Wife and I are getting more serious about replacing 13 yr old Volvo 850. We typically keep cars quite a while so we take a long time choosing new ones (been looking at TL's for year or two). We love the interior of the TL-S, but the suspension is too stiff for us and we don't want to buy the last year of the 3G. We would definitely consider a used 2007 if we could find one with Nav, but the only Nav ones around are TL-S. My wife is very interior/function oriented (ruled out most TL competition on this alone). We're about ready to put off the decision until the fall and the release of the '09, but I started wondering what we would really be gaining with an '09 interior.

Only considering likely interior gadgets of the '09s, what will the '09 have that the '07 TL-S doesn't? Based on the new TSX and RL features, heated/cooled seats seems like the only new probable feature. I'm wondering if it would even be worth it (savings wise) to get an '07 TL-S and convert the suspension. Are the spring and shock mounts identical?

 

I just got an 08 Type S, its awsome so far, but i think what you might found on the 09 might be the option SH-AWD.

 

Honestly, for the way we would drive the car I'm not sure the AWD is worth the economy hit (yes, I know I'm different than most of you guys). This is why I'm really only wondering about interior.

 

I have owned 5 3G TLs (long story, but I love the car) first and foremost is Honda year one cars (as with most makers) have issues, Honda's are usually tons of squeaks and rattles and some fit and finish things. My guess is the 09 TL will have 3.5 standard with VCM and when a Type-S shows it will have 3.7. I think the 09 will add the 410 watt ELS, probably heated cooled seats, probably standard IPOD integration, HDD based Navi with space for music storage. I also will guess the auto will go to a 6 or 7 speed auto, that being said Honda has notorious issues with 6 cylinder autos especially in the early years. SH-AWD is a rumour and I think it will be on a Type-S model later on and the base car will live without it. I say this becasue adding SH-AWD might push the starting price toward the $40K mark. Find a dealer witha loaner TL-S and offer to rent it for the day, the Type-S really is not much stiffer than the 04-06 TL. In 07 they softened the base TL to make room for a slightly stiffer Type-S. If your roads are bumpy, yes the Type-S may be annoying, but I love the ride. It felt stiff at first, but now the base TL feels like mush to me as the Type-S is precise and controlled in its handling. I also expect the Type-S will dissappear for a few years again.

 

If you're going to keep the car that long the "the last year of the 3G" shouldn't make any difference. Any early deprciation hits from the 4G release will be long gone by the time you move to the next car.

Look for some kind of HD for music files and better iPod/MP3 player integration in the 4G. Also expect Touch Screen operation to be gone.

Not sure why you're interested in the TL-S if the suspension doesn't suit you. The non-Type S is softer (softest yet in a 3G) and has *almost* as much oomph. Interior and exterior styling and/features are nearly identical.

Seems to me the 3G w/Navi is just the ticket if you're serious about the TL.

 

the only thing the 3g tl doesnt have is cooled seats....

 

If you are happy with the current feature set, looks and price, why wait? Every year they are going to charge something and try to raise prices.

Business is soft and everyone knows something new is coming. Prices should be at there best for the next few months. Right now we have a mature model with most of the bugs worked out. For 2009 there will be another new product to learn and improve.

 

These are more like hopes!! With the release of the TSX, I just don't see it. I see the same navi(except hidden in a cubby, no touchscreen, and this woderful nob to play with in so we can operate at O(n) vs O(1) ) with weather and usb ports for ipod, the same 5 speed auto mated to the same 3.7l from the MDX with sh-awd. Oh yeah, and an ugly as foo grill to go along with Acura's identity crisis.

 

Thanks for the comments guys. The other 'con' against an '08 is the mental issues of driving a car that feels dated within a year. Since we'll probably have it so long that feeling would start a lot sooner with an '08. I could put up with it if we got an '07 used. I would jump at a '07 Nav used if there were any around. I've been watching for a while and nothing but TL-S with Nav. We really prefer the TL-S interior so maybe an extended test drive would be a good idea.

Why is touch screen going away? Are there problems with them? Any chance Acura will have their Nav like other manufacturers and lock out many features while the car is in drive?

My wife and I both work from home and we probably only put 30K on the old 850 in the last 6 years, so we just don't have an immediate need, desire yes though.

 

RE: Navi Touch Screen

That is what I've been reading, mostly here. I think the reason is safety (mabye cost too); there have been no wide spread problems with the Touch Screen as far as I know. Take a look at the new '08 Accord Navi. That should give you a good indicator of how the Navi will function (iDrive-type device or other input "system") and if it has driver lock-out or not

 

True they are hopes, but the TSX is in a segment that really does not have direct competitors like the TL does, the TL needs to one up the G35 or it will lose sales over the next generation. Sure the current TL still sells more than the G35, but sales are slowing. I know many people even here would be hard pressed to justify a TL 4G if it only has minor tweaks when the G will likely go G37 with 7 speed auto and already has cooler better tooys inside and likely to get better. The BMC and Benz I think wind up being more expensive in the end so I think the TL's main competetor is the G based on features and price. And then there is the contraversal new grill coming.