I'll try and keep this short. I have been poking around this site for a few months. I used to own a 98 Accord V6. I have always wanted a TL-S or CL-S. Anywho, there is only one Acura dealer near me and I could never make a good deal on one. So I bought a 2K2 Maxima 6 speed. I really like that car and it is fun to drive.

However the previous owner of the Max must have been a real winner. I have had nothing but problems with the Max. Most problems have been solved under warranty but the latest clutch episode will cost me 1000.00. I have contacted North American Nissan to help me with this situation but it is still unresolved.

Do you guys think I should take a beating on the trade in a just get a TL-S (2003). The dealer just got 3 with about 6K on each. I just want a decent car.

What do you guys think ????

Puzzled in Poughkeepsie.

 

If you get the tl-s. you might have to deal with the auto transmission problems. The cl-s 6speed is the way to go for a more reliable drivetrain. Other than that. You cant go wrong with either a tl-s or cl-s. If you have the cash, go for the new 04 tl's they are great.

 

If you think the Nissan problems are over -- just keep it.


If you think you are in for more grief, think about a TLS/CLS auto with low mileage and/or plenty of extra mileage and coverage for the auto tranny. The failure rate is around 2- to 5-percent, and if the person who was driving the TLS did a ton of shifting from 2-3 and 3-2 (in traffic, up hills, and/or at the strip), or just had some bad luck, the car could have a soon-to-fail tranny sitting in it. You would really need to check into the car's history, and think long and hard about the remote chance of becoming "a slushbox victim".

Some people had zero problems (I'm lucky so far), and there are some other folks that you wouldn’t want test driving an Abrams M1-A2 tank near an Acura dealer...

You might consider the wait on the '04 TL. And, finding a 02 or 03 TL or TLS that was driven on the highway with minimal shifting or with a brand new replacement tranny, might give you zero problems. (Who knows for sure?)

At this point I actually keep my CLS in 2nd gear -- when in town -- to avoid the heat build up and wear in the clutch packs. So far so good.

The 6-speed CLS is an option (as previously mentioned). Solid engine, solid gearbox…

YMMV

 

I would go with your gut feeling (without the yearning that you have to own an Acura). However, if I were you, I would seriously consider driving the Nissan until just before the warranty period expires. If you have too many out-of-pocket costs now that are over and above the warranty, again...go with your gut.

Good luck.

 

Stick with what you got...

The grass ain't always greener...I came from a Maxima & I don't think what I have is any better quality-wise.

 

I sat in the new TL yesterday at the dealership. I haven't completely warmed up to the exterior, but the interior is amazing.

That being said, the cheapest car out there is the one in your driveway. If you really want the TL, get it, but it's probably wiser financially to stick with what you got.

 

Get the 03 TL.