Imagine my surprise when AutoMotoPortal decided to include me in their round-up for “What Cars Do Famous Geeks Drive?” I have no idea why I was included, as I’m (a) not famous and (b) NOT FAMOUS. I’m thrilled for the nod, but a bit disappointed that they didn’t hyperlink back somewhere into my known digital universe. Still, they’re 99% Acura-te:

Chris Pirillo is an Internet entrepreneur, book author, ex-TV show host and technology enthusiast. He is addicted to computer hardware and software -and the Acura TSX. According to him, the 2006 TSX is about as geeky as today’s cars can get. This car has an audio in jack, live traffic reports, Bluetooth connectivity, Zagat ratings and an excellent navigation system with voice recognition.

The car also has handsfreelink, keyless access system with driver recognition. The sound system in the Acura is a 360-watt system with AM/FM stereo, 6 disc in dash CD changer and eight speakers. There is also an XM satellite radio, MP3/auxillary input jack and home link. Other accessories include a dual zone automatic climate control system and heated front seats, theft deterrent system with an electronic immobilizer. The exterior temperature indicator lets you know what the temperature is outside.

And now, some editorial corrections: (1) I used to lease a 2004 Acura TSX; (2) I now lease a 2006 Acura RL; (3) My 2006 Acura RL was built with the “sport” package, since they were trying to get it off the lot right before the 2007s came in (as detailed in an earlier blog post); (4) The 2006 Acura RL doesn’t have an input jack – which I find wholly depressing.

Any other happy Acura owners out there?

Gates, Dell, Ellison, Ballmer, Pogue, Jobs… Pirillo!?

Okay, I think I want to lease a 2006 Acura TSX (with a few bells and whistles, like the navigation system and MP3/WMA add-in). My lease with Honda is up in another month, so I have to “scramble” to get my next car lined up before then. There have been fantastic suggestions in my Acura vs. Lexus post, including links to no-dicker resources and/or the idea of getting a car sponsored by any given dealership. I’m wondering if I should reverse engineer this entire car leasing process? Who wants to give me an offer I simply can’t refuse? I’m throwing my business out there – who wants it?

Wanna sell me a car?

My Acura’s lease is up in another month, and I just can’t wait! I love my 2004 Acura TSX through and through, but I’m anxious to get the 2006 Acura TSX. Ponzi says I should look around to see what other sedans are comparable. To my knowledge, the best contender is a 2007 Lexus IS 250 – but it’s ~$10k more than the Acura TSX. At least I’ll have a bit of leverage when I walk into the dealership. I hate dickering. I really do.

Why am I stuck on the Acura TSX? It’s been a great car for me. Plus, the 2006 TSX is just about the geekiest auto on the market today. It’s got an excellent nav system, Zagat ratings, voice controls, live traffic, XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth, audio in jack, etc. I got “hit” by a Geek Car:

• 2006 Acura TSX Raises the Bar With More Performance, Refinement and Style
• 2006 Acura TSX Test Drive
• 2006 Acura TSX Reviews on CNET

TSX Reviews from across the Web are overwhelmingly positive in all the areas that matter most to me – and the car scores quite well on Informed For Life (an automobile safety index). Dunno. I’m going to have to make a decision come October 15th! Never did a lease before, so I’m not quite sure how this will work.

Acura vs. Lexus