I recently gave my old teg away and I'm looking to buy a new car for under $20k. My top two choices are the SE-R Spec V and the RSX base (manual-shift and no options).

Acceleration - seems to be pretty much equal b/c the RSX is slightly lighter and the Spec V's 175 horses being a little shy (only 140-145whp).

Handling - Spec V has the edge. It even seems to outhandle RSX-S (probably due mostly to the limited slip diff. Whatever the case, the #'s prove it too).

Interior - RSX, no contest.

Exterior - RSX again, simply b/c I'd prefer a coupe to a sedan.

Price - Spec V

That's what I see so far. I'm curious to hear your opinions, and feel free to suggest any other cars in that price range (new only, please). TIA

 

Why new? Personally, I would go used. . .

But if new is your thing. . . Aren't the new Si's less or around $20k? And I'm pretty sure they're faster than a base RSX.

Have you totally uled out the possibility of a used vehicle?

 

I'm kind of in your same position. Personally from a total standpoint FOR ME (including insurance) the TypeR and TypeS are out of the question, regardless of price (and Ive found some for cheap!).

It comes down to the GS-R (still high insurance...and really only found used), the Base RSX, something like a 1.8T Jetta (awesome!) or the SpecV. I think the SpecV has a lot going for it. The 1.8T Jetta will get you 200hp/200tq for an extra $500 (APR chip) and it a pretty sweet ride. I love the coupe, and don't mind the RSX (would definately go for the body kit though...and I'm not usually the body kit type). Pretty much I think you can't go wrong with either the SpecV or the base RSX. Honestly, you'll be getting more with the SpecV.

 

Tweak - Yeah, it's pretty much between the Spec V and the base RSX for me. Have you driven both cars yet though? On paper, the Spec V looks incredible (helical lsd, 175hp) but seeing one in person was disappointing. Lots of low/midrange torque and very flat handling, but oh my, what a cheap interior. It doesn't really do it for me in terms of looks either.

Besides, the RSX has great gas mileage so I can drive it hard and not feel guilty about wasting gas. The SpecV definitely is a gas guzzler (for the subcompact category). The Jetta would be a great choice (esp. with the upgrade) but I don't like the way it looks. Anyway, I'm pretty much set on the RSX now... any base RSX owners out there have any regrets?

 

360, no regrets here. I think you will enjoy the base rsx. Good mid range torque and very smooth powertrain. I have had mine for almost a year now and have not had any issues with it. People seem to down the base model all the time and I don't really understand why. For a daily driver it is a little better than the type-s in my opinion. I think the type-s is a great car, but the base has great potential. Good luck in your decision.

 

360 -

Yeah it's a tough call. Styling-wise the SE-R SpecV is just not appealing I drove by the Nissan dealer again today and I still can't like it enough to really want one! I haven't driven the SpecV yet, but from what I'm reading the suspension isn't even that great either. I think the main things going for it are the quality (similar to Honda), engine power, lsd, 4doors (if that's your thing), and price. I haven't seen the crash ratings on it yet either and I'll be interested in those.

The Base RSX does have a lot going for it. I've seen the insurance many people pay on the Type-S (who are under 25) and I just slap myself in the head asking why?!? You could turbo the base model and make more power while paying less insurance heh. Base RSX drives pretty well, I'll have to take one out again and really beat it on to get a better feeling for it.

Anywho, one last question...have you checked out the Subaru Impreza 2.5RS? It's got pretty nice styling, well built interior, superb safety ratings, awesome torque (for the size), and it's size is nearly identical to the RSX (suprised me!). Price-wise is similar too! Just food for thought....

You can compare all of these cars to the RSX at acura's website... http://www.acura.com (there's a compare option somewhere in there) so you can print off the specs and see everything side-by-side.

 

Great news! I just picked up a silver RSX base, exactly the way I wanted it (cloth interior, manual tranny). The best part is that it only had 2 miles on it... man, I was stoked. I keep appreciating this car more and more - 10k intervals between oil changes and it runs on 86+ octane gas. This car is great! It rattles a bit over bumps (especially for a new car) but not any worse than my old 94 teg sedan. The midrange is nice - definitely has more oomph down low than the old b18's.

Tweak - yeah, I thought about the Subaru, but I didn't like the interior on the WRX and I figure the Imprezza wouldn't be any better. I hadn't actually taken a look though, so I couldn't say for sure.

 

Congrats... Sounds sweet. If you don't mind my asking... how much before taxes, tags, etc? I've been on the fence between the base and S. Have you had a chance to check the mpg's yet? (I'm aware that the mileage is lower during break in, but still curious) Thanks for any info and updates.

 

Perfectionist

Sure. I paid $19,300 before taxes and tags (no destination charge). About the mpg's, I'm not sure. I got the car last night, drove about 100 miles today, but I haven't filled her up yet. I'll post back when I get some gas.

 

oh dude, that's exactly the one I was looking at

that's awesome...you got it for a very good price too.

Congratulations.