Wanted: OTM Opinions

[altiain]

Maybe you can keep the revs under 4k and do better, but the car has so little torque in the bottom half of the powerband you might as well be driving a Civic.

I got around 18 mpg in mine as well, shifted around 4000 in 1st and 2nd and 3500 in 3rd-6th. The very first tank driving it home from San Antonio I eeked out 330 miles out of a 13 gallon fill or 25 mpg.

Also keep in mind that my typical commute is 100% city surface streets. FWIW, lugnutjon drives his with a bit more aggression than I do, and he regularly reports ~14 mpg on average. Don't kid yourself that the RX-8 is anything but a gas pig. I like mine for several reasons, but fuel economy is not one of them.

[TurboDuane]

Vote here for the Accord. I bought one for my wife in '06 with the 4-cyl and it's a nice ride, comfortable but not sloppy, it actually has a sporty feel. It's also bigger than the TSX, and the TL isn't offered with a 4-cyl option. When new it was consistently getting 26 to 27 mph. Now with 24,000 miles it gets consistently 30 mpg with a mix of city/hwy. On the hwy running between 65 and 70 mph we can squeak out 33 mpg. It's got descent power, but by no means is it a hot-rod. All I've done to it is put gas in and change the oil.

[Miatamoto]

Also keep in mind that my typical commute is 100% city surface streets. FWIW, lugnutjon drives his with a bit more aggression than I do, and he regularly reports ~14 mpg on average. Don't kid yourself that the RX-8 is anything but a gas pig. I like mine for several reasons, but fuel economy is not one of them.

Definitley didn't say the 8 wasn't a gas hog, but I don't keep the car under 4k RPM and usually hit the buzzer at least once during the regular commute. I really don't know how you get such low gas mileage with "semi-conservative" driving.

[Radio-Active]

+1 for the TSX

I'd definitely go for the 6 spd stick-shift, but I don't care for slush-o-matics.

[miataspeedracer]

I do like Acura TL's too. I think the TSX is the Euro Accord. The TSX is another that requires premium fuel.

I also forgot to mention the RX8 as a longshot contender...

Had a TSX for a little over a year. Brilliant little car, really. Only downide was 20-21 mpg in town sucking premium gas. If that's not a dealbreaker for you, I can't think of a better daily driver given your parameters...

[Mathews2004]

To add some parameters:
I am 6'3".

I would like to stay under 20k, and get mpg in the 20's with mixed city and highway driving. I am flexible on both.

I can buy a lease return 2007 Accord SE or LX with around 30k miles for under $15,000. I would also put the TSX and Maxima on the short list right now.

I haven't really looked into the Lexus IS. I remember thinking "kids" car when I first saw it.

Quattroporte. hmmm.

[sxk122]

To add some parameters:
I am 6'3".

I would like to stay under 20k, and get mpg in the 20's with mixed city and highway driving. I am flexible on both.

I can buy a lease return 2007 Accord SE or LX with around 30k miles for under $15,000. I would also put the TSX and Maxima on the short list right now.

I haven't really looked into the Lexus IS. I remember thinking "kids" car when I first saw it.

Quattroporte. hmmm.

Not a status car, but for a "get around town" car my lancer does admirably. However, if you want spirited "miata driving" you'll nee a miata too... hence my miata ownership, lol. I routinely get 23-25mpg in the city and 30+ highway on longer jaunts. Seating is comfortable, and I think build quality is decent for the price. Trunk is huge. OEM stereo is decent with good mp3 functionality and ipod ability. wheel mounted stereo and bluetooth controls. bought my 2008 in july of 2007 for $15k. 10 year power train warranty/ 5 year bumper to bumper

[randy7601]

Nissan Altima is a nice car.

[Mathews2004]

Quick update, I still can't decide!

[POS Racing]

Quick update, I still can't decide!

What have you looked at so far??

[CosmosMpower]

Quick update, I still can't decide!

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now

[Miatamaniac92]

I helped my SO pick up a used G35 a couple months ago. We narrowed it down to the G35, 3 series and IS300.

We test drove a couple of each and she liked them all. She liked them all, so it came down to the bottom line, the G35 was $500 cheaper than the other 2.

The IS300 was really nice, had noticeably less power than the G35 though.

the G35 has been great. We took it up to Colorado for vacation. It's very smooth at over 70 mph. She averages ~20 mpg.

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways?

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now

MMM, M5, I'd hit it.


Chris

[miataspeedracer]

[QUOTE=

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways


Chris[/QUOTE]

most of my driving was in town, but I think 25-27 mpg would be a good guesstimate for highway mileage.

[Mathews2004]

Used BMW M5 can be had in the high 20's now

BMWs are some of the lowest quality cars on the road, in my opinion.

[Mathews2004]

I helped my SO pick up a used G35 a couple months ago. We narrowed it down to the G35, 3 series and IS300.

We test drove a couple of each and she liked them all. She liked them all, so it came down to the bottom line, the G35 was $500 cheaper than the other 2.

The IS300 was really nice, had noticeably less power than the G35 though.

the G35 has been great. We took it up to Colorado for vacation. It's very smooth at over 70 mph. She averages ~20 mpg.

The TSX was on the list, but we couldn't find one under $18K (they were selling at a comparable premium). Speed, what gas mileage does the TSX get on highways?


MMM, M5, I'd hit it.


Chris

Thanks for the input everyone. i'm thinking along the same lines as you were, unless I get really sensible and get the Accord. I can get a 2005-2006 G35 for about the same price as a 2007 Accord, both with 25-30K miles.

[Mathews2004]

I just bought a 2007 Accord EX, 4 door. silver with gray leather. I'm happy and think I made a good decision.

[POS Racing]

I just bought a 2007 Accord EX, 4 door. silver with gray leather. I'm happy and think I made a good decision.

How boring!

[SirHustlerEsq]

6 or a sonata. I put about 12k miles on a v6 sonata in New Mexico, it was an awesome car aside from the emblem.

[Mathews2004]

How boring!

I know, I know. With private school and business, I've had enough exciting to last me a while. I'll get another zippy car down the road.

[Sharpie]

I know, I know. With private school and business, I've had enough exciting to last me a while. I'll get another zippy car down the road.

Did you sell the Porsche?