bayou tsx

Hi everyone! I'm pretty new here (my 5th posting-should be an "official " member soon). I wanted to share with you my experiences that led me to buy a 2012 bellanova white pearl tech tsx wagon 3 weeks ago. Sorry no pics yet (maybe this weekend)! The contestants were: a 2012 vw jetta sportwagen - diesel and gas models, 2012 honda crv, 2012 lexus 350, 2012 vw tiguan, 2012 subaru outback, and a 2012 rdx. I'll start with the vw sportwagen-diesel: Very peppy engine with lots of torgue, comfortable driving position but a little too much wind and road noise and also the imitation leather was too sticky for our Louisiana weather. The gas engine model also seemed a little sluggish. Next the vw Tiguan: Also fun to drive but seemed cramped inside. Just couldn't get comfortable and felt the bouncy characteristics of an suv. Also some road and wind noise. Initially I was looking forward to purchasing the 2012 honda crv as I sold my 07 crv (exl) to my son. the 2012 crv was comfortable inside but I felt that the interior was not as nice quality as the 07. The road noise was a little less prevalent but I still didn't care for the new electronically assisted steering and the suv "floaty" sensation. The Subaru outback 2.5l and 3.6 handled the best as far as having the least amount of bounciness typical of suvs and had the quietest and smoothest ride on the hwy from all of the suvs. The Lexus actually absorbed the bumps the best but had a lot of body lean and boaty sensation. The rdx was gorgeous inside but the ride was very busy, almost jittery and I felt I had to make constant small corrections with the steering which left me feeling fatigued mentally . And finally the winner- the gorgeous tsx wagon both inside and out! The first time I test drove the wagon was in spring of 2011 and fell in love with its extreme agility, peppiness, comfort and ease of driving. And when I test drove it again in january I knew this was the one! The wagon is extremely quiet, great sound system - (very important to me as a piano teacher), But the way it handles is my favorite feature: the steering is so precise with no play in the wheel or need to constantly make small corrective movements. The ride is firmly planted yet not stiff. I also find the tech package features very easy and fun to use. The seating position is also very comfortable due to the neutral position of the head rests. I know I probably left out some other details but I'll post them as I remember.

cisobe

Congrats on the new wagon. I picked up my wagon last march. I looked at some of the same cars as you as alternatives. Looked at both a Subaru Outback and Forrester, a Lexus is250 and ct200h, Mazda 3, VW Jetta sportwagon diesel, and thought about the BMW 3series wagon and Audi A4 avant, but laughed when I saw the price for a decently equipped wagon.

I liked the Mazda 3s drive, size and feel (interior could be better) and it was decently equipped for the price, but the wife said it was too small. The Jetta diesel felt sluggish to me, small, and I felt like I had to floor. It to get it to pass on the freeway. The is250 was small, and we needed a wagon or hatchback for our dogs. The ct200h was meh, small, a bit pricey for what you get, and its a hybrid, so battery replacement in 6-8 years doesn't make much sense.

The Tsx was the front runner, size was right, ride and handling felt great, power was a little lacking, but it was peppy, and got great gas mileage (compared to my 4dr Tacoma). The features included for the price were amazing, and the styling was pretty decent.

Again Congrats on the new car!

Stylinhonda

Congrats on the Wagon, post pics for sure once you get time!

tobwac

Nice write up compering cars and definitely post some pictures
Congrats

bayou tsx

Thanks everyone for your support! Reading everyone's posts on this forum also helped me make my decision and has given me some ideas on modding: maybe some new wheels in the future? Oh by the way, I'm averaging 27 mi/gal on 85% city driving. My wagon will get its first bath this weekend and I'll post some pics!

RedE82

Good write up.

I'll be looking at a TSX wagon in the next month or so - need to get out of my 135i in favor of something more kid and dog friendly. RDX and CPO TL will also be on the table. I might consider a 5 door WRX, although they seem to be hard to track down for test drives. As much as I've loved my BMWs over the last several years, I'm looking for a long term daily driver that I will keep after the warranty has expired and the Germans make me nervous in that regard. In addition, the 328i and A4 wagons cost much more with similar equipment.

Only thing I'm hesitant about with the TSX wagon is there will be times I will miss the power and driving dynamics of my 135i. I also wish the TSX wagon could be had with a manual transmission.

oblio98

Congrats on your new wagon. You will love it more every day you drive it.

K100Fran

^ +1
I do mine!