[brandonb]

Hi everyone. I bought a 2001 Honda S2000 in May. That car is amazing!! I love it so much...but it is just not practical for a college student. So regretfully, I just sold it today. I was thinking about getting a 330ci or an X5 then I went to the Acura dealership(Acura of Tulsa). The MDX is awesome! I was really impressed. I have never been a truck or SUV guy, but this vehicle is nice! It combines the best of both worlds, it has a more rugged look than some of the smaller car-based SUV's but the interior is to die for! I loved all of the features and the different things you can do with the MDX. They had a few there ready to go for MSRP. Problem is I just barely don't have enough cash for a new one, so I will now have to get a used 01. I want a black/black with touring package and navigation. I have about $35,000 to spend so I think this should be enough for a decent 01'. The few questions I have are mostly pertaining to aftermarket MDX(nerf bar kinda stuff) accessories. I've searched around a little bit, but haven't found too much with the exception of Manik products. I want to make the MDX look a little meaner. I was thinking about a black front grille bar, sidesteps and tailight covers. Anyone have pictures of those on a black MDX? Also, I have seen a few pictures of MDX's on dubs and whatnot, but has anyone put larger or beefier tires on their X? I don't want to put a big 3" lift on it, but I was curious what people out there are doing to "intensify" or "beef up" their MDX a little? Any other suggestions about where to buy a slightly used MDX would be great too. I am looking to buy this week.
Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[MIKEinTN]

Good Choice

Brandon,

You'll love the MDX. I just wish when I was in college I could have afforded such a vehicle!

I have a black/ebony touring MDX and love it. (I don't have Nav). It is a great vehicle,and the black is really rich looking. The ebony interior is also very nice and I like it a lot better than the saddle.

Finding a used one will be more than a little difficult. My advice would be to look at the car sites (carpoint.com, cars.com, autobytel.com, as well as carmax.com where you can search their nationwide inventory) acrua.com also allows you to search indivual dealer inventories. I found several used MDXs at the Acura dealer in Nashville, TN but they were gone by the time I got there. You'll probably pay top dollar for them, so I would not rule out getting a new 2002 model. If you do your homework and legwork, you can find a dealer that will sell it to you for MSRP.

You'll be glad you did.

MIKEinTN

 

[Iceman]

Yikes! You must have taken a bath selling a car like an S2000 after less than a year!

Anyway, keep in mind that the MDX is a fairly new vehicle and there are just not that many used ones on the market yet. Add to that the fact that there is a 3-6 month waiting period for new ones in most of the country, and you won't be seeing any real bargains on the MDX for awhile yet. If you really plan to buy this week (meaning you need the new vehicle this week), I think you're out of luck with the MDX!

 

[brandonb]

The other car I am considering is a 2000-2001 BMW 330ci. I know they are two completely different vehicles, but I have always really like BMW's(used to own a 97 M3). Does anyone have any advice on these two? Since I don't really have the money for a new MDX or the time to wait for one, would I be better off just getting the bimmer? I found a 2001 5spd, Silver/Blk, 330ci coupe with 18k miles and sport pakcage for $34,400 that I like.
Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[Iceman]

How old are you again? Darn nice cars you've been drivin'...

Anyway, the 330ci is a nice car but I would think would be a letdown after having an M3. That's the problem I face with BMW--I don't think I'll ever be able to settle for a standard model now that I know what an M can do!

I actually think a better option, and it's in your price range, is a nicely accessorized TL Type-S!

 

[vicpai]

I would absolutely second this!!

I actually think a better option, and it's in your price range, is a nicely accessorized TL Type-S!

Yes, the TL Type-S with Navi would be an excellent choice instead!!. I, myself, loved my 2000 3.2TL/Navi when I had it, but the Type-S variant is even better!!!!!! My brother drives one and I can say it is a blast to drive!!! - shoots from a stoplight like a canon, tracks and handles like a laser-guided missle and is very refined and quiet for a delivering so much sport and performance!!!.........the TLs are much more readily available and it you do your homework and stand your ground with the salesmen you should get one for around $800 over invoice (around $32,000 with Navigation System - the only option) - and don't forego the Navigation option - you'll have nothing but REGRETS!!!!!!

Another thing to consider, especially being a college student, is realiability......Acura's reliability (especially the TL) is bulletproof....On the other hand BMWs are not known to be as reliable (maintenance and repairs will cost you a lot!!)

 

[brandonb]

Don't the TL's come in auto's only? That car seems like it would be a lot of fun, but I'm not sure about the auto?
Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[brandonb]

I really am not a huge fan of the TL's styling, I like the CL's a lot better. Does anyone have a good comparison of the two? Besides coupe vs sedan, how are they different?
Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[vicpai]

I really am not a huge fan of the TL's styling, I like the CL's a lot better. Does anyone have a good comparison of the two? Besides coupe vs sedan, how are they different?
Thanks,
-Brandon

The CL Type-S is coming out in a week to 10 days with a 6-speed manual!!!.....Same 260bhp engine as the TL Type-S. The TL being a sedan is not offered with a manual!.......There is only one difference between the coupe and sedan. The CL coupe with the manual transmission will have something called ATTS - Automatic Torque Transfer system - in the front differential to counter TORQUE STEER which is inherent in all front-wheel drive cars. True sports cars are rear wheel drive or 4-wheel drive (like the Audi quattro system or as in the Porsche Carrera 4)....but I'm told the ATTS system is an amazing technology that compensates for torque steer making it, in effect, behave close to a rear-wheel drive sports car!

 

[Zrelaxed]

The other car I am considering is a 2000-2001 BMW 330ci. I know they are two completely different vehicles, but I have always really like BMW's(used to own a 97 M3). Does anyone have any advice on these two? Since I don't really have the money for a new MDX or the time to wait for one, would I be better off just getting the bimmer? I found a 2001 5spd, Silver/Blk, 330ci coupe with 18k miles and sport pakcage for $34,400 that I like.
Thanks,
-Brandon

How ironic. I was just in Milwaukee this last weekend testing a BMW 330i as I too was considering it vs. the MDX. However, I'm sticking with my MDX order. I found myself drawn to the BMW simply because it was a BMW, but after the test drive, I felt that the MDX had a lot more to offer (less expensive, more standard equipment, believe it or not comparable performance for the most part, the list goes on). Of course, I'm in no hurry and the wait for a 2002 is no problem. Between your choices, you can't lose. Good luck with your decision!

 

[brandonb]

The CL Type-S is coming out in a week to 10 days with a 6-speed manual!!!.....Same 260bhp engine as the TL Type-S. The TL being a sedan is not offered with a manual!

Really? How do you know? How can you get one?
Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[vicpai]

Really? How do you know? How can you get one?
Thanks,
-Brandon

My brother and myself just recently visited the Acura dealership and spoke with the General Manager!!.....He's planning to trade in his TL for a CL 6-speed manual.........also see my edited post above on differences between the TL and CL.......The CL 6-speed should be in showrooms next week

 

[JerryL]

Brandon:
I would go with the BMW 330Ci. In fact I just purchased one last night. I am replacing my Audi with it. IMO you have plenty of time to do the SUV thing later in life, unless you like to go 4 wheeling. I have been test driving a lot of vehicles in the last month and the Bimmer has the best of everything to offer. It is just about the best balanced car I had even driven. I paid $38,600 or about $1000.00 over invoice for premium,sport,cold weather packages, metallic paint & xenons.

By the way, does anyone know of a BMW board like acuramdx.org that would be helpful to new buyers of BMW's?
This board has been so worthwhile in the past and present that I would hope that there would be a BMW "version" of it.

By the way Brandon, you can't go wrong with either vehicle. Good luck,

Jerry

 

[brandonb]

Brandon:
I would go with the BMW 330Ci. In fact I just purchased one last night. I am replacing my Audi with it. IMO you have plenty of time to do the SUV thing later in life, unless you like to go 4 wheeling. I have been test driving a lot of vehicles in the last month and the Bimmer has the best of everything to offer. It is just about the best balanced car I had even driven. I paid $38,600 or about $1000.00 over invoice for premium,sport,cold weather packages, metallic paint & xenons.

By the way, does anyone know of a BMW board like acuramdx.org that would be helpful to new buyers of BMW's?
This board has been so worthwhile in the past and present that I would hope that there would be a BMW "version" of it.

By the way Brandon, you can't go wrong with either vehicle. Good luck,

Jerry

Thanks, I may go test drive one to see what I think.
BTW-
www.bimmer.org
www.dtmpower.net
www.bimmerforums.net

Thanks,
-Brandon

 

[Zrelaxed]

Brandon:
I would go with the BMW 330Ci. In fact I just purchased one last night. I am replacing my Audi with it. IMO you have plenty of time to do the SUV thing later in life, unless you like to go 4 wheeling. I have been test driving a lot of vehicles in the last month and the Bimmer has the best of everything to offer. It is just about the best balanced car I had even driven. I paid $38,600 or about $1000.00 over invoice for premium,sport,cold weather packages, metallic paint & xenons.

Jerry

Jerry, sounds like a great deal at $38,600. Dealers in the midwest aren't discounting much at all, around $500-1000, where it looks like you got abou $2400 off. Did you purchase a new 2002?

 

[Iceman]

If a manual transmission is critical, then that new 6-speed CL Type-S might be just what the doctor ordered. The TL has a SportShift automatic, but that's just not the same, is it?

I didn't know the 6-speed CL-S was going to have the ATTS. That premiered in the Prelude Type-SH about four years ago and is a really slick system. There are other minor differences between the CL and TL (6-speaker stereo in the CL, 5-speaker in the TL, stuff like that), but they are roughly equivalent.

As you can tell from my signature, I drive a previous generation CL. It is the best car I have ever owned. The new one has many enhancements (especially performance-wise in the Type-S) and improvements, and if you like the styling then you absolutely can't go wrong for the price. I think it's a better car than the 3-series all around, not to mention the fact that you see 3-series all over the place and the CL is still quite rare. Please keep us posted on your vehicle search!

 

[JerryL]

Brandon:
Thanks for the links. Let me know how the test drive goes.

Zrelaxed:
I did purchase a 2002Ci. They seem to discount the BMWs more on the East coast as opposed to the Midwest.(So I am told) I have 4 dealers within a 20 minute drive. I wanted a 5 speed and believe it or not there were only automatics available in my area. Can you believe what this world is coming to?

Iceman:
I was going to purchase a 6 speed 2003 CLS until I drove the 330Ci. The CLS is a great car at a fantastic price. The 330 was a better balanced, more refined and had an around better feel to it after driving both cars back to back. Granted it was a 2002 Auto, but the bimmer just felt better. Problem is that I have to wait 10 weeks for the car now.

 

[bdespain]

Go with the CLS 6-speed.

I drove the CLS 6-speed last Wednesday. Great car. When I heard they were coming out with a manual in the CL I went and drove the 2002 CLS auto. Didn't like the car at all. So when my salesman called and said the 2003 CLS 6-speed came in early and I could drive I wasn't too interested. But since I love to test drive cars I figured I give it a chance.

The 2003 CLS 6-speed is much nicer. It seemed quieter, the 2002 auto seemed very loud. The stick and the limited slip differencal make it a really fun car to drive.

Now I just have to convince my wife that replacing my 10 year old Accord with a new car is the best thing to do with our money.

So I guess I will be driving the Accord for another couple of years. Notice she is driving the new MDX.

 

[Iceman]

I don't really fault anyone for choosing the 330 over the CL Type-S. Heck, even I was sucked in by the BMW mystique the last time I bought a car! I won't let that happen again, though--the BMW has been fun but a real pain maintenance-wise compared to my two Acuras. There is a certain something about a Bimmer--so many people aspire to own "the ultimate driving machine"--but in reality it's just another car. I'm not in the market for another sports coupe, but the 6-speed CL Type-S would easily be my choice if I was. All that being said, the BMW is a nice car too and if you don't mind spending the extra change and think it's worth it, then go for it and I wish you the best!

 

[MDXLuvr]

Go with the Cl-type s!

If i was in college, and single then I would not be looking at a MDX. the 330ci and the Cl- type S are excellent choices. Personally, i would go the Cl. the Cl- 6 spd is faster, roomier, more reliable, has a better navi, and is $7-8 k cheaper than the 330ci. The bimmer is better looking(IMHO), has more prestige, is rwd, and comes with free maintenance for 3 yrs. oh, and did i mention its a chick magnet.

the Cl-Type S has a slightly different look than the regular Cl. If you get C & D. check of the Apr issue(pg 106). btw, there is no mention of ATTS in the ad.

the cl will definetly be cheaper initially, and in the long run.