Help!! Opinions, Advice, Thoughs needed immediately

[cali]

Well I need to buy a car in the next couple of days/weeks, but by the end of July. The decision is basically boiled down to the BMW 320i, the Acura TL and the Accord EX-L. These are going to be all brand new 2003 models. Those are the only cars really being considered now after a long search. The accord is not being seriously considered it is just a worst case scenario car at this point (no offense intended please). The real decision is between the 320 and the TL.

So please say what you think about these two cars and give the pros and cons of each and which you would choose. It should probably be known that I am only going to have this car for a few years and then I have to give it to my mom and it'll be her car when her current lease runs out. So that means no mods and a car suited more towards both our needs of luxury and performance. Also, I hate to admit it but prestige and status of the car is a factor as I'm sure it is for most people.

So help me out, what do you think?

[ecstasy_civic]

id say TL just because from what i understand the 320 doesnt come that equipped.
The TL most likely will come with more options and possibly better performance.
but i dunno that much about BMW's, im a honda guy

[max_boost]

No brainer
TL dude
Or hell, I take the TSX

[cali]

Originally posted by max_boost
No brainer
TL dude
Or hell, I take the TSX

seems like it should be a no brainer for the TL but my dad seems to want the "prestige" of the BMW and the TSX is out of the question since the finance rates are too high. These are the vehicles being considered now. Oh and could you guys please say what you think about both of these vehicles? Thanks again

[Weapon_R]

TL for sure. There isn't much prestige in driving a weak 320

[syeve]

BMW has a definite presence...it is a hard decision...the TL or the TSX will be basically loaded...quite fast...good resale...the bimmer will bring you a presence..I notice every BMW that I see...I would say just test drive them...

[ryder_23]

no way you could move up to a 328 or 330? Personally i'd take the bmw cause i just love bmw's. But for bang for buck, i guess the TL would hafta take the cake on this one. But if you can get into a 328 or 330, then take one of those over the TL. Just imo

[Abom]

Test drive them and buy the one you like better. This forum is mostly pro-Jap imports, so most people here will tell you to get the TL.


Either car is a good choice, test drive them both and see which one you like better

[kaput]

.

[Abom]

Uhhhhhhhh, you guys are confused I think. BMWs entry car (the *weak* model) is the 318i, NOT the 320i.

[ryder_23]

yeah 318 is the weakest.

[kaput]

.

[bksze]

yea but the 318 hasn't been made in awhile

the 320 is a weak ass bet for a bimmer, you pay ~40k for a car with 170 hp, no HID, no real leather, and pretty much whatever luxury normally associated with bimmer is an option

besides ~40k for 170hp as opposed to ~240 in the TL fully loaded, much better deal.

Then again, the TL shouldn't even be compared to the 3 series seeing as how they are different cars altogether

[Abom]

Originally posted by bksze
the 320 is a weak ass bet for a bimmer, you pay ~40k for a car with 170 hp, no HID, no real leather, and pretty much whatever luxury normally associated with bimmer is an option

besides ~40k for 170hp as opposed to ~240 in the TL fully loaded, much better deal.

Then again, the TL shouldn't even be compared to the 3 series seeing as how they are different cars altogether

You're right, the TL and 320 shouldn't even be compared together, they're completely different cars. The 320 is probably the better quality car though, even if you don't get "HID" or "real leather".


Anyways, the point is, he should go drive the two and buy whatever he feels more comfortable / happy in.

[syeve]

ya, the TL is quite a big car...the TSX would be a better competitor to the 320...

[Weapon_R]

Originally posted by Abom



The 320 is probably the better quality car though

In what respect? The finish in the TL is better, the car is far more dependable, and is much better equipped. It may come as a surprise to you that German cars are no longer far and above the rest of the pack. Lexus, Infinity, and Acura are all major rivals and in most cases, offer better vehicles overall than BMW or Mercedes.

[Ben]

TL hands down...320 doesn't have any prestige, your better off buying a fully loaded Jetta 1.8T or VR6. Better all around cars for way less.

[Altezza]

With the BMW 320i, you'll only impress those who know nothing about cars. Anybody else would know that the 320i is bargain basement Bimmer and means nothing in terms of "status". Go for the TL.

[Khyron]

Base model car with a nice name plate, or a loaded reliable car? Hrmmmmmm.

Still, drive them both and see what you like. The BMW is RWD (I assume) so that should be some extra fun.

Khyron

[Abom]

Originally posted by Khyron
Base model car with a nice name plate, or a loaded reliable car? Hrmmmmmm.

Still, drive them both and see what you like. The BMW is RWD (I assume) so that should be some extra fun.

Khyron

Ummmmmm, again, I see people are not informed. The 320i is NOT the entry model to BMW, the 318i is. As for quality, I'd go European before I ever touched Asian, I've owned Asian cars, none of them being very "reliable". Personally, I'd chose the BMW, but again, he should drive them both and chose the one he likes better.