TSX or RSX…you don’t need a lot of power for your first car. You need reliability and a chance to learn and hone your driving skills

Don't get the MDX, I love my MDX but boy 'o boy it eats gas like a crackhead lol

Hey hey you… check kijiji or market place for a cheap well maintained beater you might find your dream car. Some of older models look so nice are can be relatively easy to fix or find parts for especially online- have an 02 1.7 el and it’s great on gas and drive really nice with a beautiful interior I love old cars

07-08 tl type s manual would be great

The TSX is an amazing choice for a first car. The K20s last for eternity, amazing gas mileage, and enough speed to have fun.

Don’t know the price or budget but hatchback will have more utility. The integra will be more comfortable on long drive and highways. 

Civic Hybrid, by far.

Anything with FWD B- or K-series, preferably manual but the four cylinder autos don’t have the same issues the six cylinder autos have had.

Integra.

6 speed 1st gen tsx

I love my TL and only had a problem with the bluetooth. So confirmation bias, I'm choosing TL

your mom's

It actually sounds like you've got a strong grasp on what these cars are. The TL is, mechanically speaking, a Honda Accord with an optional all-wheel-drive system and a bored-out engine that makes more power.

Despite this similarity, I would strongly advocate for the Accord between these two.

The Acura-specific 3.7L V6 brings extra oil consumption problems. The premium fuel recommendation adds nearly 50% to your overall fuel cost. I'd gladly pay this cost for a more exotic-feeling car, but it's still an Accord.

I also personally prefer lighter vehicles, which you may not notice or care about.

The TL. Like you said, it's the same car but better.

You’ll save a lot not getting a luxury vehicle. So if lowering your monthly payment is a key, go with the Honda Accord. Roomier than the civic and mazda3 and also the insurance is a lot cheaper on the Honda than the Acura or Tesla. Lots of pros getting the Honda

Just bought the 2024 integra and love it as a daily. Would recommend!

We bought a new Integra, fun car. Got the 6 manual. Another choice is the Subaru Outback, it goes from base up to Wilderness and Onyx trims.

Unless you need the hatch or 'sportiness' the TLX is such an upgrade over the integra. You get the 2.0T 10spd combo plus an actual acura interior. You can get a CPO Tech pack with AWD for around the same as the new integra

Before switching from a SUV to a sedan, please consider that getting in and out of a SUV is easier than from a sedan. Don't know how old you are, but having the seat at "butt level" was an added bonus I discovered after switching from a sedan to a SUV which I appreciate more and more as I have gotten older. There are smaller crossover vehicles that sit up higher that get decent MPG if that is a priority for you.

Some of these cars probably get better mileage than others, if that is a factor for you. The Consumer Reports Used Car guide contains good information on reliability for different models and years.

Go drive all of them.the seats in each have a totally different feel. Space for passengers is also something to consider.

If you want sporty and premium, go for the 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec.

If you want practical and efficient, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport is the top pick.

If you want a balance of fun and affordability, the 2022 Mazda3 Hatchback hits the sweet spot.

Buy the 15K Mazda, or find a similar age Honda. Then, be prepared to spend a bit to maintain it for the next five years

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If you’re looking for a TL, consider the TSX! I originally wanted a TL but I discovered how great the TSX is. You do not get the V6 like the TL, but it is a smaller, simpler, and much more reliable car than the TL. It also has the K24a2 engine with a decent 200hp, and easily gets 25mpg. Specifically look for the first Gen TSX, which is 2004-2008, the 2nd Gen can get somewhat pricey.

Acura RSX, TSX, ILX would all make great first cars. (you want a 4 cyl for your first car, not a thirsty V6)

You should consider Lexus because RWD

Those early 00s TL had a ton of problems, I'd avoid those and pick up a newer one

If you’re looking at the TL specifically, go 3rd gen (2004-2008). They look way better, for one, they have Bluetooth, and they look way better. If you can find a deal on a 2007-2008, they got a facelift and they fixed all the transmission problems. I had a 2005 and it was by far my favorite car I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned around 25 vehicles. I’m actively looking for another as we speak. Comfortable, quick enough to get out of its own way, they sound amazing, highly reliable, and VERY easy to work on considering they’re transverse V6s. Plus, driving it like a normal person, you can get upwards of 30mpg and even a little more.

Man I have a suggestion for you. Look into it at least a little bit. Try a Hyundai Veloster n 👍

Get a BRZ/FRS/86. Great drivers car

Get the Ford Pinto. It can’t be beat, just don’t get rear ended.

A c6 corvette will be very reliable and more sporty then anything else under 30k

The civics will hold their value the best, Accords will drop a little faster because they are considered luxury and less desirable over time. Mazda doesn't hold its value well, so you would only buy it to drive personally.

get a GS300 with a good service history! i have an '03 IS300 that i will never sell cuz its such a tank but i bounce back and forth all the time about picking up an LS or GS as well. Acura from that time is just as good and reliable too but i like RWD personally.

Lexuses are pretty reliable as long as you get one with a good service history and keep up with the service. I don’t know what year or model will give you the things you’ve listed on there. I would not recommend Acuras.

Hey there! For a first car around $4-5k, I'd recommend looking at some reliable used models that still offer some comfort features. Honda Accord or Toyota Camry from 2010-2012 are solid choices - they'll give you that luxury feel with leather and electric seats, plus incredible reliability. Expect around 25-30 mpg and low maintenance costs.

A few other options to consider: Mazda6, which has a more sporty feel, or a slightly older Lexus ES if you want true luxury. Just make sure to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection - at this price point, maintenance history is key.

Pro tip: Check CarFax, look for one-owner vehicles, and prioritize service records. Since you're a new driver, something dependable matters more than flashy. Aim for under 100k miles if possible, and budget an extra $500-1000 for potential initial repairs or maintenance.

Facebook Marketplace and local dealerships can be good hunting grounds. Don't rush - take your time finding the right balance of features, reliability, and condition. Good luck with the search!

mazda depeciate hard, may get better deal