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Sedans Acura TSX 04 Acura TSX vs Certified 04 BMW 325i vs 04 Saab 9-3 Aero
34 messages, Last post on Apr 20, 2007 at 8:45 AM
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Replying to: drolly (Jan 24, 2007 5:42 pm) If this BMW is truly a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car, then it should already have warranty coverage to 6yr/100K miles. The standard warranty provides bumper-to-bumper coverage for 4yr/50K, and the CPO warranty provides additional coverage up to 6yr/100K, with a $50 deductible per visit. The CPO warranty is not a full bumper-to-bumper warranty, but it seems to cover most of the expensive components and electronics. Hence, I'm not quite sure what you were offered for around $1300?  I'm guessing this was either an offer to improve the CPO warranty into a full bumper-to-bumper coverage plan, or this was an offer to purchase an extended service plan to increase the no-cost maintenance up to 100K miles. Either way, if you decide not to pay this $1300, you will still have significant warranty coverage on that BMW for up to 6yr/100K. Once the no-cost maintenance expires on the BMW, some of the maintenance costs will be more expensive on the BMW than the Acura, especially if performed at the dealer. A brake service, or the 60K service (Inspection II), are expensive on a BMW. Because of that, I plan to buy the extended service contract for my BMW. Around here, I can purchase it for $1195. Chances are a typical Acura model will be more reliable than a BMW. However, keep in mind that 2004 was the very first model year for the TSX in America. First-year models typically have more reliability issues. However, because the TSX is based on the European Accord, this may not matter. The key point in this discussion is you will have a longer warranty with the BMW, if the TSX is not certified. I would be careful about the Saab 9-3. Whereas the '03 and newer BMW 3-series had fairly average reliability ratings (good enough to be recommended by Consumer Reports, for instance), in contrast, the 9-3 exhibited much worse than average reliability in recent years, based on the info I've seen. About 4 years ago I had some interest in a 9-3. With apologies to the Saab fans, I personally would never purchase one now. Before you decide, I would recommend taking one additional test drive and a closer look at both cars. Also, ask the dealer if they can pull up the service/repair history on each car. Two other points: 1) Another upscale sporty sedan to consider, especially for your region of the country, might be a Volvo S60. There should be big incentives -- if not now, then a little later this year. The S60, with the premium package, arguably provides a little more luxury, but the handling won't be as sporty as the BMW or TSX. 2) Congratulations! I assume this car will not be the primary "family" vehicle? I previously made the mistake of thinking a mid-sized sedan could serve as the primary transportation for my wife and toddler. It was fine for trips to the park or shopping malls, but it did not provide enough cargo space for vacations trips. Toddlers require lots of equipment and supplies when taking vacations! 
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Replying to: drolly (Jan 24, 2007 5:42 pm)
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Replying to: saablcp (Jan 25, 2007 10:48 am) |
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Replying to: cotmc (Jan 24, 2007 10:21 pm) Hence, I'm not quite sure what you were offered for around $1300? I'm guessing this was either an offer to improve the CPO warranty into a full bumper-to-bumper coverage plan, or this was an offer to purchase an extended service plan to increase the no-cost maintenance up to 100K miles. Either way, if you decide not to pay this $1300, you will still have significant warranty coverage on that BMW for up to 6yr/100K. Yes, that is what was offered to me. I think it was around $1200-1300, and it did something like that. I think there was a $50 deductible involved, but I may be mistaking that with the CPO warranty. I have test driven both cars already, albeit about a month apart. I'm hoping to either go tonight or Monday night to test drive both the Acura and BMW one after the other. After first test drive, I think the BMW drove better than the Acura, but the interior of the Acura blew the BMW away. BMW seems more geared to driving than "living" and unfortunately, I do a fair amount of "living" in my car. Not to drive a point into the ground, but you have no concerns about a RWD car in Wisconsin winter? Actually, I'll just do this. Based on more research and feedback on this thread, I've pretty much eliminated the Saab. So, pro's and con's of the remaining 2. BMW Pros: Nameplate/prestige, warranty, RWD (I'll throw it in both since a lot of people swear by RWD), renowned driving experience/ride, full size spare tire, heated seats, drive and passenger power seats Cons: RWD in WI, reliability reputation (friend has a Benz that he's had to replace the water pump twice in 3 years), cost based on reliability reputation, simple interior Acura Pros: Xenon headlights, heated seats, Nav system, FWD (some may consider it a pro in WI), cool-looking intrument panel, CD changer (currently have a 6-disc in my Eclipse, really like the changer), reliability reputation Cons: 4 cylinder, seats feel a bit cheaper, no power seat for passenger, warranty (or lack thereof), first model year in US Anything else that I'm missing or should/shouldn't be worried about? Oh, and I considered a Volvo, but just don't like the way they look. Forgot to throw that in the eliminated category in the first post.
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Replying to: drolly (Jan 25, 2007 1:08 pm) Does the BMW have the Sports Package with 17" rims and performance tires, or does it have the standard 16" all-season tires? The latter could provide reasonable traction in snow. The low-profile performance tires provided with the Sports Package won't. Regarding your friend's Benz, well, I must admit I take stock with the general reliability data provided in Consumer Reports. For the past few years, they have shown several Benz models having poor reliability. I've also seen reports in different forums of unhappy Benz owners, as well as my neighbor who traded in his Benz after less than two years with it. In fact, the 2007 New Car Preview edition does not recommend any new Benz model. That doesn't necessarily mean they are bad cars, but many of their models tend to require more visits to the dealer. Although European cars, in general, have lower reliability, we shouldn't lump them all into the same category. For instance, the 04-06 CR data indicates the Volvo S60 was slightly more reliable than the Infiniti G35 or the new 2006 Lexus IS350. The 2006 BMW 3-series was rated just slightly above average reliability, while the 2006 Lexus GS350 was just slightly below average. Hence, some European models compete reaonably well... some don't. I looked up CR's reliability data for an '04 TSX, and it looks quite good. The one glaring problem area was the audio (stereo) system. All other systems looked good.
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Replying to: drolly (Jan 24, 2007 5:42 pm) If you go with the BMW, plan on getting a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter, preferably mounted on their own set of wheels. Either the Bimmer or Acura should do you well. Good luck.
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Replying to: jaj (Jan 25, 2007 9:35 pm) 
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Replying to: cotmc (Jan 25, 2007 7:41 pm) "As far as the warranty, there is a 4 yr/50K new vehicle warranty. This covers everything (including maintenance/oil changes/brakes and rotors but not tires). After that period expires you would have a Certified warranty that takes over. This warranty is good for 6 yrs/100K and covers everything but the maintenance items. If you would like the maintenance to be included for the 6yr/100K (basically paralleling the new car warranty) the cost is $1495. If you are planning on keeping the vehicle it really pays for itself time and time again (covers your 60 and 90K maintenances/brakes/etc). This warranty also stays with the car (not the owner like some other manufactures)." I'm assuming this would probably be worth it? Regarding your friend's Benz, well, I must admit I take stock with the general reliability data provided in Consumer Reports I looked up CR's reliability data for an '04 TSX, and it looks quite good. The one glaring problem area was the audio (stereo) system. All other systems looked good. Ha, but if I followed CR to a T, I'd be working for the worst cell-phone company in this country  . From what I can tell, you need to have a CR membership to access this info?
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Replying to: drolly (Jan 26, 2007 10:57 am) As for CR, I've found them to be relatively on-target, when considering all the data from a broad spectrum. As always, your mileage (experience) may vary. Coincidentally, the only major problem I've had with my previous S40 2.4i was with the stereo (head unit) -- which is what CR reports as the main trouble spot for the 2004 and 2005 S40. |
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This is probably too late, but here's what I'm thinking: 1. If you care about handling on the snow/ice, get an AWD car. Do either Acura or Saab offer one? Didn't think so. BMW has been making the xi trim on the 3 series for a while now. 2. If you are really concerned about BMW maintenace costs, check out some specialized boards on the web, like http://www.bimmerfest.com for an estimate of the yearly maintenance cost. The 325 is a very low maintenance car (at least while still under the CPO warranty); a friend of mine ends up changing oil every 15 K miles or close to that (as the computer suggests). So I wouldn't worry too much about buying a maintenance contract from the dealer - you will be paying the same money you could spend on the repairs from an honest independent BMW shop, only up front. 3. As the others pointed out, Saab's depreciation rate is much higher than that of the other two. Its reliability is considerably lower, however. 4. As for the handling - when doing a test drive, push each of these through a tight corner and see for yourself (if you catch my drift). I just bought a 325 so I guess I'm a bit biased, but the only minor annoyance I've spotted so far is the high-pitched wind noise when you go above 70-75 mph. While I can't complain about the level of tire noise, I've heard the wind is a common issue in the 3 series. On the other hand, this probably wouldn't even be noticeable in a poorly built car due to higher overall road noise levels. |
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