Dammit, Jonboy, you're such a Honda fanboi4lyfe.

 

I'd certainly consider an ATS ahead of any ILX-Civic.

If you really want to be different, you can get an almost-new ELR for around $30k these days... The depreciation is insane.



Its not going to win races, but its unique, nice, and interesting...

 

neither, get the TLX

 

There's no reason to get an ILX. If you want a decent Honda built "practical" sedan then get an Accord.

 

It's still too expensive. I plan on paying cash, so I'd like to stay under $30k. For some reason the idea of a 4 cylinder ILX doesn't sound too bad, but that engine in a heavier TLX doesn't appeal to me, and the six cylinder versions are way over $30k still.

 

This.

Maximize reliability, practicality, and utility.

Save the cash and reduced maintenance fees (vs. ATS) for college fund, retirement, or c5z06 modifications/maintenance + more track days

Fun daily drivers are over-rated, and reliable daily drivers are under-rated.

I purchased a "fun" unreliable daily driver. I got stranded twice - experiment lasted a year before i decided I didn't have time to wrench all day, and that I'd rather drive my s2k for fun and would also rather wrench my s2k for mental health days.

 

True. But the ATS V6 is GM's bread and butter V6, used in all their fleet impalas and rental special camaro v6s, in short they're reliable and cheap to fix. I'd say with proper car the ATS should hold up relatively well, my only concern would be eletronic type issues, otherwise I can't see why this would be any less reliable.

That said, nothing arguably is more reliable than a 4 banger honda, and the ILX is just a glorified civic. Feel like you can't go wrong with either, but if you're planning to keep this next car for the long haul, like over 100k, the ilx may be the more prudent decision. But if you're treating yourself, why not go for the ats.

 

ATS for sure. Although not sure what your back seat needs are - it's pretty cramped.

I'd actually almost rather have a new '16 Civic w/the 1.5T over an ILX. Worth consideration?

 

I have a three-year-old and a 1-year-old foster child, but we take my wife's RDX for the most part when we have to move the kids around. My backseat needs are fairly nonexistent. My coworkers will ride in the backseat more than my family will.

The new Civic really does not appeal to me. The ILX may just be a fancier Civic, but that's exactly why I like it. When I go meet with one of our firm's clients whose husband was just killed in truck accident, they don't want to see me roll up in a BMW or a Ferrari (it sends the wrong message), but they also don't want to see me roll up in a Honda Civic either.

 

New Mazda 3 GT sedan with the (bigger) 2.5 liter 4 cylinder. Good interior, fuel efficient, okay looks.


Cadillac 3.6 ATS--It's a Caddy with a peppy V6, nuff said?!

ILX-- As you said, too bland (like a Camry). Negative styling points, partly why Acura has gown downhill imo (too boring).