Car shopping

[kenpetruzzelli]

My 15 year-old Acura Integra hatchback has served me well for 260,000 miles, through college, law school and the first few years of home ownership. However, I can finally afford something “new” and I’m looking for options. I really don’t care much for owning an SUV, minivan, or pickup truck and, since coupes just aren’t practical enough, I’ve pretty much settled on a sedan. I would prefer something along the lines of a BMW 3-series, Lexus IS, or Acura TSX or TL. I plan on installing a hitch mount for most bike transportation.

The critical question, however, is how beneficial is it to have a folding rear seat? Can a bike fit in the trunk with a rear seat with the rear wheel removed? Any input appreciated.

Ken

[Chuck_M]

My number one priority in car buying is the bike has to fit in the trunk with rear wheel attatched. Most cars with folding rear seat will fit the bike. Current car is a Mazda3 and the bikes fit fine, road with aero bars or MTB.

[Ti_T_war]

I’ve got the 1st gen mazda 6 and it is great. The folding rear seat (mine is a 60/40) is a must have IMHO. I can get the bike in the trunk without folding the seats, but there is no substitute for hauling big stuff home from the home depot and dropping the seats down as opposed to straping it to the roof rack.

You may also want to consider a Subaru if you like something sporty and practical. the new WRX wagon looks sweet and is fast as all get out.

[nickc]

What about a wagon? We have a VW Passat Wagon that we’ve driven 170k miles. I find ours very comfortable for long road trips. Bikes go on the roof because usually there are 3-4 of us going biking, but a bike easily fits in the back with the seats down. Ours is gas but you can also get a diesel. Our neighbor gets over 40 mpg on biodiesel in his. Theres also the smaller VW jetta sport wagon or an all wheel drive version of the Passat.

[m00se]

My 15 year-old Acura Integra hatchback has served me well for 260,000 miles, through college, law school and the first few years of home ownership. However, I can finally afford something “new” and I’m looking for options. I really don’t care much for owning an SUV, minivan, or pickup truck and, since coupes just aren’t practical enough, I’ve pretty much settled on a sedan. I would prefer something along the lines of a BMW 3-series, Lexus IS, or Acura TSX or TL. I plan on installing a hitch mount for most bike transportation.

The critical question, however, is how beneficial is it to have a folding rear seat? Can a bike fit in the trunk with a rear seat with the rear wheel removed? Any input appreciated.

Ken
First thing I would do is decide if you’re installing a hitch mount or not. If you are, I wouldn’t worry about a bike fitting in the trunk, I’d just commit to the hitch I’m not sure about the others, but I’m pretty sure the Lexus IS does NOT have folding rear seats…this (at least per Lexus) is to keep the cabin quieter.

I spend a lot of time in automotive forums…and GENERALLY (though you will find people to argue either side) anecdotal evidence would suggest that the Lexus and Acura will be more “trouble-free” I put that in quotes since even the most Unreliable cars of today won’t leave you stranded…it’s usually more of an electrical issue. That said…ANY brand can make a lemon.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re likely to pay the MOST for the BMW…BUT…I believe they now come with 4 years of FULL Maintenance covered.

Styling is subjective, but have you SEEN the new TSX or TL with their new buck teef? I like the new interiors, but would be embarrassed to be seen in either, in MY opinion…the Acura designers need to try different drugs. If you like the styling, they are definitely worth a look.

In the end, go DRIVE them all (if you haven’t already). Honestly, a bike can be made to work with any car. Have you seen the threads around here about the best “tri vehicle” ? people have all SORTS of cars and make them work.

If you’re looking for an opinion on the cars you mentioned, I can tell you what I would choose for me (but that might not be the best choice for you):

(also bear in mind I haven’t driven ANY of these cars, which would be priority #1…so this list may change if I were to drive each - well…not for the Acura

1. Lexus IS F
2. BMW 3 series or Audi S4
   .
   .
3. Acura

Hope that helps! Good luck! now go have some fun and test drive some cars!!

.

[Bmanners]

Ken
I have a 2006 bmw 5 series they are running some good deals with excellent financing right now. I got a 2006 525xi for 25,000.00 with 27,000 miles on it. Let someone else take the deprecation hit. I talked them onto throwing in a roof mount bike rack and rubber floor mats. The hitch is heavy and effects the driving of the car. If your beamer has the optional pass through seat the bike might fit with wheel off in trunk. That is if you have nothing else in there. The bmw out handles all the cars you mentioned. I tested them all.

[sphere]

You may want to take a peek at the Toyota Venza. Kind of like an upscale Camry-turned-luxury/sport wagon. Starts around 25K, averages 27ish MPG, uber-sharp looking multi-use vehicle.

[m00se]

The bmw out handles all the cars you mentioned. I tested them all.

I would assume you’re right that the BMW would out handle the other cars, but I AM curious as to where you tested these cars at their limits to really find that out? Or was it just during the test drive?

thx!

.

[Bmanners]

I did test them on city a street and highway about a half hour about a half hour each. Funny thing is I did get a ticket doing 65 in a 55 safe corridor zone. Was really doing 80 so the officer cut me a break only cost me about three hundred and a earful from my wife. I did some braking test and cornering test in a parking lot . Some standing still to 80 mph test from traffic lights . Where I recieved my ticket. And from 45 to 80 punch and goes. So it was on a test drive base’s. I did get into a driver side t-bone accident where my son and I were in a bmw 525i. We came out basically unharmed. I had a little whiplash but the car did its job well. The car was totaled and I am now on the replacement Beamer. For the record I likes hte other color better (Olivinine ) then the current silver grey I have now. On another note the service at BMW can not be beat. They do not just sell you a car they stand behind it 100 percent and treat you like a million bucks. When I picked up my new used car there was a little ding and scratch on bumper BMW fixed it no cost and gave me a brand new 2009 530 i turbo with about a 100 miles on it for 3 days to drive around. Now that was fun

[m00se]

very cool…sounds like a FUN test drive (minus the ticket

Again…I’ve never driven a BMW, but from everything I hear about the driving dynamics…I’d love to.

Just hearing about the constant servicing turns me off a bit, and…to be honest, most of the BMW drivers I’ve known have been jackasses to put it nicely. I don’t know you, so I’m very much NOT directing that comment at you…just more of a general observation.

[Tik]

I can add a little info on the bimmer. I have a 530 so next size up but love it. I bought the factory roof rack which is easy to put on and take off. Like the sporty driving car with the extra room. You will need to check for the pass through rear seat as I believe it’s an option but I would just go with the roof rack.

I was at the dealer this morning to pick up a quart of oil and saw the new 335d which was pretty sweet. New diesel they just brought to the US. It is twin turbo just like the 335i. Not sure on the mileage but shouldn’t be too bad.

One word of warning is make sure you get an extended warranty if you buy new. Service is covered in them. Oil changes run around $150.00 at the dealer but you only do them every 15K miles so it works out pretty close to the standard 3000 mile oil change in most cars. Also remember that when things do wear out/break down it will be expensive at the dealer so the warranty is great. Just had my front brakes done and paid through the nose since it’s not covered in the standard warranty.

I don’t know a lot about the other cars but have been very happy with mine and the service has been great also.

Good luck in your search,

[Bmanners]

Thanks for not directing that at me. I try not to be to much of a ass. This is the first minus the crashed one "nice car I have ever had. Still I have not ever had a brand new car but dont think I need one or ever will. I did add in the servicing till 100 thousand miles for 1500.00 dollars. Seemed like a good deal to me . It was reguraly 1850.00. Great thing is from my expierence is that you make a appointment and they give you a free loaner. The first reason for buying the car besides handling was all the airbags and safety of my 3 children . Looks like it worked but no airbags deployed during accident. Why/ I am guessing because its well made and they did not have too.

[ErnieK]

I don’t get the high service rates for bmw and the incredibly expensive “BMW brake job”. I have a mini which needed brakes and took it to a BMW/Mini service center. Valet service, check. Starbucks, check. Service manager spiel (sic), check. Then we get to how much it’s going to cost. There’s a shock. Anyway, looked it up online on how to best do the brakes, and low and behold, it’s just like every other car. Bought a pressurized bleeder, brake pads, new rotors, and wear sensors all for 350. Job took about 1.5 hours and saved 600 bucks. The dealer will never touch my car again, there are too many foreign car repair shops that can do the same thing that the BMW dealer can.

[SProboscis]

I have always had very good service and reliability from my BMW’s. 3 cars and one motorcycle. I would suggest you drive the BMW last.

[tridexter]

Just bought an Acura RDX; we downsized from an MDX. Plenty of room in the back for storage and drives like a car. It is a kick-ass riot to drive.

[Tik]

I will be looking outside the dealer when the time comes for the rear brakes to be done. I do really enjoy the service, loaner car, etc. I’m not much of a mechanic so I would have to have it done by someone.

I could not be happier with my experience of owning the car though. Joy to drive, pretty good mileage (22-23 city, 26-29 highway), and the car is just simply built very well.

I came to the conclusion a long time ago that a car is a losing deal but a necessary one for my life style. So I don’t worry too much about a few extra mpg or having a monthly payment. I still hold true to only having 2 financed items in my world, house and car. Everything else gets paid cash for or I don’t get to have it until I’ve saved.

[Bmanners]

Sometime’s that service plan seems a little much but if you buy the car new or used with low mileage it is worth it in the long run especially for BMW’s.

[Khai]

I don’t get the high service rates for bmw and the incredibly expensive “BMW brake job”. I have a mini which needed brakes and took it to a BMW/Mini service center. Valet service, check. Starbucks, check. Service manager spiel (sic), check. Then we get to how much it’s going to cost. There’s a shock. Anyway, looked it up online on how to best do the brakes, and low and behold, it’s just like every other car. Bought a pressurized bleeder, brake pads, new rotors, and wear sensors all for 350. Job took about 1.5 hours and saved 600 bucks. The dealer will never touch my car again, there are too many foreign car repair shops that can do the same thing that the BMW dealer can.

That’s all very well and good but if your mini is new (<3years) and still under warranty you may have just voided it. If it’s old enough to be out of warranty, I agree with your actions wholeheartedly.

I really don’t like having my vehicles serviced at the dealer and avoid it whenever possible. Luckily I’ve found an excellent local wrench who is trustworthy and actually goes out of his way to save his customers money whenever possible. He only uses OE spec replacement parts, etc but won’t do unnecessary work and brings in specialists to do stuff that he doesn’t (AC, etc).

[FLA_Jill]

I’d definitely go with a folding rear seat, not just for the bike question but for the times when you want to haul a medium-sized object home from Home Depot or something without having to rent a truck for it. (And yes, we can fit my bike in the back of our Passat with the seats down without taking a wheel off)

Spouse is looking to buy a used BMW 335 when the VW reaches the end of its functional life. He did some test drives a couple years back and said the difference between the 335s and the 328s was well worth the extra cost in terms of performance and shear fun.

[ErnieK]

Even with the extended service plans, they do not cover wear and tear items like brakes. I wouldn’t go to a BMW dealer to get new tires mounted and balanced, so why would I have them do something that MANY other places could do for less than 50% of what BMW charges? Either way, BMW service bays are always crowded, so I must be wrong on that one. Thumbs crossed, I’ve been really lucky with my cars and have not ever needed warranty work - E