Acura TSX or Audi A4?

[Adrenalinechic]

I'm having a dilemma as to which to buy. I know the Audi is probably a better buy because of the all wheel drive feature, but I also heard that they are high maintence cars and expensive to keep up. Audi I was looking 03-05 and Acura 04-05. Anyone have any experience/knowledge with the comparison of these for maintence not base value? I can outright buy either but I won't be making the big $$ for another year and am weary of the costs...??

[BigShel]

Get the acura if you are worried about high maintence .But on the other hand the A4 kicks ass.

I'm having a dilemma as to which to buy. I know the Audi is probably a better buy because of the all wheel drive feature, but I also heard that they are high maintence cars and expensive to keep up. Audi I was looking 03-05 and Acura 04-05. Anyone have any experience/knowledge with the comparison of these for maintence not base value? I can outright buy either but I won't be making the big $$ for another year and am weary of the costs...??

[Honclfibr]

I have a 99 A4. Bought it in January with 37k on the clock, it's got about 43k on it now. About a week after I bought it, the water pump went, apparently Audi sources cheap OEM water pumps with plastic impellers that have a way of cracking. Cost me a pretty penny to replace, but I got a much upgraded one with a metal impeller that's supposed to last a bit longer.

Other than that incident, I like the car very much. It's simple, comfortable, gets good mileage (~30) and goes good in the snow. Compared to my mitsu which was complicated, uncomfortable, sucked gas like a $2 whore, and went good in the snow (hey 1/4 isn't bad), I'm much happier now. Bikes are for fun, cars are for practical transportation.

[virtualbong]

I just so happen to have a 2005 Acura TSX for sale.

I am putting most of the car back to stock. I have already removed the underspoiler kit and exhaust. I will be putting the stock wheels back on this week.

The only thing aftermarket is upgraded suspension (really does improve the handling) and there is legal 35% tint and a m3 replica lip. All tastefully done.

The car has 30,500 miles on it but I am still driving it so it will continue to go up unless you purchase it

It is a Black/Black Automatic w/ navigation. I would be looking to sell it for $23,000

Let me know if you're interested. I can take photos of how it looks when I get the stock wheels back on if you want or you can come take a look at it with the aftermarket wheels.

btw. my coworker upgraded to a 2006 TSX from his 2003 Audi A4...lets just say, he had to bring in his A4 to the dealer several times...

[smf]

the honda (acura) will easily outlast the audi... of course the audi is probably more fun to drive. i have no experience driving one

the tsx handles well, and is fast - although you can't feel the speed, very dangerous - but it is computer limited to about 140mph (research done a few years ago on a 05 tsx automatic w/ about 2200 miles on it at the time ). if it were my $ i'd get the tsx, it's a honda so it'll last forever and it is a _very_ nice car. i love the ones i've had the pleasure of beating the snot out of.

so if you get one can i take it for a test drive?

[slaps76]

Acura.

MUCH more reliable, lower maintenance. Audi makes a great car, but if you're looking used go with the reliablity. If you like the Audi that much more, make sure you can get a good extended warranty.

[Adrenalinechic]

thanks guys. i think i'll prob be going w. the tsx - my original choice. i already have one in mind in hartford, ct and a backup in auburn, ma. 04, red/beige, 6 spd MT, no navi but i'll get a map. if anyone IS interested in an audi, i found a great deal on an 05 special edition, dolphin grey pearl/black.
A*

[vfr99999]

I have had three Audis and one Acura. The question is how long will you keep the car. The Audi will out last the Acura for extreme high milage if you buy a six cylinder six speed the 1.8 is junk. The Acura will go away from rust as well as extreme high milage also little things will wear faster locks, seat covers and electrics. Maintance is the key to any car being reliable and lasting a long time. I am an on the road salesmen and drive 40 to 50k a year. Both cars should have the water pumps changed out with the timeing belt changes.

[benVFR]

The TSX doesn't have a timing belt, they switched to chains when they went to i-VTEC.

It does have a big 100,000 mile service which calls for replacement of the water pump though.

Statistically the TSX is the one to own, the Audi would be an option if you were leasing. For used it's probably a no-brainer, TSX is the way to go. The TSX has retarded resale values though, very very high.

Personally I think the TSX drives a hell of a lot better too unless you pony up for the "Sports" package with the upgraded suspension on the Audi. The TSX has a really fantastic mix of comfort/sport in it's stock suspension.

I doubt the TSX has even been out long enough for them to start rusting.. didn't it only come out in 2002 or 2003?

The TSX has a really soft throttle response just off idle with the manual transmission. It should be cake to drive in the snow as it's really not that powerful. I found that throttle response obnoxious on dry pavement compared to my RSX-S but I'm sure it's better in bad weather.

[KillBill]

What's up man. I put a link for a dealer that is located in CT that has used cars in excellent condition with very aggressive pricing. Just an FYI GREAT prices on TSX's and A4's

Imports Unlimited Home Page

[RGVER]

I'd go with the V6 A4 but maybe thats just because I'm an Audi mechanic and personally don't like acura.

[virtualbong]

What's up man. I put a link for a dealer that is located in CT that has used cars in excellent condition with very aggressive pricing. Just an FYI GREAT prices on TSX's and A4's

Imports Unlimited Home Page

Yes, they have aggressive pricing, but the cars they sell usually have some type of damage to them.

For example, I am currently looking at some cars. I was thinking about the 350Z Roadster they are selling...well, the car has had flood damage. If you look up the carfax for it, it says so. The guy even said the cars they usually sell have some type of accident report to them.

btw. if someone needs a arfaxce run for them, let me know. I have until April 2nd.

WIL

[KillBill]

Yes, they have aggressive pricing, but the cars they sell usually have some type of damage to them.

For example, I am currently looking at some cars. I was thinking about the 350Z Roadster they are selling...well, the car has had flood damage. If you look up the carfax for it, it says so. The guy even said the cars they usually sell have some type of accident report to them.

btw. if someone needs a arfaxce run for them, let me know. I have until April 2nd.

WIL

THat makes sense. NO SHIT. Thanks for the heads up

[Adrenalinechic]

I have had three Audis and one Acura. The question is how long will you keep the car. The Audi will out last the Acura for extreme high milage if you buy a six cylinder six speed the 1.8 is junk. The Acura will go away from rust as well as extreme high milage also little things will wear faster locks, seat covers and electrics. Maintance is the key to any car being reliable and lasting a long time. I am an on the road salesmen and drive 40 to 50k a year. Both cars should have the water pumps changed out with the timeing belt changes.

no way can i afford anything but a A4 1.8. The TSX came out in 2004. I am a honda fan, own a civic and wanted to stick with what i knew but again the audi's are nice.

Will, I'll def. be contacting you about car fax. I think im going sat to check one out.

thanks

[slaps76]

You looking only for a manual? Dealer I used to work at outside Boston has an '04, grey, auto, 45K miles, with navigation listed for $20,995. Home I'd only want a manual...but they're nice cars either way.

[Adrenalinechic]

ya, i def. only want a manual. my 2 req's are red and manual. I wanted black interior but im trading that for the 6 spd option.

[Nazo]

Audi all the way baby!
Your talking about cars too new to have issues....maybe with high mileage you can be more skeptical.
You really shouldn't have any issues, they are a great high end German car. They aren't built cheap or with cheap parts. I had my last A4 with 120K miles, ran awesome with the normal upkeep. My friend has an A4 with 160K miles, runs fine with original clutch still. I know 2 other people with A4's over 100K miles on them and they are still solid and tight cars.
I compare them to owning a Ducati motorcycle. Take care of it and it will run great, neglect it and it will have problems later on when its older.

Acura is a great car, glorified Honda which will run well forever too.
Acura's you actually should change the timing belt around 60K miles, where an Audi is good until about 100K miles.
Acuras are also only front wheel drive....I'm not a fan. Audi's quartro system is great in all weather.
I persoanlly think the best cars to drive are from the 3 German companies...Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Japanese cars just don't give the same feedback and ride.
Go and test drive a few of them and see what you like better and what kind of warranty they have.
A TSX is obviously gonna be alot cheaper....a comparable Acura to an A4 would be more along the lines of a CL.
Any questions e-mail, I know alot about these cars.

[OreoGaborio]

I persoanlly think the best cars to drive are from the 3 German companies...Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

werd, i'm a euro snob, too.... love my bimmers.

[smf]

I persoanlly think the best cars to drive are from the 3 German companies...Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

old benz's are great, but the newer ones just aren't made as well (and the suv's made in the US are craptastic)

[virtualbong]

old benz's are great, but the newer ones just aren't made as well (and the suv's made in the US are craptastic)

Werd!

I have heard from several friends that the recent Mercedes have been horrible. My friend's cousin said that his CL500 was always in the shop.

Audi has never impressed me except for their AWD. I have heard horrible stories about shit breaking on them too.

Haven't really heard about BMWs being poorly built, but the name brings up the cost big time.

Adrenalinechic - like you've mentioned before, go with the TSX since you don't want to be bringing in the car to the shop in the next few years.

[BigShel]

here you go..maybe this will help you make a choice.

[slaps76]

I agree that German cars are better to drive...personally I'm a BMW fan(have had 2 3-series), currently own a Crossfire(rebadged MB SLK...it's just ok), and Audis also drive great...but when I sold used cars, I learned there's a reason why extended warranties on them cost about double vs. Japanese cars. And a reason why Audis don't hold their value as well as BMWs and Mercedes. They really do break down more often. It was rare one came in that didn't need the "check engine" light fixed, didn't have some issue with the power windows, or some other electrical. If customers had a 3rd party inspection done, often there was a laundry list of things that needed repair. Granted, the engines & transmissions were solid and they will last, but the little things on those cars are still pretty costly. On the other hand, it seems the German cars are built using higher quality materials and are more solidly built throughout.

There's not as much a gap as there used to be between the "driver's car" thing with Japanese vs. German cars. I think it started in '03 when the Infiniti G35 beat the BMW 3-series in a Motor Trend comparo(ok, the BMW was 4 years old and the G was brand new).

[senecak19]

My $0.02 is worth a fortune now because of the MAJOR turn of events that occured today.

I own a 2002 Red Audi A4, 5 spd, Sport Package, Bose, lalala... Love the car. Today, I'm skeptical. Here's my story.

Brought the car in for a burning oil smell. My mechanic looked at it and said I should bring it in to see if they'll cover it under warranty. Car has 53,000 miles. No problem. Bring it in. Get a call back 30 minutes later. Engine is nearly shot. Turbo, vaccum lines, ignition coils, spark plugs, valve cover gasket, cam seals blown out and the list goes on. Here's the best part... four dealerships are now involved with my car and I have a lawyer! Dealerships are the following:

1) my mechanic
2) my dealer
3) Hoffman Audi, Hartford
4) Father's and Son Audi, West Springfield.

The car is being diagnosed by numbers 2 through 4. My lawyer's awaiting the outcome to determine whose at fault. Push come to shove, I as an owner of the vehicle with full records should not be liable, but at this point, I'm in the middle of the fiasco. The damage estimate is $4000.00. If Audi covers it, I'll basically be getting a new motor. If not.. its off to court I go. I'll let you know how I make out.

Right now... I can't sleep!

[Adrenalinechic]

that TSX is gorgeous! I think I just aah oooh ahaaha yes yes yes!!!

[MissTwisties]

I've always love Acuras, they are NICE! This one is very nice indeed (the white one) but I'm a black car lover...LOL