Time to go car shopping...............

D

DETAILKING

New member
Well, I have my bmw up for sale. I am looking at a few slightly used cars just being that used car depreciation is so bad I figure why not take advantage of that and get a good deal.



I narrowed it down to a 2004 330i with the ZHP performance package, 6 speed manual. I found a few that are certified 6 yr 100K miles for around 35K (sticker in 2004 was 42-43K). These cars have about 8-12K miles on them.



I started looking at 6 speed Acura TL's. Since they hold their value's well a 2004 used is only like 2K cheaper than a new one. I can get a new one with no navi for around 31500. I have not drove the TL yet, and I am just worried it may be too long (big) and not handle like my bmw. It should have plenty of power though with the 270HP V6. I am going to try and test drive one next week. I would probably get silver or grey with black leather.



What do you guys think? I am torn between the BMW which I know I will like becuase it is everything my current 325i is and more, but they just changed the styling for 2006 so I am thinking that I might not be happy with it for 2-3 more yrs. The acura is nice, but I don't know how the FWD feeling will fly with me after driving RWD cars for 9+ yrs now. I have to admit a new TL is a very good value. What do you guys think about navi?
 
I'm not a navigation system person but if it's a feature you've grown quite accustomed to, I'd seek one out on your next vehicle. I went from driving FWD to an AWD and I can still easily switch back and forth so I'm not sure how big a deal a switch from RWD to FWD will really be over time. :nixweiss
 
Bill D said:
I'm not a navigation system person...
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Sure Bill...just rub in that you're still young enough to remember where you are going! :(





DETAILKING said:
I started looking at 6 speed Acura TL's. Since they hold their value's well a 2004 used is only like 2K cheaper than a new one.
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Yeah, I found that with the RSX's...I got a new leftover for about the same price as a used one.
 
When we bought our 2000 Odyssey we got the navi option and *I* think it's priceless. You pretty much NEVER need directions and have a yellow pages on wheels with you at all times. With the Honda navi system you get phone numbers along with the address. When you're looking for a particular place and not near home you have no trouble finding it (ATM's, market, food, gas, lodging, hospitals, police and so forth). The newer Honda systems are voice activated and even more of a joy to use. I have used Lexus, Cadillac and iDrive and find the Honda system hands down more user friendly than the others.



As far as the handling between the TL and 3 series, I'd say that while there is a difference I don't think it worth the price between the two cars for every day street driving unless you don't mind spending some time in a cell.



These are MY opinions and others are subject to having differing opinions.
 
We have an Anthracite/Ebony 04 TL with the Navigation system. In 2004, we picked it up for $32,450, the sticker is $35,100. In 2005, you can still get a brand new one with NAVI for $32,000, give or take a few hundred. So I would suggest going for that price, folks are getting non-Navi's for low $30k. I don't drive yet, :) but my dad loves it, and even though RWD would've have been nice, with the winters here in Wisconsin he didn't see it as an option, and the FWD w/Traction Control handles it nicely. You'll love the NAVI, it's voice activated and has saved us many many times. The dash looks bare without it. I thought the TL was a steal for everything that is standard, the only complaint we have is seat comfort (a little firm/flat for our liking, but my mom likes it).
 
I just bought a 2005 TL in Satin Silver with black leather. I find it to be an excellent car. I have driven FWD cars since my first car, so I don't mind it. I actually prefer the firm seats to the soft ones in our Accord's. The power is great and the stereo continues to amaze me. I wanted a six speed but I got an automatic because 90% of my drive is in traffic and I wanted my wife to be able to drive it as well. I didn't bother with Navigation since I am always driving it to work and back. That and I keep my cars, and I have already started hearing about hard drive failures and touch screens going bad. That is just my opinion. I also find the 330i to be a great car. I think they are pricey for what they offer, but a used one sounds like a good deal.
 
When I bought mine, it was the best bang for the buck IMO. I felt a little too tucked into the 3 series. I would have had to wait another 3 months to get the color and navi combo I wanted, so I didn't get the navi. Didn't have 3 months as my prior Volvo was on it's way out....really bad..... Anyway, I wish I got the Navi looking back at it.



This is my first FWD car. It "feels" a little different. Kinda hard to explain. I think you will notice the change going from RWD to FWD, but you'll get use to it after a while. I do notice that it handles a lot better in the snow and ice. I use to not be a fan of things like anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability assistance, etc. But the VSA once saved my butt in the rain. I was impressed.



Keep this in mind. My previous car had no A/C, a leaking roof (with bonus small pond in the back), barely any horsepower, a feature called "sometimes" radio, rear defroster was a towel tied on a stick and would die in the middle of the road from time to time.....so any new car would've probably made me happy. A/C is such an amazing invention.....my previous 3 cars did not have it.....I'm so spoiled now. :D
 
Drive both and decide. Whether the front wheel drive vs. the rear wheel drive will bother you depends on how and where you drive. While the Acura is a nice handling car there is torque steer on even somewhat aggressive acceleration, which may or may not bothered you. Also the weight and the weight distribution contribute to the handling feel of the car. The BMW weights less and has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution (compared to the Acura’s 60/40). When you combine the weight, the weight distribution and the fwd vs. rwd, you can really feel the difference on twisty roads (even at legal speeds) when you push the car.. While the Acura is a good handling car it does not feel as nimble or as quick as the BMW when driven back to back. The last thought is the steering feedback. The BMW offers excellent feedback and just the right amount of effort in my opinion, while the Acura is some what isolated and over assisted for my taste. If the car will be driven in stop and go traffic and/or commuter driving then the differences may not matter and the Acura is arguably the more comfortable and easier to drive car. However, if “sporty� driving is part of the equation I think you will miss the telepathic feel of the 3-series.
 
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