Just got smashed in a hit and run!

[Railton]

My only concern would the reliability of the transmission. I haven't looked into it, but Mazda aren't know for bullet proof autos, let alone one attached to an engine that winds up to 9000 rpm.

The auto only does 7K or something like that so you don't even get the full enjoyment of the rotary engine IMO. I think the early versions has only a 4 speed but then they later moved to a 6 speed. Personally the 6 speed would have to be mandatory as 4 widely spaced gears might not match up very well with that engine.

EDIT: Railton beat me to it.

The auto does come with 6 speeds and paddle shift. Never tried one.
Railton

[dougjp]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

That one hit home, I feel your pain!    If it wasn't for this, we could easily survive with one car.

Yeah, like everybody says, don't worry about others, process the ideas then make your own decisions. My "idea" is for both of you to test drive a Mazda3 in the upscale form you mentioned, without making any decisions. it sounds to me that would be enough of a benchmark to compare against on the "new" side, when looking at the used vehicles on your list.

[Giant Dwarf]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

So, lemme get this straight, you only need to spend a Sunday afternoon with some plastic scissors and glue and you get to get a stick-shift?  Sweet deal!

As for the auto-box RX8, I think Quadzilla might be on to something.  The RX8s I've driven were so enjoyable because they wound out so far and had a sweet shifter.  I wonder how much of the appeal of the RX8 is lost with the 4-spd?

[Railton]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

So, lemme get this straight, you only need to spend a Sunday afternoon with some plastic scissors and glue and you get to get a stick-shift?  Sweet deal!

As for the auto-box RX8, I think Quadzilla might be on to something.  The RX8s I've driven were so enjoyable because they wound out so far and had a sweet shifter.  I wonder how much of the appeal of the RX8 is lost with the 6-spd?

Fixed.

[dr_spock]

Christmas is coming up.   How about lessons at places like shifters.ca for your spouse as a present?    My spouse got me into driving manuals and opened up a wider choice of vehicles.
 

She has as much interest in learning manual as most men have in learning scrapbooking techniques...<shudder>

Just checking, but an RX-8 in auto would be automotive blasphemy right? 

Maybe not blasphemy but your level of enjoyment may vary. 

[mmret]

Interestingly, the only part of the front of my car that survived my impact earlier this summer was the plastic license plate cover I had.

Glad to hear you're okay. Hope that guy gets whats coming.

[Greg B.]

^^What kind of car was the douche-waffle driving when he crashed you?

Predictably, he was driving the crown jewel of the douche-waffles...a 1998 Chevy Cavalier...

...I hold my head in embarrassment...

Think of the bright side...because of the..."high quality" parts used in the license plate bracket, you were able to catch them...

Uh, the offshore tin got written off, while the Detroit iron suffered a license bracket failure. Keep it in perspective.

[quadzilla]

Uh, the offshore tin got written off, while the Detroit iron suffered a license bracket failure. Keep it in perspective.

Go and troll somewhere else! There is some perspective for you.

[Just Bob]

^^What kind of car was the douche-waffle driving when he crashed you?

Predictably, he was driving the crown jewel of the douche-waffles...a 1998 Chevy Cavalier...

...I hold my head in embarrassment...

Think of the bright side...because of the..."high quality" parts used in the license plate bracket, you were able to catch them...

Uh, the offshore tin got written off, while the Detroit iron suffered a license bracket failure. Keep it in perspective.

That's right.  That's exactly why they are doing so well...

[Loudpedal]

Test drive update.  Yesterday I was able to drive 3 cars, all 2006's, all with mid 60's in Kms.  Acura TL, G35x and Audi A3.   

I'll say the TL is an all around great car, however, nothing stands out as spectacular, (with the exception perhaps of the engine sound winding out...and that is sweet indeed).    The handling, acceleration, braking, interior sound, etc. are all pretty much what I expected.  Yes, it's easy to spin the front tires, yes there is some torque steer, and yes it should be rear wheel drive, but its basically an Accord in a sharp suit...I get it.  Even though the design is a generation old, I really like it and I think it may be one of Honda's best.   This is the 'safe' and practical choice, that much is clear.   

The G35x didn't seem to age as gracefully as did the TL.  Perhaps some could be attributed to the previous owner.   All the comments about the interior hold true, it does look decidely low rent.   The power on the other hand though, is very much its strength.   My wifes comment when sitting in the G35 after the TL was "...this feels old", and I echo that sentiment.   Not a great feeling especially considering that I don't want to get a 'new to me' car with it feeling old.   Might try 1 more G35 and if it exudes the same vibe, I'll cross it off the list. 

The Audi A3 was nearly flawless in condition.   It did however, have a worn out set of tires (which to the salespersons credit he did mention would be changed immed) and 'wear and tear' wrinkle cuts on the buckets leather (ordered and to be changed under warranty).   As for the drive, the engine and tranny (DSG) combo are what everyone says they are, incredibly responsive.   That being said, I found it difficult to drive the car slowly, and it almost felt nervous (in a capable, but tightly wound kind of way).  I know it's a cliche, but this thing seems to want to be driven hard.  I find this car absolutely gorgeous, however, sadly I don't think its a car I would want to have a long term relationship with.   It may get one more drive after it's new tires, but in all honesty, I think I can admit to scratching the A3 off the list.   

No RDX drive, as I'm finding it hard to find a fairly local one in the price range I'm willing to spend.   

As for the GTI, it may not even get a drive due to the A3 comments, and going in it was my wifes least desired.   

We may drive a TSX, but the near parity of fuel economy and price between it and the TL may rule it out.   Also, considering I need an auto and the professional reviews on the TSX auto are not glowing weigh against it.   We'll see. 

Last up, perhaps a new 2010 Mazda3 (2.5)...

 

       

[Just Bob]

I got a chance to be a passenger in a new Mazda 3 on Friday.  I must say I was a bit disappointed with the amount of space inside (front pax), it felt very claustrophobic.  And especially the amount of space in the back, there was very little leg room in the back.

I don't know if anything has changed inside from the old model but the older one felt bigger inside.  Does anyone know the interior dimensions?

 

[mmret]

The Audi A3 was nearly flawless in condition.   It did however, have a worn out set of tires (which to the salespersons credit he did mention would be changed immed) and 'wear and tear' wrinkle cuts on the buckets leather (ordered and to be changed under warranty).   As for the drive, the engine and tranny (DSG) combo are what everyone says they are, incredibly responsive.   That being said, I found it difficult to drive the car slowly, and it almost felt nervous (in a capable, but tightly wound kind of way).  I know it's a cliche, but this thing seems to want to be driven hard.  I find this car absolutely gorgeous, however, sadly I don't think its a car I would want to have a long term relationship with.   It may get one more drive after it's new tires, but in all honesty, I think I can admit to scratching the A3 off the list.   Cry

I borrowed a friend's A3 yesterday (needed hatch space). It grew on me.

I echo your sentiments about the engine/transmission combo. Great fast, uneasy slow. 2.0T pulls really well though especially coming from a TSX. DSG creep mode seems a bit poor. There is a lag in clutch engagement when you move from brake to gas and the only way to solve it seems to be to hit the accelerator harder. I also managed to get it to lug the engine constantly. Yuck.

I wonder how hard it would be to have a DSG but with a torque converter attached only to 1st gear or a special creeping / idle gear. Seems like it would solve most of my issues with an otherwise great transmission.

The steering felt too light thought. It firmed up at speed but the ratio changed and this was very confusing to me. Getting back in the TSX, I noticed the steering felt rather heavy.

[dougjp]

Bob (et al):
A great resource I always use is:

http://www.kbb.com/

Under Search and Explore - More Research, pick Compare Vehicles. Be ready to input some US zip code, then pick the cars (minimum 2), new or used. Compare them, the Overview & Pricing tab comes up, Pick Technical Specs (or any other tab). The 2009 and 2010 look almost identical inside, although yes, overall the size is slightly smaller. 

Loudpedal:
I can relate to all 3 of your tests. On the 'used' side, if as it appears, the TL is preferred, its a larger car. So, just thinking, have you considered a 2006/7 Maxima or Accord Coupe, or Passat? All of these should be a bit less expensive, come with 'normal' automatics, and the driving characteristics may be just right. The Passat automatic is not the DSG and personally I like it better for normal driving situations.

On the 'new' side, if you are looking at a 2.5L Mazda 3, then for sure I would also try the 2.5L 2010 Golf. It has a 6 speed auto that I don't think is a DSG:

http://www.ajac.ca/web/ccoty/2010/comparison_category.asp?cat=64   

[tpl]

The A3 2.0T DSG is very similar to the GTI.  Was this one a Quattro or a FWD one... I imagine the HAldex Quattro would feel different.
Creep mode is different from a slushbox. Works fine but it is different in feel.
The DSG will try quite hard to keep the engine at 2000rpm or below for economy and it definitely manages that. I think the economy is quite surprising for s 200 bhp 2 litre.
The change from brake to gas is delayed a bit when stationary at least as the transmission gets into 1st and engages the clutch. I find that letting off the brake and as the car starts to roll then pressing the gas is the smoothest way.

I find, unlike LoudP that it all works smoothly at low speeds and transitions to high speeds very well although it IS possible to catch it out.  Accel gently-ish and then floor it, the transmission will have already selected a higher gear and suddenly need to select TWO gears lower, ie on the same clutch that its using but it also has to select a lower gear on the clutch that has just picked a higher one.   This can be jerky.

if I am in a hurry.... joining the 401 for instance, I pull the lever into Sport as I come round the ramp and then smoothly accell at full rate until I am in the left lane at 140 or so and then go back into drive.


I am not sure if I'd buy another DSG car but I suspect that by the time I am ready for a new car that most cars I'd consider will be DSG only so I guess I'd get one.
Even BMW.  

[Loudpedal]

Sound the bell, the car shopping is done. 

In the end I purchased a 2008 Acura TL Navi.  It's got 53K, and lots of bumper to bumper warranty left (which hopefully I won't need).  It is also a Acura CPO car, so the powertrain warranty is extened to 6yrs 160KM.   
The car comes with nice little extras, 3M clear nose mask, rear decklid lip spoiler, full Acura winter mats, as well as the TL trunk tray.   

As part of the deal, its getting a set of Michelin X-Ice 2 tires, on separate wheels.   I got it for 29,999 +tax, which I feel great about.   

Attached is the link to the dealers website for pictures.   I pick it up Wednesday.

http://inventory.acuraofbarrie.com/english/Used-inventory/listing/Cars/2008/ACURA/TL/4433254.aspx

[vdk]

 

Congrats! Great looking car.

[quadzilla]

Nice pick!  Should make for a great replacement. Have fun trying to keep it under 150kph until you get use to it.

[ovr50]

Looks good, Loudpedal, should be a good car.

[Railton]

Congrats!
Railton

[inco]

Congrats from here too. I like the TL much better than the TSX and it looks better as well. Enjoy.