Which car. Any car enthusiasts here? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Which car. Any car enthusiasts here?

ravensix

ravensix

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Instead of asking on car specific forums to find only biased opinions, I'm asking you guys here.

So I started to look into some newer cars (2009+) and I have narrowed it to a few specific cars... Lexus IS250 RWD (in 6 spd manual), Audi A4 2.0t quattro, and Acura TSX. These cars are going to be 2009 or newer in age, 3 very different types of cars and different driving dynamics.

I test drove the Lexus, first impression... nice car, calm and comfortable feel, slow, smooth, steady. Transmission is smooth and shift is smooth as butter too (may be due to the fact the one I test drove had less than 70k on it)

Acura... I am very familiar with Acura/Honda, I come from a family that some how... every member owns a Honda or Acura and I had driven in the older model TSX 6spd manual. So I believe that Acura wont be a bad choice in the end.

The Audi... I have never driven ANY German cars befor, I dont know anyone personally who owns the 2.0l a4 quattro, So my question is for those here who have. Are these cars worth it? Or is it just the Name you pay for?

I found a couple of used ones and they are within my price range and with less than 80k on it. I have read mixed reviews on this car, some say its Audis best engine, and some say these cars are only good to lease for 5 years and not worry about anything.

Btw, these are my choices of cars for the simple fact that I'm just looking for an all around practical car for all seasons all year, worry free, last me a while, commuter.

What to do? Which to chose? I never knew I could be so indecisive wen doing car shopping LOL. My bike I just loved the looks of R6 - So I got that. But this car needs to last me for years to come.

Car guys, UNITE !!! please chime inn :D
 
Good call, no biased opinions here.
 
I personally hate the new(er) design of the TSX/TL's, I've driven a couple of the 04+ models and they still drive like a Honda. Not bad, but not phenomenal. The ride quality of a Lexus or Audi is far above and beyond the Honda, much smoother/quiter ride. I was driving an A4 for a while and really enjoyed it. However, if I was in your position, I'd also consider the BMW 335 coupé. 6 speed, twin turbo and 300 HP stock? Yes please! I'm actually considering one myself.

If you don't care about high performance and want a trouble free car that is stylish and holds a strong resale value, get the Lexus.
 
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Mina said:
I personally hate the new(er) design of the TSX/TL's, I've driven a couple of the 04+ models and they still drive like a Honda. Not bad, but not phenomenal. The ride quality of a Lexus or Audi is far above and beyond the Honda, much smoother/quiter ride. I was driving an A4 for a while and really enjoyed it. However, if I was in your position, I'd also consider the BMW 335 coupé. 6 speed, twin turbo and 300 HP stock? Yes please! I'm actually considering one myself.
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Lol, I agree with the 335ci. BMW and an I6 turbo, oh hells yah!

But however, my budget is around 22g and I'm not too sure how practical a 335 would be, I'm coming from a coupe and now looking for a sedan. and im pretty sure the used 335ci are pretty pricy still no?
 
for the type of driving I do, i'd want comfort. spending an hour in a chair - it better be a comfortable chair. (consider volvo)

everything is stop and go, cruise in a straight line, or navigating parking lots. Driving is boring.

comfort is very important.
 
Hmm also Just thought about the BMW 335D diesel.

Im fairly confident any Japanese car would last me easly over 400,000k but what about the newer German engines?
 
If maintained properly audi/vw are great cars. That said they can be pricey if things go wrong but so would anything you've chosen. I love the look of the let us personally. The tsx would be out. Doesn't compare to either other car and they fugly :D
 
Roomie said:
If maintained properly audi/vw are great cars. That said they can be pricey if things go wrong but so would anything you've chosen. I love the look of the let us personally. The tsx would be out. Doesn't compare to either other car and they fugly :D
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Its the front grille LOL. The chrome reminds me of Saturn designs on the front part. Kind of tacky but I only considered that since you can get a fairly new one with pretty low km for a decent price. It would be my last choice if I cant find anything lol.
 
ravensix said:
Lol, I agree with the 335ci. BMW and an I6 turbo, oh hells yah!

But however, my budget is around 22g and I'm not too sure how practical a 335 would be, I'm coming from a coupe and now looking for a sedan. and im pretty sure the used 335ci are pretty pricy still no?
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I think with your budget and requirements, the Lexus IS250 is the best choice - but that's before factoring maintenance. I have not driven the stick shift, but I found the car to be extremely smooth and well put together (i.e. no creaks and squeaks that are very common for japanese cars). Subtle looks, progressive power delivery and quiet/comfortable drive - which is what I look for in a daily driver - no added drama. With RWD and stick shift, I'm sure you can have some fun with it too.

Edmunds has a good car maintenance review if you want to have a peek:
http://www.edmunds.com/audi/a4/2010/tco.html?style=101186696&zip=90210

2010 Audi A4 2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo AWD 6-speed Manual


Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$2,773$2,434$2,141$1,899$1,703$10,950
Taxes & Fees$1,688$132$116$102$90$2,128
Financing$658$523$383$236$85$1,885
Fuel$2,436$2,509$2,584$2,662$2,742$12,933
Insurance$2,050$2,122$2,196$2,273$2,353$10,994
Maintenance$1,484$602$589$1,402$704$4,781
Repairs$1,356$1,462$1,574$1,693$1,821$7,906
True Cost to Own ®$12,445$9,784$9,583$10,267$9,498$51,577


2010 Acura TSX 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-speed Manual

5 Year Details

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$2,060$1,807$1,590$1,409$1,264$8,130
Taxes & Fees$1,438$118$107$96$87$1,846
Financing$558$444$324$201$71$1,598
Fuel$2,647$2,727$2,808$2,893$2,979$14,054
Insurance$1,912$1,979$2,048$2,120$2,194$10,253
Maintenance$742$783$400$1,153$569$3,647
Repairs$576$620$668$719$771$3,354
True Cost to Own ®$9,933$8,478$7,945$8,591$7,935$42,882


2014 Lexus IS 250 (2.5L V6 6-speed Automatic)



5 Year Details

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$7,923$3,922$3,452$3,058$2,745$21,100
Taxes & Fees$3,549$234$209$186$167$4,345
Financing$1,372$1,089$797$493$176$3,927
Fuel$2,537$2,614$2,692$2,773$2,856$13,472
Insurance$2,738$2,834$2,933$3,036$3,142$14,683
Maintenance$535$1,114$1,060$2,778$3,104$8,591
Repairs$0$0$0$429$658$1,087
Tax Credit$0$0
True Cost to Own ®$18,654$11,807$11,143$12,753$12,848$67,205


I used 90210 as the zip code. Not sure how accurate the results are.
 
Dresden said:
I think with your budget and requirements, the Lexus IS250 is the best choice - but that's before factoring maintenance. I have not driven the stick shift, but I found the car to be extremely smooth and well put together (i.e. no creaks and squeaks that are very common for japanese cars). Subtle looks, progressive power delivery and quiet/comfortable drive - which is what I look for in a daily driver - no added drama. With RWD and stick shift, I'm sure you can have some fun with it too.

Edmunds has a good car maintenance review if you want to have a peek:
http://www.edmunds.com/audi/a4/2010/tco.html?style=101186696&zip=90210

2010 Audi A4 2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo AWD 6-speed Manual


Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$2,773$2,434$2,141$1,899$1,703$10,950
Taxes & Fees$1,688$132$116$102$90$2,128
Financing$658$523$383$236$85$1,885
Fuel$2,436$2,509$2,584$2,662$2,742$12,933
Insurance$2,050$2,122$2,196$2,273$2,353$10,994
Maintenance$1,484$602$589$1,402$704$4,781
Repairs$1,356$1,462$1,574$1,693$1,821$7,906
True Cost to Own ®$12,445$9,784$9,583$10,267$9,498$51,577


2010 Acura TSX 2.4L 4-cyl. 6-speed Manual

5 Year Details

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$2,060$1,807$1,590$1,409$1,264$8,130
Taxes & Fees$1,438$118$107$96$87$1,846
Financing$558$444$324$201$71$1,598
Fuel$2,647$2,727$2,808$2,893$2,979$14,054
Insurance$1,912$1,979$2,048$2,120$2,194$10,253
Maintenance$742$783$400$1,153$569$3,647
Repairs$576$620$668$719$771$3,354
True Cost to Own ®$9,933$8,478$7,945$8,591$7,935$42,882


2014 Lexus IS 250 (2.5L V6 6-speed Automatic)



5 Year Details

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 55 Yr Total
Depreciation$7,923$3,922$3,452$3,058$2,745$21,100
Taxes & Fees$3,549$234$209$186$167$4,345
Financing$1,372$1,089$797$493$176$3,927
Fuel$2,537$2,614$2,692$2,773$2,856$13,472
Insurance$2,738$2,834$2,933$3,036$3,142$14,683
Maintenance$535$1,114$1,060$2,778$3,104$8,591
Repairs$0$0$0$429$658$1,087
Tax Credit$0$0
True Cost to Own ®$18,654$11,807$11,143$12,753$12,848$67,205


I used 90210 as the zip code. Not sure how accurate the results are.
Click to expand...


Thanks! I was trying to find something similar to this breakdown.
 
Acura styling is whacked, plus FWD. Lexus is boy racer, Audi is gorgeous, AWD and turbocharged engine responds very nicely to chip upgrade . Winner=Audi
 
DJM said:
Acura styling is whacked, plus FWD. Lexus is boy racer, Audi is gorgeous, AWD and turbocharged engine responds very nicely to chip upgrade . Winner=Audi
Click to expand...


Will it last me at least 5 years worry free?
 
ravensix said:
Thanks! I was trying to find something similar to this breakdown.
Click to expand...

Use 14902 as a ZIP, gives better idea as they have seasons (Elmira,NY vs Beverly Hills,CA)
 
nfq said:
If you want worry free, get a corolla.
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Good call, still I just want a pretty decent car that wont break my wallet owning it for a few years. But not such a low end car like Corolla or Fit or w.e lol
 
ravensix said:
Good call, still I just want a pretty decent car that wont break my wallet owning it for a few years. But not such a low end car like Corolla or Fit or w.e lol
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If you just want it for a couple of years, why not lease?
$500/mth puts you in a new 3 series, under warranty. AND they include the maintenance the first 4 years/80K km.

I'm biased, I had an A4 for 8 years. I'm a fan of the German cars, but for plainness and just 'retarded brother on the farm simplicity' that goes to Honda.

There are some great deals to be had on 328XI's in the 2009+ range that are within your budget.
 
ravensix said:
Will it last me at least 5 years worry free?
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Flip a coin.

Personally I wouldn't buy a used Audi.

IS250 is probably the best buy from price/performance/reliability standpoint.
 
nfq said:
If you just want it for a couple of years, why not lease?
$500/mth puts you in a new 3 series, under warranty. AND they include the maintenance the first 4 years/80K km.

I'm biased, I had an A4 for 8 years. I'm a fan of the German cars, but for plainness and just 'retarded brother on the farm simplicity' that goes to Honda.

There are some great deals to be had on 328XI's in the 2009+ range that are within your budget.
Click to expand...


Lease wouldnt be a bad idea, Plan B lol
 
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