Is the 3rd Gen TL a "classic" ?
07-01-2009, 09:57 AM
#43
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No disrespect to 1G and 2G owners, but I do think that when people talk about the TL, the image of a 3G will come to mind (in regards to body style-at least).
I'm not a 4G fan at all-even with the electronic enhancements. It is just not growing on me one bit. Every time I see it (which is not often at all), I say to myself, "hey, there's a 4G..don't see those very often."
Overall, I still feel that the 3G has the best combination of style, beauty, sportiness and overall quality. Just like great music, I think the 3G design will stand the test of time and will be the one most remembered as associated with the TL.
07-02-2009, 03:42 AM
#45
I'm lost..
I think another notable point to mention is that even 100% stock, this car still turns a lot of heads. Lowered, tinted and classy rims REALLY turn heads. Aesthetically, this car is flawless and is very pleasing to the eye, not just for younger drivers, but older as well.
I remember when the 3G TL first came out (I didn't even know it was the year of the next gen at the time), I whipped my head so fast as it drove by in an intersection I actually gave myself minor whiplash. I also knew I had to have one, whatever it was. Later I learned it was the new Acura TL. Before this, I had a hard-on for the CL-S. The 3G TL stole my breath away.
I've only owned my 3G for 9 months now, and I still look back when I walk away from the car, to check it out just briefly. It's funny how quickly I notice other 3G's on the road now too.
Damn I love this car.
I remember when the 3G TL first came out (I didn't even know it was the year of the next gen at the time), I whipped my head so fast as it drove by in an intersection I actually gave myself minor whiplash. I also knew I had to have one, whatever it was. Later I learned it was the new Acura TL. Before this, I had a hard-on for the CL-S. The 3G TL stole my breath away.
I've only owned my 3G for 9 months now, and I still look back when I walk away from the car, to check it out just briefly. It's funny how quickly I notice other 3G's on the road now too.
Damn I love this car.
07-02-2009, 11:53 AM
#48
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07-02-2009, 12:59 PM
#50
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The legend...was one of the most popular cars around in its time and had a sticker similar to todays RL.
The Legend Coupe..forget it.....sickkkkkk....
it was a little more expensive than the sedan...
If i can remember those cars were priced in the high 40s to low 50s....
Telescopic steering....cooled seats...
not even my TL had telescopic steering!
The Legend Coupe..forget it.....sickkkkkk....
it was a little more expensive than the sedan...
If i can remember those cars were priced in the high 40s to low 50s....
Telescopic steering....cooled seats...
not even my TL had telescopic steering!
07-02-2009, 05:44 PM
#52
Three Wheelin'
and as far as the Legend, I think that car still looks great when its well maintained, except the wheels look really dated.
Last edited by PhilB81; 07-02-2009 at 05:46 PM.
07-02-2009, 08:16 PM
#56
typeR started in 1997, and had a minor facelift in 1998. But I totally agree that the integra TypeR is probably one of the best packages ever put together by honda. That engine is superb, the handling is amazing, just a fanstastic car all the way around.
and as far as the Legend, I think that car still looks great when its well maintained, except the wheels look really dated.
and as far as the Legend, I think that car still looks great when its well maintained, except the wheels look really dated.
07-02-2009, 10:00 PM
#57
Three Wheelin'
Now about the classy TL I have to say that a guy a few houses down from me has a black 2003 TL-S and that car looks classy to me. Don't get me wrong I'd rather own my car(more hp, navi, 6spd) but if my TL is that attractive when the 5G comes out I'll be a happy guy!
And about the nsx being a classic Acura,although I agree it is a classic, well for how much it costs it damn well better be!
07-03-2009, 08:33 AM
#59
DON'T FORGET GUYS..... the 3rd gen TL may be the first "ACURA" ever built!!!!
I know a aziner from japan who purchased the TL in SF & exported it to Japan. WTF
Its because the 3G TL ONLY EXISTS IN THE US & CAN.(well now they export it to china 2009) It was designed here & built here.(US) The first official non honda counterpart ACURA!!!
SO YES. I could see the 3G TL becoming an Icon... as soon as we can get past the dang computer from blocking all the progress on heavily modifying our engines.
ITS ONLY PURPOSE WAS TO BE AN ACURA..... never a honda.
I know a aziner from japan who purchased the TL in SF & exported it to Japan. WTF
Its because the 3G TL ONLY EXISTS IN THE US & CAN.(well now they export it to china 2009) It was designed here & built here.(US) The first official non honda counterpart ACURA!!!
SO YES. I could see the 3G TL becoming an Icon... as soon as we can get past the dang computer from blocking all the progress on heavily modifying our engines.
ITS ONLY PURPOSE WAS TO BE AN ACURA..... never a honda.
No disrespect to 1G and 2G owners, but I do think that when people talk about the TL, the image of a 3G will come to mind (in regards to body style-at least).
Overall, I still feel that the 3G has the best combination of style, beauty, sportiness and overall quality. Just like great music, I think the 3G design will stand the test of time and will be the one most remembered as associated with the TL.
Overall, I still feel that the 3G has the best combination of style, beauty, sportiness and overall quality. Just like great music, I think the 3G design will stand the test of time and will be the one most remembered as associated with the TL.
The legend...was one of the most popular cars around in its time and had a sticker similar to todays RL.
The Legend Coupe..forget it.....sickkkkkk....
it was a little more expensive than the sedan...
If i can remember those cars were priced in the high 40s to low 50s....
Telescopic steering....cooled seats...
not even my TL had telescopic steering!
The Legend Coupe..forget it.....sickkkkkk....
it was a little more expensive than the sedan...
If i can remember those cars were priced in the high 40s to low 50s....
Telescopic steering....cooled seats...
not even my TL had telescopic steering!
that was such a fun car to drive... i don't remember cooled/vented seats... but i did remember the ELECTRONIC telescopic steering wheel and reclining back seats!!! it was way ahead of its time... i agree with this list... but to be quite honest, with the direction that manufacturers are going with their trannys... any 6MT TL will make the rare list...
07-03-2009, 12:24 PM
#62
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07-03-2009, 08:44 PM
#63
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07-04-2009, 04:04 PM
#64
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09-08-2009, 08:48 AM
#65
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...oops my bad didn't see this thread earlier...I think 20 years from now an unmodded 3g TL will be something we fondly remember. The lines are simple and to the point...not gonna do anything to mine...(except maybe some RonJon rims,and an ATLP exhaust, suspension mods, maybe some brembo brakes,...uhh...dang!!)
10-10-2019, 08:30 AM
#66
10 Years Later
I just read this post. I bought my Acura TL new in 2004. Its still my daily driver! My TL still runs and looks like new with ~125,000 miles and counting. Just normal maintenance and care with no unexpected equipment failures to date. A few minor quirks to be expected after so many years. I may garage it in 2023 and get another daily driver. It would deserve that respect after 20 years of continuous use.
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EvilVirus (10-10-2019)
10-10-2019, 05:21 PM
#67
LIkewise chuck50s, I am the original owner of a manual 6spd 2005 Acura TL factory A-SPEC with 175,000 miles. Car still running strong and will keep it for many many years to come.
I agree with others here that the 3G TL has the timeless look that won't go out of style.
I agree with others here that the 3G TL has the timeless look that won't go out of style.
10-14-2019, 06:17 AM
#68
That's fantastic, guys...still relevant when you see them on the road for sure.
I should never have sold my 04 Aspec with a manual. Still the overall best car I've owned.
@chuck50a @03TypeS6Speed
I should never have sold my 04 Aspec with a manual. Still the overall best car I've owned.
@chuck50a @03TypeS6Speed
10-15-2019, 08:58 AM
#69
I think it will be a classic car.. However, I believe the real sought after ones willl be the 07' 08' Type S vehicles... I have a buddy of mine who is an avid car collector. He's always on the lookout for collector cars that will one day increase value. He calls me the other day and says,,,, dude,, you should keep your Acura. This is going to be one of those sought after cars that will hold their price and increase on day. I have an 07' Type S.. He's usually never wrong.
10-15-2019, 09:24 AM
#70
Latent car nut
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I think it will be a classic car.. However, I believe the real sought after ones willl be the 07' 08' Type S vehicles... I have a buddy of mine who is an avid car collector. He's always on the lookout for collector cars that will one day increase value. He calls me the other day and says,,,, dude,, you should keep your Acura. This is going to be one of those sought after cars that will hold their price and increase on day. I have an 07' Type S.. He's usually never wrong.
- 2004-2008 base automatic: not exactly sought after, no real "classic" status, and no purchase premium.
- 2004-2006 base 6-Speed Manual: strong demand, no real "classic" status, does command a purchase premium of at least $2,000 over comparable automatic models.
- 2007-2008 Type-S automatic: strong demand, some "classic" status, does command a purchase premium of at least $2,000 over a comparable 2007-2008 base model.
- 2007-2008 Type-S 6-Speed Manual: strong demand, growing "classic" status, commands a purchase premium of at least $2,000 over a comparable Type-S automatic.
With the above stated, I agree the Type-S with the 6MT is highly sought after and may well start appreciating in value soon, I bought my Type-S-lite (i.e. a 2006 6MT model) to be a daily driver; if I could afford to have a stable of cars I rarely drove, yes, spending the extra money to attain Type-S status, and then the additional money to attain 6MT status, might well be worth it. Said another way, given I'd be putting twenty to thirty-thousand miles per year on whatever I'm driving, it made no sense to spend an extra $5,000 over what I paid for mine ($10,000) to have a car which I would drive until it dropped.
10-15-2019, 09:11 PM
#71
My parents' friends and relatives aren't car people but the two models they always name whenever Acura comes up in a conversation are the Legend and - my car - the TL.
P.S. The TL's exhaust tips look way better than the TL-S's.
10-16-2019, 12:27 PM
#72
Mr. Detail
It has aged a lot better than the new versions, that's for sure.
What are currently considered classics among recent Japanese cars are the NSX, S2000 CR and the Integra Type R. Last generation of Preludes seem to have a good following too. I don't think the 3rd gen TL will become appreciating assets like those cars are because so many were built but I can see a time when they will have a moderate resurgence.
What are currently considered classics among recent Japanese cars are the NSX, S2000 CR and the Integra Type R. Last generation of Preludes seem to have a good following too. I don't think the 3rd gen TL will become appreciating assets like those cars are because so many were built but I can see a time when they will have a moderate resurgence.
10-16-2019, 02:45 PM
#73
Latent car nut
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It has aged a lot better than the new versions, that's for sure.
What are currently considered classics among recent Japanese cars are the NSX, S2000 CR and the Integra Type R. Last generation of Preludes seem to have a good following too. I don't think the 3rd gen TL will become appreciating assets like those cars are because so many were built but I can see a time when they will have a moderate resurgence.
What are currently considered classics among recent Japanese cars are the NSX, S2000 CR and the Integra Type R. Last generation of Preludes seem to have a good following too. I don't think the 3rd gen TL will become appreciating assets like those cars are because so many were built but I can see a time when they will have a moderate resurgence.
10-16-2019, 06:33 PM
#74
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
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A 3rd gen TL with the right options (packages and color), pristine condition, mechanically sound and some rare items, IMO will be considered a classic of some sort and still hold a higher demand.
10-23-2019, 08:37 AM
#76
10th Gear
Ive had my 04 TL for 5 years now...and the combination of looks/performance and most importantly 6 speed MANUAL transmission(to me at least) make this car a classic. Ive been wanting to replace it now for 2 years with a comparable car in a similar price range...but honestly there isnt anything out there I see as comparable. I see all kinds of cars on the road...everyday...new and old and I see a TL like mine...done up the right way (some window tint and clean) and honestly I think to this day its still one of the best looking cars out there. While many other cars that came out in 04 look dated and just "not cool " anymore...the TL still looks fresh and cool. To me...thats a classic. Much like the Acura Legend in the 90's. I think 20 years from now this car will still look good.
06-26-2022, 04:33 PM
#79
3G TL Type-S 6MT with a full A-Spec lip kit will for sure be considered a classic IMO.
Extra credit points for having the extremely rare A-Spec badge on the trunk lol
Extra credit points for having the extremely rare A-Spec badge on the trunk lol
Last edited by sweeT n Lo; 06-26-2022 at 04:36 PM.
06-27-2022, 03:09 PM
#80
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Was a first for me since I normally already receive discounted prices