Acura TSX vs. BMW 328i
Hello all,
Can someone please justify how the Acura TSX is a better option to purchase than a BMW 325i or vice versa. Thx
Can someone please justify how the Acura TSX is a better option to purchase than a BMW 325i or vice versa. Thx
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The BMW similarly equipped would cost much more. Pros for the BMW would include rear wheel drive, excellent driving dynamics, the BMW nameplate, more powerful motor than the TSX, 4 years of no cost maintenance (which some would argue you'll need ), and, really, a great history of producing outstanding drivers cars. If the prestige of owning a Bimmer is important to you, there's that too.
The TSX also has excellent driving dynamics, especially in the MT form, great handling, attractive, high quality interior, reliability and just a generally high fun-to-drive quotient. The car is very well-balanced, but so is the BMW 325i.
You really have to decide what's important to you in a vehicle. The TSX is hard to beat at its price point, and continues to be a great value in todays marketplace.
:shades:
I recall reading somewhere in another forum that the outer surface of the seats on a TSX are vinyl. Just the the perforated portion is leather. Is this true
I would try test driving both, then see where you're at. You may find one car appeals to you way more than the other, making your choice easier.
FWIW, I've always coveted BMW's, I just haven't been able to justify the high cost of a 330i yet, but, hey, I'm only 45.
That and I've been very happy with the TSX for the last 2.5 years. Very satisfying car to own and drive.
I say it's a testament to Acura that we even discuss the 325i and TSX together. That was Acura'a goal from the beginning, create a car to compete with the 325 (previous gen) at a more affordable price point and with more options standard. I think they succeeded in spades, but BMW has since upped the ante with the E90.
Really, you can't go wrong with either car.
Overall I’m very happy with my TSX. I have had absolutely no issues with it in two years. If the TSX came with RWD and a V6 engine for this price we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation. I would also advice you to drive them both and figure out if the V6, RWD and “Prestige” are worth the difference in cash to you.
If you are planning on keeping the car for a long time I would also factor in reliability. I believe that the TSX will be better in that respect. Don’t expect “free” oil changes every 3K miles from BMW. They probably will do the minimum the need to maintain the car working past the warranty period.
I do agree that the TSX interior is nicer. The Bimmers isn't bad, it's just more spartan and not as well thought out(drink holder on the passenger side?!). I do like the BMW steering wheel better.
In most cars the issue of the leather is the same - only the actual seating area is real leather. Most people are hard pressed to tell the diff between BMW leather and leatherette - I assume this is due to the leather they use.
FWIW, I didn't care for the leatherette at all during my test drive. Maybe some people can't tell, but I could.
As far as price gap goes, I wonder if Acura will up the ante when the '08 TSX comes out, as in up the price in an attempt to go more "upscale." May close that gap right up again.
In terms of reliability, the 3 series has outlived the TSX in terms of being in the market longer, and they keep on selling, so they must be doing something right. The bimmers also maintain their resale value very well.
In terms of maintenance, how sure are you that Acura does not provide you with the minimum maintenance to maintain the vehicle past the warranty period as well? How often do you take you Acura in for the scheduled maintenance? I did some research on the 3 series vs. Acura TL/TSX, and the cost of maintaining a bimmer is lower than that of any Acura. The scheduled maintenance on a 3 Series is performed every 20,000 to 25,000 kms. In terms of maintenance costs, it is much cheaper to maintain a Bimmer than it is to maintain most of the imports and some domestic vehicles.
In terms of detail, the Bimmer's interior has a lot more detail than the TSX. I still don't understand why Honda has not made it mandatory to illuminate the Hazards switch when the lights are on :confuse:
Both vehicles are really nice, but it seems that there are more perks to a Bimmer than a TSX.
Keep in mind, there is no such thing as FREE MAINTENANCE. We all pay for the 4yr/48k warranty in the price of the car. Reliability is a concern to me because I plan on keeping the TSX well pass the warranty period (120,000-150,000 mile mark). If you only plan on keeping the BMW until the warranty expires and replacing the vehicle, this may be the way to go. I don’t want a car payment for the rest of my life. I prefer to pay off the car and drive trouble/payment free for 4-5 years after that. I couldn't do that in a BMW.
You can't?
I did.
Paid it off in 3, actually. Drove it daily for another 7. My '95 ti was mostly trouble free for the first 10 years -- after about 110k miles it did need some work replacing wear-and-tear items, but nothing that would leave me stranded. Of course, my anecdotal evidence is not proof of reliability (one way or another), or as they say on the net: YMMV.
What's a ti?
"I did some research on the 3 series vs. Acura TL/TSX, and the cost of maintaining a bimmer is lower than that of any Acura."
But Edmunds True Cost to Own estimates:
Repair/Maintenance cost on a 325i at $5122.
Repair/Maintenance cost on a TSX at $4326.
That is over a 5 year period. If BMW didn't have the maintenance program that they do, the difference would be significantly more.
Just thought I'd point that out. And not to beat the value horse to death, but I didn't even throw in the OTHER true cost to own factors. The largest of which being the purchase price.
I'm assuming you're a TSX owner right? How often (or after how many miles or KMs) do you take your car in for the regular maintenance?
There's a common "recommended" maintenance schedule of course, but I planned on following the maintenance minder that's built in to the trip computer for most things. Beyond that I planned on digging in to what may be needed in the future after I clocked a few more miles.
Sorry, I wasn't real clear their...
In this instance, a "ti" is a 1995 BMW 318ti. A hatchback that was introduced (to the US) in 1995 and discontinued in 1999.
The first 4 years of maintenance are performed by BMW at no cost. All wear and tear parts are replaced by BMW at no cost within the first 4 years i.e. disc brakes, wipers, etc. The BMW dealer that i consulted also picks up your car from you house (when servicing is due) and leaves you with a courtesy car. When the servicing is completed, the dealer drops your car back to your house. Now that is quality service.
The Honda/Acura K24 I-4 iVtec engine is probably one of the best engines in the world along with the K20. You will get better gas mileage with the Acura 5AT and a wider RPM range to have fun with. The Acura TSX can live between 6-7,000 RPMs without missing a beat. Both cars would give each a run for the money on a road course depending on the driver.
Features, reliability, and gas mileage put the TSX on top for me.
I was trying to ask a slightly different question. If its the case that the car will have an automatic, and not a manual, then how does the automatic TSX compare to the automatic 325?
My guess is the automatic is a bigger performance hinderance to the TSX than to the 325 since the TSX has a smaller engine.
Thanks
Bruce
Saab 9-3, and the Volvo S40.
So basically, I was dead set on getting a new one. Went by the dealership on Saturday and started looking at the 2007 328i's. Figured out that I'd be looking at about $600+ to lease a new one (I've been paying $390). I had to seriously check reality and think about where I'd be in three more years...probably married with at least one kid and I wasn't sure I really wanted to be locked in to that kinda payment.
So I got home and thought about what could satisfy me...I basically didn't want to settle for something else only to cry inside everytime I passed a 325 on the road (which we all know is about once every other minute ). Ok, without rambling much more, I've always liked Hondas, but have fallen out with Accords since they've gotten a bit lamer over the years. No brainer...check out Acura! They've got style, class, and built upon one of the most reliable manufacturers out there.
Within 5 seconds of loading the website, I was all over the TSX. (The European Accord is sooooo much slicker than the clunky US model!) Funny though...I started to build and price and I found myself asking, where are all the options?! That's when I realized, they're all standard!
So I compared. MSRP on a TSX I'd like - about $30,000. For teh 328i I was looking at - about $36,000. For a 328i with the options I could get in a TSX - about $43,000!!!
So I checked out Edmunds and read a great review of the car. Checked out some other reviews and they all looked great. Checked out your guys' comments (because what really matters) and you've helped convince me.
This Saturday I plan on giong over to Acura and test driving. Now I know it won't be as nice a ride as my current 325 (although the '06 TSX has more horses than the '04 325) what with the RWD, 50/50, and 5sp MT, but I'm looking forward to it. If they can get me a monthly payment around $450 or lower for a 36 mo. lease with 15,000 miles per year, I'm totally sold...assuming it drives reasonably well, although your comments and the reviews leave me with no doubt it will.
I'm considering a AT with Nav (I'd get the MT, but yeah...will probably have a kid eventually and will need the use of my right hand).
So long story short, as a current 325 driver, I love that car, I'll miss that car, but I think I'd be a total fool to pass up the value and added features (not to mention totally wicked cockpit) of the TSX.
I think I've been converted!
I picked up a new automatic 06 325i a few weeks ago. Both the TSX and BMW are great but different. The BMW does handle better. I feel like I'm wearing the BMW whereas the TSX is just easy to drive. That said, I'm comparing two cars that handle better than almost every other car on the market (or at least the ones I test drove). Visibility out of the BMW is better for me. My wife seems to like the TSX. The BMW clearly has more power but the difference isn't all that important or noticeable for regular driving. Both have enough torque when you need it. I like the seats in the BMW a little more. The TSX interior layout design is better but the quality of the interior is a bit better in the BMW. I have satellite radio in the TSX and it blows away the BMW, which currently only has regular radio. I'm sure the BMW will sound better when the satellite is hooked up in a few weeks, but I really do think the TSX stereo sounds good for not being a brand name.
My BMW didn't come with rear fold down seats or heated seats, two options I wish it had. The TSX bluetooth works more consistently than the BMW bluetooth, but the BMW bluetooth is more sophisticated and integrates with the phone better. If you're buying a car in this price range, get bluetooth, its worth it.
The Japanese offer more content, but I love to drive and this is where the BMW shines. I never worry about reliability. Even with a manufacturers reliable track record, yours could turn out to be a lemon.
This is off track: but my Maxima SE w/ a 3.5liters engine gets 21.3mpg (my calculation-not the trip computer's) in city. And this is on a 7 miles round trips (with 13 lights) to work daily. This past July 4th, we went down to Greensboro, NC, we got 29.6mpg (again my calculation) cruising at 70-75mph (using cruise control)with four adults, a trunk full of luggages, and the AC was blasting. Not too shabby, I think.
Really? Show me one. I used to commute in NYC metro area traffic, and did so for over five years it both a 3-Series and a 5-Series, and never once did my mileage dip below 22 mpg. The flip side of course is that both cars were easily able to achieve low to mid 30 mpg numbers on the highway running just south of 80 mph.
Best Regards,
Shipo
But, if you scroll down to the "BMW 3Series:Real World MPG" board, you'll see what I meant;
kyfdx:15-18mpg "on grocery runs....."
jjdow:"well under 20mpg without any aggressive driving..."
benitocelli:"18-19mpg in city driving.....," and
pattiluv: "12-14mpg in city.."
Well, I guess, we can skip pattiluv's situation since her car has only 2000 miles. My cousin, a diehard BMW fan, who has the E46 3Series (and still owns a 3.0Z4 and 3.0X5) claims he can only get about 16-18mpg in city.
Now, I'm not trying to dismiss your fact. But It's kind of funny that whenever gas mileage question comes up, someone would boast about the highway mileage of a BMW. Hey, that's wonderful. I'm all for it. But what about the rest of the story??? Do BMW owners only drive on highways??? :confuse:
But locally I got those numbers. I started out by calculating the mileage never trusting the computer, but I found out the computer was fairly accurate.
You know I guess it's that same story with hybrids. Some people expectations were much higher than what the car delivered, others got better mileage than they thought they would.
My guess is the gas variations are due the differences the way people drive the car and they way they *report* they drive the car.
For example, not to pick on grandmothers, one persons driving like a granny is another persons accelerating like a bat out of heck. So the guy that floors it at every light, might not be honest and complain about lousy real world mileage. But the guy who accelerates the same way and thinks he, "drives like a granny", grouses at the fact the mileage is lousy. Of course any car that is driven as if it had two speeds, on or off, will suffer lousy gas mileage...even hybrids. To top it off, the EPA tests are worthless as a common denominator.
Most definitely. Your point is well taken.
I, for one, can "sometimes" be classified as a grandmother in term of city driving. Since my daily drive to work is relatively short, I take a long drive (~8 miles one way) on the interstate about once every month to loosen up the engine.
The recent log book on Edmunds E90 330i longterm road test reveals only 27.7mpg at 80mph (using cruise control), and Blueguydotcom can attest to the same situation (28mpg at 75mph) with his E90.
But, hey, there is nothing to cry about. A car this much fun to drive, who keeps logs of the mileage!?!?!
Well, I suppose a grocery run one mile to the store, and one mile back might very well yield this kind of mileage as the engine isn't warmed up.
jjdow:"well under 20mpg without any aggressive driving..."
Not buying. Admittedly both of my BMWs were ordered with a 5-Speed manual transmission and that may be the differentiating factor, however, no matter how hard I thrashed either car I never got the mileage below 20. Said another way, when I picked up my 530i in Munich I kept it below 100 mph (just) for the first 1,250 miles and then bumped the cruise control up to 130 mph. The OBC (which proved to be very accurate) was registering 24 mpg at that speed. If driving at a buck thirty doesn't qualify for thrashing my car then nothing does. ;-)
benitocelli:"18-19mpg in city driving.....," and
Sounds a bit low, however, if we're talking a car with a slush box I might believe it, especially if it was an E46 325i.
pattiluv: "12-14mpg in city.."
Even though it isn't broken in yet the mileage is WAY low. Said another way, there is something very wrong with that car.
A year or two back on the 5-Series discussion there was a new owner of a used 530i 5-Speed who was getting low 20s on the highway. Everyone on the board kept telling her that her mileage was WAY low, and her mechanic (who didn't work for a dealership) kept saying that her mileage was typical. Stalemate.
I finally suggested that she have her OBC reflashed with the latest firmware from BMW (only available from a BMW dealership). In spite of the fact that she was told the reflash would cost something like $150, she had them do the flash. Her mileage instantly shot up to nearly 30 on the highway. Vindication.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Doesn't one need to insert the fob into a slot on the dash before pushing the On button? Yes
What I'm wondering is if the system requires you to turn the engine off (with the button) before extracting the fob? Yes
These are various city mileages that people get with their (old) 3Series. I can only wonder about the kind of mileage that the more powerful 335i and 328i will get.
About a year or two ago, either Consumer Reports or one of the consumer-oriented groups (mag) did a mileage comparison test on a bunch of cars, SUV's, and minivans. If only someone can find a link to that report, then we will know how well the 3series did in term of OVERALL mileage.
Thanks again.
Ummm, I don't understand the context.
"These are various city mileages that people get with their (old) 3Series."
It seems that you've culled the worst of the worst to make your case, a tad disingenuous. Yes, no?
"I can only wonder about the kind of mileage that the more powerful 335i and 328i will get."
Driven at the same speeds as their lesser powered ancestors, I have no doubt that they will get nearly identical (if not better) mileage. Driven up to their full potential (i.e. driving them faster than their ancestors could go) I have no doubt that their mileage will be lower. Hey, it's the price of fun. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
On my 2006 330Xi, I cannot remove the fob while the engine is running.
Bruce
Well, you seem to have every reasons why those mileage shouldn't have been that low.
It seems that you've culled the worst of the worst to make your case, a tad disingenuous. Yes, no?
May I,.....Ummm, I don't understand the context.
You asked for reports which show that the (3Series) city mileage is in the teens, so I showed it.....the way people reported them. There are only 25 posts on the "BMW 3SERIES:REAL WORLD MPG" board, and only a few people reported their city mileage specifically; those that I showed you and gerapau (18-20MPG) and tropes (20-22mpg). So, according to those posts, only tropes is able to get above 20MPG in city.
Again, I'm not out to disprove anybody. I just prefer to see a balance claim (read: overall) about the 3Series gas mileage. And until someone has the link to that unbiased mileage comparison test, we can't really know for sure.