Can't decide - 325xi or Acura TL (and idrive ?)

[Trixie]

Hi all.
I have wanted a BMW for quite some time and now that I can afford one I needed to do some due diligence so I test drove a TL too. Now I am having trouble deciding and I thought perhaps some of you might have gone through similar and could offer thoughts on why you chose BMW in the end.

The TL comes standard with a lot that costs extra in the 325 not to mention it's great nav and stereo systems. I am also a little nervous getting an 06' 325xi since it's still in it's first year. On the flip though, the 325xi has some great features new and old and well... it's BMW.

I am also curious to know your thoughts on idrive since I think I want the nav system. The little I have heard about it offered mixed reviews and based on what I know I am not certain I would like it, controlling stereo etc all using that one knob?

Thanks!

 

[concoran]

Hi Trixie,
I too had similar dilemma when I decided between 2001 325i, 2003 Accord, 2005 new Acura. I test drove all the 3, several times, and ended up with BMW since I found lots of things OK more with BMW than I did with Hondas/Acuras.

Some facts that may help you decide : Assuming you would never opt for an automatic. If you do, all the cars are same then, including a Ford Taurus.
- Mine is stick shift. If you go with Acura, it will always be faster than BMW.
- Handling wont' be as good in Acura, since BMW places the engines as far behind as is practical, much more than Acuras.
- BMW has better shape and stronger make - in that you can bang someone from behind and still you wil only have a scratch. Other guy's bumper will be smashed. With an Acura, you both will have equal damage.
- BMW appeals to younger crowd. Acura does it to middle aged.
- BMW - you pay more, way more than the car deserves. With Acura - you are in safe hands.

Honda is making efforts to appeal to younger, but with an Acura I don't think they still have managed to make it. It will be a while before they do it.

Again, these are my only new opinions since I bought my car only recently. It will be a while before I have a good/bad opinions of BMWs. If I have too much trouble with my current BMW model, I am just going to dump it and get into Honda/Acura wagon. I am not willing to spend money every fortnight on fixing things in a BMW. Just keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[epj3]

Having not driven an acura TL I can tell you the BMW will drive nicer and feel better becuase of it being RWD. Best thing to do is test drive both.

Personally I'll be sticking with BMW or german made cars until they loose their edge on the other companies...

Acura is a better value $$ wise but if you want a car that FEELS good in addition to everything else, just get the BMW. FWD cars dont excite me.