KmanianTSX

I make 0 moolah. Broke-@$$ college student spongin' off the parents! 1 more year to go...

docboy

I'm a dentist, and currently salary >$130k. Gross income should easily double to triple as I eventually take over an existing practice. Wife is also a dentist, but I won't mention her salary.

I value the TSX for its balance of amenities and price. I see no reason to spend $40k-$50k for an auto that depreciates in value every day. Heck, even the $29K I spent for the TSX was alot. As my income has been increasing yearly, I enjoy my TSX and the simpler things in life even more.

There are other things to me that are more important than an automobile; ie. 401k and IRAs, savings/CDs, pay off the mortgage early, future children's 529, and living off 1 income. Once retirement and short term savings are funded to the max yearly, THEN it would make finanical sense to buy the RL or M3. I like to live comfortably without stressing over payments.

To each its own, and life admittedly is short not to enjoy a fine car, clothes, etc. But frankly I am very suprised and even astonished that those with incomes of $30K are driving $30K automobiles. Are those people not stressed with payments? What happens if you get sick for a week? My

godfather2

^ well said

cambomonk

WOW...alot of well educated people here. I only have an Associates in Electronics from ITT (waste of money). However, I do not work in the field. I drive a dump truck for about 6-7 months out of the year. No, I am not the garbage man. It's the truck you see during road construction moving dirt. Average annual salary is approx. $120-130k. When Indian casino are being built, I was earning 1K/day.

mar21182

I'm a pharmacist working in a grocery store chain.

I currently make $107,000/yr. However, that's pretty much what I'll be making for a while. I get annual raises, but only by a couple percent. There's not really any room to move up in my profession unless you want to take a totally different job.

The nice thing about pharmacy is that you don't have to pay huge amounts in liability insurance. I think I paid just over $100 last year for a couple million dollar policy. That beats the hell out of paying 60 grand if you're a doctor.

fmorariu

I am a Software Consultant for a major software house in California, and I make 60k+Billable time Bonus.

Felix

Nogard13

I know what you mean. I used to say I was a hooker when I was in the USAF. I went to work, took it up the @ss, got paid, and then had to give my pimp money back in the form of taxes.

I just got out last summer and I'm working as a contractor in the DC area making almost $80K a year. No TSX yet, I'm waiting for the redesign, but I'm def. getting one.

adow

I'm currently in med school and don't have a job. I paid for my TSX with savings and loan money.

studville

This is why when you hit 50 and your investments (whatever they may be) start paying off, you're going to be rolling in the dough. It's exactly the way I think -- Now if I could only conform the gf to these views...

TSX was really pushing it for me as well. I was originally suppose to be in an Accord. (With mixed crazy, crazy thoughts of BMW 3 series )

Mockenrue

I couldn't agree more, and it speaks to the "live now" mentality of today. I would be uncomfortable buying anything that would prevent me from putting a substantial amount of money into 401(k), 529s, and a steady stream into liquid savings. As docboy said, it's astonishing how many people make good money, but don't invest, don't save, and drive debt up by buying above their means. For me, peace of mind and financial security give me more satisfaction than a nice car.

Let me give you something else to think about: if you buy a TSX as your first car, what is your second and third? I've now been working full time for 13 years, and I make about six times what I started out with. If I follwed the norm, I'd be driving an 80k BMW 7 series now. Would I be any happier? Probably not, because my expectations would have adjusted (like my friend who has a 545i, isn't happy with it, and now wants a high-end Lexus). Instead, I started with a used, paint-chipping Grand Am, and now I'm quite happy with my TSX.

CarbonGray Earl

I was actually going to buy a civic or civic hybrid until my wife told me I deserved a car like this.

The good thing is I plan on keeping this car at least 10 years or until I feel its not safe for me and my family to be in. I have a feeling the civic would have a shorter "peace-of-mind" lifespan.

ZAXDude

Wow...that's one uncle who loves his nephew. I rarely see either of my uncles - Uncle #1 is too tight to even give me a hug at Christmas time, and Uncle #2 has an income that barely supports himself.

I doubt Uncle #1 would buy me an Acura anyway even if he wasn't tight; he works for Toyota.

cai06

I would rather help him paying for college, so someday he would be able
to buy a TSX and many other things by himself..
anyway, buying an expensive car is not a wise financial decision since it is a
depreciating asset. Right now I'm investing very aggressively (funds,
stocks, house mortgage.. you name it) because that's what young -or relatively
young- people should do, IMO. Granted, I could buy a bigger-better-more expensive
car, but I would feel very uncomfortable, the TSX is more car than I really need and
it costs just a small % of my annual income..

tits legendary

I am an estimator at a Concrete Company and I make around 58k a year before taxes and bonuses.

stogie1020

I would like A Ferrari!! Can you hook me up?

Tripnox

Mechanical Engineer for the City of SF ~$65K. I use to be a mechanical engineer for a manufacturing company for ~$47K. I kinda wish i kept my beater 95 corolla because i'm too chicken to park my TSX on the streets of SF. This car is my first purchase on a single item over $5K.

Milton TSX

National sales manager 115K salary, I love the tsx it has all the things that I wanted. The only thing that it lacks...SH-AWD or RWD but I will wait for it on the next gen.

ostrich

I can't agree with you more! I must say that I was pretty shocked to see how many people making less than $51K were driving this car. I guess with my salary (several times the upper limit of this survey here), I could have easily afforded a BMW 5 series, RL, GS, A6 or E350, but I am driving a TSX instead, and I am really happy with my sweet little car! Not only have I saved on the car payment, but my insurance, gas expenses and maintenance (yup, imagine trying to maintain a Bimmer or Audi - LOL!) have all been lowered too. I guess with the money that I have saved up, I can afford a 15 year mortgage (rather than 30 year), invest in a rental property and have several investment accounts etc.

Well, it's all about priorities, I suppose...

mmkk111

I see them everyday. They pull alert here at Offutt AFB.

I'm a pilot in the Air Force. I survive.....

silkk8482

Army. Been in for 10yrs already. My wife also has a job so we make ends meet. Also bought mine used.

Overtaxed

Doctor.

I make enough money.

The TSX is

I'm

I don't want anything else.

playdoh

Charlotte is CHEAP compared to NY!!

Zasker1

I am in Sales for a software company in Seattle and make north of 100k. I have looked at alot of cars and I dont see myself getting rid of my TSX withinn the next coupple of years as I am extreamly happy with just about every aspect of it, although I would be much more happy if I could find time to get the Hondata reflash. I have been putting this off basicly since it came out.

docboy

That's a good point you bring about "adjusted expectations." Thinking ahead 5-10 years, what would be a good second car? Probably an all electric car, should one exist then. No dependency on oil, potential tax deductions, etc. That would definitely satisfy me more than a 7 series. But in all honesty, I would love a vacation home by the beach.

But for now, I appreciate the TSX's reliability, gas economy, and (debatable) luxury quotient.

rugbybrado

I think its funny that overall if people make this much money why arent they in a nicer car. Especially the ones who claim they are over 70 a year.

ex2k4

but are you guys considering the area of residency with your income?

You can make 65k in San Diego and would be same thing as making 40k in Southeast area.

subdued

rugby
there are so many ways to address your comment.

a. priorities: it's already been mentioned above. but my spin: depending on your lifestyle and responsibilies, people wil place different levels of importance on their vehicle.

Some highly value their vehicle and must have their dream car regardless of how much it costs, and other things in life cant be aquired: no travel, satisfied at eating at Sizzler because they are willing to spend over 50% of their monthly income on the car payment.

While others appreciate the characteristics of their car but also use their earnings to
-invest (future)
-purchase a home
-buy better quality food
-buy boats, cycles, audio equipment, other hobby gear
-travel the world regularly
-and take care of other responsibilites (family and parents)

b. analogy: just because one can afford to eat lobster, filet mignon, or sushi every night is that usually the choice? many who "make this much money" can buy a MB, BMW, etc. but choose to spend their money differenly.

c. TSX can be a great entry level tuning toy that still carries the family....

and agreed costs vary dramatically across the US/World. $80k in Calif is a heck of lot less than $80k in Kansas

etc.

PSW

surgery resident - just over 40k a year...which comes out to just under 2bucks an hour.

Rusa

TSX IS a nicer car.

mar21182

70 grand a year isn't all that much money. Hell, 100 grand a year isn't that much money.

I make a little over 100k. I'm single. I live on my own. Right now, I'm renting (just over $900/month on rent alone). and I'm trying to save up money for a big down payment on a house or condo. Yes, I could afford a 5-series right now... if I don't really care about saving money for the future. However, it's much more important to me to save money than to ride around in the nicest car I can afford.

Maybe if I had a second income that could help with rent payments, groceries, etc., it wouldn't be so bad, but it's just me (unfortunately) right now. In addition, I like my TSX perfectly fine. I don't need or desire another car. It has everything I'm looking for in a car.

shockwave1111

Auditor in Big4

ostrich

Rugby, I think that the previous posts already outlined why many of us chose the TSX over other more expensive vehicles that we could have bought. Oh yeah, just like the other poster stated, it is a very nice vehicle already, IMHO...

BTW, 70K really is not a lot of money. If you have a mortgage, investment account, car payment, etc. etc. etc. then 70K per year is really not a lot at all.

ostrich

I hear ya! When I was a resident, I made so little money and yet I spent almost 100 hours per week at the hospital, it was pitiful... I still don't understand how they could pay residents so little money!

Oh, then I see how some law school grads can make 6 figures in their first job as a trainee! How unfair is that!?

BTW, do you own a TSX or a TL? I had a Nissan Altima as a resident - nothing as nice as the TSX!!!

Overtaxed

I had a Nissan Sentra as a resident. Hard to merge onto traffic.

************************************************** *******

In response to the guy who doesn't understand why people who make $$$ don't buy more than a TSX:

Generally, the more you live below your means, you more "rich" you really are. Spending as much as you can on a depreciating asset doesn't allow you to remain "rich"....

As a car enthusiast, however, frugality goes out the window with me when it comes to cars. Fortunately, even though I tested more expensive cars, I only wanted the TSX. (By the way, it costs 44 thousand dollars in Ontario, Canada, with taxes in, so you guys are really lucky in the States..... Yes, all cars cost a fortune here...)

ChrismanTSX

Yup, welcome to 15% tax! 7% for the Feds, and 6.5% for the province... And, let's not forget the tax rates on >70K income in Canada... Overtaxed chose her screen name well!

yukit

I always find it interesting whenever these "how much do you make...", "how old are you..." or "what do you do..." threads pop up in different car forums. They are like tiny windows into the today's social structure.

I find TSX people are one of the most civil bunch. It reflects quite well with the choice of the vehicle, especially for people who can choose a lot more expensive car.

I am actually looking for a new car right now. I probably opt for a TL-S since we got a new TSX for the spouse. New 335i or even Cayman do look intriging, but it is a lot of money to spend even if you make > 100K.

Maybe I will keep my old car for another year & hope 2008 models will be much more improved.

madmanmax3000

Mechanical Engineering student, hoping to be in the last category of this poll in a few years. Making $15/hr as an apprentice right now though, helps buy shiny things for my TSX

keg1997

My father was making over 200K/yr and driving a Tercel EZ (the cheapest model)....he retired at 52 while I was still at a private college. Cars do NOT make the person....

You'll realize this one day

rugbybrado

I know a car doesnt make a the person and i dont even own a TSX( 06 saab 93 aero ). But i currently make 47k(no kids) as a analyst here in oklahoma and I do know we have a very very cheap standard of living here - 200k can buy you a new 4 bedroom, 3 car garage house. I lose a little to taxes but my monthly payments are less than a 1/5th of my take home each month. I know in other parts of the country(and canada) they are taxed higher and also 200k wont get you more than a 1-2 bedroom condo.

So i get what some of you have been saying and who have wives, kids, huge mortages that its not a good finacial descion for you to spend that much on a nicer car. I just kinda figured that more of you were around my age (20-25 just out of college).

rugbybrado

To save questions about why i post here -

Ive always liked the TSX and was minutes away from buying one, i test drove it numerous times and even took home a demo and i was pretty much sold on it. But I previously owned a 2003 saab 93 that was a nightmare and i swore them off because of reliabilty issues. But on the way to go get the tsx (which was cheaper) i decided to test drive a new AERO with the new 2.8 liter twin scroll turbo charged v-6 and i was blown away. Well i got carried away by the power and better handling than the TSX and chose my car. BUT(as to why im still here) im starting to see reliablity/ craftmanship issues starting to pop up already. I figured they had those worked out since the 03 was the launch year but appearantly they hadnt done as much as i thought. So that leads me back to the TSX boards and im currently waiting for the new model to come out to make my next purchase.

Because with the current one, when i took home the demo and my friend and i acted like highschoolers and we raced against the 05 2.5s altima he was driving and he won by more than a car lenght each and every time - something inside me died for the current car.