Hey, guys...I think this may have been covered in other threads, but allow me to pick your brains once more...

I currently own a 2003 TL-S (anthracite/ebony) that I have kept immaculately. Also, I have been contemplating the '04 TL (also anthracite/ebony) since I think, in some ways, the styling is more "sporty." And, I've just been made a very fair deal on a trade-in. In other words, I can absord the depreciation hit on my '03 without much headache.

The only troubling thing about my 2003 is a question on the styling. Every review that I've read on the 2004 speaks as if the new styling is SUCH an improvement over the previous generations. As you can tell, styling is important to me because I think that your car reflects something about your personality. While I love the functionality of a 4-door, I'm not looking for a heavy family car look.

Do any of you have any advice for me? Any comments on the styling of these two respective model-year cars? Do you think the previous generation (like mine) is "boring" or "family sedan" looking? Help a brother out...I don't trust my own eyes any more. HA Thanks for any light that you can shed...

 

Obviously, everyone has their own opinion, but I like the 03 way better than the 04. The 03 is slightly mor conservative and the 04 is slightly mor "edgy" a la BMW esque. It all depends on what does it for you. I can't get past the Jetta looking tail lights with the huge rear bumper on the 04s ...cringe... Plain and simple the 03 just has better lines to it. IMHO.

 

I'm back and forth on the 04's. The exterior has some good lines and some ugly ones in my opinion. I'm not really a fan with the back end (starting from the rear doors back). I also don't really like how the front doors look 4-5 inches longer than the rear ones (and that's not just because of the rear wheel wells). Feature-wise, I'm a guy who likes technology and tech toys - the 04 has a lot of cool features about it that I would love to have in my 00 TL. The new navi system with voice commands is sweet. So, I could probably overlook some of the exterior physical shortcomings in light of the stronger engine, and better driver amenities.

Another thing to consider is the 04, although it's received plenty of great reviews by various car mag's - it's still the first production year of a totally redesigned car. As with all first model year cars, there are going to be bugs that Acura is going to work out for the 05's. So, even though you have a great offer on an 04 today, you may want to wait for the 05's, pay a little more, and not have to deal with quirky 04 stuff.

But like others have said, it's really up to you. There are pro's and con's, obviously, and you need to weigh them against what you really want from a new car. Either way though, if you choose to upgrade to the 04 or not, it's a win win situation for you because the TL-S is a kickass car, and so is the 04 in it's own way.

 

If you like the new TL and you are getting more than 80% of your all in on the road value for your 03 AND IF YOU ARE GETTING THE 04 AT NO MORE THAN $500 over invoice then go for it.

On the other hand, when the AWD RL comes out, you will want to upgrade again!

 

One thing to think about.....what if this was 1999 and your had a one year old 1st Gen TL. The new style TL comes out. It looks nicer than the one you own.......but......if you wait two years, get rid of that depreciation headache, and out comes the Type-s. Now you can own a new style car - and Acura has upped the HP by 35 - Considering it is not reasonable to get a new car every two years, you would probably stick with the 99, then pick up the 2002 Type-S, when looking back now...

Now on to your situation, I would personally stay with the 03 type-s for a few years, there is a good probability that ACURA will come out with a Type-s in a couple years - plus with the 05 RL coming out with Acura's newly designed SportHandling-AllWheelDrive (SH-AWD) that would be a very good chance it will be going into the new TL.

Also considering "speed channel's Top 10 reviews" the G35 was first place, the BMW 3 series was 2nd, and the new TL was 3rd.. The comment was "This car would have taken away first place if it was a rear wheel drive car!"
Acura isn't stupid, everyone is stressing the rear wheel drive in their family sedans - Acura will follow suit.

How dumb would you feel taking the hit and buying an 04 for the body styling , and having the 06 TL come out with 40HP more and SH-AWG!!!
2006 Acura TLX Type-S That would be sick!!!!!

 

Go for an 04 if you want your car to look like the bastard child of a Honda Civic, or if you want a good looking car keep your 03 TLs.

 

I think that the new 04's are too similar to a TSX first of all...so that took away some of the appeal...honestly, I wouldn't want to buy a 35,000 dollar car if it looks like the more entry-level 25,000 one (numbers + or - depending on taxes, tags...discounts...etc.). But the appearance of the car without the TSX in mind, I think it looks much more aggressive, but in a American Muscle car kinda way (last gen Mustangs...NOT the 05...that actually looks kinda cool IMHO)...not a sleek and menacing (Skyline GTR)...which I don't like.

As far as everything else, like orcaatk said, I am also a very Neo-techonology oriented person...and the gadgets and gizmos in this car are very cool...plus, the 270hp standard engine...and it FINALLY comes in STICK!!! Which was one of the major drawbacks I had with buying a 2000 TL..,(but obviously that didn't deter me from joining the club anyway...hehehe...) with all that said, if it turns out you like the styling, then the car is hot as hell...but if you don't like it, like Residual said, then keep the 03 and mod it up. You know, make it yours. Because I don't think it'd be efficient for you to trade up so soon after getting your current one. The one you have is still a respectable sedan that can be admired by young and old alike from all walks of life. And it will be for awhile...I think if you paid it off and had our time with it, it'll be much easier for you to be saving and step up into something even better! You might be able to take a step up in the model tiers...like get the new RL, or maybe a CLK convertible, or maybe a 540i....it's always better to have more options, so that if you end up liking the newly redesigned 09 TL anyway, you can already afford to by it AND still have loot for mods....good luck bro!

 

I agree with poohlikeshunny. Although I like the new 04 TL as well, both the styling and the tech advancements, I think you'd be better off waiting a couple of years maybe, possibly holding out for an AWD or RWD TL or the new RL. But like everyone has said, do what you think is best for your situation, you know better than anyone else. It never hurts to get a second opinion, though, and hopefully we've been of some help.

 

i really enjoy driving my 03 tl-s and well dont get me wrong but i wont think i would buy another acura until they get a awd system going.... i know that the new RL will have it and HOPEFULLY it will be passed onto the TL.. but we all know thats a few years away

as far as the 04.... i really cant make up my mind as to whether or not i like it... at times it really does look like the TSX and that bothers me... but at the same time out TL's can pass as accords right?!?!?

 

I appreciate y'all's insights. Y'all have made some good points and have given me some things to consider. Best luck to you guys. Later...

 

Think of it this way. Imagine you have money in your pocket and you can choose between an 04 TL at full price, or an 03 TLS at a really deep discount. Which would you pick?

 

I say stay with the 2nd generation TL is you want to stand out in the hordes of 04 TL, 3 Series and A4’s!

I have seen too many 04’s on the road already here in Toronto. It’s becoming too common of a site. My 99-lowered TL with 18-inch wheels really stands out. I park in the GO train station with too many A4’s and 3 series. My car really stands out with these other people.

The rear end of the 2nd generation is really unique and I don’t think people really understand how well designed it is. And this trend of dual exhaust from the newest Nissan Altimas, Maximias, A4, etc came because of the 2nd generation TL.