I'm about ready to replace my car

Aztech

Golden Member
Jan 19, 2002
1,922
0
0
I have a '96 Mustang. I may have enjoyed it when I first bought it, but I can't remember. Anyway, I'm tired of it. It's a base model and an automatic, since I STILL can't drive a manual :eek:

I think the car that fits me best right now (31 and single) is the Acura RSX. It has a more usable backseat than my Mustang and it's stylish and rated highly in Consumer Reports. I'm not really big on horsepower, so I probably won't pay extra for the Type-S. I think I'll get a manual this time, since they're supposed to be more fun to drive and since my commute has no traffic.

So, I'm posting to get any other car suggestions or comments. Should I spend the extra and make it my first brand new car, or should I get a slightly used one?

I test drove the '05 Celica GT and the Scion tc at my Toyota dealer this weekend. I liked the tc better, but at 31, I don't think it's for me.

Go!
 

Platypus

Lifer
Apr 26, 2001
31,046
321
136
If you get the RSX, at least get the Type-S.

The RSX really doesn't open up until around 50mph, has the typical 'too smooth' acura/honda feel in the engine, clutching is too mushy/easy on it.

It's a very nice car, but just didn't do it for me, I went with the Impreza WRX instead because I prefer the way it drives.
 

freebee

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 2000
4,043
0
0
Why not a traditional 4 door but in a sporty package. For example, Sti or Evo, both have more usable room than an RSX, and both are fun to drive. They are cheap to own, well built, reliable, and have good resale value. Get it in a sedate color, black or silver, take off the boy-racer wing, and you have a excellent car with high performance potential.
 

MrChad

Lifer
Aug 22, 2001
13,507
3
81
I've had a Type-S for two years that I'm going to be selling soon (I moved to NYC so I don't need a car now). It's a blast to drive, IMO. I'd go for the Type-S with the 6-spd as well.
 

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
4
76
What about the 2005 Mustang? I used to own a new gen (00) celica. Believe it or not, I really liked that car. It was alot of fun to drive and served me well til I got my TSX.
 

MegaWorks

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2004
3,819
1
0
RSX

Engine Type

Aluminum Alloy 16-Valve, DOHC, i-VTEC Inline 4-cylinder
2.0L, 160 bhp @ 6500 rpm, 141 lbs-ft @ 4000 rpm

Redline

6800 rpm

Compression Ratio

9.8:1


RSX Type-S

Engine Type

Aluminum Alloy 16-Valve, DOHC, i-VTEC Inline 4-cylinder
2.0L, 210 bhp @ 7800 rpm, 143 lbs-ft @ 7000 rpm

Redline

8100 rpm

Compression Ratio

11.0:1


Get Type-S, amazing car!
 

UNCjigga

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
25,606
10,308
136
RSX is at the end of its product lifecycle...wait for the next one or buy something else. Heck, you'd even be better off waiting for next year's Civic Si (same engine/power.)
 

TheChort

Diamond Member
May 20, 2003
4,203
0
76
For that money, you could also consider a VW GTI 1.8T

It's great on power and roomier than your mustang too.
They are also very fun to drive in stick.
 

LtPage1

Diamond Member
Jan 15, 2004
6,311
2
0
take a look at the accord coupe- same engine, similar body type. its definitely less sporty looking, but still looks great, IMO. more of a mature car, but you wont see anyone over 40 driving one.
 

JACKHAMMER

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,870
0
76
Originally posted by: TheChort
For that money, you could also consider a VW GTI 1.8T

It's great on power and roomier than your mustang too.
They are also very fun to drive in stick.

Seconded. How about an AUdi A3?
 

TheChort

Diamond Member
May 20, 2003
4,203
0
76
Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER
Originally posted by: TheChort
For that money, you could also consider a VW GTI 1.8T

It's great on power and roomier than your mustang too.
They are also very fun to drive in stick.

Seconded. How about an AUdi A3?

are they in the US yet?
 

mercanucaribe

Banned
Oct 20, 2004
9,763
1
0
I wouldn't bother with the RSX. There are many better cars for the money. What I would get is a Subaru Forester XT.
 

RbSX

Diamond Member
Jan 18, 2002
8,351
1
76
Originally posted by: freebee
Why not a traditional 4 door but in a sporty package. For example, Sti or Evo, both have more usable room than an RSX, and both are fun to drive. They are cheap to own, well built, reliable, and have good resale value. Get it in a sedate color, black or silver, take off the boy-racer wing, and you have a excellent car with high performance potential.

Are you kidding? The RSX I bought hasn't depreciated more than $400 since I bought it used last march.

Summarily the RSX has more room than my moms X5, and definately more than the STI or Evo, especially with the coupe fold down back seats.

I love my RSX, but buy the Type S if you want more pep.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
2
91
Originally posted by: TheChort
Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER
Originally posted by: TheChort
For that money, you could also consider a VW GTI 1.8T

It's great on power and roomier than your mustang too.
They are also very fun to drive in stick.

Seconded. How about an AUdi A3?

are they in the US yet?

Some dealers have them, but i think may-june for most....
 

psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
0
0
Take a look at the TSX.
4 doors and a little more classier looking than the RSX.
Very smooth clutch engagement and short-throw shifter.
 

UNCjigga

Lifer
Dec 12, 2000
25,606
10,308
136
Originally posted by: LtPage1
take a look at the accord coupe- same engine, similar body type. its definitely less sporty looking, but still looks great, IMO. more of a mature car, but you wont see anyone over 40 driving one.
Uhh, Accord Coupe has a V6...RSX is only a four-banger. 240hp vs 200/210hp...GOBS more torque with the V6.

 

JACKHAMMER

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,870
0
76
Originally posted by: aphex
Originally posted by: TheChort
Originally posted by: JACKHAMMER
Originally posted by: TheChort
For that money, you could also consider a VW GTI 1.8T

It's great on power and roomier than your mustang too.
They are also very fun to drive in stick.

Seconded. How about an AUdi A3?

are they in the US yet?

Some dealers have them, but i think may-june for most....



My local dealer has a demo. Should be getting his first allotment sometime next month. I took it for a short sprint around the block, and it was very nice. Interior was top notch and enginewas very smooth. Plus, IMO a good deal for the loaded base model (free 4yr/50k service to boot)at ~$25k. It does get pricey if you option it though.