Ok Guys..I am a newbie here. I have been reading this blog for a while but this is my first post...BTW theres tonnes of useful info here thank you all for contributing. I know this is a Acura forum so some kinda bias will prevail. But anyway, I am at the crossroads in my car buying decision process. I have owned a 2003 TL Type S and had to get rid of it due to tranny failures and of course I have always wanted a BMW ..RWD...being a carnut I had to own one.. I have a 2003 530i A sport. Bought it at 30k miles but my new job requires me to drive a lot ..i mean alot .... so i have about 70k in the BMW and I have already replaced radiator, alternator and torque converter...all happened after warranty expired...OUCH! ... Now that Its approaching 100k miles I am looking to get a new car b4 the car depreciates too much. SO I have narrowed it down to 3 cars and heres what I have researched so far and keep in mind I intend to keep this car for at least 3 years and I drive about 30k a year:

Infiniti G35 Sedan (2003-2005):

The good stuff:

RWD
Affordable (20-22k price)
Good enough chassis.
Maybe reliable more so than the BMW.
Plenty of Punch from the VQ 3.5 mill.

The Bad

Cheap Interior
Steering not BMW ish feel.
I hear brakes go out real fast.
Gas mileage
The power delivery is not as smooth as Acura or BMW.

Acura TL (3rd Gen)

The Good

Value ...Gosh everything is standard
Looks like a super model.
GREAT GREAT ENGINE.
6MT should be fun.
Bluetooth and Navi best in the business almost.
Reliable .....its a HONDA.
Rear Seats are actually usable.
Stereo is kickass.


The Bad

FWD....understeer...nose heavy..not as composed as the BMW
Interior stuff starts rattling...stuf fading from the sun..the leather is not as durable.
Chassis ...not as good as the BMW.
Torque Steer.



2003 BMW 530i/540i (e39) (lower mileage with extended warranty)

The Good

Ahhhhh.. RWD and the chassis is sublime..carves the back roads ...basically HANDLING HANDLING HANDLING.
Power delivery is smooth and linear.
Steptronic is fast and moderately reliable.
Sport seats are really sporty.
Brand value..
OMG the looks ...... 540i with M package.
RWD.

THE NASTY

Reliability,...jeeeez torque converter, radiator and alternator....in 3 months.
Gas mileage (540i)
Brake dust.
Lack of Punch (530i)
Reliability...did i mention it b4 oh GOOD...coz this is where it hurts.
80s Interior looks.
Sound system....i have DSP stil ....no ELS
Pixels fading..
Maintenance is just too much.


Now guys..I dont go to the track or anything but I live in the Hill Country where theres lotsa backroads so going back and forth to work is a pure pleasure with the BMW. I have loved the old TL-S until the tranny failed 3 times...but also note that I hadnt experienced the joy of a RWD at that time. So I am really hoping to get some good response out of you guys to make the best decision.

Thanks in Advance.

 

Might also consider the 3 series...330i only

 

I dont like the G35 that year...my co worker has one and he hates it...new brakes and they started squealing real quick..he is a moderate driver as well...

A BMW is a BMW...if you buy an 05 it will still have maintanaince covered and you can get an extended warranty...

Whatever car it is, make sure it is low miles since you drive a lot...

but a TL is nice...esp a NBP type S...

What budget are you looking around...? 20-28K?

 

as you can see the TL has the least "BAD" stuff lol jk but it all comes down to do you want ..... to save gas, do you want comfort, or power? i wouldnt pick the G but the tough choice between the 5 series and TL but id go w/ the TL lol

 

mbari- Welcome to the forums. Unfortunately, we don't do car "comparisons" in the main 3G TL forum. Please feel free to restart this thread in Car Talk. Besides, you will most likely get an unbiased opinion there. Good luck in your decision.