Which direction should I go with my new car?

JohnnyDaJackal · 04-01-05, 05:29

*kinda long story of this past week*
I have been carless for close to a year now, and its time to get a car. During the time of not owning one, I contemplated and tried to weight pros and cons of possible contenders. I originally wanted my car to be manual, but after getting lots of opinions I decided manual would just be a phase, and auto fits my driving style better. I was pretty set on getting a G20t, but have been having a hard time finding the "the one" I want. I then decided to consider some other possible cars. Then the freakest thing happens to me. I had a dream that I was talking to a guy I work with about buying his car, 2002 Acura RSX Type S, then the next day at work he calls me and asks me if I'd be interested in it cause he's thinking about selling it, which came pretty much out of the blue

. I was kinda stunned that it happen, I haven't seen the guy in months, we work opposite weekends. I than start imagining myself in his car which is very nice. The car has power, good on gas, reliable pretty sporty looking, was red and ultimately was manual. Even though, I thought I didn't want it something was eating me up inside. I've always been fascinated with manual, I think mainly because I don't know how to drive it. So I asked my mother to call the insurance agent the next day, and ask about 02 RSXs and 00 Maximas. Surprise Surpise the RSX was like $150 more than the Maxima, which was also high mind you. I than started to think about if the RSX was really for me. I'm really not a fast driver, at all; it wouldn't be the easiest to grow into and space is definately limited.
All these factors made me look at the Maxima in more depth. Everything the RSX lacked the Maxima had. So I take a look at one Maxima I found online. It was very nice I was really impressed with the build and with the ride. A very comfortable and quiet ride with power when you need it. So the RSX is phasing out of my mind through the week, but not gone for sure. Today I go to pick up my check and while talking to my uncle, the guy with the car shows up. So I'm talking to him a little bit and end up walking out with him to look at his car. He's like you know how to drive stick right? I'm like sure i've driven it before(twice in my life around the block) so he lets me drive it. Lemme tell you that clutch was so easy to work that the couple blocks I drove where fine, not jerky at all, just a little rough off from a stop. I stalled a couple of times, but overall I was impressed with my switching gears and overall driving. The guy was making fun of me, but as I said before i've only driven twice in my life once in a parking lot on a stang and another time around my block in a Civic I detailed. Sadly driving that car was the highlight of my week. It was just so cool in my eyes shifting gears.
Anyway now my mind is spinning on what I should get. Sorry for the long post, just had to vent what I was feeling.
Any suggestions or ideas for me would be cool, I always like to get second opinions.

btw heres a link of the Maxima I looked at. Its the exact model/interior/exterior/color I want. Just wasn't to crazy for the wheels and it not having a spoiler.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...sp=y&cardist=7
and heres what the RSX looks like, except the one i'm lookin at is a Type S
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...dist=25#vdptop

zzyyzx · 04-01-05, 07:32

The RSX is a nice car. I like manuals, but the thing to really think about is what fits your lifestyle better? Someday when I have enough money to get a second "play" car, it will be a manual. But for now, I stick with autos just for convenience. Plus, insurance is expensive. If you're trying to save money, go with the Maxima, which is still a GREAT car.

BoxsterCharlie · 04-01-05, 09:30

If you think you want to drive a manual, definitely get the RSX. The extra driving involvement (better handling, lighter weight, high-reving engine) will match the transmission choice.

If you want a sedan, get a Maxima, but get an automatic one because that matches the comfortable nature of that kind of ride. There is nothing wrong with that choice, either.

Long-term, the RSX will save you some money in gas and repairs, so factor that in as well.

MongooseGA · 04-01-05, 10:05

I would prefer the RSX, but I might have different needs for it than you would.

You could also get the Maxima in a manual since you really seemed to like shifting.

JohnnyDaJackal · 04-02-05, 07:13

I think if the Maxima was manual it would take away from the luxurious feel and ride as others have said. I still gotta talk to the guy selling it, he seemed pretty undecisive on what he wanted to do. He still hasn't began to look at new cars, just had a couple of ideas in mind. As much as I would want the RSX, I think it would be a phase and i'd eventually get bothered/bored with driving it. As I said before I'm not a race car driver so all the stuff on it probably wouldn't be put to the test.

MongooseGA · 04-02-05, 09:45

Atleast you were able to decipher between want and phase. I had looked at turbo Supras, VR4's, Z32 TT's, etc...

All in all, I'm glad I got the car I did ('95 SC400) but my Dad and I still find ourselves reaching down to shift everynow and then.

Good luck

The Maxima in that color looks great

buldog · 04-03-05, 04:39

Had 2 cars in the past that had a man trans. Was Ok but it becomes a PITA. If you do alot of city driving you'll see what I mean.

PrinzII · 04-03-05, 09:32

Since you are looking at a GLE, finding one of those in stick is a rarity. The most common Maxima with a stick would be the SE.

However, you'd enjoy having 222 hp under foot as much as I enjoyed having 255.