If you had $20K max, would you buy a mid 00's (05 or 06) BMW 3 series or Acura TL? (vehicle, 2010)

[Sayantsi]

Originally Posted by tahiti

and there is the quandry! aren't beemers notoriously unreliable and expensive to fix?

thanks so far everyone!

I think Consumer Reports pegs TL reliability below 3 reliability, actually.

If you have the current issue of CR, its the auto review. The 3 series actually has above average reliability as a whole, compared to only average for the TL.

As a brand, Acura may be more reliable, but the specific models give the nod to BMW.

[Sayantsi]

Originally Posted by tahiti

this isn't for me so i confess i'm not completely educated on these models, but don't the tsx's have a road noise issue?

That, and they are glorified fwd Hondas. Not really luxury cars imo - just same the money and get a Honda.

[getmeoutofhere]

Originally Posted by tahiti

and there is the quandry! aren't beemers notoriously unreliable and expensive to fix?

thanks so far everyone!

No, they are very reliable.

But they are expensive to fix.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Sayantsi

I think Consumer Reports pegs TL reliability below 3 reliability, actually.
If you have the current issue of CR, its the auto review. The 3 series actually has above average reliability as a whole, compared to only average for the TL.

As a brand, Acura may be more reliable, but the specific models give the nod to BMW.

wow, really. I do have a subscription to CR, and just got the April edition, I'll take a look, thanks. is this true from a used or new perspective?

i had an acura many moons ago and absolutely loved it so if i had any influence over this decision, that's what i'd go with, but alas, I don't. i like to see what other people say though!

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Sayantsi

That, and they are glorified fwd Hondas. Not really luxury cars imo - just same the money and get a Honda.

i'm not sure there's a comparable honda to the TL? i wouldn't think an accord.......

[getmeoutofhere]

Originally Posted by tahiti

i'm not sure there's a comparable honda to the TL? i wouldn't think an accord.......

No, that's correct. The TL is based off the Accord.

It's a nice car, but nothing like a BMW. There is a reason the 3-series consistently wins comparison tests.

They are exceptionally well-balanced, the handling is superb, and they are incredible to drive. The TL can't even come close.

[Lux Hauler]

OP, what about a CTS (V) or MKS? Have they considered either of those?

[getmeoutofhere]

Originally Posted by Lux Hauler

OP, what about a CTS (V) or MKS? Have they considered either of those?

None of those can touch a BMW.

[Lux Hauler]

Originally Posted by getmeoutofhere

None of those can touch a BMW.

Interesting...

2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Comparison Test

[getmeoutofhere]

Originally Posted by Lux Hauler

Interesting...

2008 BMW M5 vs. 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Comparison Test

First off, the OP is asking about older cars, not current generation.

Secondly, the M5 and CTS-V run basically the same, performance-wise (even though the CTS carries an additional 56 HP and another 168 ft. pounds of torque, so it's a little embarrassing that it doesn't soundly beat the M5), with every review of them dogging the CTS for its sub-par interior and fit and finish.

Also, the M5 is a 3-year-old car, the CTS-V is brand-new. Given that, the CTS should be spanking the M5, not scratching by.