personally I think the redesigned taillights on the Accord looks like ass

calgary2800

Its what underneath the hood that counts.

evo_to_tsx

If that is the case (whats underneathe the hood that counts) I'd say go for a Pontiac GTO... 400hp, $33,000

mg7726

did you rev it past 5k rpms w/SS ?? i use SS on the hiways, in the city i don't even bother.

i've taken my car through Skyline Drive in DC, up 9W past West Point and 9W by Croton Point, and Rte 73 in the Adirondacks, and twisties by Lake George for hiking. The car and SS (and 6MT, either one) are a joy to drive (with couple of mods)!

it sounds like you want the TL. go for it.

calgary2800

Please troll somewhere else. Your a waste.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

No, you're a waste.

Don't be so damn confrontational. He was just joking with you anyway. Did you not see the smiley?

chuson

Hey Berkeley...
If you are looking for Luxury, look no where else, just bring ya cash to the Lexus and get their IS250 fully loaded.
If you are looking for Performance, I will pick da A3 2.0T over 3.2 or Accord V6. These V6 are powerful, but on a A3 I found 2.0T is fast enough. I test drove one and I love it. Their 6 speed DSG gearbox is... so good and smooth, I wish it can be mate into my TSX. A3 will be a lil' pricy than TSX w/ fully loaded options and Sport Package, but you will enjoy it once you test drive the car.
If you want both above but w/ a limit budget, then the TSX. It still have what you are looking for. TSX has ALOT of advantage whenever you compare the price/option ratio w/ Lexus or A3, but again, it's your choice.
TL and Accord V6 are both fast, but not as nimble as TSX, and comsume more gas.

TacoBellSauce

Tl does have more power
but the TSX is the best choice overall
think about this also, the V6 will also use more gas when your stuck in traffic
also, the $4000 u save u can spend on some performance mods and body mods (you can get the supercharger, intake, hondata etc all for under $4k)

Mokos23

None of the above, get a G35c or sedan u'll beat all of those cars above easily

TacoBellSauce

^^ ah yes, the G35

Spy

For me, I didn't like the Accords interior. I didn't think the TL was worth the extra money over a TSX. I did enjoy the IS on a test drive, but the way I would want it equipped, it would be 7-10k more. I do like the A3's styling, but didn't really consider Audi because of the reliability (options seemed to add up quick also).

5o9

Would pick Lexus out of your choices. If spending that kind of money though, would pick BMW. BMW with an AT bothers me, so Lexus it is! MT TSX is the car for me at the $25,000 price point. Over $30,000, I'm running to Lexus or BMW, where I will be spending $35,000+. Those cars are not cheap to maintain and repair.

Got-Busa?

I would def go with a 07 BMW 3-series if a few grand more isn't a problem. If you get it fully loaded it will be about $6-8k more but it just depends on the options. BMW also has the maintenance program for 4/50k so it will be the cheapest to maintain until then.

That's the reason we didn't get a TSX. My wife drove the BMW and fell in love with it. She is not a car person at all and she "LOVES the 325/330" But try and wait for the 07 if you go the 3 route. They are bumping the HP/TQ. 328(235HP) and rumor is a 335(306HP) or another motor option with Twin-Turbo's.

You really can't compare the features and options though because a lot of cars don't have the stuff BMW come standard with...

dom

Kighter

I have a 6MT TSX. My wife has a DSG A3. My brother has a TL. I have not driven a new IS.

The TSX and the A3 are equally fun. Sometimes I want the high revs and snick of the gears. Sometime I want the crazy shifts and faster speed of the A3. They handle similarly, but the TSX is a tad better in some ways (I do have upgraded wheels and rubber though).

So if I had to choose auto tranny only: A3 (the DSG is the most amazing automatic tranny ever), TL (the lux and grunt make up for the softness), TSX (auto just sucks too much fun out), IS (more luxe than TL but similar performace to TSX).

BulldogHockey

If it's auto only, I'd go for the TL. I somewhat agree on the "oomph" factor of the TSX auto which was my test drive.

aznt1217

The TL Transmission is way too sluggish in SS mode and doesn't shift as smoothly as the TSX's. Lexus IS, good choice but way too much money. Accord EX, if you don't want something as flashy get the EX V6, you won't be disappointed (although there is no SS option so that might irk you somewhat and the price after options will reach TSX territory). The A3, it's a good car no doubt (Especially with the DSG!!!), but the reliability and once you add on the options it the price gets exorbitant. I got the TSX simply because it had the best Price to Feature ratio, handling was superb, the transmission is great, and it just looks so damn good.

subdued

Seems like your primary use will be NYC gridlock traffic. That said you'd be spending most of your time stopped or creeping along under 30, so the I'd say the interior comfort of the car should be your main criteria.

Seriously none of the cars you list are slugs. sure one is fast than the other off the line. one has higher passing ability from 60-80mph. Is that a majority of your diving

Most of us on AZ are from a wide range of areas with very different traffic. I'm in SF Bay and not much gridlock but it does happen. So without knowing what type of commute you have and the types of speeds it's hard for many members to completely address your "which?" question (unless they have intimate knowledge with your traffic/driving style). Then factor in your driving "personality" for some fast is 85mph, for others it's 120.

My best guess is that you'd enjoy the stereo and nice interior of the TL, the luxury of the IS, the parkability and spriteness of the A3, and the overall package of the TSX, and the the value of the Accord, in that order. But only you will know what means the most to you. Oh, and the BMW3 is in the middle somewhere.

good luck, ed

iNteGraz92

unless you're talking about 07 coupes, the sedans already have the new engines, 325 is 3.0 215hp, 330 is 3.0 255hp. the coupe is still using the old body style and old engines. the 335 turbo is gonna have around 300hp

and your last comment, i have no idea where you got that from. bmw's don't have anything standard. my friend just picked up a 325 with heated seats. it comes standard with... a cd player.
the tsx and tl come standard with more stuff than either the IS or 3.

Got-Busa?

The 07 sedans will get the upgraded engines that are due in the coupes....

Nothing comes standard on the BMW?

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Comfort Stop, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying, and Brake Stand-by features, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), run-flat1 all-season tires, Flat Tire Warning Indicator; Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout, Check Control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display, oil status display, and Condition Based Service indicator; On-board computer with Check Control – provides feedback on the vehicle’s operating status: oil level indicator and distance to next service appointment/oil change, as well as other detailed information such as spark plug and micro-filter status. It also provides travel information – travel range on remaining fuel, external temperature, and more...; Front-seat center armrest with climate-controlled storage compartment, Power front and rear windows with “one-touch” up/down operation, Ground-illuminating lights in door handles, Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Automatic headlight control, Adaptive Brake Lights, Crash sensor that automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors;

Full Maintenance Program covers all factory-recommended maintenance, as determined by the Service Interval Indicator for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Full Maintenance Program includes items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear, provided wear and tear exceeds BMW specifications. This includes items such as brake pads, brake rotors and wiper blade inserts that are not covered by the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Any adjustments required due to normal operating conditions are also included. For exclusions and limitations, refer to the Service and Warranty Information booklet that came with your new BMW, or see your authorized BMW center for details.

The Acura TL/TSX only have maybe one or two of those things even offered AND OTHERS ARE NOT OPTIONAL AT ALL. However all of that is standard on the 325/330.

Lets not forget that even though the BMW is more $$$$ optioned out, they still offer things that Acura doesn't even have available.

6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control,Xenon Adaptive Headlights with auto-leveling, Split fold-down through-load rear seats and ski bag, Comfort Access keyless entry with multi-function remote control, Park Distance Control (PDC) (rear only), Power rear sunshade; manual rear side window shades, Active Cruise Control, 4-way adjustable power lumbar support for front seats, Interior and power-adjustable folding exterior mirrors with automatic-dimming function; digital compass, etc...

bibby

As much as I love the TSX myself, if you can spend the few Ks, I'd go for the IS for sure. Cause for the next 4-6 yrs, that IS look will still be around. Good residual value too.

aaronng

The only thing I want in that list from BMW is the Full Maintenance Program thrown in with every new Acura sold.

BTW, aren't the TSX HID headlights auto-levelling?

aznt1217

no auto leveling, they are just standard projector HID.

Got-Busa?

They also turn left/right with the steering wheel...

aaronng

Tough luck. Our AUDM models come with auto levellers. And also headlight washers. It's because of traffic regulations here requiring auto levellers with headlight washers for HID. Otherwise, we'll get defected by the cops. On that note, has anyone ordered in an AUDM HID assembly and fitted it to the TSX?

gsrthomas

If you can afford the extra $5k get the IS250.

You will never look back, trust me.

drkabe

Unless U get Hondata. U will be able to rev the car all the way to 7000rpm on 1st, 2nd , 3rd and 4th (if pushing ), 5th (no chance)

youngTL

But if you're looking for luxury that's buick like, the ES330 isn't a bad choice at all. It's more luxurious and faster than the IS250, but handles worse. Or you could wait until November and get the ES350.

gsrthomas

ES350 is going to way more expensive then a base IS250. ES's hardly come in without any options in them.

h1coupe

it just says there that it has abs, traction control, service computer/trip computer, rain sensor and some small crap all which can be found on the TSX, itīs just put down in so many words

BMWīs have not been known for their standard equipment, german cars are always more expensive and less equipped then their rivals. and I for one have never understood why you would want a car that costs much more is less reliable and worse equipped, just because itīs german?

Mokos23

It's all about class and status baby! That's why people want to buy BMW

h1coupe

so your telling me that itīs classy and shows your status if you pick the lesser of two choises

itīs just a fact that in this day and age there is no way to justify the price difference in german cars vs other!
german cars used to be this and that but now adays their just overhyped badges!!

Mokos23

Don't roll eyes to me, it's sad but true the American buying public does this!
But, you wouldn't know you're in Iceland.

quint001

ditto that . . . .and you will never find a "stripped down" a3 . . .they all come with some crap jackin the price into at least the low 30s . . .once again the germans miss the point with a "hatchback" for the masses (and i really dig the a3) . . .but reliability can be an issue . . . .I picked up an 05 tsx (AT) also 'cause of NYC commuting, have put almost 16.5k miles on it since beginning of Sept '05 and love the car . . .tl is nice, but definitely not as tossable . . . .as far as learning ss mode goes . . .have u ever owned a manual transmission?????? good luck on your choice . . . .