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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1276 of 1609

#12749 of 16087 Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans by nyccarguy

Dec 22, 2011 (9:42 pm)

OK guys, we've been doing a lot of bickering disagreeing on the board lately. Let's try something different. If you've got any kind of driving experience (whether via test drive or ownership) with one of the ELLPS cars share with the group. I'll go first. Go to the bathroom & set your DVR, this is going to be a decent sized post.
 
Acura TSX: As you all know, I own a 2010 Acura TSX with Technology Package. It's the 2.4 L 4 cylinder mated to a 5 - Speed Automatic transmission. I originally bought the car for my wife when we had 2 kids and were 2 years into leasing a 2007 BMW X3. After 2 years we already had 38,000 miles on it (and were only alloted 45,000 for 3 years). On the last day of cash for clunkers I bought the TSX using a $3500 credit.
 
I think the TSX is handsome. Not head turning gorgeous like a 911 Turbo or 458 Italia. I definitely don't think it's ugly.
 
I like the engine/transmission combination. The engine winds all the way up to 7000 RPM very smoothly. Transmission shifts are crisp. The transmission will hold a gear and not upshift at the redline. I love the thickly bolstered seats & the well crafted interior. It rides fantastic. Comfortable, yet far from isolated. Handling for a FWD car is very good.
 
My main gripes with the car are it's lifeless electric power steering and it's crummy, straight from an Accord brakes.
 
Infiniti G37X: My Uncle had one and he let me drive it. I took it on a really nice, 45 minute drive. I came away extremely impressed with this car. kdshapiro hit the nail right on the head when he said: G37 has neck snapping acceleration and fit me like a glove. This car's 326 horsepower make it a bona fide road rocket. Handling is truly amazing. Excellent balance. I got in the car and found pefect seating right away. After 5 minutes, it felt like it was MINE. The car feels like it is turning on an axis. If it had gotten an EPA estimated 2 mpg more, I'd have one sitting in my drivewy right now. It didn't qualify for the $3500 C4C rebate though.
 
Lexus IS 350: I drove one at a Lexus event when this body style came out in 2006. I happen to like the car's styling. The interior was well crafted and well thought out. Acceleration was blazingly quick. I thought the suspension was too isolated, the brakes were instant on and had no pedal feel to them at all. The back seat was tiny too (this coming from a guy who drives a Prelude).
 
BMW E90 3 series: I have extensively driven an E90 328xiA & E90 335xiA. The 328xiA was my Mom's car that she leased for 3 years. Even the heaviest E90 sedan (AWD & Automatic) with the 240 hp NA I6 is a blast to drive. Handling was unbelieveable. The engine is so smooth. Brakes are fantastic. Very progressive and linear. I'm madly in love with this car. It is everything people rave about and more.
 
I had a 335xiA as a loaner a few times. It's torque is seductive. Pulls like a small V8 rather than a turbo 6. Amazing car.
 
My biggest gripes with the 3 series is its cramped back seat, small trunk, and hefty price. I know it is a BMW and you get what you pay for. flightnurse, you happened to find a "perfect" driver's car sitting on a lot and got a helluva deal on it. My Mom's was an '08 328xiA with premium, cold weather, automatic, metallic paint, parking sensors, & manual sunshades (no sport, nav, or comfort access). It stickered for over $46,000. It is very easy for a 335 to get in the $50K range.
 
Questions? Comments?

#12750 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [markcincinnati] by billyperksii

Dec 23, 2011 (6:42 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Dec 22, 2011 3:14 pm)
Mark, I dont just blabber about a car and read some article in a magazine. I actually test drove the G35X for an extensive time. The salesperson actually gave me the keys and said have fun but be careful.
I wanted to try another brand because my previous car was the 2003 TL Type S, the G just did not do it for me, I tried to force myself to like it but I just knew it would have been buyers remorse.
Here are the deal breakers and I have said this many a times-
1).Too cramp (mazda millennia interior size)
2). Intrusive growl (could get annoying a long road trips)
3). I just felt beat up after the test drive
 
I have nothing against the brand, maybe the next generation G will sway me but from what I seen with the new styling cues on the M, G coupe and FX-I think I will step on my accelerator when I go by an Infiniti dealership.

#12751 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [billyperksii] by sweendogy

Dec 23, 2011 (8:13 am)

Replying to: billyperksii (Dec 23, 2011 6:42 am)
Finally some substance. I agree the G could be a little cramped when compared to a TL or Buick- infact there have been complaints from bigger drivers that the cars seats are a problem. The growl is something that older folks have also complained about- the coupe does have a very intense growl when pushed in the city. The 07 and 08s sedans for sure also make sounds - this is something that can be heard when screeching from red light to red light bit not at 70mph on the highway- the newer g37 sedan has toned down the rear sound to make it more of a cruiser and to accommodate the older folks who complained. As I type Im getting ready for an 800 mile was coast tour which I'm dreading because we are not taking my g- we have to take my wifes cr-v because its roomier- the g is not a problem at all on long trips, I mean it's not a 89 covrvette - its a great highway cruiser when asked.
 
Styling is subjective so can't argue.

#12752 of 16087 The next IS by nyccarguy

Dec 23, 2011 (8:40 am)

The original IS300 was a great 1st entry into this segment. Razor sharp handling & excellent brakes. It's 215 horsepower I6 was outgunned by the BMW E46 328i (and then by the 330i) and it got not so great fuel economy (and this is when gas was cheap). Lexus owners complained about the "rough ride.". Lexus brought the car in to compete with BMW's E36, but the E46 was already on its way by the time the IS300 hit our shores. They brought brass knuckles to a gun fight.
 
They brought the 300 hp IS 350 (automatic only). Toyota Corporate V6. 0-60 in the mid 5s instead of the low 7s. Brakes that provided excellent stopping distance, but with not much pedal feel. Lexus was very high on their 300 hp number vs. 255 in BMW's recently released E90 330i.
 
I drove the Lexus IS350 back to back with a 330i at their event. The Lexus out accelerated the BMW, but just felt very artificial compared to the very athletic BMW.
 
The IS250 had no power.
 
The problem with the IS350 was that only a year after its release was sent packing by BMW's N54 twin turbo 300 hp I6.
 
I think Lexus is waiting to see the next 3 series to finalize the next IS. They might just hit one out this time.

#12753 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [sweendogy] by billyperksii

Dec 23, 2011 (9:05 am)

Replying to: sweendogy (Dec 23, 2011 8:13 am)
Sween-Good luck on your road trip and dont forget the Roadside Assistance number.

#12754 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [billyperksii] by kdshapiro

Dec 23, 2011 (11:43 am)

Replying to: billyperksii (Dec 23, 2011 9:05 am)
Nah, might only need it if one drives and Acura.

#12755 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [kdshapiro] by sweendogy

Dec 23, 2011 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 23, 2011 11:43 am)
It's a Honda no roadside needed.

#12756 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [billyperksii] by tlong

Dec 23, 2011 (8:55 pm)

Replying to: billyperksii (Dec 23, 2011 6:42 am)
I wanted to try another brand because my previous car was the 2003 TL Type S, the G just did not do it for me, I tried to force myself to like it but I just knew it would have been buyers remorse.
 
When I was looking for a new 2005 ELLPS, I looked at the G35 along with the TL. The G35 was noticeably a bit narrow, but not a show stopper for me. I actually like a bit smaller cars. I thought the TL's interior was nicer. I drove the G35 and noticed the major power, along with a major growl. I didn't like the lack of refinement. The TL was smooth and quiet.
 
I then drove the G35 on a transition ramp between two freeways that you can take at about 55mph. There is a perpendicular concrete seam with a bit of elevation difference on this ramp, so going over it, the car jolts a bit and it is on a fast curve. On the TL, the car was steady over the bump. On the G35, the steering wheel jerked pretty hard and I really had to be holding it tight or it would have jerked out of my hand. Not so on the TL. Based upon that experience, the TL won. I just turned 115K on my TL today, and I've only had to replace a window actuator along with normal maintenance and an outside air temp gauge recall. No other mechanical issues.

#12757 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [sweendogy] by kdshapiro

Dec 23, 2011 (9:42 pm)

Replying to: sweendogy (Dec 23, 2011 12:33 pm)
Unless the tranny goes.

#12758 of 16087 Re: The Great (Acura) TSX Debate [kdshapiro] by sweendogy

Dec 23, 2011 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 23, 2011 9:42 pm)
It's a 2011. We should be fine- but I do have roadside help if needed.

Messages Page 1276 of 1609

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