Narrowing down my next car: TLX vs. WRX
 

I'm still planning to keep the BRZ, but I'm going to need a second car. I'd be getting the TLX i4 with Tech Package or WRX Limited. Auto is a necessity because it'll be the family car. Originally, the CT200h was in the mix, but after driving the TLX, I was REALLY impressed by the comfort and quiet while having decent handling. I still haven't gotten to drive a WRX yet, but I've put my butt in one in the showrooms. For the money, I feel like what I'd be getting in the WRX can't be beat for the money and it's in a more palatable size for me and The Boss. Unfortunately, she's not a fan of Subaru considering the experiences I've had with various dealerships. I can't really blame her. I guess I need to try an ES350 now?

Any current or previous owners of the above want to chime in?

I don't know your price range. But the Dodge Charger R/T (or SRT8) is still a hell of a fun car with recent improvements.. There's also the Chevy SS. I know those are two American cars, but they're stuff made of dreams.
Also the Ford Taurus SHO is a pretty cool car too, i'd take a look at that.


I know your not asking recommendations, but I'm still gonna push.

I am going to say: Get the TLX.

WRX probably has more room in it, but if this is a family car I think you'll appreciate the ride comort and NVH, or lack there of.

es350 is really numb feeling. Really soft, super light steering, you could turn with one finger. I suggest you let her make the final decision so if you run into any problems, you won't get the "i told you so" treatment. Its just a camry with upgraded interior and 10k+ more. Not sure if the new ones are any different.

The charger with the 8 speed means it should get decent power/mileage.
I think the tlx has 8 speed also.
dont get a ct200h, its slower than a prius!
wrx has cvt, not sure if it is stepped or just one long gear.
Some people don't like cvt's but they get great gas mileage.

Haha...I'm open to recommendations actually.

The TLX is actually a bit roomier, but the things that are holding me back on it is the terrible UI for the infotainment and tranny issues. Sure, it's an Acura, but I don't have the luxury of time to deal with warranty stuff anymore with a 9 month old. My tails are going to be perpetually fishbowls. :(

Scratching the 350 then...haha. We're borrowing a Camry now and she doesn't really like it, so that makes it an easy choice. The CT200h is slow, but handles pretty competently. I actually liked it more than the IS250 AWD. She didn't really like the IS either because of the shape of the backseats. The CT gets bonus points because it's a hatch. :thumbup:

Family cars are boring and bland. Get the most fuel efficient one with a shit ton of creature comforts and "sporty driving" is best left to the sports car. The CT200h is pretty awesome as it does everything a family auto should do. Space, fuel efficient, cushy ride, and creature comforts. We have an HS250h in our stable and it does all those things beautifully.

Cadillac ATS

the es350 is on a completely different chasis as a camry. It more or less an upgraded avalon in all reality. There is a huge difference in nvh between thr avalon and camry. From sound deadening material everywhere to acoustic glass. The avalon and es350 suspension actually has 3 sections for added comfort vs 2 like normal cars. Dont rule out the avalon and es350 with out driving them. :)

Forgot about the Avalon, those were really comfortable cars. I know the Cadillac ATS is a bit small like a 3 series, but those are great cars as well.

There's no real wrong choice here.

The new Avalon actually looks quite good - it isn't an old-folks' barge like the previous version.
Hell, the front end even seems to sport some inspiration from the FRS... The little foglamp inserts/air ducts up front are similar in shape, as is the lower grille.

Since you "might" consider the ES350:
Just my 2 cents on the ES350 although it will be about the 2012 one. I drove my mom's ES350 for about a year in the past.

Pros:
it is definitely very comfortable everywhere in the car
A good amount of room for passengers, stuff, etc.
Navi is great
heating and A/C is great
speakers are a million times better than the BRZ's.
It has a good amount of power, it will torque steer a bit haha.
Backup camera
Handles OK...not really confident inspiring but it'll hold its own
Decent tires I guess...never had an issue accelerating or stopping in rain or snow

Cons:
poor MPG, it was rated for like 19/28 but the last time I was in it, my mom had averaged roughly 20 MPG thats with like 60/40 (highway/city)
Body roll
Poor steering feeling (luxury =/)
Visibility could be a better, convex mirrors can fix that.

Could be a pro or a con depending but I didn't like the fact that the environment controls are on the touchscreen, although the touchscreen is pretty good.
The position of the AUX and USB is in the center console which is meh.

Overall...not worth it for the money, although its my parents so I really don't have the right to say that haha
I've driven both the TL and TSX. I don't know about what issues the TLX might have but Acuras have always been pretty solid, might be the one for starting a family...plus it looks nice hehe

Good luck!

Find something reliable and in-expensive thats still comfy. The 2014.5 Camry's are very nice to ride and are pretty decent looking inside and out. They should be cheap as dealers want to get rid of them due to the 2015's.

Do you have a garage?

Get something that's beautiful, temperamental and rust-prone.

That way when the sun is out, the temperature is above 60F and you are wearing your lucky leather shoes all will be right in your world. :-)

I like the nissan maxima, anyone considere it?

I think that there's a ton more cars to look at but I'd skip the Lexus Camry.. Err ES.

I briefly considered the Avalon, but to get it spec'd out the way I'd want, it'd be close to $40k and I'd rather go Lexus at that price. It's also HUGE and something The Boss has given in on that considering she used to insist on only having a Camry. Frankly, I'm glad that she wants a smaller car cause the Camry is a fucking boat! I feel nervous driving the thing because it's so numb.

If only we could be in the second or third model year for the TLX and WRX, then it'd be easier to swallow that $35k bill...haha.

No garage either...maybe one day...

Focus RS


do it! But it has to come out first... ;-;

jetta sport wagen diesel?, kinda out there, but gas mileage great and big storage. engines are good, but not too sure about the electronics.

used 4 door e92 m3

If willing to go used, look into a Spec B Legacy.

I use to have an SRT8 Challenger...due to this, I did a track day with all the SRT Cars.

I really enjoyed driving the SRT8 300M and the Charger...both were great and fast.

I like the way the Lincoln MKZ looks...have no idea about how it drives or anything like that.

Audi A4 2.0T wagon or Allroad.

/thread.

If you can wait a bit, the 2016 ILX looks promising... Complete overhaul and it now gets a K24 with 200bhp standard.

what about maybe the ATS?

Doesn't matter what you buy.


As long as it's not a Dodge.

If you want something quiet/comfortable, while having decent handling and decent acceleration, why not get a new GTI?

Compared with a WRX:
- the interior is more quiet/upscale/refined
- it has a much better auto transmission (DSG v. CVT)
- it has more cargo space (hatch v. sedan)
- it'll get better gas mileage

I've got a mk6 GTI and it's a good all-around car. My wife loves it, especially because it's smaller than most sedans and easy to drive.

CT200h is pretty small, putting 4 adults into the car (plus the driver), you can feel the car strain with the extra weight. The trunk space is also quite small, depending on how big your family is and what you plan to do with the car. The CT200h is a nice city car since it is pretty small and good fuel economy, but if you plan to regularly drive around a family of 4-5, it will feel like a small car

I'm also thinking you should test drive a new GTI, probably just as nice as the TLX but way more fun.

WRX with a CVT is not even worth your time.