Tannis

I went shopping again today and figured Audi might be a good stopping point since they've come quite a way in reliability. Albeit, not as great as Honda, but still, not too terrible either.

I drove an A4, the only one I'm willing to afford at this time @ $38,095 sticker price with options. Not bad options either I might add. Wheels were very nice and the ride was such that I didn't have the urge or need to change ANYTHING. Unlike the my TSX, I want to change every single characteristic that the car won't even qualify as an Acura when I'm done with it.

Dealer offered $23,500 for my '10 TSX base model with 18k miles and mods. I have roughly $8k in equity to play with and additional cash for d/p.

My question is this... Would any of you make this jump? If yes, why? If no, why? Be cruel if you must. I'm looking for facts and opinions from my fellow Acura/Honda owners. I'm trying to figure out if this is really necessary right now or if I should wait to get something REALLY nice for when I get out of college in four years or so. I imagine keeping the TSX for school might be the best option due to lower maintenance costs. Think I'm getting too far ahead of myself?

Thanks in advance for you input!

MR1

Changing cars is generally a very poor and money losing decision. Taking the depreciation hit on a nearly new car increases the loss. In the situation you describe I would not do it. Your money, your decision though.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I do LOVE the A4s, and my gf has 2010 A4 Avant.

But in your case, I say just keep your TSX.

S14 n Tsx

Is Audi your first and last stop?
Why not check out any other competitive brands?

sounds like you already answered your own question by keeping it would be a better decision.

Keep it.

DaChef320

iTrader: (1)

trading in a TSX for an Audi A4 is not much of an upgrade and your taking a big lost on trading in i say keep your TSX

ostrich

Are you getting a loan? Or do you have cash? I see that you're 30 and you still have 4 more years in college, so I imagine that you worked for a while and now you are going back to school? Whatever it is, esp. in this economy, save the cash. There is no sense in getting an A4 now - after you have got it, you will find something better and nicer soon and then you will be tempted to change again. Don't get into that habit. Also, if you plan to keep the A4 for a while, you will need to be prepared to pay for the high maintenance costs. The 2010 TSX is plenty nice already. I don't understand why you want to change everything about it - did you not test drive it or know about its characteristics when you bought it? Good luck with your decision.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Audi's have always intrigued me. I wouldn't mind trying one out myself, but you'll miss the Honda/Acura reliability. I don't think Audi comes close, in that regard.

Tannis

Thanks everyone for your responses. It was a much needed reality check. And yes, I worked right out of high school, went to college, almost became a cop but went into the military instead, and now going back to school as soon as I'm out. I figure four years since I'm changing my entire major. lol! Hope that clarifies things. And yes I test drove it (the Acura) and loved it But now I have the modding bug. :-o Thanks again everyone.

NwTSXmt

keep what you got....

mrmako

Keep the TSX. Your college should be covered by GI Bill/college fund. And the TSX is nice, so stick with it and wait.

Plus, if you go drive an S4, you won't want an A4. Save up for the better car.

oo7spy

Keep the car you have, graduate, then get a bad ass car. Audi's are nice cars, but nothing about an A4 appeals to me. If you do go with Audi, make sure it is under warranty for as long as you plan to own it.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

You can also do a search in Car Talk as there is tons of info about Audi's, and even an Official Audi thread...

FWIW, the A4's have come a looooong way. Ours was as reliable as our Acura's were. Generally with the Germans, the higher the class, the lower the reliablity... so the A4 is good, A6 is average, A8 is below average... etc. They are getting better and you'd be fine with an A4. One other thing is that Audi is more of a premier luxury brand whereas Acura is an entry level luxury brand... so completely different ownership experience. With that in mind, factory in higher maintenance costs as well. You gotta pay to play.

That said, based on what you have typed, doesn't seem to make sense for you get a new car. Save your money...

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Your TSX is relatively new, if I were you I wouldn't change it, especially not for a A4? Doesn't seem like a significant step up to justify the equity loss and increased cost of ownership.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Many people just don't get this. I had Acura for a long time, and I've been driving Audi for about a 1.5 years. It just feel so different.

1killercls

S4 ? A4?

charliemike

Used for used makes so much more sense to me unless you're going to put 7 or 8 years into the A4.

oonowindoo

Normally i would say "you only live once, why not. Cars are not investments, if you can justify the cost, why not"

But in this case, from a TSX to a base A4 is really not worth it... go get a S4 or RS4, you only live once u know...

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

keep the TSX

I agree with everyone else if u get an audi, get a S4 or RS4

charliemike

I disagree that a 4-cyl TSX to an A4 isn't a step up. It's a big step. The A4 is a better car and with an APR tune it's going to have a lot more juice.

I wouldn't even think twice about doing it as long as you're going to keep it for a long time. Otherwise go used.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

^ I disagree as well. But, some people just don't get that. Don't start!

charliemike

Poorly worded. I would definitely do it if you're going to keep it a long time.

Saintor

Consider a loaded GLI 2012.

Interior is updated and rear suspension is independent. It is essentially an Euro-spec Jetta that we didn't get last year.

neuronbob

Back in college, eh? Keep the TSX until you are financially stable (e.g. a job after you graduate). That would be a poor use of funds to swap out unless your TSX is a lemon.

In addition, after you get to know the A4, which is a wonderful car, you will be hit with the mod bug again. The mod bug never, ever leaves you once you understand what it is.

S14 n Tsx

how you do go from 34k car to 60k to 80k car? lol.

Unless you are talking about used RS4...

mrmako

Well, totaled out the A4 (as the OP stated) was $38K. So my suggestion was to wait, save money, and then dig deep for an S4 ($48K start).

I think Flipster was playing off of my take.