With 85,000 miles on it I am preparing to say good bye to my 05 RL. My warranty is almost up, the car needs tires, brakes, and a timing belt soon. So with all that in mind I want to get rid of it before I start dumping money into it.

I was hoping you guys could give me some feedback on replacement suggestions. I have to downgrade a little. Here are some of the cars I am considering:
09 Maxima Loaded lease
10 TSX Tech finance
09 TL Tech lease
09 G37x Loaded lease
07/08 TL Navi finance
07/08 TL-Type S Navi finance

I don't really want a 4cyl but the tsx is buying a new car which is ideally want I want. And I am not getting a TSX V6, I'd rather the TL. So I guess I can't have my cake and eat it to.

What do you guys think?

 

If your gonna buy American (which is what the TL and Maxima basically are) then why not Cadillac CTS?

I would go with the G37 if you want power and are not worried about fuel econ.

I would go with the TSX if u want to OWN the car and pay a little less at the pump...

The 07-08 TLs are nice but look somewhat outdated now

IMO Its gonna be hard not to pick the G37 after u test drive it...

 

Maybe this is the old-school Yankee in me, but I'd probably keep the RL another couple of years, especially if you view any potential replacement as a downgrade. It's not as though you're driving a 1990's Volkswagen that might disintegrate in the next 10,000 miles. The RL might need a few things, but those should be much cheaper than the lease or finance payments on something new, and it should remain reliable for a long time. Perhaps the maintenance costs plus further depreciation will tip the balance toward getting something new, but at 85,000 mile you've already taken the biggest depreciation hit.

I've been facing a similar issue with my 2001 Saab 9-5 Aero, which has 135,000 miles. Any potential replacement will be a downgrade in some way, and the car still runs beautifully. However, it's not as reliable as an Acura, and a turbo replacement, for example, would cost more than the car is worth. You probably don't face a possible cost like that. Plus, my Saab lacks a few modern safety features, which are important because I'm often hauling my kids around.

So, I'm getting ready to bite the bullet and get a TSX. It will be a huge downgrade in power and cargo space, but an upgrade in every other respect, so I think I'll be happy once I pull the trigger. I might, however, panic at the last instant about the torque loss and buy a Mazdaspeed 3 instead!

 

I don't like cadillac's plus the CTS is out of my price range. Edmunds TMV is $35-38k with navi and lux pkg which isnt even loaded.

I have driven the G35 and I loved the car. I am seriously considering the TSX because I want to own the car, why must the V6 version be the same price as a TL. The 07/08 TL's do look older, but I think they look better than current TLs.

 

I've still got 3 years or so left on my loan (I bought the RL two years ago). So I will have to make payments plus pay for the service and repairs.

 

take a pass on the Maxima for sure. I think a 2010 TSX Base or Tech would be a great deal for you right now, particularly if you're in good credit standing.

 

I think a lot depends on your priorities/driving.

Personally, I love my '09 tech MT TSX. However, I do really miss AWD. The difference when accelerating from a stop or around a tight turn is definitely noticeable.

If I were in your position, I would test drive each of the cars on your list at least once, read a bunch of reviews, and then sit down and look really closely at your finances to make absolutely sure that all of those choices are equivalent. Then decide which you like best, that still fits in your budget.

IMO, the TSX and the TL are very, very different cars. For me, when test driving, I liked the TSX (MT) much better than the TL. I thought it was more comfortable and more fun to drive, despite the horsepower difference. But that might be mainly due to the difference between MT and auto.

 

It was probably the difference between MT and AT. I had a 09 TSX for a few days as a loaner and it was nice but a little slow. My friend as a MT TSX and riding in his car it feels much faster but I think that's just because it keeps it in lower gears.

 

If u havent driven the Maxima yet I would definately test drive it before putting it on my list. Two key things about the Max which are a deal breaker for me:

1)CVT - Feel disconnected from the car

2)Strut suspension instead of Double wishbone - Not as much fun in the corners

 

I keep hearing people not liking the CVT. I know the car isn't going to corner as well as the tsx (not that the tsx does it all that well) but I can live with that. I usually just like going fast in a straight line while being very comfortable and having an excellent stereo to listen to.

 

Then the Maxima might be the best car for you...if u get the Premium package it gives u some amazing features:

1. Dual panel moonroof
2. Power rear window sunshade
3. Rear view monitor
4. Climate controlled drivers seat
5. Rear seat AC and Audio control
6. Wood trim and Mood lighting

U can also get a 9.3 GB Hard drive with DVD playback and Bluetooth streaming (Nav or Tech package)


I've been a member on Maxima(.)org ever since the 09 came out and they have had almost no problems...Although every other gen is just cluttered with problems lol

 

I've narrowed it down to 3 cars 09 Maxima, 10 TL, 09 G37.

 

i probably would go with the 09 G37, what trim for each car though?

 

tl fwd tech, g37x prem tech, maxima sv loaded

 

Did u test drive the Maxima??

Im sticking to my vote for the G37x...Better engine, better quality interior, MUCH better 7 speed transmission, much better handling, much better service, looks are to each their own.

After an RL the maxima quality will not feel up to par. Also have u ever owned a Nissan before? Their customer service is horrible

I traded my 04 Maxima to get the 09 TSX and couldnt be happier. I swore never to get another Maxima. They just feel like big lumpy American sedans.

 

G37 :ftw:

 

No the maxima is the only car I haven't driven yet. I don't like it's a nissan and their service will suck. I assume the quality will be similar to the infiniti which isn't that great to begin with. I think I am going to go back to the drawing board and start going over every car again. The g37 is a great drivers car, but it's a shity family car. And the quality and size doesn't compare to my RL. The TL is ugly, fwd version doesn't handle well, but has a great interior and the quality and size is excellent. Maxima looks good, good size features, I assume the drive will be similar to the tl but poor interior quality... Dammit...

 

Why not consider a V6 TSX? It has almost all the features of the TL, but looks better. Or just go for the I4 for less money.

 

Because the TSX V6 is about the same price as the TL. And the TSX is a little to small. So I've taken the TSX off my list. I change my mind every day but right now I'm leaning towards just buying a newer RL.

 

You could get an M35 for that sort of money

 

Excellent point. I mentioned in another thread "I really wanted a brand new car but all of the ones I've look at are inferior to my RL. So after going back to the drawing board and I'm thinking of just getting an 07 RL or 07 M35X. But I've got another month to figure it out. "

 

get the G37XS. they have great lease specials on them right now.

 

I know the G37 has goo lease deals right now. But the car seems a little small after having a RL for a few yrs. And as you know G's are everywhere in NY. It's still on my list. I'm going to hold off a few weeks before I do anything. I can't decide. All I know is the TSX and Maxima are currently off my list and I will go to the LI Auto Expo this week and checkout some other cars and see if I get any ideas.

 

I think you should just take ACURA of the list and call it a day.

I would look at slightly used M35, A6, or GS. And if u dont care that much about handling then look at the ES350.

 

Why would I take ACURA off the list? This is an acura forum. You do have a TSX don't you? I am looking at M35, I wouldn't buy an audi, I'll check the GS but I think it's to expensive, and I've got the ES350 in the back of my head but I do care about handling.

 

Honestly you should take it off your list because the TL and RL are just ugly. The TSX is the only car that can pull off the "shield" grille look (maybe because the grille is smaller?).

The GS, M, E-class, A6 are all better packages overall and will hold their re-sale value. Not to mention they all look better than the current RL.

As far as the TL is concerned, it is hard to even consider it competition to G37, A4, IS, C-class or 3 series because it is hampered by FWD and the heaviest curb weight

I bought a TSX because I wanted something more fuel efficient yet fun to drive. And i did not care about rear leg room.

This is just my opinion (you might like the look of the new TL and RL?). But if I had to choose between a brand new RL/TL or an 05 RL like yours, I'd choose the 05

 

I HATE the look of the new RL and dislike the look of the new TL. But I am still considering a 07/08 TL or 06/07 RL. The M is on my list and I'll check to see what a 2yr old GS is selling for. As for the german cars I would never buy one due to the reliability and caused of ownership. I would lease a c class but the lease deal didn't look great.

 

If you've sunk back to simply replacing the RL then I don't think the TL is such a bad way to go. It's basicly the new RL. It's more powerful and a newer, more interesting design. The #1 complaint about the RL is its looks, but what one person calls ugly another person calls bold and daring. Maybe it's better to be noticed for your ugly car than to disappear in the sea of non-descript cars. Though I realize that nobody knows anybody else on the road, it makes a difference in how you perceive yourself. Do you follow the masses or do you do things differently?

 

if you end up going with the Maxima you will regret it trust me. I've owned two of them.

The only thing good about that car is its engine.

 

^ I agree. If the only reason for switching cars is the fear of the unknown consider the following. You will be paying sales tax on the new vehicle which will be a lot more than any timing belt repair you have in 20k miles. Then the depreciation and increased insurance costs will take car of the other unknown expenses.

You are much better off keeping the quality vehicle you have than taking on a new payment and/or lease term. Since all these cars are equivalent in terms of passenger seats and luggage capacity, it's not like any life-style changes require a change of vehicle type (2 door to 4 door to SUV/Minivan).

A 2005 RL is not very old and has quite a few years of reliable life to it. In many ways, the RL is technologically equivalent to a AWD TL now.