wackjum

Hey there guys,

I'm a colleague from the 1st Gen TL forums. My TL is still doing fine but I am going to be giving it to a relative who needs a car.

So I'm shopping for a replacement and I really want to stay in the Acura family.

I have sort of settled on the 2nd Gen TL (2003) because I like the styling and they are a bargain now with the 3rd Gen out.

I have two specific questions for you guys that I thought you could me with:

1. How much of a difference is there really between the TL and TL-S? I know the differences on paper, but I'm wondering if this translates to any real world feel?

2. Considering the big price difference now, would you guys consider the 2nd Gen TL a good value purchase or should I just put more money in and spring for a 3rd Gen? (All things considered, such as tranny, build quality, etc)

Thanks in advance guys. I am also open to suggestions on what else I should get. I considered an S2000, but I already have a motorcycle. The S2k seems a bit like a glorified bike. I am also wondering about the 2nd Gen CL but I'm only ho-hum on the styling.

Malayalee King

iTrader: (1)

i would spring for the newer gen. the older the cars get, the more you have to worry about them imo

SupaRookie

I would get the 3rd gen. If you get the 03, you would have to worry if your tranny will crap out...

Soccer_playa1579

yea just spend the extra bucks on a 3rd gen... i think they look more aggressive and are more reliable..

ChrisQ1980

If you can find a certifed pre-owned 2nd gen I would go for that. The price difference is pretty significant. The 3rd gen is more sporty than luxury in my opinon. I like the perfect blend in the 2g TL-S. I suggest a Type S as well unless performance is not of much of an issue for you.

Then again there is nothing wrong with the G3, and they have some more goodies in them, but I would say get an 05, there were a few bugs (including tranny) in the 04. How do you feel about 6MT?

csmeance

being a 3G tl owner, I would say that it all depends on your budget. If you can fork up to 26K on a used 05 Tl, then go for it, but if you can't the later model 04's will do fine as they got fro 18-24K. The 2nd gen TL was an awesome car when it came out and it lead me to acura in the first place, but than i saw the 3G Tl. Anyway, reading about the transmission issues here, if you can find an 2nd gen that is under the milage for replacement or is a 6MT, then go for it.

JetBlackAC

I agree it depends on your budget. A 05 will run about 25k now, where as 03 tl-s fully loaded about 16

wackjum

Hi guys,

Thanks for the input so far. Price is a pretty significant factor for me right now because I bought a brand new Toyota Tacoma last year. Any amount I can get the car under 20 makes me happier.

Although I hear a TL redesign is coming out which would depress prices on the 3rd Gen, which guy guys are recommending. Is this going to be next year or the year after?

laidback93

If you can afford it I would go for a 3rd gen.

I do love my 2nd gen TL-S however.

JetBlackAC

The 3rd gen will drop when the 4th gen drops, and you would see prices on the 04s/05s go under or at 20k then. if you are buying now, and price is a factor, get a certified preowned 03 tl-s under 60k miles if possible