I'm interested in a 2011 Acura TSX my local dealer has for sale, here is the link
http://www.crownacura.com/certified/...e217d5b63f.htm
But i was thinking for this price i can get a brand! new car but i don't really want anything else instead of a 2012 BMW 3 series or a accord sport or ex(only for the sunroof and push button ignition) i really want the Honda but it doesn't offer HID's or ELS speaker system and premium service you get with the Acura. I plan on financing for this Acura my budget is 24k I also have a trade in that's worth 3.5k and a 2500 down payment as far as financing I am trying to stay within 200-250 range i pay my insurance yearly so that isn't a problem really. i am also in college full time and work full time plus i pick up every little job i can find to make extra cash. So my question would be better to take an TSX(their being sold like hotcakes for the new TLX) or a lets say new Honda accord or even fully loaded civic. But my real question is how much do you guys pay a month?, rates?, out the door price?

 

I've always paid cash, but rates tend to vary depending on region, your credit rating, and the age of the car (among many other things). Out the door price is a meaningless comparison unless you're paying cash, and live in the same town as the car you're comparing your price to (too many variables that effect the final price). Sounds to me like you should be thinking about possibly a less expensive car. Full time in school and working? It seems like the last thing you need is a high priced car hanging around your neck.

 

Haven't driven the new Accord Sport or anything, but my gut tells me I'd stick with the TSX over it anyways. Acura obviously is going to have a more premium feel to it than any Honda. Also, seeing that you are looking at a car in Clearwater, FL, I would definitely say that 22.5 for a 2011 TSX with Nav and 30k miles is still on the high side. If that is the exact color combo you want, I'd say work them down to 20,500 or 21k max. I got mine a few months ago, same year with Nav and 40k miles for 20k, which to me felt like a good deal since black on black with nav was so hard for me to find.

Also, I do somewhat agree with Simba. Not sure what your major is in college, but with a fairly difficult major, like Bio-Med for example, working full time and going to school full time can become a problem. There is simply not enough time. Now it's completely up to you, but if you do think it could become an issue later on, I think it would be wise to consider something a little cheaper (a 1st gen TSX maybe?).

 

I agree , becareful... What you want and need are two different things.... Car payments sometimes suck... And if your gonna be financing for 5yrs... It's a long time... Just look for a low milage 1st gen... They have a better motor lol

 

that price is pretty fair for the car not sure why you think its overpriced.

 

It's not bad, but I think he could do a little better. I mean the price is definitely up for negotiation, he just needs to do a little research and haggle them.

And they already went down another $500, so you can see they're open to selling it for less. If he can get it for 21,000 that's a great deal IMO.

 

What is a used car worth? There are too many variables to say other than "that ballpark is about right".

With a new car you have the ability to comparison shop. The black TSX tech at dealer A is identical to the black TSX tech at dealer B.

Not so with a used car. My cars will always be "worth" more than others with similar miles. I garage it at night and park in my very own spot at work between a pole and a wall. My car is OptiCoated and clear bra'd. I maintain it on schedule and drive mostly highway miles. I'm a careful driver.

My neighbor bought his Acura a month before mine. Although he has a garage, he parks on the street. He parks on the street in front of his office. Rain washes most of the dirt off and oil changes are done by Iffy Lube after the light is on permanently and won't go away by itself. The gas pedal has two positions - on and off and there is no need to use brakes until the very last second.

We both have the same mileage on our cars. Both are 1 owner and no accidents. Are they worth the same? They were worth the same new.

Let's not consider condition or regional differences. It is so much easier to say "it is overpriced". Me? I'd research average pricing and then decide if the price is close. If so, I'd look at it and decide if it is worth pursuing. Is a couple of hundred bucks worth it?

 

Also check whether previous owner used premium or regular gas. how is fuel system service.

 

How do you do that and what difference does it make?

 

I have a pretty decent idea of what TSX's are selling for, since I was in the market for one for so long. Plus the location he is looking in is only 2 hours away from me. I see the point you're making, but as someone buying a used car, how is someone supposed to differentiate between the two (your car vs your neighbor's)? There are a few precautionary steps you can take, such as checking the CarFax to see the history (oil changes, were they done at Acura, etc), going to an actual dealership and not some random Joe's dealership, inspecting it and seeing how well it was taken care of. Aside from that it's a toss up IMO. Unless the dealer can tell me about who owned it before, you'll never know.

I don't get your last sentence. If you're saying is a couple hundred that the dealer won't go down worth not getting a car over? Of course not. If everything else checks out and seems okay, then go for it.