bahbuu

Hi, I'm going to buy my first car in a couple of months (hopefully by end of May latest)
(Finished University, and found a job for the upcoming September)

After much thought, I've scaled down my selection to two cars.

1) New - Civic Sedan (Sport trim, the one below EXL)
2) Used - 05~08 TSX (I don't like the new design at all, and plus it's over my budget to get the new one anyway)
- I searched for used cars on autotrader.ca , are there any better sources?

I originally thought of Civic only, but a new civic is around the same (or more) in price, compared to a used TSX
Why civic?
- Good starting car
- Not too expensive
- Great fuel economy
- Kinda fun to drive + compact

I would greatly appreciate if I could get any opinions from you guys to help me on the decision. :p

- Would a new Civic be a better choice?
- Is a used TSX reliable?
- Should I buy the used TSX in used-auto dealers? Acura dealers? Private sale?
- What should I look out for?
- How much should I likely pay? - i.e. for a low-mid mileage car... 40 - 80km? What is considered high mileage, so I should stay away from?
- I will be using the car for at least the next 3-4 years... will it be reliable enough?

I've read through tons of threads in this/other forums to help me ><. Got a few key info:
- Acura Dealer's 'certified' program = bs... but maybe help get a "peace of mind", but is it really not more reliable to get an Acura "certified" used car?
- 360 Auto Service = a highly reputable mechanic for TSX -- how much would they likely charge for a whole car check-up (if I were to take a used TSX there to check before I buy)

Apologies for this long post, but would really need some help for my decision >_< as I came to Canada (Toronto) from Hong Kong a few years ago (for University, and now since I have a job offer, I'm staying for a couple of years more at least) and I don't have any relatives/family over here... so hard to get experienced advice... lol

Thanks in advance!!!

bahbuu

i don't know how to edit my post, but i meant to say 40,000 - 80,000 km mileage lol.. not 40 - 80km

MrFluffy

I would always go used but not too used cause in the first month the cars value loses so much

I would try

autocatch.com
Kijiji.ca

gnuts

iTrader: (1)

You'll have more fun driving the TSX. It's faster and with a few suspension upgrades probably handles quite well. I'd go for the manual as it's more fun and probably has better gas milage then the auto. Both cars have Honda reliability. There's no reason either car should not get well past 10 years of service. As for pricing, check auto trader for listings and you'll get an idea of what each car is selling for, and what milage they have.

I've never liked private sales as you get no option for warranty. With an Acura dealer or a used car dealer you can bargain in an extended warranty. I've also heard good things about 360 Auto. Good luck.

idolize

1st Gen TSX = 100% Japanese Made and Assembled .... now thats hard to come by...

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

With the Civic, you really dont have to worry about taking a huge depreciation hit after buying it. Plus you get a warranty. The Civic also takes regular unleaded, the TSX requires premium. The TSX has a better interior. It looks more grown up.

The Civic EX sells for about $20k new. Its a solid, reliable car. The TSX holds its value rather well, and for the years youre looking at youre going to spend about the same on it.

Its also easier to get a better APR on a new car then it is a used car, and insurance rates on the Civic should be better.

Basically, are you looking for an entry level luxury car with decent gas mileage or a car with excellent gas mileage, resale value, and a warranty?

MrFluffy

I agree with the APR

pimpin-tl

We have a Civic EX-L, even though it's loaded, you can tell it is cheaper made vs the TSX. I would highly recommend getting the TSX. Even though it is slightly used, it is very reliable. My TL-S was a 07 with 30k, mint condition CPO from the dealer, and has been perfect.

Ibn Rushd

We crossed a used TSX, New Civic and New Corolla, almost exactly what you're doing now.

We ended up going with the Corolla because it was new and we were tired of Honda....but now I wish we had sucked it up and went for the TSX. Definitely much better all around.

All 3 cars were coming at the same price, the TSX was a 2006 TSX Auto for about 20k...mileage was 60k km

MrFluffy

Toyotas are over rated and over priced in my opinion

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

And they like to drive themselves

98JDMCL

TSX's...there is no comparison with a civic...You will love it in the long run...ive drove civic's and id prob only take a Civic SI over a TSX thats all.

ladiesman217

Bahbuu, if you are interested I have my TL for sale at $24,000. I know this maybe a couple grand out of your budget but we can negotiate. Let me know if you are interested, I can let you know more about the car.

idolize

jus a side note... i work in insurance...Civics and Corollas are the highest rated vehicles...but thats a whole different topic....

MasaNic

agreed. I would take the civic si over the TSX is you are looking to tune the car. Much more potential and parts are easy to get on the si. If you are not looking to do much to the car, speed is not a factor and you are looking for more luxure I would definately go with the tsx. Question though, why not opt for a 04-05 Acura TL. They are in the same price range for the most part and are a huge upgrade IMO.

mksliao

I'd take a TSX over civic, few yrs from now when you look at the A on the grill it will still stand out compared to a civic. All Acura's i feel have the bold look and styling that you can live with over time, i just replaced my 97 cl with 03 cl, and in the process i looked at accords, impreza's and civics and i know for sure 3 years later i'd still like the look of my car. I went from 2 Integras to my 2nd CL and i loved them all.

snesmario

I initially was about to get a Civic Sport brand new, I then test drove a used TL and never looked back at the Civic again.

If you are patient and not in a rush, you will find a good condition used TSX or TL for less than what that brand new Civic is going for

ichi d

get a tsx or a tl..... dont waste your time with a civic.....

esco786

iTrader: (2)

i think tsx's are overpriced but i would def. take a tsx over civic any day. You'll get bored of your civic the day after.