Hey guys, so I have a 2003 Type s, and I've been looking at upgrading to a 2007-2008 for a while now, just haven't found the right deal yet. I drove a few of them a while ago, and overall it's definitely a way nicer car. It wasn't a huge difference, and it was hard to tell because it's just so much quieter, but it felt a bit softer and maybe a little less fun, but it was so close it's hard to tell. They were all 2008 base models. Today I rode somewhere with a friend in his 2006 TL, and honestly it felt better than the 2008. The suspension was stiffer, and it felt more crisp and responsive. My only complaint about the 06 would have to be the cheap leather. How does it compare to the 07-08 type s? I really liked the road feel of the 06, and overall it's still a nicer car than the 03. Is the type s worth it over the base TL? Any help would be much appreciated!

 

I've got an '02 and an '07 Type-S. No question the '07 is a MUCH better car in nearly every way.


Not taking anything away from the '02, it's solid as a rock, but the 3G TL-S improved on pretty much everything over the '02.

The leather/pleather in the '02 does seem thicker/heavier, but I haven't had any trouble with the '07 (yet?). I think good on-going care is the key.

 

Yeah I agree on the leather for sure. And I think the 07's is a little better than the 06's. It felt really cheap to me.

 

whyzee- you're assessment is correct on the suspension differences between the 2007 .vs. earlier models. I had a choice to wait a month to buy an 07 but instead got an 06 instead for the suspension as well as better IMHO styled wheels for base models.

The blinky mirrors, revised instrument panel, low fog lights, and revised sound/nav systems were some of the goodies that made me think twice about the 07 though. I'm still pretty happy with my decision 5 years later.

 

I think that they are both solid cars and you really can't go wrong with either the base or the Type S. It depends on what you are willing to spend and what you can find. A lot of the Type S models I say (and there were not many) were is pretty bad shape compared to the base models.

 

Yeah, I agree on the wheels, too. Haha. But I'm thinking I'd probably still go with an 08 just because buying now the 06 is already 5 years old. How does the type s suspension compare to the 06?

 

Many of the Type-S cars are in rough shape as they are thought to be sports cars and driven as such. I love the Type-S, but if I had to choose between a nice example non S and a beaten Type-S, I'd pick the non Type-S.

 

^stereo type much?
"oh, he must like fried chicken and kool aid. "


08's are coming off lease. I bet you could find a very clean low mileage type-s for about $20-25k
Also, these cars were $35-38k Brand new.
these cars were catered towards the more mature crowd, of course there are exceptions....but generally speaking, these cars should be in great shape.

 

:lmao:

 

I say for sure go with the 07-08 years simply because they updated a LOT of stuff cosmetically and in the interior and added additional features. Im surprised to hear some guys hear prefer the older style 04-06 TL wheels. To me the base 07 and 08 wheels look better, but thats all just personal preference they are both nice wheels for stock. I was not aware of any suspension changes between the base TL's throughout the years, but I would prefer the softer riding one myself. Afterall it is a family sedan.

Im not gonna get into a Type S vs base arguement, but to keep it short YES the Type S is worth it over the base model. I have owned both and know from personal experience. It takes all the nice updates/upgrades of the 07/08 and takes it to an even higher level. The Type S styling might not be for everyone, but I personally like it. Is the Type S crazy faster than the base? nope, but it is a little quicker, and has some nice interior and exterior changes if your into that. I also like the unique factor of the Type S that you just dont see everyday like you do base TL's. On any given day I usually can remember seeing 5+ base TL's and 0 Type S's. I will usually see a couple Type S's a month I supposed.

Either way you cant go wrong with any 3rd gen TL, but since your comparing 04-06 to 07-08 I say go for the newer ones. The nav feature is also a must! The TL interior just doesnt look right without it, especially that top center display area...just a clock without nav...umm, yeah ;-)

 

Get the newest car with least miles and best condition your wallet can afford... simple as that.

As far as your assesment on the 06 vs. 07-08 base... i completely agree as I felt the same thing when I had a loaner at one point. Some people have stated that the real difference is in the compliance bushings to account for that softer feel.

 

I hate to say this but one day I was driving and next to me in this van, the man had a bucket of fried chicken while his lady driver was chompin on a slice of watermelon... NO JOKE!!

 

[QUOTE=justnspace;13258949]^stereo type much?
"oh, he must like fried chicken and kool aid. "

I don't understand the reference. Care to explain?

 

^its a stereotype.
you're a smart man who has lived long enough to understand the tribulations of this world.

its clear as day and night. might even say the picture is painted in black and white

 

Not true~!!

To test this, go in to the test drive and pull up the bluetooth device list. Listen for the person describing the phones - if it sounds like an old guy (like mine did) then it's the car to get!! haha

"Jim's cell phone" - "Carroll's new cell phone" =

 

^that doesnt make sense either.


the driver isnt going to record "OMGzIFUCKINGDRIVEFASTASFUCK!!!!!!!"

 

lol funny stereotype....but yes its true

 

I really wanted a 6MT so for me it was 06 vs. 07-08 Type-S. My 06 that I found was thousands less so I went with it. I like all the newer features on 07 or 08 but I know my TL is 98% of what they are.

 

Hahahahahaha! I wasn't quite understanding that either.

 

i picked up an 05TL 6MT cause it was 5 grand cheaper than the 07-08 models. Got it for 14 full A Spec (suspension, steering wheel, body kit, yada yada yada, you know the deal. I do love the 08 Type S 6MT.

 

would a 90k TL-S for 18000 asking price be a good buy? Havent asked for maintenance records yet but it would be nearing 105k which someone above said is quite a pricey one

 

Had an 01 TL which I traded for an 05 base. Loved the 05 at the time but don't love it near as much as my 08 type s. There are many, many upgrades from the base that you will enjoy, plus the type s has held it's value more for a reason.

 

If it's in your budget, might as well go with the top of the line model.

 

i just bought an 04. I really wanted the 6spd and white diamond pearl. I didn't get the Navi. Couldn't find one with all 3 but Navi would have been nice. I have my iphone for that.