I'm looking for a 3rd gen TL MT but can only spend about 10k. Should I hold out for the MT or settle for an AT?

 

Do you want the MT?

 

^^If you want the MT don't settle for AT or you will kick yourself for it later. If I were you I would hold out

 

10K will get you something pretty high mileage. Manuals might be more money since they're rare and are pretty sought after. Either way, it's a sexy car and you'll love it as long as you get one that isn't salvage titled and was in a trash compactor.

 

yeah I want the MT. I prefer to drive manual, the 6 speed would be cool and heard the MPG are better

 

thanks that's what I'm thinking... I really need a car and just want to buy one but can afford to wait for what I really want. I would hate to be kicking myself later.
any thoughts on the MT being faster than the AT? I guess its all in how you drive huh?

 

I had mine for sale a couple of months ago for $12k. I would have taken 10k for it. It's a 2005 MT w/NAV and in perfect shape. Luckily for me, I have found a way to keep it.

Keep holding out for what you want, broaden your search range, and don't necessarily jump on the first one you find.

 

I'm not totally afraid oh higher miles. probably prefer one over 105k anyway as long as the required maintenance has been done. I am willing to travel to pick up what I want.

Hey man, whats up? yes, I remember because I wanted your car bad! War Eagle! you are the one that told me about this site too!

 

then get an MT if u want an MT go get an MT....

 

Jim is that you? I actually don't remember you having yours up for 12k. when I saw it, it was 10,500. maybe the wrong person.

 

It's me! Welcome to the site! Yeah I started at like 12k but dropped it down lower as time went on.

Oh, and War Eagle!! They got their rings last night! Somehow I didn't get one.

 

I'm sure most people replying will say to wait for MT, and I will too, especially if they own one themselves. I personally love rowing through the gears every day to and from work, even here in suburbia.

 

6mt squad leader checking in.

 

Get a 6mt so that way you don't have to worry about the auto tranny issues!

 

I'll go ahead and let you know that the GM Synchromesh transmission fluid is a necessity in the 6-spd cars. I read about it a lot, but didn't fully understand how different it would be. It's expensive fluid but worth every dime. It was $55 for 3 quarts at the local dealer.

 

any thoughts on the MT being faster than the AT? I guess its all in how you drive huh?[/quote]

From what I hear the 6MT base puts the same hp down as a 5AT Type S(about 230 whp) If I'm wrong I'm sure I will be corrected

 

I bought an 04 AT about 8 months ago. I love it. I dont regret it. However, i did drive a 5spd prelude before, and although the TL is an upgrade in just about every way, i do miss my manual tranny sometimes. But I only miss it "sometimes". You will love the car regardless.
And dont forget, acura kinda screwed up the transmissions in the 2G tls. So they put a lot of time mastering the new ones. Im at 112K miles and its still very smooth. I have changed the fluid multiple times though.

Just test drive one, and if you love it, and can afford it, get it.
If you dont love it, dont buy it. Plain and simple.

 

MT is faster because of it's closer gear ratio's and because it's slightly lighter. Also since it doesn't have a Torque converter like an auto you don't loose as much power through the trans. A good driver in an auto can beat a bad driver in a 6MT but with the same driver the 6MT is faster.

 

I have one of each: an '04 manual (mine) and an '05 automatic (the wife's). My '04 is noticeably quicker than the '05 auto. As far as fuel economy, that is highly dependent upon how you drive the car. They are VERY close in this area so that should not be a concern in your decision. The manual is a joy to drive, is going to be less expensive to own and operate, and will fetch more down the road when you sell it because of its exclusivity (if that's a concern to you).

If you really want the manual, then that is the one to get because as others have already said, you'll be kicking your butt if you settle for the automatic in its place.

 

Here are some sites to search for the TL 6MT:

www.autotrader.com
www.cars.com
www.acuratrader.com

Good luck.......

 

So........... what is the point of this thread again?

 

black or blue? that is the question

 

thanks man! its a good site. Whats up with you not getting a ring!? haha! War Eagle!!!

I'm holding out for a MT with Nav but they are super rare! Found one with a few less miles than yours but the maintenance hasn't been done as well as you.

Agreed! There really is nothing like driving a MT. The AT shift just isn't the same without a clutch

I didn't realize the AT had issues with the 3rd gen

haha, well said but the point is to compare with others if they notice a huge improvement or satisfaction with the MT.

Thanks for the feedback. I did test drive an AT and did love it though I did not like the AT manual option without the clutch. I have not had the opportunity to drive a MT yet but the last car I had was a manual and loved it.

wow, ok thanks.

Thanks a ton, that is very helpful and says a lot of the MT especially since you have both. I will hold out and not settle for the AT.

 

It is just such a personal preference thing. No one can really answer the MT vs AT thing for you. So if you want the MT, get it. IMO if you consider the AT as "settling" then you are going to regret it. For people who prefer the AT, they would regret getting the MT. It is all personal preference.

 

very true. thanks

 

also, there is a multi-quote button.

 

If you want the MT, get the MT. Simple as that. I looked for almost a year to find my AM 6-speed with navi. It was WAY worth it though.

As far as MPG, don't really want to start that battle, but I just got back from a trip to Colorado. It was about 700 miles total through the mountains, and even a little bit of around town driving. Average for the entire trip...33mpg.

 

Sometimes you just don't love anything in your price range. Then you have to move to plan B.

PLAN B: Assess all the cars you can afford. See which one you love the most. Go with that.

That's how I ended up with my TL. Five years later and I'm still happy.

 

duddee...I had my 04 6spd for sale for 9k like 3 months ago...nothing wrong with it. 120k at the time. *sigh*

 

BK, good to see another Kansas City area guy on the site.

Go for the manual-have fun with it, especially if you don't care about high mileage.

Also, there is a button in the lower right hand side of each post (the middle button) which allows you to answer/quote multiple people in one posting of your own.

 

Steven - Thanks. I had hoped to go to the Local event last weekend but was moving instead. I'll hold out for the MT. high mileage doesn't bother me but dont really want to go over 140k to start with. I had a honda accord with 257k on it when I got rid of it. It still ran great but the head was starting to leak.

silverj - sounds like your car would have been a perfect fit. too bad i wasn't ready to buy 3 months ago. how do I search for cars on this site?

I hear ya about plan B - I have done a lot of research and feel the TL would be the best fit. just have to find that MT and with navi would be a bonus.

That is awesome news about the MPG! I drive a lot with what I do for work and need something economical but sporty and comfortable too. I'm searching, willing to travel to get the right car!

 

Def MT. I waited for 6 months. You will be very very satisfied

 

MT FTW (or FTMFW)
NoW that I think about it, my next plate might say just that