YACT: Help change my mind... (Acura TSX)

[PricklyPete]

Ok, I've got a '99 Mazda Millenia S that has just passed the 60K mark a few K ago. I've started doing the 60K maintenance on it (spark plugs, etc.) and realized what a collosal pain in the ass this car is to work on. The supercharger is in the way of everything and changing simple things like spark plugs, belts, etc. is just rediculous. Other things that I just haven't liked about this car:

1. Not very linear power band
2. Automatic transmission is really slow at making downshift decisions. I really, really want a manual.
3. Ride/performance ratio isn't that great. The car does handle fairly well, but not as well as the ride quality would make you think. I've been in Acuras, BMWs, and Audi's that do a much better job in this area (better ride quality and still as good if not better performance)

On the way home from work yesterday, I decided to stop by the Acura Dealership and test drive a TSX and a TL. Although the TL is faster and has a few more gadgets, I didn't love the look and I was only able to test drive an automatic...the dealer said something about not having any sticks available for a couple months. I drove a really sweet TSX though. It was loaded with Nav and had the 6-speed manual. The car drove really well. It seemed quicker than my Millenia...but that was probably due to the manual. The fit and finish of the car is perfect and I love the interior (it looks outstanding).

Anyway, I'm not really looking for people to tell me I should buy a Maxima or an A4 or a BMW, I just want people to tell me I'm an idiot, and should just keep my current car, save the money, etc.

Dang that car was nice ... and a lot of fun to drive.

 

[isekii]

how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

TSX TSX TSX TSX!

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

About 10K trade in I believe....but I owe almost that much on it unfortunately (bought it used).

 

[CChaos]

Some people just have to have a new car every 2-3 years and some people only buy used cars or drive thier new cars into the ground. Given that we don't know much about your situation and the fact that everyone has different priorities, it's hard to answer this with anything but "Do what you want." Personally, I completely loathe my current car. My wife bought a '97 Civic about 4 years ago and I leased a '00 Jetta. Now I only drive to the train station, so when the Jetta went back I started driving the Civic and my wife got a new car.

Now I'll be putting something like 3,000 miles a year on this car (it's at 58k now) so it could probably last me for 10 years or more. Do I want to drive this boring econobox for 10 years? Hell no. But, it doesn't make any sense for me to replace a perfectly good car I drive 6 miles a day. If I wanted to, I could afford a new car, but I just can't justify it.

So take a look at your situation. Is the Mazda paid off? Do you really want a car payment again if it is? Is there somewhere else in your life that money could be better spent? Buying a car can be an emotional experience and I think that's why alot of people get in over thier heads when they go car shopping. If I were you, I would think about it for a few weeks. If in a month or so you really feel like you want to do it, then go for it.

Luck!

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

About 10K trade in I believe....but I owe almost that much on it unfortunately (bought it used).

I'd say just keep the Millenia. If you're gonna lose money on the deal.
It's a great looking car I think.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: CChaos
Some people just have to have a new car every 2-3 years and some people only buy used cars or drive thier new cars into the ground. Given that we don't know much about your situation and the fact that everyone has different priorities, it's hard to answer this with anything but "Do what you want." Personally, I completely loathe my current car. My wife bought a '97 Civic about 4 years ago and I leased a '00 Jetta. Now I only drive to the train station, so when the Jetta went back I started driving the Civic and my wife got a new car.

Now I'll be putting something like 3,000 miles a year on this car (it's at 58k now) so it could probably last me for 10 years or more. Do I want to drive this boring econobox for 10 years? Hell no. But, it doesn't make any sense for me to replace a perfectly good car I drive 6 miles a day. If I wanted to, I could afford a new car, but I just can't justify it.

So take a look at your situation. Is the Mazda paid off? Do you really want a car payment again if it is? Is there somewhere else in your life that money could be better spent? Buying a car can be an emotional experience and I think that's why alot of people get in over thier heads when they go car shopping. If I were you, I would think about it for a few weeks. If in a month or so you really feel like you want to do it, then go for it.

Luck!

some good advice there. i say the same thing. dont buy the tsx now. dont get into the habbit of buying a new car every couple years. its not worth it. for all u know, in a couple years, u'll be bored with the TSX and something better will come along that you would want. save your money.

but if you are making mad loot a year and dont really have to worry about money, i say go ahead, spoil yourself. bit i doubt you are in that situation seeing how you are asking people to lead you away from purchasing a new car. i say stick with the millenia till its really bad then get a new car. your car right now is good enuff.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: CChaos
Some people just have to have a new car every 2-3 years and some people only buy used cars or drive thier new cars into the ground. Given that we don't know much about your situation and the fact that everyone has different priorities, it's hard to answer this with anything but "Do what you want." Personally, I completely loathe my current car. My wife bought a '97 Civic about 4 years ago and I leased a '00 Jetta. Now I only drive to the train station, so when the Jetta went back I started driving the Civic and my wife got a new car.

Now I'll be putting something like 3,000 miles a year on this car (it's at 58k now) so it could probably last me for 10 years or more. Do I want to drive this boring econobox for 10 years? Hell no. But, it doesn't make any sense for me to replace a perfectly good car I drive 6 miles a day. If I wanted to, I could afford a new car, but I just can't justify it.

So take a look at your situation. Is the Mazda paid off? Do you really want a car payment again if it is? Is there somewhere else in your life that money could be better spent? Buying a car can be an emotional experience and I think that's why alot of people get in over thier heads when they go car shopping. If I were you, I would think about it for a few weeks. If in a month or so you really feel like you want to do it, then go for it.

Luck!

Thanks...that is exactly the kind of support i was looking for. The Mazda is not payed off, but I shouldn't loose any money trading it in or anything. I don't mind the car payment and I'm not getting in over my head. But at my age (I just turned 25 not too long ago), I really should be saving and investing. I think I've just gotten fed up with my car working on it lately and I have been wanting to get a manual transmission car for a while...and the TSX seemed perfect for me...reasonably priced, fun to drive, great fit and finish, and should last forever. If I'm able to suppress my desire, I will probably get all the maintenance done on the Millenia (which is rediculously expensive...even after doing a bunch of it myself) and drive it for at least 30K more miles (a year or so) and then see where I'm at (the car should be payed off by then).

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

The long run thing is part of my reasoning for buying. I would much more likely to keep the TSX for the long haul.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

The long run thing is part of my reasoning for buying. I would much more likely to keep the TSX for the long hall.

If you really want to go with a TSX, wait about a year sell off your Mazda and buy a used one from a private seller.

 

[TheAudit]

I love the TSX and would pick it over the TL.
Although I might be biased since I plan on purchasing a TSX before the end of the year.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

The long run thing is part of my reasoning for buying. I would much more likely to keep the TSX for the long hall.

If you really want to go with a TSX, wait about a year sell off your Mazda and buy a used one from a private seller.

I know financially that sounds like a really good idea. The only thing is I am really specific in what I want. The most important is that I want it 6-speed. The next most important thing is I want it with Navigation (it was just too cool...the voice operated navigation, climate control, etc...the inner nerd coming out of me), and I really want it black like my current car. Although the one I was looking at did have all of these, the dealer said that they are staying away from the navigation and 6-speed together because they sell so few of them. Anyway, since this is a very low volume car (only 15k a year at most), I'm afraid that I will not be able to find exactly what I want in the used market. But still, I know buying used is a much better financial decision....we'll see.

 

[Quixfire]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Ok, I've got a '99 Mazda Millenia S that has just passed the 60K mark a few K ago. I've started doing the 60K maintenance on it (spark plugs, etc.) and realized what a collosal pain in the ass this car is to work on. The supercharger is in the way of everything and changing simple things like spark plugs, belts, etc. is just rediculous.

I replaced a power steering rack for my step sister and I can comfirm that these vehicles are a PITA to work on.

 

[geno]

I just want people to tell me I'm an idiot, and should just keep my current car, save the money, etc.

Nope, Ditch the Mazda and get a car that's fun to drive!! You won't regret it

 

[CraigRT]

the TSX is a damn nice car man.. we don't need to tell you you're an idiot

 

[Maverick]

have you thought about leasing the TSX?

 

[BigSmooth]

If you really hate working on the Millenia so much, pay someone to do it for you. Sure, it's expensive, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a whole new car.

 

[Siddhartha]

Originally posted by: isekii

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: isekii
how much is your millenia worth right now ?

It might even be better for you to go with the TSX in the long run.

The long run thing is part of my reasoning for buying. I would much more likely to keep the TSX for the long hall.

If you really want to go with a TSX, wait about a year sell off your Mazda and buy a used one from a private seller.

The thing about Acuras is that they hold their value. A year old TSX probably would only be $1500 cheaper than a new one.

 

[Doggiedog]

I'm not sure but I would bet the TSX might be worth about 60% its price after 5 years. My MDX should be worth 59% after 5. I don't know how much the Millenia S would be worth but I would say probably alot less than 50%. So, you may not be losing in depreciation as you think if you decide to change cars. IMO.

 

[StageLeft]

Don't buy it because: You have a car now that is fine. So, changing plugs is a pain in the butt you buy a new car? That's not a sound financial move. Your car is perfectly fine and you're buying into the same thing most people buy into which is that they need a new car and be constantly upgrading. Meanwhile their savings account has - oh wait, they don't have a savings account, but their credit card sure has a pretty balance on it. How old are you? What's your net worth? I'd like a new car to replace the sentra too, but you don't see me buying one because when it comes down to it the car is fine and it's time to start thinking for the future, not the now.

Hey, you wanted some opinions so there is one which may or may not apply to you; I didn't read the rest of the thread!

---

Now reading it...

CChaos gives good advice. I don't want to drive our 93 sentra for another several years either, but until I have 100k burning a hole in my bank account it seems irresponsible to buy a replacement as long as that one is working out properly.

Also, regardless of what you eventually do, take a week at least to think about this. I drove an RX8 a few weeks ago for the hell of it and damn me I couldn't get it out of my mind for a good 1-2 days, but a week later it was just another nice car. Give yourself time. Never buy while you're horned up over having just test driven a car that's nicer thant he one you currently have.

Dunno where you guys are getting your resale numbers but unless you're putting about 2 miles on the car a year it's going to be worth a hell of a lot less than what I'm reading here after 5 years.

The long run thing is part of my reasoning for buying. I would much more likely to keep the TSX for the long haul.

Stop kidding yourself I bet you said the same when you bought the millenia. If you can't keep that long term why should you think you can keep the TSX long term? In 2 years maybe you'll want something better like the upcoming RWD acura sedan instead. Or maybe a new toyota supra.

You admit you have not started investing/saving. You're 25 like me, and trust me it's better too start now. Think loooong term too. I know that the longer I keep my 93 sentra the better I can make my next car (if I should desire to spend a lot), because I won't have ben throwing money year after year into something merely "OK".

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Maverick
have you thought about leasing the TSX?

I put too many miles on the car as of right now for me to feel like that would be viable. I hope to reduce the mileage in the next year or so...but I will easily put 30K most likely in the next year...might be a reason to keep the Millenia another year just to keep the mileage lower on the TSX if I'm still interested in buying in a year.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: BigSmooth
If you really hate working on the Millenia so much, pay someone to do it for you. Sure, it's expensive, but it's a hell of a lot cheaper than buying a whole new car.

Good point. I probably will on the timing belt and stuff, but on things like spark plugs...they charge $150 at the dealer for something that should cost like $50 -$70. I understand though as the car is a huge pain. My sister has a regular Millenia (non supercharged) and they only charger her $350 for the timing belt change, but they are going to charge me $520 for mine because of all the extra work they have to do. Just hard to spend that money (it feels like a waste).

But your point is well taken...it will be considerably cheaper than buying a new car, and this car should last me quite a while after this little maintenance bump. Probably driving it till it has about 90K-100K would be my best bet money wise. Sighhh...

 

[Acanthus]

The TSX is an insanely good car.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Acanthus
The TSX is an insanely good car.

Maybe I need to drive one because everybody is wet over them, but I don't see how a car in its price range - which ain't small - with only 200 hp that professes to be a sports sedan can be THAT good

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Don't buy it because: You have a car now that is fine. So, changing plugs is a pain in the butt you buy a new car? That's not a sound financial move. Your car is perfectly fine and you're buying into the same thing most people buy into which is that they need a new car and be constantly upgrading. Meanwhile their savings account has - oh wait, they don't have a savings account, but their credit card sure has a pretty balance on it. How old are you? What's your net worth? I'd like a new car to replace the sentra too, but you don't see me buying one because when it comes down to it the car is fine and it's time to start thinking for the future, not the now.

Hey, you wanted some opinions so there is one which may or may not apply to you; I didn't read the rest of the thread!

---

Now reading it...

CChaos gives good advice. I don't want to drive our 93 sentra for another several years either, but until I have 100k burning a hole in my bank account it seems irresponsible to buy a replacement as long as that one is working out properly.

Also, regardless of what you eventually do, take a week at least to think about this. I drove an RX8 a few weeks ago for the hell of it and damn me I couldn't get it out of my mind for a good 1-2 days, but a week later it was just another nice car. Give yourself time. Never buy while you're horned up over having just test driven a car that's nicer thant he one you currently have.

Yeah...I here you Skoorb...I probably should just give it a few days and the desire should wear off. Believe me, I definitely don't think I have great grounds for getting a new car...my current car serves me very well... I think I'm just fishing for an excuse.

As for my age and financial situation...I am 25, have put away a decent amount so far to retirement (401K, IRA, etc.), have a comparatively meager rainy day savings account (although I have one), no more credit card debt (had racked some up stupidly in college...but its gone), done paying off my school loans, and a good paying job. The only current debt that I have is my car, and I don't feel like I'm overstepping my finances by buying the TSX, but there are a lot better things I could be doing right now with my money (namely just saving). So I appreciate the input.