I'm planning on buying a used TL sometime in November, and had a few questions for you guys. I've been lurking for about a month and already am addicted to this forum even though I don't even have my TL yet!

Anyway, I've read that the 05's have a better stereo than the 04's, and also that the 05's have better leather (2 stitches instead of 1 on front seats). Has anyone actually listened to the stereo in an 05 vs. 04? Is there that much of a difference? I'm not a huge audiophile but I like to crank it up every once in awhile and appreciate a clean sound and punchy bass.

Secondly, the transmission thing kinda scares me in 04's - even though I know its rare and only an issue with earlier VIN's.

I only want to spend around $22k, and would like less than 50k miles w/ Navi - around here (Vancouver, WA) it's hard to find an 05 in this price range, but quite a few 04's available.

Last question: Since I'm buying in November, do you guys think that the release of the '09 TL (hopefully by then) will drive the price down on used 3G's? If that's the case, I may be able to get an '05 or even '06 w/ TPMS for around $22K!

Sorry for all the questions - Thanks!

 

Since your waiting so long to get one you may be able to get an 06 for that price range. Also go choice in vehicle. I got my 05 with Navi for 18,500 but it had 65k on it but still runs well with no prior issues and none now.

 

The '09s coming out will not really have any effect on the price of 4 or 5 year old used cars. I would not worry about that.

I have an '05. I spent time in the '04's before buying mine. I did not notice much difference between the radio or seats.

no matter what you decide on, I am sure you will be very happy - good luck.

 

So here we are 3 years later, are there any new reasons that have developed that would make me want to get an 05 over an 04?

 

if you want possibly 1 more year before the dash cracks maybe?

(i havent personally seen any cracks yet in my 04 *knock on wood*)

 

i have a 04 and luv it, radio blah blah, leathers 2 stich who cares... once u own a 3G design ur moddin to ur taste...

 

I would go for the 05 simply because I don't typically like getting the first year of a model change. But it would mostly come down to the specific car. A well maintained car in good shape is the most important thing. If you find that in an 04 then go for it!

The bigger debate will come when talking about 04-06 vs 07-08 base vs 07-08 type s. I wouldn't worry about it too much otherwise.