Please, reply if over 35 years old. Similar post in TL-S forum but I want non type-S owner opinions. What will I miss if I don't get the Type S? Do you wish you bouth the Type-S? I Don't plan to buy aftermarket toys and certainly will not be racing it. Is the ride of the non-TL much softer? Is the TL a dog to drive? Other? Trading in my 240SX and don't want to drive an old ladies car, but TL-S might be wasted on me. Your comments most welcome!

 

Well I am over 35yrs old to be sure 40 to be exact.
I have had my 2000TL for 2 & 1/2 years now I have low mileage on it. I just have almost 22,000 & put about 500 highway miles on it last Sunday. Well the main reason I did not get a Type S model was it was not out in 1999. I would not trade my car in for one at this moment. The TL should be just fine for you with 225HP. This is a nice riding car on the highway & great around town.The 2002 model got many improvements over the 00-01 model that are the same. When the car is fully loaded with 4 people & luggage it hadles well on the highway getting up to speed is no problem. The Type S model may have some features you want. It has a stability control system that the TL does not have. The TL has low speed traction control to help it get started on slipery sufaces. The Type S model seats may or may not suit your needs or taste. The Type S has everything else beefed up like the extra 35HP brakes, tires, ect. The TL is not a granny car or sadate sedan. Remember when it was redesign for 1999 model year the car was the king of the hill in its segment. If I were you I would test drive each car. Also see if you like the features of each car. The TL can be a better car with just the upgrade of its stock tires. This was noted a few years ago in some auto magazines.

 

I certainly qualify for the over 35 (64). I bought the TL instead of the Type S because I liked the way it sat better than the S. So did my bride. I also was not wild about the tire/wheel combo on the S. I live in the boondocks w/ lots of rough roads. Those tires on the S wouldn`t last too long for me. Also my salesman said they"cost twice as much and last half as long" (tires). The seats in the S are great for performance driving, but a little confining for my fat butt on long trips. Your butt may vary. I do not consider the TL to be an old lady car. To use the boy racer vernacular,"It Rocks!" My only regret is not buying the Nav system. Now I have to use a Garmin GPS. Go for it!
`03 TL, FPRP

 

i'm not over 35 (only a mere 26 heh), but i just bought a 2003 TL non-Type-S in april and i love it.

one of my friends that has a cl type-s drove my tl and he said that the difference wasn't really that big. i've driven his as well and we both think that the main difference is the stiffness in the suspension.

i wanted a type-s but it was just over my price range. i'm extremely happy with what i have and if you can afford the type-s, go for it for the handling and a bit more speed. otherwise, the regular tl is fine.

good lucks...

2003 Acura TL-P, Silver Mist

 

The traction control on the Type S is different also. TSC vs. VSC. I'm not sure what the differences are, but I don't really care. I admit that I can't afford the Type S and really has no need to because I use my car for work and I drive about 100 miles a day freeway/city combo. I just wanted something comfortable and the 225 hp is good enough for me. When I bought the TL, I looked and sat on both seats and I really like the TL-P more because it's more comfortable vs. the "sporty" feel of the TL-S. Don't get me wrong, but TL-P is a really great car, but due to my budget and situation, I like the TL-P more.

my 2 cents.

:o

 

The TL-P is a zillion times better than a 240sx. <p>I am 35 and have the 2002TL-P. For me, it was strictly a matter of price to get the TL-P vs TL-S. I set an artificial limit at $30K for my next car (i had to draw the line somewhere) and the TL-P ran almost exactly $30k to the penny after tax -- $29980 to be exact. In addition to the car purchase, i knew i would end up spending about another $2k on upgrades, which was about the price differential between the 2 cars. (S vs. non S). <p>
I find body style of the TL in general to be a little boring, and style, not just engine power, counts a lot for me. It looks great with the full under body kit and spoiler, so i knew i was going to have to add that, and as a former car audio installer, i was also going to be reusing some parts of my last audio system, but i also calculated which items i would be getting new. (btw, i bought the body kit for $860 through this website and the trunk spoiler i got through sportwing.com). <p> So at the time of purchase I had to make a choice between the type S and leaving it plain, or getting the TL-P and being able to spend a little on jazzing it up. <p>
Now that i have had the car 9 months, and driven it about 14k miles, i find myself really wanting to do suspension mods - the ride is very smooth, but i want a sportier feel in curves. Most of the TL-S owners on this site are changing the springs and the sway bars to HR or Comptech anyhow, so i dont feel that if i had gotten the type S i would have been satified with the suspension on that car either without changing it out - so spending the extra for the type S for the different suspension it comes with was not something i missed out on. I think the brakes are the same for both cars.<p> So that leaves just the stability control (even acura couldnt explain to me why i needed it over the standard traction control) different interior and the extra 35 HP between the two cars. If you are not going to drive the car hard at traffic lights to beat other fast cars on the road, the 225 HP of the TL-P has plenty of get up and go. Even if you drive very fast, the car has great pull, and I almost always use the sport shift so that tweaks out the stock performance as well. <p> Sure I will probably always thirst for the extra HP I am missing vs. the type S, and honestly if the TL-S had nicer stock wheels, i would have raised the bar on my spending cap and bought it. I really dont think the type S wheels are all that special to look at. They are just plain, and not any nicer than the stock rims. And once again, so many people on this site are putting on after market wheels regardless of whether they have a TL-P or TL-S. <p>
The only thing i am not sure about at this point is how much the resale value of the TL-P will be diminished vs. the TL-S in a few years. Typically, i keep a car for 6 or 7 years, at which time the mileage will be up near 100k, but the body still shines as new, with no door dings, and a really clean interior. But I would imagine most people looking to buy a used TL in the future will opt to buy a TL-S as the price difference which starts out at $2k when the car is new, probably drops to $500-$750 or so by the time i am ready to sell. I just hope i will be able to find a buyer for my car when the time comes. (I dont usually trade in a car, i sell it privately.)

 

well the biggest difference of TL-P and TL-S is the engine so if you dun mind 225 hp (which is already more than good enough) save yourself money and get the TL-P

 

I'll be 34 this week, so I hope that's close enough for you. I bought the TL-P because:

1. I was scanning this site long prior to buying and knew what I wanted to do with the car before I bought it. Even if I'd bought a TL-S, I would have purchased new springs, tires, and wheels. I saved enough money to purchase these items.

2. 225 hp was enough for me. The only differences between the TL-S and my upgraded TL-P now are lack of VSA (in my test drive, I felt it made the car less stable at high speed), 35 hp (in my test drive, it didn't affect the driving experience that much), and the lack of TL-S badge on the rear.

I don't miss the TL-S, the two cars weren't that different for me anyway, though 260 hp DOES pack some punch! Maybe next time.

I DO miss having a navi. I ignored advice on this site to buy a TL with one, and I must say I'm sorry I didn't buy it.

 

I just bought a used 2000 TL, but have driven both. Smoother quieter ride is what you exchange for the additional horsepower and better handling. That really is the difference because all the other equipment really is the same. The tires, as stated, are also less expensive and last longer because they are H speed rated vs the V rated TL-S. The base TL tires should handle better in snow but I can't confirm that. You also might want to see if insurance is higher on the TL-S due to the higher performance. The TL, at 225HP, already commands an intermediate performance surcharge on the insurance symbol charts. Either car really is a steal. I wouldn't worry about resale. Acura's seem to hold their value as well or better than any other make. In St. Louis, Acura is the only mfr that does not routinely advertise in the automobile newspaper classifieds. They don't have to. They sell every car they get.

 

If you will never even be thinking about performance upgrades, and feel that 225hp is enough, or feel that you got a better way to spend the extra money. Stay with the TL-P

However I think just the few things below alone is enough for me to go for the type S

1. the engine, never WHAT mods you do later on, upgrading to the type S is the cheapest way to get more reliable HP.

2. VSA, come on admit it, the TCS do no crap during winter and makes hardly any differences, the VSA can potentially save you from a crash while the TCS can't do no jerk.

and I guess that enough reasons for me to spend the extra money.

3. the seats, now that's subjective, but I do think that the type S seats is a bit better.

As far as comfort goes, I think the type S is almost as soft as the TL-P, the 17' rim and tires makes more difference I think.


Anyhow the only thing that I like more on my 2000 is the front end styling, I think the 99-01 styling is better then the 02+ front end. I would have gone with an IS300 if they came out with that ugly front end in 2000.

 

Well I'm 30 and I just added my first mod to our '02 TL-P 7 weeks ago....an infant car seat. So right there that kills the idea of any performance mods for me. :p

The 225 is truely enough power for me. I drove an '01 BMW 325 yesterday and the TL has more power and the auto trans in the TL downshifts faster when I stomp on the gas. Since I don't drive like a maniac I don't ever think I would ever need VSA. I've never spun out in a front drive car.

So if you aren't going to race ask yourself which tires/seats/and instrument panel you like better. Then you have answered your question.

oyeah...Get the NAVI

 

I'm 42 and I intended to purchase an Antracite 2003 TL-S, but after the test drive I had to get the TL-P. Although I liked the thought of owning a Type-S, there were somethings about the car I just coundn't see paying for, here is a list of what I don't like about the Type-S:

1. Those God awful gagues
2. The uncomfortable seats,TL- P seats seem to hold me better too
3. That harsh a$$ ride, both my kid and wife complained during the test ride
4. The word "Type-S" in red almost everywere you look
5. The gray wood trim - Yuck!
6. The extra cost, I spent the money on my own mods

What I did like about the Type-s:
1. The rims and tires
2. The extra power


About the power: Although I would of loved having the extra horse power, I really couldn't use it, my car zips around town with much pep, and it's more responsive then my souped-up VR6.

Also, my wife drives the car too, so there was some consideration for her driving too.

All in all, I love my car, I did upgrade to the Type-S wheels and tires for a mere $375. If you don't like the those rims and tires, then I can't see spending all that money to have features you don't like or don't need.

Get the P, get the Navi and get on with your life.

Thats my opinon!

Mike Smeezy

 

I'm 36. Same dilemma presented itself, drove both and concluded that the primary difference in normal driving is the red "Type-S" badge. The extra 35 horses are essentially all in the VTEC range above 4500 rpm. If you don't customarily hammer a car to redline in all 5 gears, there is little advantage.

Like others said, since I figured when the time comes I'd want to make suspension mods anyway, was well as change the rims, it made more sense to get the lower-cost vehicle.

I came out of a Honda Prelude, and neither TL or TL-S handles like it, or like your 240sx. That extra 800 pounds and 20 inches of body can't be fixed by stiffer springs and sway bars. If you want a car for driving excitement, get an S2000. If you want a comfortable but competently handling near-luxury sedan, your just as well off with the TL as TL-S and $2k richer.

 

THE TL IS A VERY POP CAR. YOU SEE THEM EVERYWHERE. THATS WHY U GET THE S W/NAVI. ALL THE OTHER TL OWNERS LOOK AT U WITH ENVY. THE INTERIOR IS MUCH NICER. PERFERATED SEATS THE HEADRESTS. U DONT BUY A CAR EVERY DAY. IF U ARE GOING TO DO IT DO IT RIGHT.

 

It all comes down to your own preference - test drive both, see which one you like more. If I were you, I would be more concerned whether to buy Navi or not. For me, it was really a no brainer...

 

caps lock off...

anyways, to answer your question, I personally think you're better off with a TL-P. the suspension plus the wheel/tire combo makes the TL-P ride softer and more "comfy" than the Type S. Also the perforated leather and the bucket seats might feel a bit too sporty.

 

Well I am no where close to 35, but I think the only advantage of a TL-S is if u wanna race...seriously regular TL with 225hp is more than enough...and yes i have a regular TL and it sucks gas like a vacuum...if u r willing to go visit a gas station more than twice a week for a half tank or 3 quarters tank, then get the TLS...i bet the regular TL can beat any other car out there interms of racing!

 

Well I'm 31 so I'm almost in your age group.

I have a '02 TP-P with Nav.

First of all its the wifes car. I drive it on weekends and maybe a couple of nights during the week.

Here are the things I like over the Type S.
1. Softer ride. The car glides over most small bumps and road seperations.
2. Enough power for both of us. Even with just 225 the car gets up and moves. When you drop the hammer the car downshifts quickly.
3. Brown fake wood instead of grey(bowling ball) fake wood in our Silver car. I really didn't care at all for the grey.
4. I don't like the style of the front headrests in the Type S.

Couple of things I like about the Type S but didn't make me bite.
1. I like the Type S wheels.
2. I believe the Type S may have slightly more headroom because the seat cushins in the Type S are not as thick. This was almost an issue for me since I'm 6'4" and my head is just short of the roof. I wish that there was an option for sunroof delete.

 

i kick myself in the ass everyday for not getting the Type-S and Navi, but then again...it wasnt out when i got my car...

 

my dealer told me the only difference is the TL Type-S is faster from O-45 MPH. If that is not a big deal don't get the type S

 

opinions from a 38 year old..
I would get the TL-P. if you have extra $ to burn upgrade to a Navigation System. you get more bang for you buck w/ a navi instead of 35 extra horses that won't kick in until you reach 5000 RPM anyways.

 

im 20 and i just got my car in jan about 2 weeks before my bday :o) i just got the normal TL and it has a lot of power as is i dont know why i want to change parts to it i guess im an addict i would like some extra hp but its not worht what they were asking for the extra power :o) if im 20 and im happy i dont know why you would be upset by getting this car :o) 03 TL is great

 

Unfortunately, when I purchased by TL in '99, I was not given the choice. For me, it would have been a no-brainer to have gotten the TL-S. Despite suggestions that the only difference lies in power, one significant improvement for me has to do with the steering. Going from a Prelude VTEC to the TL required some adjustment because the steering in the TL-P is so slow. That means you have to turn the wheel further to get a given wheel deflection. Similarly, I find the effort way too light. The TL-S fixed both of those problems.

BTW, I am 46,

rw

 

Im 26 and bought a regular TL-P in March.... I love it!! I didn't need the extra Hp or the stiffer suppension. I could have bought a Type S but I didn't.....

Now I own a regular TL and a 61" Wide screen TV and a awesome home theater system......from the money I saved!!

I like my TL...... no problems so far!!

Cheers

 

Actually, from what I've read on this site, the TL-P and TL-S will get off to about an equal start and the type S wont start to pull ahead until you get around 50+. I test drove both cars and the type S did seem to take off harder from a dead start but i think most of the gain is in the higher RPMs 4k and up.

 

All of you are mentioning HP difference, but what matters the most is the torque. Since it is only 232 lbs.-ft vs. 216 lbs-ft for TL-P the difference is barely noticeable (only 16 lbs-ft). And the fact is TL-P is more comfy, has better ride. The thing with TLS is that because of bigger wheels, it does look better. All in all, this car is all about value and in my opinion TL-P has more of it. Oh, I am 34.

 

I was 35, married, when I bought my '02 TL-S. I'm always young at heart. I loves to go fast, and corner hard. So the TL-S is my only choice - 260hp, performance-tuned suspension, 17" wheels, VSA. I wouldn't even waste my time considering the regular TL.

Simply put it, if there is no TL-S in the TL lineup, I would have moved over to other makes such as Infiniti and Lexus.

 

Your dealer lied his arse off to you.

 

mind you, I drove both and within the similarities, they are vastly different. For true almost luxury, go with the base. For exhilerating performance go with the type-s. My only purchase regret was not getting the NAVI for an extra $twokay.

another thing... I don't know who said it but: I sure hope I am in the Type-S when I pull up next to another TL at a light...

 

What an old thread! I'm 35 now and still feel the same way as in my post above. the only difference is that I have felt an urge to put a Comptech Icebox in for...just...a...little...more...power. so far, I've successfully avoided the temptation, especially with the '04 coming.