Being the father of 1 (2 in 2 months) I am getting used to not having a sports car (coming from a 320HP AWD Mitsu 3000GT). I'm looking for a sports sedan that I can ocassionally fit a baby and a Toddler in back and a double stroller in the truck with a couple overnight bags for weekend road trips, but what power and hadnling when I'm driving alone (which is most the time).

If only BMW made the new M-3 in a 4-dr. $50K is a little too rich for my blood even if I could convince myself that getting the kids in and out won't be THAT hard in a coupe.

It appears the Acura TL Type-S is really the only choice for my needs in the under $40K category. Resale value is a major concern of mine too, and nothing beats Acura (and BMW).

I really like the Volvo S60 PCC that they are suppose to build (300HP AWD and really agressive looking) but Volvo just doesn't have the resale value or reliability of Acura.

It seems the only alternative is the BMW 330 sedan, but why pay about $5K more for a car with less power than the TL Type-S? The looks are much better and the handling is, well it's a BMW, the ultimate driving machine. However the specs show the Bimmer is smaller in back and a significantly smaller trunk (not a plus for my circumstances right now).

What about the Lexus IS-300? Rear-wheel drive has it's pluses but I like having AWD or front wheel drive on the wet pavement and snow.

I've seen mixed reviews about the TL-S' ride characteristics.

I know by vitue of this forum's topic that most repsonses will be biased but I would appreciate any other perspectives that one might give on my options at hand.

 

Having just gone through a similar analysis, I think you're right. I didn't look at the Lexus, because I don't like the snooty Lexus image. The Audi A4/S4 is an option, though a lot smaller in back; A6/S6 solves the size problem, but at higher price and lower performance. The Volvo S60 T5 is a little smaller, and similar performance. However, my parents have had a lot of Volvos over the years, and the reliability in the recent ones is a serious issue.

I'd guess that, coming off a 3000GT, you will find the ride perfectly dreamy, even if the handling isn't all you might hope.

I was convinced when I took my wife for a test drive. I figured I'd have to lobby for the TL-S, since she would prefer something more "practical", and doesn't value performance as much as I do. However, one 5-minute test drive and she was sold.

So, that's my biased view.




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2002 Acura TL Type-S Dark Emerald Pearl
1986 Pontiac Fiero SE V6
1994 Ford Explorer 4x4

 

I would concur that the 3.2TL-S gives the most bang for the buck, plus it has a great resale value. I traded my '99 3.2TL on my new '02 3.2TL-S and was stunned at what I was "finally" given in trade. I had to keep my jaw from dropping when they finally moved off of their "low ball" figure. It literally knocked me senseless, but 12 hours later I recovered and went ahead and bought the TL-S; really couldn't afford not to.

Ride quality/performance ratio is exellent. Stiffer ride than the standard TL but a much better drive. It is firmer, yes, but still exhibits quite pleasant manners when not pushed extremely hard. I, like others, would suspect over inflated tire presure for those who say they have a harsh ride. Again, it is firm but certainly NOT harsh.

Take an extended test drive and make sure the dealer has the tire pressure at the recommended cold tire pressure of 32PSI. I think you'll be very pleased. Also note that the seating is MUCH more comfortable than the standard 3.2TL.

As far as the Lexus IS-300 I didn't care for that model at all. Slick, but a matchbox none-the-less. I could not live with that as I'd like at least a tad bit more room than it offers. Maybe when I get a few more years on these old bones I'd buy a ES-300 or a GS series Lexus.

As an overall package of value, performance, fun to drive, and resale/ROI the TL-S can not be beat; imho! But hey, I bought one.

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'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by imax on June 19, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

GS300 after discount is in the under $40k category. Definitely a step up in luxury, but a step down in performance. Edmunds.com suggests you should take $4000 off of sticker on that car.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by sboje on June 19, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

With a toddler at the back seat, there's plenty of room for another adult (or another little one). My only problem is that I have to keep telling the little one not to kick on the back of the front seat. (It hurts to see stains on the leather seat.)

A lot of people complained about the TL-S when they compared it Lexus or BMW models. However for a little over $30K with all those nice features, could you get a Lexus or a BMW?

If you're going to keep the car for many years, I'd say don't worry about the resale value.

Go for a test drive and you'll see why it's a hot-selling car.


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2002 Satin Silver TL-S Nav

 

If you still want your BMW, just spend a little more and get a decently equipped 530i in the low $40K range. It's a gorgeous car and people buying BMW opt to just spend a little more than the 330i to step up to the 530i (larger overall car). Very nice looking with the sports premium package.

 

I have owned a host of interesting cars in my lifetime. I've had 1964-1967 Pontiac GTO's, 1995 Corvette ZR-1, 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra, 1966-1967 Chevelles, 1987 Saleen Mustang, and my last daily driver was a 1999 Honda Accord EX V6 coupe. Last Friday I gave up the Accord in favor of the TL-S. The TL rides much smoother than any of the previous cars that I've owned, and can out corner almost all of them. I find the ride considerably more comfortable than the Accord. It's smooth, precise, and predictable. With all of the different brand marques in my past, my opinion is certainly unbiased

 

I am not biased towards any car. I just picked the one that was best for me. However, I did check out ALL the other competition first. Audi S4/A4 TOO small. Same for Volvo S60 and Lexus IS300. BMW and other Lexi too expensive and not really worth the extra $$$$. I traded in a 98 Lexus GS400 for my TL-S and I am happy that I did. Lexus talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. When it came time to get another, they wanted to low-ball me on mine and jack me around on the new one. I don't need that. Believe me, you will enjoy the TL-S. I enjoy driving it every day.

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'02 TL-S WDP/Parchment NAV

 

GS300, great alternative. As the other has said step up in luxury and step down performence.

 

Wow, this is a great forum with lots of well thought-out responses, and quick too!

Just to clarify, the Volvo I'm considering is not the S60 T5, it is what is called right now, the S60 PCC, you can check it out here: http://www.moniteur-automobile.press...2?VOLVO9000001 300HP AWD 18" Wheels, yada yada. Although the resale value on the Volvos has come up significantly since they moved out of the "boxy" look (starting about 3 years ago with the new S80 and recently the V70), like most people have indicated, they still have a bit more to go on the reliability side and resale also, at least relative to an Acura or BMW. But boy does this car sure make my mouth water.

Well, just as I suspected, in the under $40K category, there really isn't an alternative (aside from the BMW 330) in the sports sedan category that can touch the TL Type S. Hats off to Acura and all you TL Type S owners. It will have to do until I can afford a new NSX in a few years.



<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by jcrist on June 20, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

jcrist,

you say the volvo pcc? How about adding headers and exhaust to the tl-s? that's 300 HP right there. =)

-jyang411

that's what i plan to do to my ride..although i might consider dropping it first. well..hmm austin roads aren't too kinda..i might have to avoid getting a kit..even though it'd be awesome.

 

The only other car I considered before buying the TL-S was the Audi A6 2.7 T. It matches the TL-S in performance (exceeds it in bad weather w/ the AWD), seemed a bit roomier, but does get kinda pricey once you add all the fun options. The only reasons I didn't get it: 1) I put a ton of miles on cars (already have 8000 on my Type S) and wasn't confident the 2.7 T would hold up to that. 2) My customers probably wouldn't like my driving such an expensive car. Other than that, it was an awesome car, one which I think you should at least take for a test drive.

 

As the father of 18 month old twins I know where you are coming from. I had a 98 CL, when the new CL-S came out I was all over it, but not pratical for the occassional 2 car seats and the loads of baby stuff to go along with it. My wife finally got her Odyssey, but while looking for her 7 passenger vehicle, I was thinking of the MDX for myself. Then the TL-S was announced. After the test drive, there was no doubt the TL-S would fill the occassional "family outing" as well as having the sports performance I was looking for every day.

I think it's the best of both worlds.

 

Two other points on the Volvo PCC:

First, check out the back seat. It's tiny. Sure, you could put a car seat there, but you won't have room for anything other than baby.

Second, I believe the PCC is going to start at the $38,000 - $40,000 range.

The TL type S has a legitimate back seat and you'll get one for $31,000.

I'm going through the same phase of my life as you are: new baby on the way, wife wanting something practical, me wanting something with oomph!

The TL type S fits the bill!!

 

I think you already know what type of car you want.
To further narrow it down, you may want to ask these 2 questions.
Is 330, A4 and IS300 big enough.
Do I need a RWD.

I am not going to do the analysis for you. After you answer those 2 questions, I think you are knowledgable enough to make a decision.

One alternative to TLS (with the power and the size) would be Lincoln LS V8....if you don't mind an American car.
The RWD alternative is GS300....but you have to pay more for less power.

 

I'm in a very similar situation as you. I'm not sure my customers want to see me in an Audi A62.7T, but that is one amazing car. Yes, it will get up around 43K by the time you add the stuff you want and need, but it's much much roomier than the TL, fit and finish puts the Acura to shame, and safety features abound.

Give the 2.7 a good look, and then decide if the the TLS is still the best choice. For me, the TLS will probably still win out.

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2001 TL Silver w/ Black Leather
CL-S Wheels w/Pilots
Alpine CD Changer
Burlwood Shift Knob
25% Tint, 35% In Front

 

Infiniti is coming out with its G35 based upon the Skyline in Japan. 260 HP, 6 speed manual, rear wheel drive, looks nice in the one picture I saw of it. Howeve,r it won't be out until next spring. Don't know the price, but it sounds like competition to me.

Autoweek's website has a brief article.



<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by SC TL on June 20, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

jcrist> I'm in your same boat, I drove a Jeep for eight years and wanted to get back into something as fun to drive as my ole 75 Camaro was, but hey, I need a back seat since a kid is on the way.

The TLS is as near to perfect as I could find. Most sporty cars were way too small and way to $$$, most sedans like the Camry and Accord are roomy enough, but scream out BORING.

With the TLS you get a quick car, a car you can toss people and stuff into, and a car that gets great gas mileage in spite of 260hp. Nothing else even came close :-)