| Inzane |
I finally got to drive an Acura TSX on the weekend. When my wife & I were in Calgary visiting my parents on the long weekend we filled some time one afternoon and stopped in at a nearby Acura dealer. The TSX has been one of my top contenders as a replacement car for my wife.
What a sweet, sweet car.... lacking torque of course, but otherwise no complaints. The experience was pretty much as I expected. The car delivers! The engine on full boil was very reminiscent of my buddy's NSX (just not as fast of course). The sound is intoxicating (but coming from in front of you, instead of behind), and has a very progressive power curve. Because of the lack of torque I never got the sucked-back-into-my-seat feeling when I floored it, but before you knew it you were going fast... the car is no slouch, but it wouldn't win a drag race either. The 6-speed manual shifter is smooth as butter too... everything you read or heard about it is so true!
Seating position and comfort are excellent. My wife (at 5'0") really liked the power seat controls and telescoping steering wheel. She was able to raise the seat as high and forward as she needed to to see out, and could move the steering wheel away from her enough so she wouldn't have the airbag in her chest. Duel zone climate control is a godsend for the average married couple. :-) Sound system was excellent. Handling was very solid for a FWD sedan... I put the car through some paces on my drive... My wife's drive was much more sedated. LOL
Too bad we won't actually be making a purchase for a while but I sure got excited about this car. The only tough part would be if we actually get this car, how often will I get to drive it?? ("Can I take YOUR car to work today?"... "I gotta do some errands tonight, can I borrow YOUR car?") :D D'oh. |
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| RS13 |
| yea i test drove that too just a few days ago. i you like that one except for the torque go test drive the Altima SER. pretty much the same alot less coin and all the torque you need |
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| Z32NUT |
| Acuras making some nice rides right now. The RSX is the best little sports coupe in my opinion since the early 90's Integra. For the price range of the TSX though, I'd have to give a nod to VW. The Passat with the 2L TDI. My little Golf has really spoiled me. Paid 27 dollars to fill up from damn near empty on Friday. 998k's on the odometer. While the Passat wouldn't be as good, it would be pretty close, probably in the high 800k's range I figure. Yes, I paid about 4 grand more to have the diesel, but it paid itself off in savings after 3 years. Now I'm happy in the fact that it costs me alot less to do even just daily driving. |
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| Nightstalker |
| I would have to say just on the cars looks, I would take a TSX over a Altima or Passat any day of the week. |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by RS13
Altima SER. pretty much the same alot less coin
Ah, no. The TSX MSRP is $34,800 (soon to be $34,900 for '05). The Altima SE-R MSRP is also right around ~$35k, plus or minus a few hundred. (A loaded 3.5SE w/ leather & sunroof is ~$33k).
I haven't driven an Altima SE-R yet (and I imagine they will be hard to get test drives of) but I've sat in and crawled over one. As much as I am a bonafide "Nissan guy", the TSX definately gets the quality and refinement nod over the Altima. |
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| crumbs |
| haven driven both the tsx and crys 300(non-hemi). id definitly take the tsx. while the 300 maye have a slight edge in exterior styling the interior of the tsx is far better. |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by crumbs
haven driven both the tsx and crys 300(non-hemi). id definitly take the tsx. while the 300 maye have a slight edge in exterior styling the interior of the tsx is far better.
LOL. I'm not even considering any of the domestic competition in the family sedan fray, but thanks for the input anyway. :bthumbup: |
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| TrevorK |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
LOL. I'm not even considering any of the domestic competition in the family sedan fray, but thanks for the input anyway. :bthumbup:
I have to ask - why would you not consider the 300C?
Is it because you consider domestics to be "inferior" or do you actually have a real reason? |
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| Nis240 |
quote:
Originally posted by TrevorK
I have to ask - why would you not consider the 300C?
Is it because you consider domestics to be "inferior" or do you actually have a real reason?
Its called personal preference. |
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| crumbs |
| id consider domestics when(or eventualy in your case) buying a car. good leverage when barganing. |
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| dmak_el |
| should also try out the TL, and the new RL.....i heard those cars are even nicer... |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by TrevorK
I have to ask - why would you not consider the 300C?
Is it because you consider domestics to be "inferior" or do you actually have a real reason?
What's a "real" reason"? LOL
Anyway:
- personal preference of course. I have a strong dislike for most domestic automotive product, some bordering on utter contempt for, based on what they've put out for at least the last 10-15 years. (Although I'll admit the new 300C is certainly intriguing.)
- I doubt my wife would want RWD for her DD.
- sure its arguable but I do believe the domestics are still inferior when it comes to quality and resale value (although admittedly some of Chrysler's products may be pullling ahead of Ford and GM lately).
- I'd prefer to shop among the brands that I like (Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, etc.....) and have had good history with. :) Chrsyler would leave a big question mark for me personally. It would take more than just an "exciting new model" for me to simply ignore years of BAD history and take a leap of faith. |
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| RS13 |
| i'm testing one tomorrow for a while. just go to Mills and set up an appointment so they can get the car there and they do a credit check on you too. the altima is a beautiful car it handles as well as the TSX but it had goobs more torque |
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| Z32NUT |
quote:
Originally posted by RS13
i'm testing one tomorrow for a while. just go to Mills and set up an appointment so they can get the car there and they do a credit check on you too. the altima is a beautiful car it handles as well as the TSX but it had goobs more torque
I believe that Inzane is very aware of the Altima's looks and specs. He & his wife have their own preferences on cars, and the Altima dosen't fit the bill for them.
Am I correct dude/dudette? |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by Z32NUT
I believe that Inzane is very aware of the Altima's looks and specs. He & his wife have their own preferences on cars, and the Altima dosen't fit the bill for them.
Am I correct dude/dudette?
Actually the Altima is also in my Top 3. :p (BTW, why are you calling me a "dudette" Darryl?) But if we go with an Altima, I doubt it'd be the SE-R. Probably a 3.5SE (w/ leather & sunroof).
The features of the Altima SE-R (compared to a 3.5SE):
- 10 more hp (doubt its noticeable and my wife certainly wouldn't care).
- nice 18" rims (as opposed to 17") - I like 'em, but my wife wouldn't care, and its just added tire expense over the long haul.
- stiffer suspension (over the 3.5SE) - Again sure that'd be up my alley but this will be the wife's car and future family car.
- 6-speed vs. 5-speed - my wife wouldn't care
- custom SE-R embroidered leather - nice, wife wouldn't care
- bigger brakes - I guess you could call that a safety benefit, but as far as my wife goes, I doubt the standard 3.5SE brakes are inadequate.
- HID headlights - I like 'em, but my wife wouldn't care.
I'll admit that the $2k premium for an SE-R over a standard loaded 3.5SE is a good deal for what you get. But its just more of the kind of thing I'd like, but the wife either wouldn't or is indifferent about.
Comparing Altima vs. TSX, the Altima has the advantage in power and roominess, and price (3.5SE). TSX has the advantage in style, features, refinement, quality and handling (with the exception of maybe SE-R - no test data on this version yet that I know of). |
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| Nightstalker |
| I would think the TSX should out handel the Altima.. |
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| Z32NUT |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
(BTW, why are you calling me a "dudette" Darryl?)
Depends...which of the two of you has the better legs? ;) |
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| durt |
out of the two. which do you think has the resale value afterwards?
And it aint going to be the mexican made car.. |
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| Z32NUT |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
out of the two. which do you think has the resale value afterwards?
And it aint going to be the mexican made car..
I find it hard to accept that remark. Both are well made vehicles aimed at a similar market. I think both will fare equally well. |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
out of the two. which do you think has the resale value afterwards?
And it aint going to be the mexican made car..
Out of which two? An Altima and a TSX? The TSX obviously.
But Altimas aren't made in Mexico, are they? B15 Sentras are but I wasn't aware that Altimas were.
(or were you referring to the 300C?) |
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| durt |
i wasnt referring to the 300c
the previous gen altima was built in mexico. i swear i saw the 3 infront of the vin. |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
the previous gen altima was built in mexico. i swear i saw the 3 infront of the vin.
Dunno... haven't looked. :dunno:
But my "made in mexico" Sentra has had zero issues, and its coming up on its 4 year birthday in another month or so. I don't think it should be a deterrent to buying a car. |
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| durt |
| whatever floats your boat:) |
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| silvia s13 |
| Have you checked out the Audi A4. I'm almost sertion it would fit in your price range. One of my friends has a 03 and it has a really nice interior. She loves it. Beautiful red interior lights and i think you know what the outside looks like. It also comes with the HID and leather, sunroof and a little T on the end if a 1.8...Which im also sure you are awear of. :) |
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| Nightstalker |
| If your getting a audi buy one thats starts with a S not a A ;) |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
whatever floats your boat:)
If you think Mexican auto workers are any worse than fat, overpaid, lazy, unionized Canadian or American auto workers... whatever floats YOUR boat.
I haven't seen any data to support a theory that cars assembled in Mexico are any worse than those assembled in Canada or the US. If you have some (data), please share. (but if you simply have racial prejudices, please leave it at home)
Anyway, we're WAAAY off topic... this thread was supposed to be about the Acura TSX. |
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| ACX |
quote:
Originally posted by TrevorK
I have to ask - why would you not consider the 300C?
Is it because you consider domestics to be "inferior" or do you actually have a real reason?
environmentall terrorism of the fuel mileage. :lol: |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by ACX
environmentall terrorism of the fuel mileage. :lol:
That wasn't me. You're thinking of someone else. (you've got the wrong Z owner). :p |
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| Z32NUT |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
That wasn't me. You're thinking of someone else. (you've got the wrong Z owner). :p
That would be ME. OOOH OOH!! Pick me! Pick me!
:D :D :D
ACX, this is a thread about sedans. Specifically, the Acura TSX. Go push domestics on a Dodge forum. |
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| ACX |
quote:
Originally posted by Z32NUT
That would be ME. OOOH OOH!! Pick me! Pick me!
:D :D :D
ACX, this is a thread about sedans. Specifically, the Acura TSX. Go push domestics on a Dodge forum.
No dude I'm not pushing anything. We all can get a little off topic now and again can't we.. :lol: Just a joke that's all. The drive from Calgary to Grande Prairie in my TL yesterday was as nice as can be. When I replace that I'll look at the big boys from dodge... |
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| mazda3 fanatic |
The TSX has been a solid vehicle from day one... :)
Great vehicle if you're not hung up on the BMW / Mercedes label... |
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| PearlTSX |
| I've got an 04 TSX and I love it... When I bought it, I test drove lots of others. But to me, nothing was even close as an overall package |
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| scooby_dooby |
what about the new RL's? AWD, 300hp, 260ft-lbs of torque? Has anyone driven one of those yet?
These sound pretty cool, fat bitch though, almost 4000lbs! damn... |
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| PearlTSX |
quote:
Originally posted by scooby_dooby
what about the new RL's? AWD, 300hp, 260ft-lbs of torque? Has anyone driven one of those yet?
These sound pretty cool, fat bitch though, almost 4000lbs! damn...
Nice Ride but Big Bucks $$$$$$$$$ |
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| scooby_dooby |
| lol, yeah i just looked at the price, like $20,000 more than the TSX, crazy... |
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| durt |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
If you think Mexican auto workers are any worse than fat, overpaid, lazy, unionized Canadian or American auto workers... whatever floats YOUR boat.
I haven't seen any data to support a theory that cars assembled in Mexico are any worse than those assembled in Canada or the US. If you have some (data), please share. (but if you simply have racial prejudices, please leave it at home)
Anyway, we're WAAAY off topic... this thread was supposed to be about the Acura TSX.
Actually none of the cars that I bought is made from canada/united states or mexico.
All made in Japan..
THere is no racial prejudices. Its the quality of product that they are using. :rolleyes:
Think about it.. To actually sell a car that has the features and option at a mere fraction of a price. You gotta have a "cheaper quality" than other vehicles that are built in other countries.
Is it not cheaper to build a car in mexico than rest of the world?
You never heard of the term.. " you get what you pay for " :rolleyes:
And I could tell you about my friends sentraS problem. but that is way off topic like you have stated.
Anyways back to the TSX. If you wait for the 05. I believe the arctic blue pearl will be available and the carbon gray. |
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| durt |
quote:
Originally posted by scooby_dooby
lol, yeah i just looked at the price, like $20,000 more than the TSX, crazy...
Tsx range around 34,800-35,000
while RL will range from 70g.
You get way more features than a TSX or TL.
Actually From what i heard.. If you look underneath the vehicle. Everything is aluminium. control arms. subframe. pretty much everything down there is all silver. :) |
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| Z32NUT |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
There is no racial prejudices. Its the quality of product that they are using. :rolleyes:
Think about it.. To actually sell a car that has the features and option at a mere fraction of a price. You gotta have a "cheaper quality" than other vehicles that are built in other countries.
You never heard of the term.. " you get what you pay for " :rolleyes:
Well said. But unfortunately, most of the time, nobody is listening in this forum..... |
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| Inzane |
The reason its cheaper to make cars in certain countries, like Mexico, is the LABOR cost. As far as I know, they are just assembling the cars there.
As far as I know there is no difference in the QUALITY of the PARTS that go into a Sentra, Altima, Maxima, 350Z... Sure as you go up the Nissan food chain you get more advanced or complex parts. (ie. the 350Z has a fully independant rear suspension whereas the Sentra does not). But I don't see why there'd be a difference in quality issues of the parts themselves.
And as far as build quality goes, I live and breath NISSAN and spend a lot of time at the dealerships, and I can honestly tell you that the fit n' finish of my Sentra is no worse than I've observed in 350Zs and Altimas or any of their other more expensive models, which are made elsewhere. Sure those more expensive cars use some finer materials and have more features, etc. but as far as how everything is fit together its not like my Sentra has unmatching door seams and squeaky panels everywhere and dash pieces falling apart. There is nothing wrong with it that I could blame quality of assembly to. |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by durt
Anyways back to the TSX. If you wait for the 05. I believe the arctic blue pearl will be available and the carbon gray.
Yep, thanks for the tip. My wife didn't like the '04 blue that Canada got.. looked too much like PURPLE.
I also heard that in '05 you may be able to get black on black finally (black leather interior in a black exterior). Neither of us really like the tan w/ wood interior which would've ruled out red and black as exterior color choices (based on the '04 colors).
And, '05 models get a power passenger seat and an optional nav system (but we wouldn't buy that likely). |
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| PearlTSX |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
Yep, thanks for the tip. My wife didn't like the '04 blue that Canada got.. looked too much like PURPLE.
I also heard that in '05 you may be able to get black on black finally (black leather interior in a black exterior). Neither of us really like the tan w/ wood interior which would've ruled out red and black as exterior color choices (based on the '04 colors).
And, '05 models get a power passenger seat and an optional nav system (but we wouldn't buy that likely).
If you're looking for more info check out TSX Site
I don't think remember reading that the Black on Black would be available. But I do recall hearing about the CG |
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