Hi all.

I'm in the last couple of months of my '01 CL-S lease and I started looking at what my next car will be. I have heard that the CL will not survive another year so I'll be looking elsewhere for a (25-32K) performance car.

Nissan Altima?? Nah, Nice lines on the outside, but that interior is just so damn cheap looking/feeling.

Mazda6 - Nice performance with auto/steptronic but I just don't know about Mazda reliability/quality.

Acura TSX - Nice features. But a 200hp 4 cyl? Coming from a 260hp 6 cyl I just don't think so.

'04 Nissan Maxima/Acura TL- Hmmmm, might be on the cusp of my spending limit. Maybe.

Audi A4 3.0 - Same as above but the cost of ownership over time might be more than I want to incur.

That leaves the Accord. I went into a Honda today to look at the cheaper step-brother of the CL, the Accord EX 6 cyl with Leather. Needless to say, I was quite impressed! The feature list and looks of this car are quite astonishing. It most definately sleeker looking than my '01 CL. With 240hp, I am not really off the mark there, although I will miss having the steptronic capability. All the EX needs is a rear spoiler, side body moldings (to at least help with dings), and fog lights and you got yourself one heck of a car for around 29-30k.

This might be the move. However, I don't think Honda offers roadside assistance. I guess I'm spoiled with Acura's features and benefits. I guess, if I really need roadside, I can get it thru my insurance company.

Just my .02