mark_12345

Had a fun weekend. Random thoughts on our test drive....

Criteria was mainly 4-door, front or AWD for about $32K or less. What was available around my area were Audis, BMWs, Lexus, Acuras, MB, Volvos and Infinitis. We had time to test drove the following cars: 2005 Volvo S40 T5, Acura TSX, Audi 1.8T & 3.0.

I was impressed with all 3 cars, especially the S40. The interior and exterior of the new S40 is excellent in a small package. Volvo has done an outstanding job to say the least. The instrument panel was pretty cool too. In terms of performance, its as good or better then the TSX in handling and power (216HP vs 200HP). I can't wait for the S40 R version (if one exist)

Audi pays alot of attention to detail. The handling is on par or even better then some of the BMW 3 Series models. The Audi's were very cool indeed.

The TSX was nice but oh hum exterior styling didn't really do it for me either. We currently own 2001 3.2CL that I think is better in performance, style and overall package. We use to own a 1999 3.2TL. If your in the market for a used Acura, 3.2CL/TL or better value IMO of course.

We never really considered G35 because there is something odd about its styling, especially the front and rear. It looks out of proportion or something and I've never really been fond of Nissan/Infinitis (except the G35C).

So from my test drive this weekend, here is how I would rank them in terms of performance and styling.

Audi 3.0 > S40 T5 > TSX > Audi 1.8T

This order would probably change if the S40 R version is released.

carquest

be careful regarding the volvos. i've found a lot of quality/reliability complaints while researching the S60/S80. most owners claim the performance and features are quite good. but the number of problems/complaints puts them squarely in the "almost as good as detroit" column for cost of ownership.

good luck with whatever you choose.

mark_12345

Any thoughts on the TSX?

I ask because I was really impress with the overall package for $27K+.

It just seemed like the TSX is just a 4 door RSX. No personality?

Infamous425

TSX is overpriced

mark_12345

I agree the TSX is overpriced.

I think if the TSX was priced $23K fully loaded, then hands down for the money the TSX would be a great deal.

So if price was an issue and the TSX was at $23K then my choice would be:

TSX > Audi 3.0 > S40

But if used cars was in the equation...

2001+ 3.2CL > ALL

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

If you can find one try the new Chrysler 300. Yes it's a Chrysler, however it's a MB underneith.

darrinb

isnt a tsx alomost 30k?? go with a demo 04tl

Infamous425

pretty gay how a 4 banger TSX costs more than a fully loaded v6 accord

pimpscls

the tsx is indeed overpriced and should be given some steroids, performance wise. Maybe dropping in a 3.2 type-s engine as a sports divison, but that wont happen... They should do something about that overpriced slug, the only thing it has is the nice interior

jruss9819

I too had a fun filled weekend of test driving/ checking out cars. I was also looking for similar cars. The criteria consisting of AWD or RWD in the 25-35k range with good to excellent performance. So far I have driven S2000, WRX, WRX STi, G35 sedan w/ 6speed(no G35Cs available w/ 6speeds ). I also checked out the RX8, GTO(5k market value adjustment to 39k ), T5, CTS and A4.

I have a tenative deal for a G35C 6speed once I hear about my current car. But I have to say after driving the STi I have to say that the mother had balls.....big ol' balls. I can't spot thinking about that car for some reason. If that was the car I choose though that big ass wing has got to go.

Note: After looking at the CTS I wanted to say how in the hell do they sell those things. A CTS with the 3.6L with 5speed with any kind of opts the price is around 40k. For that kind of money I'd get the A4 3.0, 330i or a G35 with about 5k left over. I just don;t know what Caddy is thinking. They should be looking at how Acura and Infinitis maketing is doing things. And knock 5k off the price.

carquest

jruss9829. if you're willing to go over $40K check out the infiniti M45. wicked engine. well crafted. i thought the steering was heavy & slow. i want a car that will go around corners at speed as well as in a straight line. if you can live with the price and the steering response its worth a look.

i'm still struggling to find a car under ~$40K which has good quality & reliability, decent room - with a back seat, good performance, ABS & Side curtain airbags, and acceptable feature content. haven't found the right car yet.

good luck.

F23A4

Ditto here: the wife and I went convertable shopping this weekend.

Drove a 97 MB SL500. Suprisingly, it seemed to have less sub 2k rpm balls than my Maxima. But MAN!! Beyond that it RIPS!!! Alas, its only a 2-seater and the wife want at least some sort of useable backseat.

The Volvo C70 was was pretty impressive but, it needed a bit more horsepower to haul its 3500lb heft. But VERY nice car; definitely exceeded my expectations. At $44G (242hp HPT model), it was a little pricey IMO. Wife loved it.

We checked out a Toyotal Solara convertable. That easily had the best price (@ $32G w/Navi) and it's built well but not as solid as the C70 (but that did MSRP for $12G more). The wife felt that it had no personality. But then I told her that it is a Japanese car and for the most part very few Japanese makes have "personality" (exc. maybe NSX, S2k and Z) but make up for it in quality (generally). Sidenote: had a chance to checkout the Mazdaspeed MX5 and MR-S Spyder---MRS is actually quicker still but both are no S2k (which itself costs $10G more)

This upcoming weekend, we'll be checking out the 9-3 and 325i verts.

For the first time EVER, my wife had fun car shopping. (something about 'tanning in style!?!' ...dunno. )

Peace.

JRock

Some comments on the topic post:

Volvo auto transmissions are garbage - stay away.
S40 is pretty dinky and under-optioned/under-powered in its HO turbo model. Should crank at LEAST 250hp.

Audi 3.0 A4 is overpriced for the size of the car you end up with. The 1.8T is an awesome car but it needs to about 50 more hp (which would still only make it 220hp) at the same price to be worth it.

The TSX might just be my next commuter car. While I think it's low on power, it has everything else I'd want in an automatic entry-level luxury car, and for the price I don't see anything else out there I'd want.

If I was open to RWD things would be different, but I'm not and I'd also prefer to go cheap than to spend a lot more for a G35 AWD Sedan or A4 1.8T Quattro w/ packages to end up with not much more and in the G35's case, a car I'm not really fond of inside or out, or in the Audi's case, a car that likely will see more time in the shop than the Acura will.