My CL-S is almost 4 years old, and almost 40k miles. Now I am getting the new car itch (I really should start leasing).

The problem is I have been so spoiled with the CL-S, that its very hard to find something new. The new TL is so underwelming when coming from the CL.

I was thinking of even swapping for a mini suv like the rav4 or crx, just as a bad weather beater, and going for a lease on something completely sport biased.

Is there anything out now that is a WOW after a CL-S, or is something on the horizon for next year???

 

I would think the next logical step up after the CL would be to an M3. Going to a G35c or something like that would be a baby step up.

 

G35C is not a little step up, RWD and HANDLING....Thats all I gotta say.

 

Baby step compared to the M3

 

yes if you have the cash, but id personally go with the G35C at the 30-35 range.

 

it's definitely an improvement.

 

 

330Ci?
I've thought to myself that if the CL-S was totaled for some reason then that'd be the best I could afford, I'd get the convertible for a change. Maybe a used E46M3 if you can find a good deal.
Assuming you wanna stick with coupes.

 

330ci. Period. G35 is nice but not a step up.

 

I am enjoying my Mazda3s so much it feels like an upgrade.

 

G53c's are piles of shit that handle well. The interior sucks and there is about as much refinment in the engine as a caviler.

 

^

Is this SilverBullets alter ego?

 

the answer is NO you will not be satisfied till the new CL comes out if it ever does

 

supposedly the new RL/S is coming out w/ 300hp in 2006/7, although 2006 can be released at the end of 2005...

As someone pointed out and what I felt G35c although 'spec'ed' better but did NOT feel better or more exciting, and the 'sheer exhiliration' of CLS's vtech from 4-6.5krpm is 2nd to none ..

What about Audi S4 ? I am about to roadTest that thing...

 

You're an idiot.

 

How can I be an idiot when the whole car vibrates like crazy and the clutch could be used in a gym for a piece of exercise equipment....or may be im just used to how honda/acura make a shifter and a clutch that are precise and light. It DOES handle well, but so did Trans Ams, they were fast too, but look at the interior...

 

Ok noob...

The whole car doesn't vibrate like crazy. How do I know? Because I own a 6mt coupe. So, stop making shit up.

Next, with regards to the clutch. I will agree it is a little heavy, but you can adjust it to be much more driver friendly. A 30 second job. Not sure why it comes from the factory like it does, but it's nothing that a 10mm wrench can't fix. The clutch on the CLS is nicer.

And the interior. That's totally subjective. The interior is built way better than the CL. There are no rattles, the seats are actually made of REAL, premium leather. It's one thing not to like the layout/looks, but it's not cheap. After coming over from the rattle-monster than the CL was, driving this car is a pleasure. And it's not like the CL was leading the pack in interior design either.

Oh and I'd be willing to ber the G does better in the handling dept. than the TA ever did. Fast yes, but stock-for-stock, I'll take the G to the road course.

 

I feel the same...theres not much out there for arounf $30K.....Keep the CL and buy a toy!

 

Ive driven one a few times...im not making it up, maybe nissan is like ford...depends on what day your car was made on.

 

:Werd:

That's what Imma gonna do

 

____________________
HAHAHAH ok newbie... read some more before u make any judgement.
Trans Ams handles well? didnt know about that. a car is fast doesnt mean it handles well. CLS can beat IS300 in straight line no problem, but CLS will get its ass kicked by IS300 on the track.

 

when i got rid of my old car i wanted a sporty classy 2 dr. so my choices were between the 330ci or the cl-s. took the cl-s and am very happy with it. if something were ever happen to it, i would move to a 330ci.

so that is my choice. of course an m3 would be up there in my books, but my wallet must save for something better,

*cough* nsx *cough*

 

agreed.

 

I would never go from a CLS to a 330ci..CL to m3...but not 330ci

 

Has anyone heard any negatives about the Audi S4 Quattro sedan?

are they worth the extra $$$

 

I've heard about reliability problems with the S4 in the past. They started making them again for 2004--haven't heard anything about them yet other than V8 with 340HP.

 

Price-wise (and performance-wise) the M3 is a *big* jump from the CL-S. If you can afford a new one, you're in range to buy some really badass used vehicles.

A new 330Ci with decent options isn't worth the price over keeping your CL-S. You'll be disappointed when it isn't faster (M/T or A/T equivalent, of course), and the payment is huge.

 

That's funny my CL-S was $439/month for a 36 month lease, 12k year, $2600 out of pocket. MSRP on the car was what $31k or so?

My friend (I put up a post in regard to it last week) ordered an 04 330Ci...$474/month for 36 months, 15k year, $3800 out of pocket. MSRP on the car is just under $40k.

So lease wise the difference in payments are minimal (if my buddy went with 12k year would be even less so), a finance however would be more of a spread.

Tell you what, an 04 non-navi TLs #s aren't much cheaper than the BMW....maybe by $20 or so. Reason for that is that the TL has a hohum residual, not horrible but not so great either (52% I believe for 15k/year, BMW 330Ci which has been around forever has a 58% residual).


Also, the 05 G35 coupe and sedan are rumored to be getting a fairly big overhaul (especially the interior).

 

Guess I would also go for the G35c... not an improvement but since the CL doesn't exist anymore, I think it's a nice replacement.

One of my friends has a wrx sti... incredible car for the performance... you can't go wrong with that... only you will lose in luxury.

But sometimes I'm like you and would like something for the winter and a real sport car for the summer... personnaly I would go with a not expensive but still fun Jeep Liberty renegade and a few years back Camaro SS...

 

 

Worth the money, yes...as relaible as the CL...maybe not. Much more maintenance items(turbos, etc). If you can find one used, maybe a year or so old & still get the extended warranty, you should be OK though.

S4 is one HELL of a car...no doubt about it. Nearly modable to infinty(just costs more for the parts ).

 

Thinking outside the box, what about the M45. We're discussing it on another thread, seeing as dealers are dumping slightly used ones for mid-low $30Gs. It has power (340hp), luxury and a gangsta look!!! $.02

http://www.acura-cl.com/forums/showt...hreadid=135459

 

 

:noob:

 

you would be surpised how much more i liked my 330 over the TLS. Test driving a 330 doesnt give you the real feel of the car, you need to own one.

Again, why does everyone think when you step up that it means better 1/4 times Remember, thats not what bmw is known for.

 

I agree with what other people have said when they say that the G35C isn't a step up all that much....it is a baby step.

If you're looking to keep the features that you've come to love in the CL-S....then i'd suggest an M3, or a used NSX....that's my plan in a couple of years when i get tired of my CL-S....

 

I think the only thing after the CL is an upgrade....like an M3 or a CLK. But those are big price jumps....so its a tough decision, but like I've said before....the CL would make a nice every day car and then you keep your garage queen for the nice days when the barometric pressure is right and the streets are clean!