Oh man, I just got myself into another dilemma. I test drove the TSX and I hate to say it, but I really enjoyed it. I was spoiled by everything the car had. The next day, I went ahead and re-test drove the RX-8. Seems to me that the RX-8 really wants me, and I want BOTH!!!

Unfortunately, I can only afford one and I should be getting a new car really, really soon.

Question is, what should I go for?

I like the RX-8 for it sportiness, compactness, sexyness, and ability to use it for stuff other than show.

I like the TSX for its usability. It's not as sporty, sexy, or compact as the RX-8.

AAUGH!!!! HELP ME OUT HERE!

Gee, i wonder what advice you gonna get on rx8club.com? Good luck in your decision; i'm sure you'll do the right thing. If you haven't read The Little Things (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9437) yet, you oughta do so then come back and let us know what you think.

the TSX is a very nice car.

as for practicality, i would say they are almost equal, maybe the TSX being a bit more roomy (and certainly more trunk space)

as for looks, the 8 wins hands down ;)

i don't know, i tend to see a lot of middle aged women driving the TSX where i live. go with the 8!

The TSX will be more reliable, and will get better gas mileage, but the RX-8 will be more fun to drive and more people will notice it. Plus the TSX is FWD. :\

It's really all up to you, because you need to consider what you need in your car and/or how much you're willing to give up. Luckily, with the 8 you can basically have your cake and eat it to. I would just get the car that was the most fun that still satisfied my more practical needs, which for me is a back seat and some trunk space.

Posting here, you are asking people who chose sport over increased practicallity.

You could also consider a G35 sedan. I have one of those for my wife, and it is a very nice car. Not as nimble as the RX-8, but powerful and nice handling, with a large trunk and back seat.

Life is full of compromises, and there is no right answer to your question.

Any one driven a new Acura TL? I'm starting to get a little torn between that and the 8. The TL might be a little more, but damn it is a nice lookin car. I haven't driven one yet though. I'll let you know what i think if i do.

Originally posted by serff
Any one driven a new Acura TL? I'm starting to get a little torn between that and the 8. The TL might be a little more, but damn it is a nice lookin car. I haven't driven one yet though. I'll let you know what i think if i do.
270 HP through the front wheels. Can you say torque steer?

I haven't actually driven the TL, but front wheel drive must ruin the sporting nature of the cars through the twisties.

Originally posted by ozbot87
Oh man, I just got myself into another dilemma. I test drove the TSX and I hate to say it, but I really enjoyed it. I was spoiled by everything the car had. The next day, I went ahead and re-test drove the RX-8. Seems to me that the RX-8 really wants me, and I want BOTH!!!

Unfortunately, I can only afford one and I should be getting a new car really, really soon.

Question is, what should I go for?

I like the RX-8 for it sportiness, compactness, sexyness, and ability to use it for stuff other than show.

I like the TSX for its usability. It's not as sporty, sexy, or compact as the RX-8.

AAUGH!!!! HELP ME OUT HERE!


Just look at what you wrote. You gave 4 pros for the RX-8 and only 1 pro for the TSX.


I think this says it all...go for the RX8.

Originally posted by cueball1029
270 HP through the front wheels. Can you say torque steer?

I haven't actually driven the TL, but front wheel drive must ruin the sporting nature of the cars through the twisties.

My wife complained about the torque steer on the TL, and that's why she went for the G35 sedan. I would say that the G and the TL are more direct competitors than the 8 an the TL, since they are both proper practical sedans.

I prefer my 8 to both of them, but have a more sport bias to my choice than my wife does.

hands down go for the rx-8. tsx is nice, but if you value spirited drivng at all and likes sports cars, tsx'll grow mundane on you after a while, rx-8 won't

Originally posted by rotarymagic
Just look at what you wrote. You gave 4 pros for the RX-8 and only 1 pro for the TSX.

Yeah, that proves the '8 is four times better than the TSX! :D

Get the car which is not FWD.

If you are worried about practicality, then I think you have to make some hard choices. The RX 8 is as practical as it looks. It will carry two people with their stuff great! If you've got a family or a need to carry four people fairly regularly then get the TSX. The RX 8 is an entended sport coupe, and large amounts of stuff and people are not going to go into it and that's immutable. If that's your need . . . I hate to say it, but get the car that does what you need it to. If that isn't your dilemma then damn man get the 8. IT"S EXCELLENT!

Something to consider. I am looking at the TSX as well. I will be getting the RX8 and my wife wants the TSX which is roomier and better for the kids we will be having! TSX is more of a sporty family car.

I also test drove both, and am leaving a 328i so the TSX was the logical replacement. Acura copied the interior of the 328i very closely.

But I am picking up the RX8 this afternoon after driving the G35 Coupe. The RX8 felt way more fun than the TSX, and for my practical needs, it provided enough room.

It seems like a very subjective and persnal choice, but mine fell to the 8!

Both cars are SO different !!!! Except that both have wheels and pay taxes ...

get yourself a Cadillac , you get RWD , power and comfort

Originally posted by budwei


get yourself a Cadillac , you get RWD , power and comfort

Nah, I want something that works. No GM, Dodge, Ford, or any European cars.

Yes, I only go for the asian cars, they are the most reliable.

Originally posted by ozbot87
Nah, I want something that works. No GM, Dodge, Ford, or any European cars.

Yes, I only go for the asian cars, they are the most reliable.

Sorry to burst your bubble...but Mazdas are Fords now....They own them now. At least the Rx8 doesn't have a ford engine in it though...:)

"controlling interest", not exactly own. Fortunately, mazda retains some independence, but you're right: Many of those models in the Ford family are starting to look more and more alike. volvo, jag, mazda, ...

Originally posted by serff
Sorry to burst your bubble...but Mazdas are Fords now....They own them now. At least the Rx8 doesn't have a ford engine in it though...:)

I can tell the difference between good stuff and junk by looking at:

1. Where the car was built (The RX-8 was primarily built in Hiroshima, JAPAN (97% of it anyway)

2. The reliability of the cars as a whole. (Honda, Toyota, Mazda all have ranked highly in terms of relibility)

The 8 is still on my list of cars I want to own. I am hoping that the 8 is as reliable as I am hoping it to be.

"2. The reliability of the cars as a whole. (Honda, Toyota, Mazda all have ranked highly in terms of relibility)"

Eh~ unfortunately that's a negative. Unless, of course, we get into the debate regarding JD Power's credibility and all.

If you are paying MSRP for both cars, then the TSX is a better overall value. Once you load up the RX-8, you are close to the Acura TL category. I'll give the handling and looks to the RX-8, but the TL is a very nice car. The luxury, standard equipment, usability, comfort and technology of the TL blows the RX-8 away. Of course, you'd never track or AutoX a TL. The TSX would likely end up cheaper than the RX-8 with better equipment, the handling is actually very nice for a FWD sedan. Interior is not as good as the TL, but better than the RX. IMO, Acura has better track record for reliability, service and quality even though they are built in the USA. Resale value also sides with the Acura.

If you are looking for sportiness and styling though, go for a RX-8, you can get them for around $25k these days.

Originally posted by Skyline Maniac
"2. The reliability of the cars as a whole. (Honda, Toyota, Mazda all have ranked highly in terms of relibility)"

Eh~ unfortunately that's a negative. Unless, of course, we get into the debate regarding JD Power's credibility and all.

If you are paying MSRP for both cars, then the TSX is a better overall value. Once you load up the RX-8, you are close to the Acura TL category. I'll give the handling and looks to the RX-8, but the TL is a very nice car. The luxury, standard equipment, usability, comfort and technology of the TL blows the RX-8 away. Of course, you'd never track or AutoX a TL. The TSX would likely end up cheaper than the RX-8 with better equipment, the handling is actually very nice for a FWD sedan. Interior is not as good as the TL, but better than the RX. IMO, Acura has better track record for reliability, service and quality even though they are built in the USA. Resale value also sides with the Acura.

If you are looking for sportiness and styling though, go for a RX-8, you can get them for around $25k these days.


You are misinformed. You don't really seem to know all of the cars you talk about. I very nearly bought the TSX. During that extended shopping process (part of which involved waiting weeks for a white pearl), I stopped by a ton of Acura dealerships in the Los Angeles area to spend lots of time with TSX's. The TSX interior is NOT better than the RX8's. The TSX's interior is designed to look expensive (and like a BMW 3-series interior) without being expensive. Its many hard plastic surfaces are no better than the RX8's. The fake wood trim and the fake brushed aluminum are no better than the RX8's fake brushed aluminum. The RX8's interior is, of course, not designed to look like a 3-series'. It's clearly a different motif that is just as beautiful and distinctive. The RX8's instrument pod is just about the most beautiful I've ever seen. There is an elegant symmetry about the center control panel, with the vertical lines tapering away from each other and extending into the horizontal dash. I've only recently come to appreciate the design of the door panel and handle. It's horizontal door handle (as opposed to diagonal) is ergonomically more sound. It really is. Before, I felt the sudden sharp angle of the window buttons plane was crude, especially compared to the smooth gradual curves of the TSX's and those in other, more expensive cars. But now, I change my mind. I realize that those elements were engineered deliberately toward a more utilitarian straight-edged purpose and image, similar to the brutally stamped but aggressive simple curves of the 350Z's exterior. Even the black lacquered plastic pieces are elegant regardless of if they are atypical. Everything about the RX8's interior is deliberate and well-thought-out, even down to the red-orange center console lights that are more red than orange so as to stay out of BMW's and the 350Z's territories. The level of deliberateness is equal to that of BMW's Chris Bangle's line of front and rear ends without the ill-conception. Of course, you of the Nissan ilk should know about cheap interiors and cost-cutting.

With the RX8's $31,100 Grand Touring package, you have just about everything that the $33195 TL without navigation has (yeah, I also spent quite a bit of time sitting in and test driving the TL while waiting for a white pearl TSX). In fact, the Grand Touring package RX8 might reasonably be considered virtually "loaded up," since options other than an in-dash 6-CD changer and navigation include mostly embellishments like an appearance package, accent package, rear spoiler, etc. Both (GT package RX8 and TL without navigation) have pretty much all the creature comforts. Both have traction control, stability control, and limited slip differential. True, the TL has dual zone climate, but the RX8's climate system is pretty damn good with ingeniously simple, easy-to-use button design. The TL has power seats on both sides, whereas the TSX and RX8 have power only for the driver's seat...big deal. The TL comes with an in-dash 6-CD changer whereas the RX8 GT package has a single-CD player...again big deal. The TL's and RX8's horizontal tunnel running the length of the midline are very similar. It is my opinion that the area around the front cup holders in the RX8 is better designed. I was surprised at, in the TL, how flimsy the ribbed plastic panel is when pushed back to reveal the cup holders. The engines are both engineering marvels. The suspensions are both highly sophisticated, employing wishbones and multilinks. However, the RX8's platform technology is more sophisticated and less compromised because it wasn't modified from another model's (the TL is 400 lbs heavier than the RX8). Luxury, [comparable] equipment vs. price, usability, comfort, and technology "blows the RX8 away?" No way.

You may need to rethink your position.

Originally posted by ozbot87
Oh man, I just got myself into another dilemma. I test drove the TSX and I hate to say it, but I really enjoyed it. I was spoiled by everything the car had. The next day, I went ahead and re-test drove the RX-8. Seems to me that the RX-8 really wants me, and I want BOTH!!!

Unfortunately, I can only afford one and I should be getting a new car really, really soon.

Question is, what should I go for?

I like the RX-8 for it sportiness, compactness, sexyness, and ability to use it for stuff other than show.

I like the TSX for its usability. It's not as sporty, sexy, or compact as the RX-8.

AAUGH!!!! HELP ME OUT HERE!

One word "Only FR".

I still can’t understand what’s the point of comparison between the RX8 and these 4 door Sedans… yeah they’re all nice cars… SUV’s are nice too!

I could feel undecided between the 8 and a G35, S2000 or Z350… even BM’s 3 series
Maybe I’m wrong but the 8’s cleverly made 4 doors don’t make it a sedan

Both are great cars but totally different. If you are looking for the a blend between the two, consider Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX Sti. I know the Lancer can be had for about the same price as the TSX and the RX-8 (I just got one) and has more seating/cargo space than the RX-8 without giving up engine power or the FWD dynamics of the TSX. That said it has nowhere near the finesse of the TSX or even the RX-8.

If you want pure performance with all-around practicality of all-wheel-drive and a small sedan shell, but not a fancy package, get an EVO. If you want a nicer looking package and the thrill/balance of rear wheel drive and rotary engine, get the RX-8. If you want a fun to drive practical sedan with great reliability and resale value and precision Honda quality, get the TSX. They are all completely different though.

Originally posted by serff
Any one driven a new Acura TL? I'm starting to get a little torn between that and the 8. The TL might be a little more, but damn it is a nice lookin car. I haven't driven one yet though. I'll let you know what i think if i do.


I test drove both. Decided to buy the TL over the 8. I just ordered last week, so do not have 'real world' info on TL.

However, it was quick, roomy and handled great. I do not think that it will be close to an 8 on twisties, but it is plenty fast for me. However, it does appear to be faster in the 1/4 by a very slight margin.

My final decision came down to the various problems that the 8 currenly has. Flooding, engine failures, no spare tire etc. Just did not feel right. Now, if the 8 proves to be a good car in a few years I might trade my other one in for one.

Originally posted by 350 Formula
I test drove both. Decided to buy the TL over the 8. I just ordered last week, so do not have 'real world' info on TL.

However, it was quick, roomy and handled great. I do not think that it will be close to an 8 on twisties, but it is plenty fast for me. However, it does appear to be faster in the 1/4 by a very slight margin.

My final decision came down to the various problems that the 8 currenly has. Flooding, engine failures, no spare tire etc. Just did not feel right. Now, if the 8 proves to be a good car in a few years I might trade my other one in for one.


You can't go wrong with that car. However, although it's basically a good-looking car, I feel some of the exterior elements seem tacked-on. Still, I would definitely enjoy owning the TL, just like I would enjoy having the TSX, the G35 coupe, and the RX8 (which is what I have).

I had the same concerns with the RX8 as you did. However two factors enabled me to move forward. First, I drive conservatively and I feel any car of unknown reliability or known poor reliability should last relatively longer with me driving. Second, I would keep my 10-year-old econocar that has over 250,000 miles but no mechanical problems and still gets 36 mpg (care to guess the make?) and split the driving time between the two cars.

It's my opinion, but either of those acuras just look so bland to me. They may last till I start growing hair in my ear, but I'd still choose the 8 w/o hesitation. Life is too short.

Originally posted by serff
Sorry to burst your bubble...but Mazdas are Fords now....They own them now. At least the Rx8 doesn't have a ford engine in it though...:)

The RX8 is made in Japan bro.

Fiat owns a good portion of Nissan, but Nissan's are not made in France.

Ford also owns a lot of Volvo, but Volvo's are not made in the U.S. last time I checked.

And most Ford vehicles are made in Canada and Mexico.

The Volkswagon Jetta and some of their other vehicles are also made in Mexico I believe.

And so forth....

Originally posted by rabinabo
It's my opinion, but either of those acuras just look so bland to me. They may last till I start growing hair in my ear, but I'd still choose the 8 w/o hesitation. Life is too short.

This is what decided it for me. I just couldn't get excited about any other car. They are sooo bland and a dime-a-dozen on the road.

Originally posted by rabinabo
It's my opinion, but either of those acuras just look so bland to me. They may last till I start growing hair in my ear, but I'd still choose the 8 w/o hesitation. Life is too short.

I suppose as a math Ph.D., you do need another avenue to get your excitement. Have you been able to meet super hot women in the same field? That would be pretty cool.

Sadly, the supply of hot available women in math is low, and the demand is high (at least among mathematicians). So I've met some fairly hot women in math (by my standards anyways), but they're usually already spoken for.

I don't think I'll be going for an academic research position, so at least careerwise I may have more excitement.

Yeah, but what does a mathematician think is a hot woman as opposed to what do the rest of us think is a hot woman?

Originally posted by ozbot87
I can tell the difference between good stuff and junk by looking at:

2. The reliability of the cars as a whole. (Honda, Toyota, Mazda all have ranked highly in terms of relibility)


Actually, a recent Consumer Reports lists reliability by manufacturers, and Mazda wasn't near the top. Fortunately, it was in the top half, but just barely. Also, the fact that it doesn't leverage much off other cars is usually a reliablility minus, as is the fact that it is the first year for the car.

That said, over the years I have been very happy with the reliability of the various RX's I have owned.

I have driven both the Rx-8 and the TL. I would find it hard to be torn between them, because they are so different.

The TL is FWD, ok handling, very practical.

The RX-8 is RWD, good handling, medium practical.

I chose handling over practicality. The factors you are trading off are clear, you values are all that makes it hard to chose.

Originally posted by Dave Gotwisner
Actually, a recent Consumer Reports lists reliability by manufacturers, and Mazda wasn't near the top. Fortunately, it was in the top half, but just barely.



I noticed the survey, but when I look at the individual Mazdas in Consumer Reports, the 6, Protege, Miata, and the MPV have "better than average" or better reliability.

The others (Tribute, B2300), I think are rated low (due I think from influence from Ford)

Originally posted by Ioman
The RX8 is made in Japan bro.

Fiat owns a good portion of Nissan, but Nissan's are not made in France.

Ford also owns a lot of Volvo, but Volvo's are not made in the U.S. last time I checked.

And most Ford vehicles are made in Canada and Mexico.

The Volkswagon Jetta and some of their other vehicles are also made in Mexico I believe.

And so forth....

Renault owns majority of Nissan. BTW Fiat is Italian.

Originally posted by shift_zoom8
You can't go wrong with that car. However, although it's basically a good-looking car, I feel some of the exterior elements seem tacked-on. Still, I would definitely enjoy owning the TL, just like I would enjoy having the TSX, the G35 coupe, and the RX8 (which is what I have).

I had the same concerns with the RX8 as you did. However two factors enabled me to move forward. First, I drive conservatively and I feel any car of unknown reliability or known poor reliability should last relatively longer with me driving. Second, I would keep my 10-year-old econocar that has over 250,000 miles but no mechanical problems and still gets 36 mpg (care to guess the make?) and split the driving time between the two cars.

Yes, I am the same as you. I have two cars and the TL is going to be my second. However, I have owned a Firebird Formula 350 for 17 years and am tired of taking it in for work. The intake manifold gasket went out twice, the transmission mount went out for the third time etc. in less than 100K miles. It is fun to drive, but the repair record is terrible. I WANTED a car that has a good repair record. In a few years when I get rid of my 8 year old car the RX8 might prove to be a good car for repairs (it is great for driving and looks without question) and I would then have no problem buying one.

ozbot, I was in the exact same boat as you.

Acuras are great cars, no question. I've owned a CL and a TL and I really liked them both. I had driven both the new TSX and the new TL and enjoyed driving the TSX more. I had my heart set on that car and was even looking forward to a lower car payment.

I can't honestly say I was passionate about my Acuras, though. They are nice cars but they didn't really inspire me.

That's why I test drove an RX-8 after reading many of the threads on this forum, particularly "The Little Things." I ended up buying one that same evening.

It all boils down to: Do you need "practical," or "passion?"

Originally posted by Oldsnwbrdr
ozbot, I was in the exact same boat as you.


It all boils down to: Do you need "practical," or "passion?"

More passion than practicality, but I would still like the idea of packing my bags and taking a cross-country trip by myself or with a friend...

The RX-8 would still be my first choice. I can't help but to love its sexiness...:D:)

If I were to choose, I'd pick the TL over the RX8. Someone said it before, you can't beat/compare the TL's technology, refinements, resale, name and it's 270HP.

This thread compares pears with apples

Originally posted by ozbot87
I still like the idea of packing my bags and taking a cross-country trip by myself or with a friend...

You can certainly do this with the '8, though I wouldn't go cross-country with more than two of us in the car.

Another alternative...

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4005321&a=30946375&pw=

Nice

Originally posted by wstrohm
Another alternative...

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=4005321&a=30946375&pw=

That car just ruined my head !! Congrats !
Who sells them in USA???

Ah yes, the Lotus Elise...

Isn't an entirely new model coming out in 2005?

That is the 2005 U. S. Lotus Elise, appearing at your friendly Lotus Cars USA dealer in May 2004.

Originally posted by Haze
If you've got a family or a need to carry four people fairly regularly then get the TSX.

I am as single as can be. So I can lug two people long distance no prob. As for four people, I really don't carry four people regularly. And it's good to know that the capability is there when I need it.

If the RX-8 can be almost as reliable as the TSX, then I would not hesitate to buy it. Let's hope that the 8 stands up against the tests of time and wear.

Originally posted by 8_wannabe
Yeah, that proves the '8 is four times better than the TSX! :D



:D

Originally posted by serff
Sorry to burst your bubble...but Mazdas are Fords now....They own them now. At least the Rx8 doesn't have a ford engine in it though...:)


What do others think about this. Yes, some companies own other companies. Such as Infiniti/Nissan, Honda/Acura. But just because this is so, doesn't mean that the 2 lines of cars are the same. People make those comparisons, such as saying, Mazda's are Ford's. I just don't agree with this practice, and I have heard it all too many times.


It is just like saying, Lexus is Toyota. Lexus makes totally different cars than Toyota. It's also like trying to say that Mazda's are Ford's. BY sating this, it would be implying that the 2 are very similar, if not exactly the same. Which, as we all know, Mazda's are not Ford's...Ford OWNS Mazda, that is all.

Originally posted by rotarymagic
What do others think about this. Yes, some companies own other companies. Such as Infiniti/Nissan, Honda/Acura. But just because this is so, doesn't mean that the 2 lines of cars are the same. People make those comparisons, such as saying, Mazda's are Ford's. I just don't agree with this practice, and I have heard it all too many times.


It is just like saying, Lexus is Toyota. Lexus makes totally different cars than Toyota. It's also like trying to say that Mazda's are Ford's. BY sating this, it would be implying that the 2 are very similar, if not exactly the same. Which, as we all know, Mazda's are not Ford's...Ford OWNS Mazda, that is all.

I deffinately didn't mean to make it sound like Mazdas are Fords. I know the RX8 is NOTHING like a ford (hence the reason i want one!). But we do own a Mazda 6 which does have a ford engine in it. So the relationship isn't something that is hidden behind the scenes. They do have a presence. The same thing has stated happening with Saab and GM. Hopefully GM won't ruin those cars.

In any case, sorry if i made it sound like they were the same. it was a quick reply trying to get the point across about the relationship.

well, the mazda6's V6 is a mazda-modified version of ford's duretec, (which is an excellent engine in itself) and it's ONLY available in the north american market. the 2.3l inline-four, which is the top jdm-spec engine so far, is mazda's. and mazda developed the chassis and the entire car, not ford. so there really isn't that much ford influence besides ford saving mazda financially in order for mazda to be able to develop the 6 now. so mazda6/atenza is pretty much all mazda's effort 'cept for the V6 in NA, and 'cuz of ford ownership, the platform will later on be stolen/used for other ford applications, not the other way around :D mazda deserves all the credit for it

the tribute is another story. that's a true ford/mazda hybrid. imo ford has done a great job managing all its companies in letting them being quite independent. aston martin, land rover, jaguar, and mazda are all producing great cars of their own characters with little evidence of ford's involvement, unlike gm who's plugging a wrx into saab and calling it a new saab. i hate gm

:D

A Malaysian company named Proton now owns 100% of Lotus. It doesn't seem to have hurt the Elise at all, and this company totally supported the movement to bring the Elise to the US. (AFAIK, Proton is not even a car maufacturerr.)

---- Bill

Proton IS a car company. See http://www.proton.com/

yeah but i bet they're pretty crappy cars :p

rx-8 or ??

Thanks, I didn't know. A quote from the website: "December 30, 1996, marked the launch of the Proton PUTRA..." so maybe chinx is right!

---- Bill

Proton Putra? Who names these cars? It brings to mind "Putrid." That's almost as bad as the Japanese sports drink, Pocari Sweat. The name sounds good to the Asian ear, but it would never sell in English-speaking countries.

Also, be careful. That Proton website tries to load software on your computer when you visit the page. Practice safe computing: Just say No!

Originally posted by 8_wannabe
Proton Putra? Who names these cars? It brings to mind "Putrid." That's almost as bad as the Japanese sports drink, Pocari Sweat. The name sounds good to the Asian ear, but it would never sell in English-speaking countries.

That's ok. For a while, our company had an Ethernet interface card that plugged into one of the products called the IP Wiz (try saying this 10 times fast). The card wasn't designed or named in the US or by native English speakers.

Ozbot87, I'm curious what you decided. I'm currently in the exact same dilemma: TSX vs. RX-8. I know they're two very different cars but, $27K is my max cutoff and I want something fun to drive, reliable, reasonably practicle, good quality and resale. So, any lexus, audi, infinity, bmw is out of my price range. For practicality, I want something I can throw a bicycle into. Anyway, just curious how you resolved this.

You can still get an Audi. 1.8T Quattro should be around $27K. If you get the avant, you can throw your bike in the back comfortably. It is not as much fun to drive as the TSX, but very solid and AWD is a big plus.

Originally posted by zznalg
Ozbot87, I'm curious what you decided. I'm currently in the exact same dilemma: TSX vs. RX-8. I know they're two very different cars but, $27K is my max cutoff and I want something fun to drive, reliable, reasonably practicle, good quality and resale. So, any lexus, audi, infinity, bmw is out of my price range. For practicality, I want something I can throw a bicycle into. Anyway, just curious how you resolved this.

I checked on the a4. Local dealers only get the 1.8 avants in pretty loaded; running about 31-32k. The TSX will be under 26k.

The RX-8 will be more fun, hands down.
However, that, I believe is the ONLY advantage it has over the TSX.
Let me give you a few of my thoughts, which are observations made based on fact, and opinion. Advantages of RX-8
1. Styling, cant say it looks better, but youll turn more heads with the 8.
2. Fun to drive. FWD just aint no fun.

TSX advantages
1. Legendary Honda reliability.
2. Fuel mileage.
3. Functionality.
4. Room.
5. Resale value.
6. Fit and Finish.
7. Legendary Honda reliability.