[Obsideon]

Hello everyone,

A close friend of mine recently asked me this question and it has peaked my interest to see what the opinions of the general Revscene population here would make of it and if they have any suggestions or advice that I could pass along that would be great too.

He's got a stable full-time office job, it's nothing outstanding but the pay is okay. It's not great, but it's not bad either. I'm also fairly positive that he doesn't have many other financial obligations at the moment.

His budget is roughly around the mid 20's, give or take a few.
He has been casually shopping around for a car for a while now and has narrowed it down to a couple choices.

- Brand new 2012 fully-loaded Mazda3
- Used 2009-2011 Acura TSX

He mentioned that he also has interest in a Acura TL but it's obviously a bit more expensive than the TSX and he doesn't know if it's worth the extra cash.

Now last week he was surprised by a proposition from his dad. His dad's 2009 Mercedez Benz CLK550 lease is over and he asked him if he wanted to just buy-out the rest of the car or he was just going to return it. I think the buy-out was around 30k.

Now he's asking me if it's "worth it" to take the CLK since it's still fairly new, in great shape, barely logged any clicks on it. He knows his dad took good care of it as well, never abused the engine.
I did a quick Craigslist search and there weren't any references to go by so I'm not sure what to tell him in this regard.

I think a big factor for him would be that he wouldn't need to physically go from listing to listing and to shop around constantly trying to find the "right car for the right price" and the peace of mind that the previous owner hasn't shitkicked the car.
He could go for the brand new Mazda but as we all know, a brand new car is always a rip-off from the dealership.

One big concern he has is the maintenance that would be required for the Benz, he is worried that it would get very expensive in the long term. I've never owned a Benz before so I couldn't give him any help. I know that my Porsche is a moneypit though and I've told him my horror stories so that might have put him off a bit but I don't know if you can really compare that to owning a Benz ...

Thanks for reading
:nyan:

[TRDood]

If he doesn't want to go from listing to listing, why is a used TSX in his list?

I would take a CLK550 if I had steady income and have no financial obligations.

[Ikkaku]

WOW the range of cars is incredibly vast.

If the CLK is well maintained, it should be fairly hassle free for a while. Continue with regular maintenance, change a light bulb here and there.

With that said, I too would probably take the CLK550

[AVS_Racing]

pick the benz considering its a 09 so it should still be hassle free for a few more years.

[Redlines_Daily]

I would choose TSX as I think the CLK styling is starting to look very dated.

[Supafly]

One big concern he has is the maintenance that would be required for the Benz, he is worried that it would get very expensive in the long term. I've never owned a Benz before so I couldn't give him any help. I know that my Porsche is a moneypit though and I've told him my horror stories so that might have put him off a bit but I don't know if you can really compare that to owning a Benz ...

Thanks for reading
:nyan:

I would say opt for the CLK.

I drive a w209 CLK aswell. I honestly enjoy driving my car everyday. Style and comfort will beat out any other car in its class. Not to many w209 kicking around either which is a bonus. I dont think it looks dated imho...sure its the last of the w209s but far from dated....more like timeless. lol.
My CLK now has 187,000 on it. No major issues besides a new waterpump and a new alternator.

Maintenance is no different from any other car. Just keep your car happy and it will return the favor...I dont understand why people get the mentality of a luxury euro being expensive to repair??

Beat the shit out of any car and the repairs will kill you.

[J89]

Is this real life? TSX and Mazda3..okay but if the CLk550 is in the question..is it still a question? Worst comes to worst flip for the CLK and make some extra cash.

[tofu1413]

+1 CLK.


ask if the deal would offer an extended warranty for after the buy out.. that'll be nice too.

[Bender Unit]

+2 CLK550
Luxury & Power
and he know how previous owner treated his car.
No Brainier Choice

[dinfung]

+1 Clk, and is a must for a extended warranty

[noLie]

+1 CLK

out of the other 2, i would honestly choose the TSX. It's a bigger car and more luxurious than a mazda 3, although it IS quite sluggish 0-60. But my opinion is probably bias cuz my family owns a 2010 TSX.

[Obsideon]

If he doesn't want to go from listing to listing, why is a used TSX in his list?
I would take a CLK550 if I had steady income and have no financial obligations.

I don't think he really went from listing to listing per se... he just searched CL for a TSX and found it to be in his price range.

WOW the range of cars is incredibly vast.
If the CLK is well maintained, it should be fairly hassle free for a while. Continue with regular maintenance, change a light bulb here and there.
With that said, I too would probably take the CLK550
I would say opt for the CLK.
I drive a w209 CLK aswell. I honestly enjoy driving my car everyday. Style and comfort will beat out any other car in its class. Not to many w209 kicking around either which is a bonus. I dont think it looks dated imho...sure its the last of the w209s but far from dated....more like timeless. lol.
My CLK now has 187,000 on it. No major issues besides a new waterpump and a new alternator.
Maintenance is no different from any other car. Just keep your car happy and it will return the favor...I dont understand why people get the mentality of a luxury euro being expensive to repair??
Beat the shit out of any car and the repairs will kill you.

That is exactly what I thought when he asked me that question, but then I realized that parts and labour ARE higher because it's a high-end euro car. MCL charges at least like $130 per hour. Isn't Honda like $90 per hour?... even a simple battery from Porsche costs 4x more than at Canadian tire. Every part for my car is signicifantly marked up, ranging from headlamps, gaskets, etc.
I also need to change my clutch/flywheel soon and that's gonna cost a pretty penny on my 911 :(
Well that's from my personal experience. That's why i posted on RS to see if anyone has knowledge dealing with a MB maintenance-wise.

+1 CLK.
ask if the deal would offer an extended warranty for after the buy out.. that'll be nice too.

You mean to talk to the dealership for that? I'm not sure how that works. I should ask him about it. So you mean ask the dad to buy-out the car and ask for extended warranty, then sell it to him?

Is this real life? TSX and Mazda3..okay but if the CLk550 is in the question..is it still a question? Worst comes to worst flip for the CLK and make some extra cash.
Well basically all 3 cars around the same target range. A new Fully-loaded 2012 Mazda3 from the dealership runs about $27k with full warranty, a good condition 2010-11 TSX comes in around that price too. I was just curious as to paying an extra 3grand would be "worth" the upgrade to the CLK considering the longterm investments for maintenance on parts and labour.
Yeah I was going to tell him that, but I couldn't find the "going market rate" for the 2009 550CLK in question so I didn't know if it was even worth it to flip it. Buyout is already 30k, how much would he get for it on the open market?

[tofu1413]

during buy out, ask if you could purchase an extended warranty for the vehicle after the buy out.

im pretty sure there should be something you could work out with MB...

[MWR34]

Am I the only one who hates these kinds of threads?

[AWDTurboLuvr]

What's the mileage and service history on the CLK550? Insurance difference? These are all things that could make a 30K Mercedes cost an extra few grand without looking too far into it.

FYI, for a CLK, extended warranty will cost you around $3000 for 24 months.

[GomGom]

+1 for CLK

And... I am also selling my CLK350 2007 because I am going out of country pretty soon... Love the car so much, no problem at all. And why are you even comparing it to TSX or Mazda3? 550 is so much much much better and more fun to drive. Even CLK350 is still a head turner. That's just my 2 cents.

You're welcomed to see my car in the buy&sell thread under this link
http://www.revscene.net/forums/662766-fs-2007-mercedes-benz-clk350-sport-package.html

[Redlines_Daily]

^your interior is really gorgeous..beautiful colour combo! I change my mind about the TSX :D

[Firmware]

+1 clk , you already paid so much to lease it , just buy it out?

[bigzz786786]

i originally had an 04 clk500 amg, sold her got an 06 g35 coupe, worked at mazda a couple years ago so have driven all the 2011 mazda's

and i still prefer the clk500 amg interior and motor over any. definitely fun to drive, power is there, and luxury. your getting a killer deal from your dad since you just have to buy out the lease. don't pass it up.

[Obsideon]

What's the mileage and service history on the CLK550? Insurance difference? These are all things that could make a 30K Mercedes cost an extra few grand without looking too far into it.

FYI, for a CLK, extended warranty will cost you around $3000 for 24 months.

I have no idea what the mileage is but I'm pretty sure it's pretty low clicks.

Of course everyone on here will vouch for the CLK (it is Revscene afterall heh) but keep in mind it's already a few grand more right off the bat compared to the other 2 cars he had in mind, and then factoring in the higher insurance costs and putting in another $3000 for a 2 year warranty, it all adds up.

Just by a rough estimate he would already be out at least $7000 more than intended before he even gets in the car. Then there's the interest incurred for getting a loan for the car. I'm just trying to help him keep an open mind because he doesn't make buttloads of money and I don't want him to pounce on this "deal" and then end up regretting it because it's costing him an arm and a leg to finance.

[hirevtuner]

well if you can afford the gas/insurance, maintenance for the CLK then go for it, if not, just get something practical

[bigzz786786]

if its been properly maintained with low km's you wont need extended warranty, my brother's 05 sl55 has about 80k on it, and the only major thing that needed done was new brake rotors and service calipers. other then that the second most expensive was transmission service, coolant flush, and service b (650 for service b alone) but the transmission service and coolant was done the first time since purchased in 05

its an 09, it will still be under warranty anyway. once the warranty is over, go to a german auto shop like henneken on marine drive, 80 per hour.

dealership is 127 an hour i think

[Great68]

Am I the only one who hates these kinds of threads?

I hate them when they compare cars in completely different classes.

[Obsideon]

^ Have you been reading this thread AT ALL?... yes they are in completely different classes, but in this case it's within the same target budget and given the circumstances what would you do?

[freakshow]

Since this is RS, I think the majority of the people are going to side with the MB.

It really comes down to being a 'car guy', even though most people would prefer the MB, not everyone will be as excited about the increased insurance, gas and maintenance costs.

At the end of the day, does he mind his wallet being a little lighter to drive the MB? Or will he be just as content with a few more bucks in his wallet driving the Mazda 3 to work everyday?

Maybe he would rather save money on gas, insurance and maintenance for his other hobbies, but few people here are going to take a Mazda 3 over the MB.

[Great68]

^ Have you been reading this thread AT ALL?... yes they are in completely different classes, but in this case it's within the same target budget and given the circumstances what would you do?

If I wanted a luxury coupe, I'd only be looking at luxury coupes.

When I bought my MS3 I never thought "Hey I can buy this MS3 new, or that used Corvette Z06! HMMMMM"

[tofu1413]

or... a prius V !
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[SumAznGuy]

Let's get a few things straight. No matter how well you take care of the MB, eventually it will need some regular maintenance and that is going to cost more than the TSX or Mazda3. Oil changes will be slightly higher since it uses more oil. Brake jobs may cost more since brake pads and rotors may cost more for the CLK.
The MB will use more of the higher priced gas than the 4 banger in the other 2 cars.

He will also have to check out the insurance difference as the CLK may be more $$$ to insure compared to the Mazda3 and possibly the TSX.

Then he has to decide where he is going to get the car loan. If Mazda has 0 or 0.9% financing, that is going to save him a few thousand dollars over the term of the loan compared to the other 2 used cars.

Then he needs to take a serious look at himself. Does he need the flash of a CLK550 or would he be happy in a Mazda3? As a car guy, I would pay the extra for the CLK.

[Obsideon]

If I wanted a luxury coupe, I'd only be looking at luxury coupes.

When I bought my MS3 I never thought "Hey I can buy this MS3 new, or that used Corvette Z06! HMMMMM"

Well unfortunately the person of interest isn't me. This was the question he posed to me so I answered it as I saw fit and then I passed on the same question to the general public for opinions on the 3 cars that he finds interest in ... I don't think he had any particular model or specific style he was looking for. He just saw 2 cars that he likes that are within his budget, then he was suddenly offered a 3rd option which is slightly over his budget but he was asking me if it's "worth it"

Personally? Yes as a car guy myself I wouldn't even need to consider it, CLK all the way... but no I am not him, and neither are you. So why you trolling?

[Great68]

Well unfortunately the person of interest isn't me. This was the question he posed to me so I answered it as I saw fit and then I passed on the same question to the general public for opinions on the 3 cars that he finds interest in ... I don't think he had any particular model or specific style he was looking for. He just saw 2 cars that he likes that are within his budget, then he was suddenly offered a 3rd option which is slightly over his budget but he was asking me if it's "worth it"

Personally? Yes as a car guy myself I wouldn't even need to consider it, CLK all the way... but no I am not him, and neither are you. So why you trolling?

My second post wasn't a troll post, it was a direct answer to your question. You asked what I'd do, and I told you.

[Obsideon]

Well it seems like you did not understand the point of this topic. All I wanted was a more broad opinion because so far it was restricted to only me giving him advice, and I'm a car guy so I basically told him what "I" would do, which is get the CLK, but he was hesitant and I can see why because he's not as "into" cars as me. Granted I am probably asking in the wrong type of forum (REVscene lol) ... but I'm sure there are people in here who would "settle" for a Mazda3 and use that extra $7000 for an epic vacation heh

[xilley]

the only reason i came in this thread was because i saw CLK550 VS tsx and Mazda3 LOL

+1 for clk

[AWDTurboLuvr]

TBH, your final choice comes down to money. Your friend needs to sit down and crunch some numbers. The difference between spending 25K out the door on a TSX or 30K+ on a CLK550 is not insignificant. Then you have to ask yourself, how long are your realistically keeping this car. The longer the term, the greater the overall cost on all three choices, with the CLK probably being the most expensive to keep.

If this was my choice, as soon as I start thinking about $30,000 and adding in the extended warranty on the MB, I would look to expand my car choices. I would probably start looking at a CPO 2008 335i coupe.

[Obsideon]

Haha thanks for all the input guys, I should try asking this in the other forums I frequent. Maybe the Fish Forum ... I'll probably get replies like "Why even bother to get a car? Just walk everywhere and get 50 Monster Fish and build a custom 10000gallon tank in your basement!"

[MK-EK]

+1 for CLK!

[xilley]

Haha thanks for all the input guys, I should try asking this in the other forums I frequent. Maybe the Fish Forum ... I'll probably get replies like "Why even bother to get a car? Just walk everywhere and get 50 Monster Fish and build a custom 10000gallon tank in your basement!"

LOL, go and wait for my reply :alonehappy:

[FerrariEnzo]

Mazda, good on gas... cheap on insurance...

then he has some extra cash to spend on shit or even save up...

[buddy]

CLK period

[Shorn]

CLK.. but of course he's gotta know that once you go euro its hard to go back ;)

[RabidRat]

Is his dad's lease already up? Tell him to borrow his dad's car for a week and see if he feels stretching himself thin over an extra $6000 is worth driving the CLK vs a TSX.

[tiger_handheld]

Financially a Mazda 3 would be better. Even after being ripped off at the dealer...

Money / Power / Luxury - you can pick two

Money + Power = Mazda
Money + luxury = TSX
Power+Luxury = MB

[hirevtuner]

you will feel like this:

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/5548/100111monopolyman.jpg
Mazda 3
http://www.toy-tma.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Monopoly-Man-Lounging-280x260.jpg
Acura TSX
http://epl.theoffside.com/files/2010/10/monopoly-man.jpg
MB CLK

[Euro7r]

TSX hands down just because of V-takkkkk =D

[Tapioca]

The Mazda won't be as good on gas as the Honda. If he wants absolutely trouble-free motoring, the Honda would be the best bet (although why he wouldn't consider a late-model first gen TSX is beyond me since it was the last car that Honda built which was remotely interesting.)

If he can't do minor maintenance himself, he could try to source parts from the States and find a shop who will do the labour. Realistically, he should budget at least 3 grand per year (probably 4-5 if you factor in tires and suspension work) for upkeep on the Merc. Is that something he's willing to do?
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Acura604]

talk about apples to oranges to peaches.

3 completely different class of cars.

Mercedes? - luxury coupe.
TSX? - damn reliable entry level luxury
Maxda3? - economy but not necessarily good fuel economy

[RabidRat]

The Mazda won't be as good on gas as the Honda

..



Actually that's a good point - I used to drive a Mazda3 and I'd regularly get about 10L/100km, which doesn't seem that great to me. Can someone with a TSX chime in?

[saveth]

I can and you get better fuel economy. I have an automatic tsx and it's not that great on fuel. The manuals get better mileage.
I should have added that I can do about 600km all highway and about 425-450km all city. Sounds like good numbers but the tank is 66liters of premium fuel.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[EmperorIS]

TSX... just rmb to top up that vtec fluid

[saveth]

My 2005 has 150km and it doesn't burn any oil if that's what you're getting at.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[LIKEABOSS]

I think MJ DeMarco said it best, "If you have to think about it, you can't afford it."

I think your friend should pick the cheapest car possible (both in terms of initial cost and in terms of maintenance). Also, I think its stupid to take out loans for cars. If you can't afford you pay cash, you can't afford it. If I was your friend I would take transit (or keep whatever he's driving now) and save up until he can pay in full.

But that's just me and I have an aversion to debt. To me, debt is just another form of slavery. :D

[freakshow]

I think MJ DeMarco said it best, "If you have to think about it, you can't afford it."

I think your friend should pick the cheapest car possible (both in terms of initial cost and in terms of maintenance). Also, I think its stupid to take out loans for cars. If you can't afford you pay cash, you can't afford it. If I was your friend I would take transit (or keep whatever he's driving now) and save up until he can pay in full.

But that's just me and I have an aversion to debt. To me, debt is just another form of slavery. :D

You're in highschool aren't you? maybe a BOSS buys cars in cash only, but when your investments are returning more than your interest rate, you're financially better off in 'slavery'.

[LIKEABOSS]

You're in highschool aren't you? maybe a BOSS buys cars in cash only, but when your investments are returning more than your interest rate, you're financially better off in 'slavery'.

LOL, if one doesn't even have a measly $30,000 or whatever to buy a car, I seriously question how much money said person has to "invest."

Clearly, many people like paying hundreds, and even thousands of dollars of interest on their debt every year. I for one prefer to be on the other side of the equation.

But hey, if you think getting into tens-of-thousands of dollars into debt to buy cars, clothes, or whatever is the formula for wealth accumulation, props to you. :D

[GG]

^


Asian mentality yo


face is more important than their lives

:whistle:

[marksport]

When I first started reading this thread, I kept thinking CL550 :fuckyea:. Huge range in vehicles until I realized it was CLK550. Still a nice car, and a big choice for your friend. I'd say go for the MB as well.

[Obsideon]

LOL, if one doesn't even have a measly $30,000 or whatever to buy a car, I seriously question how much money said person has to "invest."

Clearly, many people like paying hundreds, and even thousands of dollars of interest on their debt every year. I for one prefer to be on the other side of the equation.

But hey, if you think getting into tens-of-thousands of dollars into debt to buy cars, clothes, or whatever is the formula for wealth accumulation, props to you. :D

So going by your theory, you buy houses with truckloads of cash and never go in debt because you simply have money shooting out of your ears? :seriously:

[LIKEABOSS]

So going by your theory, you buy houses with truckloads of cash and never go in debt because you simply have money shooting out of your ears? :seriously:

Houses have intrinsic value, and as long as one is prudent and does not buy during a bubble, they are a good investment (historically, on average, house prices move on par with inflation). Houses is the only thing I would ever get into debt for because very people have hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars lying around (though, I am working on it). :D

Pretty much everything else (re: cars) have no intrinsic value. Worse, they are money sinks.

But hey, if you guys enjoy being debtors, please go ahead. I OTOH prefer being a creditor. I like other people working for my money so I don't have to. :D

[RSXBoii]

Houses have intrinsic value, and as long as one is prudent and does not buy during a bubble, they are a good investment (historically, on average, house prices move on par with inflation). Houses is the only thing I would ever get into debt for because very people have hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars lying around (though, I am working on it). :D

Pretty much everything else (re: cars) have no intrinsic value. Worse, they are money sinks.

But hey, if you guys enjoy being debtors, please go ahead. I OTOH prefer being a creditor. I like other people working for my money so I don't have to. :D

Calm down pal sounds like someone is getting a bit cocky and defensive. Sounds like you're way too caught up in monetary aspects of life and think you're better off because of it. When you're on the verge of death and realize living a life based on financially driven decisions isn't what's truly satisfying you won't be laughing.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[LIKEABOSS]

Calm down pal sounds like someone is getting a bit cocky and defensive. Sounds like you're way too caught up in monetary aspects of life and think you're better off because of it. When you're on the verge of death and realize living a life based on financially driven decisions isn't what's truly satisfying you won't be laughing.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

And living with an albatross around your neck (re: debt) is your image of of the good life?

Like I said before, if you think your car/clothes/etc. is worth being a debtor, then please, go for it! :bigthumb:

There are two kinds of people in this world, debtors and creditors, we need both. :D

[J89]

Like a boss is halarious LOL

hustler mentality, just don't get lost in the game sonnnn lol.

[JDMStyo]

Isn't this a car forum? Can't you just focus on the question asked by OP without going all defensive about why people buy a car without investing in a condo/house first?

If everyone only bought cars in cash there would be a lot less newer cars on the road.

For what its worth I prefer living within my means too. But to each their own.

Out of the three choices I'd go with the Acura. Economical without the potential like a MB to throw a few thousand dollars of repair bills down the road.

[MindBomber]

You're in highschool aren't you? maybe a BOSS buys cars in cash only, but when your investments are returning more than your interest rate, you're financially better off in 'slavery'.


But hey, if you guys enjoy being debtors, please go ahead. I OTOH prefer being a creditor. I like other people working for my money so I don't have to. :D

You have a lot to learn about investing, because the approach you are advocating is not financially beneficial.

It's a simple concept to understand.

Keeping the thread on topic, I would purchase the Acura.
I'm an advocate of owning a vehicle equivalent to a relatively low percentage of annual income.

[RSXBoii]

Isn't this a car forum? Can't you just focus on the question asked by OP without going all defensive about why people buy a car without investing in a condo/house first?

If everyone only bought cars in cash there would be a lot less newer cars on the road.

For what its worth I prefer living within my means too. But to each their own.

Out of the three choices I'd go with the Acura. Economical without the potential like a MB to throw a few thousand dollars of repair bills down the road.

I agree in that the Acura is the only one that blends all aspects that might be appealing including but not limited to style, moderate performance and reliability. But i think this question comes down to how drastically a couple hefty repair bills will impact the person's life? You only live once so I'd go with the MB just based on the fact it'd provide that little bit of excitement everyday that the other two can't. If a couple of big bills hinder you from going out for dinner once or twice then go for the MB but if they'll cause you to lose sleep at night I'd shoot for the Acura.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Supafly]

Wow, this thread went to shits....

[supafamous]

I'd get the TSX. In fact, I would get the first generation TSX and save a few more thousand bucks - the first generation isn't much worse than the second generation and you can still find low mileage versions of them floating around.

While your friend doesn't have many financial obligations right now there's no telling when he will have those so it never hurts to be financially conservative with car buying - just the interest can be a killer over time. I think it's okay to stretch when you're buying a home but it's never okay to stretch when buying a car.

[Tapioca]

^ The first-gen TSX is essentially a Euro Accord, so it's probably the closest thing the guy will get to a Euro with Honda reliability. Resale values on the first-gen are very high and they will likely remain so for the next 5-7 years (particularly if he opts for a manual.) The current gen is a car designed for the typical North American who values size, ride comfort, and gadgets above the driving experience.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[supafamous]

^ The first-gen TSX is essentially a Euro Accord, so it's probably the closest thing the guy will get to a Euro with Honda reliability. Resale values on the first-gen are very high and they will likely remain so for the next 5-7 years (particularly if he opts for a manual.) The current gen is a car designed for the typical North American who values size, ride comfort, and gadgets above the driving experience.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

Both generations of TSXs are just Euro-Accords.

Honda Accord - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Accord#Accord_in_Japan_and_Europe_and_Spirio r_in_China)

The updated Honda Accord for the Japanese and European markets went on sale in mid-2008. It is also sold as the Accord Euro in the Australia and New Zealand markets, and as the Acura TSX in North America.

Having driven both and being an owner of a 1G, I'd say the 2G is the nicer car by a bit but resale prices on them are a lot higher right now than the 1G (the pricing gap between a 1G 2008 and a 2G 2009 is pretty big considering the small difference in features).

[ts14]

get the tsx!
save money on maintenance, gas, and insurance while u drive a nice car

[ttk5]

Hey I couldn't read the entire thread cause it was too long, but I can say that the TSX is a good balance of sport and luxury. Here are some common issues with my 09 TSX though that might help with your decision. Aside from these main issues, it really is a pretty easy car to maintain. Also, you can get your services done at Honda and it will be a bit cheaper and you will get great service since you are an Acura driver going to THEIR honda dealership.

-Brakes squeal like a dying animal, there was a service bulletin out for it though so you can warranty it if it is still covered.
-If it is equipped with the tech package, the speakers are known to blow out. This is common in both the tsx and the new 4th gen TL's with the tech package.
-Engine knocking. I have not experienced this myself but many members of the TSX forum have. There is also a service bulletin out for this as well.

If it is an 2009 TSX thought your looking at, these issues have probably already been taken care of.

Anyways, Here are some pics of my TSX to maybe help convince you :D

http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb444/ttyk88/My%20TSX%20ONLY/DSC_0352.jpg
http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb444/ttyk88/My%20TSX%20ONLY/DSC_0333.jpg
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr103/ttk5/DSC_0469.jpg
http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr103/ttk5/DSC_0475.jpg

[LIKEABOSS]

Do you really think Honda employees care that you drive a entry level Acura? :whistle:

[joquio]

Do you really think Honda employees care that you drive a entry level Acura? :whistle:

:gtfo:
Why don't you just keep out of this thread?
Unlike others who are trying to help you just keep going off topic.

:die:

[Ronith]

Who cross shops a Mercedes with a Mazda o.O

[belaud]

I cross shopped a Matrix, Fit and an STI :fuckyea:

[Ronith]

I cross shopped a Matrix, Fit and an STI :fuckyea:

lol

I remember on another forum, someone cross shopping a '11 Lincoln Town Car, '10 Cobalt SS, '11 Ford SVT Raptor, Ducati MONSTER 696 and a used 2006ish Viper.

:rukidding: