First Car!
#1
-Brandon
Thread Starter
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As much as I would like to consider myself the only teenager that surfs these forums regularly, I know I'm not alone...
Anyways, I'm turning 16 in three months and I am lucky enough to take one of my parent's current cars. (Whichever one I choose, my parents will treat themselves to a new car) My options are honestly really awesome: A 2004 Lexus RX330 (AWD, 77k) and a 2006 Acura TL (Auto, 55k). Don't pull the 'spoiled' card because I am no where near that. I'm a great student, respectful, and more than anything, responsible. I live in a very ritzy part of Florida, where kids my age drive M3s, Benzes, and other crazy expensive cars. I understand this is an Acura forum, and it would be no different if I posted on the ClubLexus forum, but I was wondering if I could get any unbiased recommendations.
The RX330 is in superb condition and is loaded with basically every option available, including the AWD package and technology package (I live in Florida, where the rain is more of an issue than snow). Granted it is a bit older than the TL, but I feel it will hold it's value much better when I am ready to buy a car on my own.
The TL is in good condition, my mom got rear-ended a few years ago and the passenger-side rear bumper is a little uneven due to a crappy fix from Acura (this is my OCD talking, haha) and there are a few scratches around the car (It's Abyss Blue Pearl and dark colors show everything!) Nevertheless, this TL is loaded with everything inside as well.
The tech in the TL is better, as is it's sportiness, but my dad is straining that his RX as a safer bet for a first car, and I agree. Please, any suggestions would be totally cool!
Anyways, I'm turning 16 in three months and I am lucky enough to take one of my parent's current cars. (Whichever one I choose, my parents will treat themselves to a new car) My options are honestly really awesome: A 2004 Lexus RX330 (AWD, 77k) and a 2006 Acura TL (Auto, 55k). Don't pull the 'spoiled' card because I am no where near that. I'm a great student, respectful, and more than anything, responsible. I live in a very ritzy part of Florida, where kids my age drive M3s, Benzes, and other crazy expensive cars. I understand this is an Acura forum, and it would be no different if I posted on the ClubLexus forum, but I was wondering if I could get any unbiased recommendations.
The RX330 is in superb condition and is loaded with basically every option available, including the AWD package and technology package (I live in Florida, where the rain is more of an issue than snow). Granted it is a bit older than the TL, but I feel it will hold it's value much better when I am ready to buy a car on my own.
The TL is in good condition, my mom got rear-ended a few years ago and the passenger-side rear bumper is a little uneven due to a crappy fix from Acura (this is my OCD talking, haha) and there are a few scratches around the car (It's Abyss Blue Pearl and dark colors show everything!) Nevertheless, this TL is loaded with everything inside as well.
The tech in the TL is better, as is it's sportiness, but my dad is straining that his RX as a safer bet for a first car, and I agree. Please, any suggestions would be totally cool!
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#3
Rich and Famous
I went MG Convertible when I was 16.
Your are only 16 once and it was good for girls ... then.
I did not worry about value then.
If I could go back ... would have bought a '69 Hemicuda convertible.
A guy was asking $4 K then in 2002 a similar sold for $2.5 M.
Whatever you buy ... drive safe and elcome aboard.
Your are only 16 once and it was good for girls ... then.
I did not worry about value then.
If I could go back ... would have bought a '69 Hemicuda convertible.
A guy was asking $4 K then in 2002 a similar sold for $2.5 M.
Whatever you buy ... drive safe and elcome aboard.
#4
AZ Community Team
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No.
Get the TL.
Oh, and learn to do your own maint and mods. It's an easy car to do basic work on. It's not just a good "skill", but the experience you'll gain to keep shops from jacking you everytime you show up is invaluable. It'll pay off for a long, long time.
#6
the overexplainer
Welcome. The tl is a better looking car but the rx for all intensive purposes is more practical for a teen. And it has the lexus badge which unfortunately is associated with higher luxury than acura. Plus you wont have to deal with auto trans issues
#7
Three Wheelin'
I'd definitely go with the TL. I don't know what the drivers are like in your area, but here in LA/Orange County, most people who drive a Lexus RX are Asian moms and they're awful drivers. So naturally, I'd pick the TL over the RX. But hey, this is just my opinion.
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TheBandito (01-29-2012)
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#8
Suzuka Master
I just did a Google search of RX330 and they aren't perfect either ... seems like there was electronic & tranny issues too..
AWD is a negative given where you live and the added weight and reduced gas milage.
Now the other thought .. you have prolly noticed there is girls out there ... seems they would be attracted more to a sporty sedan than an SUV.
You mentioned a few flaws in the TL.. are the scratches deep or superficial? You can get a lot of self pride learning how to detail your car and removing, minimizing a lot of these issues. Not only that you could keep up the rest of the family fleet to show your appreciation.
The TL would be a lot easier to modify than the RX330 to personalize it. Gives you incentive to get a part time job and save a little money for mods and the likes.
AWD is a negative given where you live and the added weight and reduced gas milage.
Now the other thought .. you have prolly noticed there is girls out there ... seems they would be attracted more to a sporty sedan than an SUV.
You mentioned a few flaws in the TL.. are the scratches deep or superficial? You can get a lot of self pride learning how to detail your car and removing, minimizing a lot of these issues. Not only that you could keep up the rest of the family fleet to show your appreciation.
The TL would be a lot easier to modify than the RX330 to personalize it. Gives you incentive to get a part time job and save a little money for mods and the likes.
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#9
-Brandon
Thread Starter
I just did a Google search of RX330 and they aren't perfect either ... seems like there was electronic & tranny issues too..
AWD is a negative given where you live and the added weight and reduced gas milage.
Now the other thought .. you have prolly noticed there is girls out there ... seems they would be attracted more to a sporty sedan than an SUV.
You mentioned a few flaws in the TL.. are the scratches deep or superficial? You can get a lot of self pride learning how to detail your car and removing, minimizing a lot of these issues. Not only that you could keep up the rest of the family fleet to show your appreciation.
The TL would be a lot easier to modify than the RX330 to personalize it. Gives you incentive to get a part time job and save a little money for mods and the likes.![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
AWD is a negative given where you live and the added weight and reduced gas milage.
Now the other thought .. you have prolly noticed there is girls out there ... seems they would be attracted more to a sporty sedan than an SUV.
You mentioned a few flaws in the TL.. are the scratches deep or superficial? You can get a lot of self pride learning how to detail your car and removing, minimizing a lot of these issues. Not only that you could keep up the rest of the family fleet to show your appreciation.
The TL would be a lot easier to modify than the RX330 to personalize it. Gives you incentive to get a part time job and save a little money for mods and the likes.
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
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I'd definitely go with the TL. I don't know what the drivers are like in your area, but here in LA/Orange County, most people who drive a Lexus RX are Asian moms and they're awful drivers. So naturally, I'd pick the TL over the RX. But hey, this is just my opinion. ![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Last edited by Steven Bell; 01-29-2012 at 09:28 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
#12
-Brandon
Thread Starter
![Smile](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
In your honest opinion, would you consider the Abyss Blue a girly color? I think I'm just to attached to the silver and grey TL
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Last edited by Steven Bell; 01-29-2012 at 09:29 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
#14
Three Wheelin'
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But I'll admit that having an SUV comes in handy during snowboard trips here in SoCal
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#17
-Brandon
Thread Starter
Well I'll be paying for the gas, a large portion of the insurance, and much of the maintenance. I have my own job, which is pretty good thing so I don't have to baby off of my parents.
#18
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (5)
OP, a word of advice from somebody that was in your shoes three years ago... DO NOT PUT ANYTHING AHEAD OF SCHOOL!! Especially modding your TL (that is if you pick to keep it). Cars, friends, and girlfriends come and go. How you perform in school now will ultimately determine the rest of your life.
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
Last edited by Abe_Froman; 01-29-2012 at 03:26 PM.
#19
-Brandon
Thread Starter
OP, a word of advice from somebody that was in your shoes three years ago... DO NOT PUT ANYTHING AHEAD OF SCHOOL!! Especially modding your TL (that is if you pick to keep it). Cars, friends, and girlfriends come and go. How you perform in school now will ultimately determine the rest of your life.
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#20
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
OP, a word of advice from somebody that was in your shoes three years ago... DO NOT PUT ANYTHING AHEAD OF SCHOOL!! Especially modding your TL (that is if you pick to keep it). Cars, friends, and girlfriends come and go. How you perform in school now will ultimately determine the rest of your life.
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
I know most people are jealous of you because your getting such a nice car at only fifteen years of age, but they should be more jealous of how mature you are at that age. I know I am at least.
As far as which car to choose, take the TL hands down. I mean do you really wanna own a RX330 when you could have owned a TL instead?
![Thumbs Up](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#22
Drifting
My first car...Olds 442, blew the motor, second car, Opel GT, missed a shift, blew the motor...third car, 240Z, great car, never blew the motor, it just turned into a rust bucket. Owned a Z car for the rest of my life up until 3 weeks ago when I bought a 2008 TL, best car I have ever owned...highly recommend it.
#23
takin care of Business in
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Your a teenager and you wanna drive a soccer mom SUV ?
take the TL.....ohh yeah
welcome
take the TL.....ohh yeah
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#24
-Brandon
Thread Starter
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#25
riding low and steady
iTrader: (3)
I think for someone to truly value and appreciate a car is when they can find and buy their first car. But in your circumstance, being a good student and person your being gifted a car. Which by all means is nothing bad if you did everything to deserve it. ABP is not a bad color, look at the team colors, everyone enjoys their respected colors.TEAM Abyss I think almost everyone would say to pick the TL, look through the photography section and you will be blown away by the work that people put in. Besides the lexus is nice but your not buying your own groceries yet lol.
Last edited by dontTL'em'nothing; 01-29-2012 at 05:30 PM.
#26
Suzuka Master
do the seats in the RX fold down? if so thats your answer!
#27
takin care of Business in
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^^^ ![Spit](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/spit.gif)
it is true....but TL front seat offers a lot as well
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#28
the overexplainer
ABP is a beautiful color in the sun and when it's clean, gotten many compliments on it.
That said, i didnt do research on the RX, but if it has trans problems too I guess you cant go wrong with the TL then. It's probably a little smaller and easier to manage than the RX. One thing to look out for though is the turning radius. I dont know if it's worse or better than the RX. I would not be surprised if they were close or if the TL was actually worse.
#30
Racer
I got my TL right before I turned 18. Great car. Of course everyone around here is going to say that!
Now that I am in college, I still have no complaints. I can get 30 mpg traveling back home on the highway and still have plenty of room for all my stuff. I moved just about everything into my dorm using my TL. Minus a couch, and that's where my dads Tundra came in.
Oh and i have never driven the RX, but I have driven a GX470 many times before and the TL is much much more stable at 80 mph than the Lexus. Of course you aren't really comparing apples to apples, but depending on where you go to school and if you commute or not, you'll be much happier with the TL as a highway cruiser than just about any SUV.
Now that I am in college, I still have no complaints. I can get 30 mpg traveling back home on the highway and still have plenty of room for all my stuff. I moved just about everything into my dorm using my TL. Minus a couch, and that's where my dads Tundra came in.
Oh and i have never driven the RX, but I have driven a GX470 many times before and the TL is much much more stable at 80 mph than the Lexus. Of course you aren't really comparing apples to apples, but depending on where you go to school and if you commute or not, you'll be much happier with the TL as a highway cruiser than just about any SUV.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
#31
University of Tennessee
To me, that particular model Lexus has always seemed to me to be more of a female car...just my opinion. But as a teenager, it shouldn't matter much as it will be a hand me down. As far as safety, both cars will be safe. So it's down to your preference. You want to be a more sporty, go with the TL. You want to be a little more snooty, go with the Lexus...lol. I would personally go with the TL.
#32
Racer
Welcome! I got it wrong.. I would have guessed that your mom drove the RX and your dad drove the TL. Who wears the pants in the family? j/k
As a first car, you're lucky to have such choices. But it comes down to your needs.
Lexus: AWD is probably not too useful down there in FL. Being in a bigger vehicle is both a plus and a minus. The plus is you're less likely to be injured in an accident. The minus is that you're a bigger hazzard on the road (sorry, you are 16 years old, after all). Depending on your cargo needs, the RX may be more flexible.
TL: Better looking IMO. Sportier and better tech for the same year. Easier to learn to drive in since it is smaller.
As a first car, you're lucky to have such choices. But it comes down to your needs.
Lexus: AWD is probably not too useful down there in FL. Being in a bigger vehicle is both a plus and a minus. The plus is you're less likely to be injured in an accident. The minus is that you're a bigger hazzard on the road (sorry, you are 16 years old, after all). Depending on your cargo needs, the RX may be more flexible.
TL: Better looking IMO. Sportier and better tech for the same year. Easier to learn to drive in since it is smaller.
#33
Racer
Point being, SUV's have a higher, no, MUCH higher center of gravity than the TL. So they are much easier to flip. I know it has probably happened, but I have seen many members post pictures of accidents on here and i havent seen a rollover yet. (knock on wood)
#35
-Brandon
Thread Starter
I got my TL right before I turned 18. Great car. Of course everyone around here is going to say that!
Now that I am in college, I still have no complaints. I can get 30 mpg traveling back home on the highway and still have plenty of room for all my stuff. I moved just about everything into my dorm using my TL. Minus a couch, and that's where my dads Tundra came in.
Oh and i have never driven the RX, but I have driven a GX470 many times before and the TL is much much more stable at 80 mph than the Lexus. Of course you aren't really comparing apples to apples, but depending on where you go to school and if you commute or not, you'll be much happier with the TL as a highway cruiser than just about any SUV.![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Now that I am in college, I still have no complaints. I can get 30 mpg traveling back home on the highway and still have plenty of room for all my stuff. I moved just about everything into my dorm using my TL. Minus a couch, and that's where my dads Tundra came in.
Oh and i have never driven the RX, but I have driven a GX470 many times before and the TL is much much more stable at 80 mph than the Lexus. Of course you aren't really comparing apples to apples, but depending on where you go to school and if you commute or not, you'll be much happier with the TL as a highway cruiser than just about any SUV.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
Wow! Awesome to know of other teens on the site! Glad to see I'm not alone.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 01-29-2012 at 09:30 PM. Reason: Merged Posts.
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mY sLOW UA6 (01-29-2012)
#38
Instructor
Get the Tl. the 2004 Lexus RX330 is more for a young girl. women like a lot this type of cars. Get the tl and treat it good.
Good luck and dont speed and do proper mantainance to it and youll have a car for many years.
Good luck and dont speed and do proper mantainance to it and youll have a car for many years.
#39
Three Wheelin'
To be honest I'm just the opposite, I actually like the lip better. But I ust got a roof spoiler so hopefully after I install that I will like the look better.