Yes, after owning a couple black 2-dr Civics in my life I grew up and went for the “adult Civic” — the Acura TSX.

Now that my lease is coming to an end I’ve begun looking around and I see 3 potential scenarios panning out:

1. Lease a new Acura TSX
2. Buy or lease a sportier, fun 2-door
3. Buy a clean diesel or hybrid
   a. Hold out for a 2011-model green car

Interestingly enough, I faced an almost identical three-pronged dilemma three years ago but this time — as with everything new — is different. Let’s play out the pros and cons:

Option 1: I lease a new Acura TSX. Not a very adventurous decision but a logical one.
36 mo. Lease (Estimated): $2,000 down + $325 – $350 / mo.

1. I enjoyed my TSX and never (reeeaally) wished I had a different ride
2. The latest model is nicer and is also available as a V6
3. BUT… it’s a bigger car. More like the old TL. A little too big.
4. I test-drove the v6 and it had pretty obnoxious (read: noisy, wasteful) pickup
5. The 4-cylinder TSX has the same drivetrain and “power” as my current car but is (and feels) bigger and therefore slower

Conclusion: I’d feel like a slightly older man in a bigger car but would enjoy and trust it though i’d probably end up opting for the v6 for more zip.

Option 2: I’m 35, single, and may as well have a fun, sporty, and relatively pimpin’ ride
36 mo. Lease or used financed (Estimated): $2,000 down + $400 – $550 / mo.

1. I can lease something new or buy something used / dealer-certified
2. I rarely took advantage of having a 4-door, other than to throw crap in the back seat, sometimes my bicycle
3. I may actually settle down and have a family some day – a baby that doesn’t have 4 wheels, who knows – the time is now
4. BUT… This is exactly what I said when I was 32, single and paying rent just the same
5. I can always wait until I’m 65 and wrinkled driving a Tesla convertible but then again… nah
6. I’m too practical and would probably end up with a 2-dr Honda Accord coupe or something similarly quasi-sporty but lame.

Conclusion: Go test drive a Ferrari.

The 2011 VW Jetta (left) is wayyy better looking than the 2010 body. It’s a Volkswagen, sure, but it’s a TDI.

Option 3: Hybrid / clean diesel. Socially Responsible. Ownership.
2010 Jetta TDI 66 mo. 4.9% financing (Quoted): $3,000 down + $400 / mo. $1,950 tax credit (if purchased by 12/31/10)

1. In 2007 I said I would have gotten this car had it been available (but 2009 was the first model year)
2. It’s got some hops with the turbo-diesel injection yet is as practical as can be with great resale potential
3. I tried to talk myself into a Hybrid in 2007, but every ride was too boring and slow with spartan interior
4. I get physically ill every time I fill up at the pump. Ideally I’d live in New York City sans car but at least this will get me double the mileage
5. BUT… I’ve been a Honda lifer. German engineering might just bite me in the ass
6. I can afford to be a bit irresponsible with my choice in cars. I spend my days trying to save the world
7. C’mon, Jettas are for trixies!

Conclusion: It’s complicated (see 3a).

Option 3a: Wait for next year’s model (and for a “green” car, I’d be waiting)
Would need to find a way to get around from August -> December or January

1. The 2011 Jetta body is that much sleeker than the 2010
2. I’d have a 2011 sted of 2010
3. I’ve seen rumors of a 2011 Acura TSX hybrid
4. Maybe I’ll figure out how to import an Audi A3 coupe or get a pre-release Lexus CT 200h (hey, I’m a lucky guy)!
5. BUT… I lose out on the extra $650 hybrid / alternative vehicle tax credit by year-end
6. while the 2011 Jetta is scheduled to be out in October, the TDI may be delayed until January
7. I can wait ’til next year forever and ever
8. What will I do to get to work and back after August 21? Extend my lease? rent a car? Take the bus?

Conclusion: I can see myself buying a 2011 Jetta TDI but perhaps there are better options that I have yet to consider… bring ’em on!

PostScript: I’m always open to the mysterious Option number D, in which I’m offered a sweet gig in NYC (or SF for that matter) and give up driving all-together, win a new car on The Price is Right or in the, uh, KCRW subscriber sweeps, or develop a partnership with some car company and drive around in a mobile advertisement (hey, I’m not above it)!

What do you think?

Will somebody please build one of these neat little cars? How much fun would it be to buzz around the neighborhood or bog in the REVOLUTE? The really cool part? It has a clicker that reconfigures the wheelbase depending on how macho you feel. IMâ€s can be flashed on the side of the “car” too. Harsha Vardhan made the vehicle out of high tech materials, lexan, carbon fiber, etc. The doors roll out and it also work as a display screen. Inside are swivel seats. Pretty cool. Al Gore build this car!