yihooni

After selling my car, I'm in need of a DD.
I've pretty much narrowed it down to 3 cars.

1. IS300 5 spd
2. Altima SER 6 spd
3. TSX 6 spd

There all under 15K, manual, and and 4 doors.
I've done some intensive research on these cars and the reviews are pretty positive.
I usually drive my cars til the wheels fall off so I'm looking for reliability and some what fun too, and I also drive about 40K a year.
Civic Si sedans are just too small, and the Impreza and Evos are too much for me. I don't wanna mess with anything turbo.
I won't be doing any modifications.
I just don't know if there are any major common problems with these cars.
Thanks guys.

Jonathan

berlinablackie

TSX, SE-R, IS300 in that order.

I've never heard a bad thing about a TSX, and you can't go wrong with the Honda engine/transmissions. The car is fun too drive without sacrificing 'luxury'. Best gas mileage of the three.

The SE-R is largest of the group, has the most power and is a blast too drive. A bit more harsh suspension, and usually developes rattles with age. Its a close second.

The IS300 needs mods to be enjoyed. a nice car, but out of the box stock, just a sloppy performer. I've driven quite a few Is300, but only enjoyed driving the ones with suspension and other performance upgrades.

Can I add one to the list??? How about the last gen Honda Accord V6 with 6spd manual? 240bhp, nice strong engine, transmission is almost as sweet as the s2k, 4 door, leather, fast. You should check it out, in your price range, may be tougher to find. They are rare.

yihooni

The lastest Accord V6 sounds nice but I can't afford it without financing.
My current DD is a 2000 Accord V6. Not mine though.
Can the VQ35s from the Altima last 250K with proper maintenance?
I've seen TSXs last 200k easily but haven't seen an Altima SER do it yet.

TheDonEffect

TSX, IS300, then Altima, however if the altima is bought at the right price, may move up a notch.

MBHs2k

TSX, IS300, Altima

TSX is classy and also sporty. Its good and gas and from what i hear is a pretty fun car to drive.

IS300 is a decent looking car inside and out. I think they look really dated now and unattractive. They have a pretty weal 6 cylinder and dont handle well at all

Altima SE R IMO is an ugly car. I never liked any altima's and i think the SE R look ridiculous. It doesn't matter if they are fast or not becuase they hurt the eyes to look at.

dewey

tsx - best looking best resale value

Presto123

TSX or SER. TSX has better build quality and is better looking but the Altima has alot more power. Whatever matters more to you and whatever you can get a good deal on.

Those IS300s are old and slow. Manuals are also extremely rare.

madkimchi

i heard first gen TSX handles pretty damn good for a sedan.

1. tsx
2 is300
3. altima.

sparrow

tsx

Disgustipated

TSX all the way. It's basically a more comfortable RSX-S with 4 doors. Cheap to mod (even if you aren't), awesome gas mileage, sweet transmission, handles just a bit worse than the RSX, classy and attractive, AWESOME projector HIDs (not as good as S2000 but still great), super reliable (that K24 will last forever)... Definitely one of Acura's best cars.

Finding a 6 speed 1st gen TSX is REALLY hard though, but worth it.

Screw the SE-R, it's an Altima (ugh), and the IS300 is a slow gas guzzler.