Help Anthony choose a car
Tuesday October 17, 2006
Today I got the following email from a reader:
I'm a recent college graduate with a budget for a new car. I've been looking at used cars recently. I'd like to have something sporty enough (looking and feeling) that is still somewhat practical. I've narrowed it down to the following models (and if there are any that I'm forgetting, please feel free to suggest):
- '04 or newer Acura TSX
- '03 or newer Audi A4
- '03 or newer Cadillac CTS
I do a lot of stop and go driving here in St. Louis, so I'd prefer an automatic.
Sincerely,Anthony Richardson
St. Louis, Missouri I'm having a hard time coming up with an answer for Anthony -- I like the TSX for reliability, the Audi A4 for its sporty road manners and the CTS for its styling. What do you think would be the best choice for Anthony, and what other cars should he consider? Click the "comments" link below and share your thoughts. -- Aaron Gold
Comments
With a budget to think about, and a brand new nest egg, the smart buy would focus on reliability first, safety second, and sport third. In my experience that means Toyota and that means Camry. I drive one periodically and find it to be surprisingly sporty every time I hit the accelerator. It’s light and fast, even with just a 4 cylinder, and that translates into fun and economy. And it’s reliability history leaves my “reliable” Volvo in the dust. Scale back desires a tiny bit and build the finances for a while. You’ll thank yourself in a few short years. Patience now can mean BMW later.
I would suggest a BMW 3 series. We all know the Camery has good reliability, but I put my 1995 Bimmer with 243,000 miles on it up against any Toyota! I change my oil often,and do other routine maintance, but the head has never been off. I use mine winter and summer.
Well lets not think about budget. Lets talk about what you deserve. Although in reality if you can’t purchase a car in cash, you can’t really afford it. But since you are a new college graduate you need to think about what you deserve. In those three choices you have many different options to choose from in each. The key to this is which ones you want the most. As Randy stated above you want to make sure you have your priorities straight. For me it would be sporty first, reliablity, and safety. Again if you have children this will affect your judgment. Never-the-less what you choose will ultimately be up to you our suggestions merely is our years of experience driving. I drive a 2006 STI and a 2004 BMW 325i. European cars are well made machines that can provide you with the sportiness and reliability that you deserve. Living in Germany for 3 years taught me the confidence you can have in your machine and be able to handle your stop and go lifestlye. It also is a good sporty car that offers you an steptronic automatic transmition. This allows you to manual change the gears if you so please. Or keep it in the regular drive if necessary. The cost of that is of course the maintance price. You must account for that. It is more to maintain a German engineered car than a Japan model.
TSX, is sporty looking, though I believe if you get the regular model will prove to be dissappointing in the performance area compared to the turbo audi. Depending on your needs of your vigourous life, if you have lots of stuff for your trunk, or need extra leg room matters as well. Also, what do you want to see your drive. Get into all three and see what matches you. What looks better, the CTS, may see a little bulky in the city and may prove to be in a higher luxery class than what you really want to be. So it is up to you good luck. Compare those three cars in yahoo autos, see what you can afford and what you like the most. For me I will pick the Audi A4 first, Acura TSX, then the Cadillac.
Plus remember your paying more for an automatic. Usual price is about 500 extra for the automatic transmition.
Between those three I think I’d go for the Acura TSX. I just spent time in a new one and really liked the performance as well as the features. Always go with the automatic for resale value. Others I would look at would be a new Hyundai Azera, Ford Fusion or Mercury Milan, and perhaps a pre-owned Mazda6 or Mazda3.
I agree with Randy. I own A Toyota CamrySE,it’s not as sporty as the Audi, but it burns regular gas and is alot cheaper to insure. The SE has a lower stance, bigger wheels&tires and has all the amenities, especially the reliability!!! 80+K with one set of brakes at 60K and one set of tires at 57K. Just put new plugs in and service and ready to go another 80K. Plus it looks good. Enjoy your life, travel do fun things and don’t put all your $ in a car. Good Luck!!!
Cars, much like other things in life, a necessary evil and an evil that evokes much emotion.
I must agree that as a new college grad, your emphasis should be on other things than an expensive and used car. Protection of your few assets and planning to pay off other debts should come first.
Factor living in St. Louis, a city not necessarily known for its nice weather, good roads and easy parking and you have a recipie for turning a depreciating assets such as a car into a losing proposition overnight.
Consider what driving you’ll really be doing. Maybe all you need is a short distance-get to work car. If that’s the case, you could look at new car, albeit smaller and less sporty than the models considered, however you’ll have peace of mind with a new car warranty. Financing a new vehicle is also much easier than a used one.
Lastly, and not that I’m an advocate, but have you considered a motorcycle? Cheap, reliable, good looking transportation. Too bad they can be dangerous.
Good luck in your decision. Try not to follow the Joneses too closely whatever you decide.
Of the choices I would have to pick them Audi, Acura, Cadi. Always automatic. But I agree with Steve too. A 3-series is a great great car and would or should be a consideration.
Unfortunately, it seems you are looking at style more than value. Of the cars you list, only the Acura will give you any reliability while still maitaining style. So if that’s what you want - ignore the rest. I like the Camry suggestions the best. You can probably get newer for the same money and it will be a better value in the long run.
Good luck.
I have owned three Acuras and have never had a problem with any of them. They are, in my opinion, the most reliable cars on the market. They are also fast and completely equipped.
Their resale is also way above that of Audi or Cadillac.
Man…Audi are the best..economic car…i have an A6 with 200k from 2001, i changed only filters and v belt ; nothing else. your choice.
the Acura is the most dependable
I would seriously consider an ‘02 or ‘03 BMW 325. The bugs were worked out of this car before these years, and the reliability, sportiness and ability to hold its value are class leading. I owned an ‘01 330i and had no issues with the car. I know someone that owns the acura and he loves it as well.
You should really look at the TOTAL cost of ownership.
Although you might thing that you’ve got enough money for a new car or decent used one, many people (myself included) have been shocked by the costs of insurance. And to make things worse, frequently they only know the insurance costs after they’ve bought the car.
Therefore, “work backwards”. Find those cars which are the most dependable with the cheapest insurance costs, and then focus on that smaller universe.
Another option would be to purchase an “Interim Car”; say an older Corolla, Sentra, Civic or Focus until such time as your insurance rates will become lower as you pass 25 or get married.
Good luck in your search, and enjoy whatever you buy. You mention sportiness as a key attribute that you desire. If that is the case, then forget the Camry. My daughter, about your age, drives a Camry SE. It is a great appliance, but has numb steering feel, and below average handling. It is reliable, and relatively inexpensive, but boring to drive. If you want a driver’s car, then go with a BMW 325, if you can afford it. I have owned 2 BMWs, and the drive is very rewarding. You should look for a certified pre-owned BMW, which would have the warranty extended to 100,000 miles. That would keep your repair cost down. If you can’t afford the BMW, then the Acura TSX is a fine choice. You might also consider the Honda Accord or Civic. They will be about as reliable and inexpensive as a Toyota, but more fun to drive.
I suggest the new Honda Civic sedan. In an automatic, I think it gets the best gas mileage right now (on the highway, that is). It’s just sporty enough and can look really cool with accessories.
I will start off by stating that I drive an Audi A4. My previous car was an Acura Rsx. My best friend decided to buy an acura Tsx. He is now looking at an Audi.
reasons are that for close to the same money, the audi offers you all wheel drive, excellent brakes, confort and the feeling that you are safe, etc…
Since I have not had good luck with my cars (99 grand am gt, needed new rotors at 10k, head gasket at 50k), acura rsx (reprogramming of computer at 6k, 25k, brakes at 25k) and now my audi 2004 a4 1.8t at 60000km and nothing.
love the car!
A Subaru GT Legacy is as quick and handles very nearly as well as any of these 3. Reliabilty is outstanding. No cachet, but it is 4-wheel drive and it snows in St. Louis.
I’ve had a CTS and the On-sttar is it’s best feature. You may also find one that is Cadillac Ceretified for 10/100k. Fuel economy is fair especially on the highway. re-sale will be only so so since there are so many of them. I guess a lot depends on the length of time you keep it.
I agree with Melanie. I would look into the Civic, but not an ordinary one. The new Civic SI sedan is already here. 197hp 23/32 city/hwy mileage, great looks, sporty, it even has an optional navigation systems as well as bulletproof maintenance Honda reliability.
And I agree with some of the folks here. You are a recent grad and this is a nice car to start off with until you work your way up to an Audi or a BMW. With the Civic, you are saving allot of money on maintenance costs as well as future headaches when an expensive turbo or parts break down on the upper scale european models.
Look into the Civic Si sedan or coupe…I am sure you will be impressed with the price and performance.
I wouldn’t go with either one of those. I would for a hybrid or a Civic. I say this because you have look ahead on what you may need in the future like gas prices and job market. What would God want you to drive is the question you should as yourself?
First question I have is whether this guy just landed a $200,000/yr job or is he just starting out and doesn’t know the immediate future? If you have the money and savings and no college loans, a high end car might be nice to have. But you will regret it if you don’t have the savings to back it up and end up losing half the value a year from now when you have to sell it. Back when I was first out of school, I went with a small car, cheap to run and repair and low on insurance. I worked my way up from there as my income, credit and savings allowed. Early this year, I bought a 2006 Chevrolet with cash. Better price, not as good a mileage as a Toyota but since I don’t put on that many miles, it would take a lot of miles for the difference in price to be made up on gas mileage. Like another person said. Look up cost of ownership before buying. Insurance can take a big bite out of your budget unless you are making that big paycheck. Friend of mine got a 300ZX years ago right out of school. I got a used Buick. I drove my Buick until I made more money. He cried as he sold his 300ZX because the cost of ownership was more than his income even though he handled it for a year. It is much easier to buy cheap and trade up than it is to take a large loss having to get rid of your pride and joy because you find you can’t afford it.
My choice would be the Honda maintenance and reliabilty are the best.
Acura, Audi and Cadillac? Impressive choices for a new grad. My family has owned Cadillacs for decades. But I don’t think recent Caddys are reliable … and that’s the number one reason I have never bought one myself, although I was sorely tempted by last year’s CTS-V. My last car was an Audi A6, which I absolutely loved. Good size, superb handling, and great for both city driving and road trips. Like other people have mentioned, I really feel that your top priority should be getting established in your career, saving, investing, and then splurging a little. I’d go for a nice used car like an Audi for a balance of reliability, price, and performance. You might also want to check out the hybrid cars since you’ll get a nice tax credit. One final tip: shop around. We found our last car at a tent sale sponsored by our credit union.
I have to tell you, your choices are pretty pricey for initial purchase, but, in the long run the acura will cost you the least. I own an auto repair shop and we don’t see very many acuras except for maintenance. It’s hard to find anyone to work on Audis besides the dealer and cadilacs just plain need work. All vehicles have thier “lemons” so if your buying used, remember to have it checked out by a trusted shop to make sure nothing is wrong with it before buying. If who-ever is selling does’nt want you to do so, then don’t buy the car. Good luck!
Out of the cars you’ve suggested, I’d go with the Acura TSX, but I’d certainly consider the Honda Civic Si 4-Door Sedan. The Audi is expensive to maintain and the Caddy has a lot of annoying little rattles and kind of a cheap-looking interior for that price class.
It appears from the 3 cars listed that you are looking for the convenience of a sedan without a big sacrifice toward styling. That would apparently rule out my personal preference, a Ford Mustang, which isn’t going to provide any measure of convenience behind the driver’s seat, but certainly has it all over the others on styling and performance.
Given that I would also suggest you consider a Mazda Speed6. It’s stylish and distinctive — certainly an improvement over both the Audi and Acura. The performance holds up against any of your three choices, and it’s easier on the pocketbook.
Your 3 car choices are all 4-door “sport” sedans. They are all on the smallish size if you look at interior space. If your stature and your concern for the people you will be driving around are such that you are comfortable in these cars, then all the choices identified in the responses above should be fine. I am over 6′2″ and carry customers around, but also was looking for a “sport” sedan. After exhaustive research and test drives I picked the Nissan Maxima. A used one for 2004-5 is very affordable and these engines run forever. Although they recommend premium unleaded, they run on mid-grade if you’re short the few bucks extra needed per tank that fill-up. They have room for 4 real adults and have all the goodies for which most makers charge extra. The reason I bough mine, was that my lead-footed friend had one and it was a rockin’ ride. Well, I have had mine for 4 years now and not an issue with it; scarier thing is, my friend STILL has his now 8 years with 190,000 - original clutch, etc. He rode in mine last week and made me promise to sell mine to him next year when I have to get a new vehicle (as mandated by my company).
If you do nothing else, take a test drive in one - even a new one as the 3.5L engine hasn’t been tweaked that much in the last 4 years. It has very nice torque compared to your choices that may swing you (seeing that you need and automatic).
Personally, I’ve never regretted buying a new car right out of college - it meant the repair costs stayed small while I worked to be able to afford them. Plus, any damage my car took was mine… I never had to pay for someone else’s mistakes.
I will always love Honda and my decision to get a brand new Accord - and this years models couldn’t possibly be cheaper, safer and more stylish. You’d be very foolish to go with something other than a Honda or Toyota, and I doubt you’ll ever regret a Civic or Accord. Just do your research - the Hondas and Toyotas will beat all the others hands down.
Personally, I tested quite a few cars, but the Honda’s zippy and upbeat attitude sold me as much as their track record and features… not to mention price. I definately tell all my friends to take some test drives - but make sure that you go to the Honda dealership last, ’cause if you’ve done your research, that’s where you’ll be making your purchase.
Good luck whatever you choose.
Anthony forget the three choices you made. Try an 04 or newer Subaru WRX. It has all the sporty road manners of the Acura TSX, with the stabillity of the Audi A4, and the classy style of the Cadillac CTS. On top of all your fuel milage will be better than the others.
Let’s be honest with ourselves here…young, recently out of college…then forget all that Camry talk in previous comments. That’s not what a young college grad wants! If I had to choose between those three, I would go for the TSX. BUT…why limit yourself. Check out a new Honda Civic 2 door. Sporty, reliable, practical, can drive it year round, and great resale if you decide to trade up when you get that new big job. And if you really want to treat yourself, shell out the extra for the SI model!!
Today I met Dan Neil, auto columnist for the Los Angeles Times, and mentioned Anthony’s dillema. He made an interesting suggestion: The Saab 9-3. It’s attractive, good to drive, and unique, all attributes that I think will appeal to Anthony. I haven’t driven the 9-3 myself, but About.com Cars test driver reviewed the Saab 9-3 in 2005 and loved it. – Aaron Gold
Well, I’d put my money into an 07 Maxda Miata MX5. Just drove one and I must say for a mere 23500, you could be whiping in and out of traffic in no time.
Thae Mazda is reliable, sporty, safe and much fun to drive. Besides, its also a convertible that looks particularly stunning in the racing green with tan leather interior. GO FOR IT!
You could check out the Carolla “S”, which isn’t really sporty, but looks it. Of the 3 you have mentioned, I say go fr the Acura. Sporty, with unbeatable Honda reliability and quality. The Caddie will drink lots of gas.
TSX absolutely! Bought our TSX new in 2004. It’s been very reliable, fun to drive, get’s pretty good gas mileage (regularly 24+ per gallon in town averaging about 30 mph); plenty of space for a couple of sets of golf clubs and luggage; totally comfortable for 4 adults. If I were so inclined I’d be completely comfortable selling it to my best friend. I cannot say that about the Audi I owned; and my son-in-law would not recommend his CTS.
Infiniti G35 sedan….
Drive one, your mind will be made up immediately.
I hate automatics but the choices are nice well rounded… If your going to make the money to support the car AND insurance. I know being 22-24 your thinking for the stars, the real problem with all these cars is that they are luxury vehicles. I was a locksmith and know that the prices for luxury vehicles doubles to triples for maintenance of these vehicles. The warranties are all about out for some of the years and you ding it there goes another 10-15% residual value of the car. My choice, if your looking for something sporty and youthful would be a subaru wrx or volkswagon rabbit(golf). The volkswagon is essentially a dressed down audi has an excellent dual clutch 6 spd automatic and has a sporty drive without sacrificing much in interior appointments and luxury. the subaru has great handling and real world awd drive performance and safety, the engine is a detuned version of the sti and has a good automatic. The point is don’t waste your time on a luzury vehicle. They lose more value out of the box and are EXTREMELY expensive if you plan to keep it past its warranty life.
Well, if the choices are only the 3 you mention, then go for the fun and fab Audi….Then there is a Passat TDI to think about.
If money, savings, life ahead are not factors to consider, then the choice would be a BMW 3 Series, followed by the Audi and the Acura. The Honda Civic is also a worthy 4th choice.
Hi Anthony!
Hi Aaron!
If you’ve limited your choices to the following 3 cars, there’s only one to go: The TSX.
CTS aren’t always reliable, such is Audi (beginning of this Century, anyways).
With the TSX, you can’t go wrong. Of course, it may seem a bit underpowered compared to the other two, but you ain’t losing in fun to drive factor and sportiness for the price.
Truse me on this one as I’ve had similar choices to make and I’m far from regretting my decision.
Good luck!
Hey Anthony!
First, congrats on graduating! Briefly, as someone who loves driving and prefers not to spend money & time on repairs, I’d have to definitely recommend Honda/Acura products as a good choice for you. I have an older Civic, as well as a 5-series BMW; the Civic I drive daily, and still have fun every day after 3+ years of ownership, the BMW I’m preparing to sell. The cost of ownership/ maintenance with the German marques adds up over time, they can be a headache; whereas Hondas, well, they’re amazing - ridiculously rock-solid reliability, strictly routine maintenance - you’ll never regret a Honda. Buying used is also probably wiser financially… One last note: stop-n-go or not, i’d say get something NON-automatic; driving a car is fun, don’t deprive yourself that pleasure of interaction!.. There’s a certain meditative Zen to driving, and the Japanese cars seem to encourage that Oneness.. Have Fun..
You’re obviously looking to impress people now that you’re out on your own, and I did the same when I was 25. I bought a new VW Passat because of the looks, handling and ability to subtly say “I’ve arrived,” when in fact I had just given myself a huge car payment and huge maintenance bills. I love German cars, but the VW/Audi group has some things to learn about reliability.
If you want to have a sporty car with luxe options, go with the Mazda3 5-door Grand Touring. You’ll get all the features (xenon headlights, heated leather seats, Bose audio, 5-speed auto) and you’ll have a new car with the same or less payment than those other cars, plus super low maintenance.
As someone else on here said, that leaves you more money for that Bimmer in the future (that’s still my goal too). The Mazda still announces your presence in a way that says “I’m not like everyone else who drives a vanilla Camry or Accord,” without breaking the bank.
Given Anthony’s 3 choices, he’s close to spending the cost of new - better loan rates, longer warranty, and the privelege of driving a car from 0 miles.
Accords or Camrys are no-brainers, with Subaru or Mazda also good choices.
All of these comments reveal the biggest truth in life: you can’t let someone else decide for you. Drive each of the cars, plus an Infiniti G35, BMW 3-series, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Acura TL, VW Jetta or Passat, and just buy the one that you like best. Obviously everyone has a different opinion. My opinion: the A4 is already outdated, and as an Audi owner myself, I can attest to the fact that you do NOT want an aging Audi that is approaching the end of its warranty. I previously had a BMW 3-series, which was more reliable, but it sounds like that is beyond your budget. Stay away from the Caddy unless you want your 20-something friends to laugh at you (”hey, is that the Caddy that zigs?”). Also, if you care about resale values, stay away from aging Audis. If I were a 22-year old college grad needing a fun, semi-luxury commuter car, I’d probably get a used Infiniti G35. Instead, I am a 30-something father of 3 loving my Audi allroad but worrying about the day the warranty expires.
I have four adult sons and we all love cars. If you are normal you want, sex,fun, and power. Your father wants these for you as well. But he looks ahead to your future. If your car costs too much, breaks down, and you can’t sell it,it is like the high maintenance girl you can never get rid of. Toyota,boring;Cadallic not reliable; Acura for PC people,BMW’s for wantabees. Look at fun and reliability-Mazda 3,Scion C,Maxima stick, and Infinity G35. You’ll love them and they will love you back.
Papa D
no doubt about it-a 2006 BEEMER Z MACHINE-BUILT FOR FUN.
Anthony - Go with the Nissan Versa. It’s a babe magnet.
For a good combo of performance, handling, resale value and fuel economy, look at a pre-owned 3 series BMW. Toyota is reliable, but bland; Acura, reliable, yet not fuel efficient. My son is an Audi mechanic,and unless you are also; stay away!Forget American cars; a third of their cost goes to EXECUTIVE SALARIES
With all your stop-and-go driving, the Prius might be worth your thoughtful consideration. I don’t know if it would have the handling you want, but it does have a somewhat sleek look. Can you get one in red? You could get some decent fuel mileage, because the electric motor would assume alot of the work. The biggest question mark would be resale value. I’m not a big fan of hybrids, but in your case, it could work.
Of the 3 listed, I would go Audi, however my first thought of something not listed was Subaru, either the Legacy GT or WRX are good choices. If possible I agree with the opinion that you should go with a new or recertified car. Even if you have to go with a lesser car, you should have fewer repairs to deal with as well.
From an old man, 65, what’s wrong with a Dodge Charger to start with or the Chrysler 300?
the chrysler 300 Or dodge charger are both nice cars but if you can wait it out the 2008 dodge challanger Looks like a good choice as well
In my opinion I think you should go with the Acura TSX. The Acura TSX is a very nice looking car and at that it feels good when you drive it too. Another thing is that you mentioned that you constantly stop and go and therefore you don’t want a stick, but I think you should get a stick for just that reason. Going and stopping constantly makes your engine run harder and therefore making your gas go real fast. Atleast with a stick you can save more gas and still look good while you do it.