OT: say hello to my little friend Options

[zymurgist]

I got the check for my dad's old Camry on Friday. It was an old car and it had issues, but I hated to see it go because it was once his baby. I did some car shopping, even considering cash for clunkers using my old Mercedes (which I think is too nice to have the engine seized up on purpose), and decided that rather than buy a new car, I would go with a used car and go more upscale.

I live a long way from the office, so I need a car that is reliable, good on gas, and comfortable on the highway. I didn't want to spend a lot on a new car since I know I'll be putting so many miles on it... I figured that a quality used car would be a good idea.

I drove a couple of Camrys and Accords, but I had to look into the Acura RSX. I work with a lady who drives a 5-speed coupe and a guy who drives a 6-speed Type S, and they both can't say enough good things about their cars. So I drove a couple of RSX's too. Loved the Type S, but it takes premium unleaded... that's a definite minus for my commuter car. So I found a local one owner base 5-speed with 41K miles. Drove an Accord with manual transmission and the RSX back-to-back, and that sold me on the RSX.

I picked up my car yesterday. It has brand new tires on it and a cold A/C. It corners well on local twisty roads, shifts like a dream (compared to an old Porsche!), a little bitty leather wrapped steering wheel, and a sunroof. It's not the fastest car on the street, but that's not why I bought it. I think I'm going to enjoy driving to work a bit more than I did when I had the Camry!

[ghuff]

Good luck on Club RSX.

It is like pulling teeth there looking for any sort of intelligence or good discussion.


Stiff old 911 or not, I bet it will have coilovers and good rubber or a few flow mods within it's ownership by you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

It's like heroin. Enjoy the modified brain chemistry that requires you to have speed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[dw914er]

Good luck on Club RSX.

It is like pulling teeth there looking for any sort of intelligence or good discussion.


Stiff old 911 or not, I bet it will have coilovers and good rubber or a few flow mods within it's ownership by you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

It's like heroin. Enjoy the modified brain chemistry that requires you to have speed (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I can help him out.... I've made good progress with my base rsx, and I can give advice without him being flamed...


cliff, goodluck on finding a 05-06 -s for cheap.... they are still holding their value very well (with some still above the 20K mark).

though, the fault with the type-s was the transmission. 2nd gear is the bitch of the problem.

For auto-x, stiffer rear sway, and better tires helps. I thought even stock the car wasn't bad, but now that i went from 205's to 245's... holy hell does this thing turn

(IMG:http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo330/dw914er/DSC00838.jpg)
(IMG:http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo330/dw914er/DSC00848.jpg)
(IMG:http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo330/dw914er/DSC00765.jpg)

this is at GMR (glendora mountain road.... the right set-up and it will be quick.

but even as a dd, 30ish MPG will be good.


ohh, and congrats on the DC5.

[zymurgist]

I can help him out.... I've made good progress with my base rsx, and I can give advice without him being flamed...

hahaha... I've been flamed there already for buying a base model. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Transmission longevity was a part of my decision, but more so is being able to run regular unleaded. The next time gas hits $4/gallon, I would be kicking myself for buying a type S as a daily driver. I would be putting in the more expensive fuel just to get to work. Yeah, it's only $2 or $3 extra every time I fill the tank, but 2-3 times a week adds up pretty fast.

ohh, and congrats on the DC5.

Thanks Ben. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it so far. I like the way it's put together... the materials (headliner, steering wheel, etc.) are definitely a step up from what I've been accustomed to. I just hope I can get in and out of it the next time I throw my back out.

I wanted a car that I will only have to wrench on if I choose to, not because I have to. I think I will be fine in that regard.