We own a Cert. PreOwnded '04 TSX, my buddy purchased an '03.5('04) TSX instead of a 330i coupe and he was a die-hard Bimmer guy, well still is.

The fact is the $27k you spend on a TSX, won't buy you nearly as much Bimmer. The interior of the old E46 bimmer and the TSX are so simaliar it's not even funny, save for the real wood trim in the bimmer the materials and fit are the same. I think Honda copied the Bimmer glove box to a T down to the clunk when it closes.

However the big issues is FWD vs. RWD, which do you value more?

My buddies gripes with BMW, they charge for metallic paint and they nickle and dime you to death on options....he simply didn't have to bother with that in the TSX it came loaded and surprised him how well he liked it. I'd say test drive both.

 

I think BMW 3 series is just for looks, if you want the real thing, buy the M3. My cousin drives a 2002 bmw330i with sport package and it drives like crap. It has only 220hp. Handling is not that precise. I also test drive a 2003 bmw 325i, it has only 180 hp. My sister lexus is200 would beat that car easily. I wouldnt recommend the bmw if you are in for the looks.

 

I'd have to disagree the Bimmer was a wonderful car to drive it handled great. It was never, wow! it was always this is what a car should feel like, period. I like the 325i Much better then the IS300 when we test drove them back to back. You could find a gripe with every other car, but not the bimmer.

Had we not purchased the CPO TSX, we would have looked at CPO 325i Sedan; no question, it was the only car I felt was worth owning besides the TSX. The bimmer had no shortcomings save for price IMO.

 

I alomst bought a 3 but decided to get an Accord Why $10K difference and cause I like the Shape and comfort of the Accord. For some reason, Accord was smoother.
3s are nice cars actualy its a sexy car but I just wasnt ready for a 3. TSX is the same thing just a little bit better than the Accord.

 

330i with SP handles rides like crap eh...Buick makes some nice cushy cars that might suit you better.

 

Well, test drove the TSX yesterday. When I sat in the drivers seat, I was felt like I was ready to go, very comfortable, yet sporty. I turned on to the main road out of the dealership, and nothing. I gave the car a little punch and it did nothing, mininal acceleration. So, I took it to the hwy., still nothing off the line, I was sadly not impressed. I expected more. Still did not test a 3 series. But, on the way home passed a Infiniti dealer, and for a goof test drove a G35X; Holy S##T. The was one impressive vehicle, from the second I sat in it until the secondI had to return it. Just my thoughts.

SAMMY

 

Well then I guess you like power and a crappy interior over finesse and quality materials :chuckles:

 

Not true, I liked the TSX, I just wish it had a little more pep to it, that's all. As far as the G35X, it had what I was looking for as far as power. I still have not done all my due diligence on the G35.

 

Two totally different cars for different people. I drove a G35C once and was impressed with the power the stability but it seemed to wallow over some highway bumps, the interior was worse than my Honda Accord (not what I pay $35k for), and the VQ35 doesn't excite me much. It sounds like a truck engine at high RPMs. The G35X is a great car nonetheless, Honda needs to offer AWD in their entry level models.

 

you have to keep in mind that you have to get the revs up to get the full power. VTEC doesn't engage till about 4K RPMs. like I said in previous post, you can also do a few mods that will give the TSX some extra umph. I'd still take the TSX over a G35, I'll sacrafice power for handling.