Hi all,
I've been looking for my next car for over a year now (simply because I have high standards, am interested in low-production sporty manuals, and the market has sucked lately). I currently have a 2009 Camry which has failed me on reliability, and fuel efficiency and is therefore valueless as a car (so I'm giving it to my younger brother :rolling:).
I've been looking for basically a daily that's as fun as it can be, and I need some storage space but have no passengers ever. I want a car that I love and can keep forever, until it falls apart (so it needs to last). Since we don't have wagons here (thanks CAFE laws) the only logical option is a Japanese sedan, with a good balance of size and sportiness. My top contender was the G37S, simply because you could get the manual in a sedan. It's a hell of a deal especially since I like those engines. Also on my list was the 8th gen accord coupe, which seemed roomy for a coupe and less feature-laden (yes I'm in the entry-level luxury sector, but on a Honda I would want simplicity).
I have driven the accord, a G37 and an IS350, but the automatic in the IS left me cold and it was small. The Accord drivetrain was phenomenal, I absolutely loved it other than I wish it had a hair more space. I drove an automatic G37 and really loved it and I can't imagine how nice it would be with a stick.
Perhaps you can see where this is going: I forgot about Acura until yesterday. A 3rd gen Type S would be awesome, the simplicity appeals to my driving pleasure and the long-term Honda reliability. In my search for a 3rd gen I accidentally discovered the 4th gen SH-AWD that actually has a manual option with the J37. I live where it's warm and figured AWD would be a dumb waste of weight, maintenance, and fuel, but it seems like SH-AWD was designed to deliver regardless. If that's what it takes to get a manual, I guess I'm in. But I'm a bit concerned about having fun in the 3800 lbs this car will be. Yes the AWD handles the weight well, the suspension is tuned well on the manual, and the J37 can motivate that mass, but more mass just means more maintenance and fuel costs (I'm already hesitant about premium which is another plus on the accord).
These cars seem to be super overlooked, so I figured I'd come straight to the heart and find out from you knowledgeable people about what this car is like to own and drive. Is the extra weight effectively offset by the technology? I don't think I need to ask if the car is reliable and spacious, but I will. Is it? Should I try and find one?
I've been looking for my next car for over a year now (simply because I have high standards, am interested in low-production sporty manuals, and the market has sucked lately). I currently have a 2009 Camry which has failed me on reliability, and fuel efficiency and is therefore valueless as a car (so I'm giving it to my younger brother :rolling:).
I've been looking for basically a daily that's as fun as it can be, and I need some storage space but have no passengers ever. I want a car that I love and can keep forever, until it falls apart (so it needs to last). Since we don't have wagons here (thanks CAFE laws) the only logical option is a Japanese sedan, with a good balance of size and sportiness. My top contender was the G37S, simply because you could get the manual in a sedan. It's a hell of a deal especially since I like those engines. Also on my list was the 8th gen accord coupe, which seemed roomy for a coupe and less feature-laden (yes I'm in the entry-level luxury sector, but on a Honda I would want simplicity).
I have driven the accord, a G37 and an IS350, but the automatic in the IS left me cold and it was small. The Accord drivetrain was phenomenal, I absolutely loved it other than I wish it had a hair more space. I drove an automatic G37 and really loved it and I can't imagine how nice it would be with a stick.
Perhaps you can see where this is going: I forgot about Acura until yesterday. A 3rd gen Type S would be awesome, the simplicity appeals to my driving pleasure and the long-term Honda reliability. In my search for a 3rd gen I accidentally discovered the 4th gen SH-AWD that actually has a manual option with the J37. I live where it's warm and figured AWD would be a dumb waste of weight, maintenance, and fuel, but it seems like SH-AWD was designed to deliver regardless. If that's what it takes to get a manual, I guess I'm in. But I'm a bit concerned about having fun in the 3800 lbs this car will be. Yes the AWD handles the weight well, the suspension is tuned well on the manual, and the J37 can motivate that mass, but more mass just means more maintenance and fuel costs (I'm already hesitant about premium which is another plus on the accord).
These cars seem to be super overlooked, so I figured I'd come straight to the heart and find out from you knowledgeable people about what this car is like to own and drive. Is the extra weight effectively offset by the technology? I don't think I need to ask if the car is reliable and spacious, but I will. Is it? Should I try and find one?