EZZ

He has both G35 coupe and TL.

AcuraVic

Answer: Maybe someone in the discussion will say somthing that the thread starter didn't think of, like looking at the GS compared to the M.

cstreet

I took a quick look at the GS but it did not really interest me. I was not even thinking about the M until I found out they can be had for close to $40k. I figured if there are updates to the 06 TL they are going to be selling closer to MSRP for a little while so it would close the gap.

I would not be getting anything but a base M35 + Navi. I don't really care about the vented seats and rear backup cameras that come with the options packages. The Xenon lights would be nice but that's the only option I would be giving up that I care about. One thing I really like about Acura is that you get a loaded car and don't have to tack on all sorts of costs for options. Thanks for all the great feedback. It's great to find active forums like this.

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1996 Porsche 911
1996 Saturn (Daily Driver, getting replaced soon)

elsensei

I thought all the M's came with Xenons but you are right they don't come in the base M35.

Make sure you do a test drive on the freeway, one thing I don't like about the M35, it revs about 2,600 rpm at 60. The TL is about 1,700. The high revs really kill your highway mpg and also I personally don't like to hear the motor spinning that high when just cruising down the road since I do a lot of highway driving. Just MHO.

F23A4

Honda in general is the exception when it comes to how they equip cars and not the norm. Nearly all of the other carmakers go a la carte. Some people love it, some hate it. Toyota and Nissan seem to have some success with the 'a la carte' system.

Aquineas

I agree here; honestly, as a one time owner of both, I kinda like the package deal a bit better. IMHO, the M looks sooooooooo much better in person than in pictures. I'd go with the M, if for no other reason than it's built in Japan.

F23A4

After getting walked on from behind by an M45, I can say that it's much nicer looking in person than in pictures. IMHO, it's the best Nissan sedan EVER.

And being Made in Japan is the icing on the cake!!! (It's also reason #1 why I opted to keep my 02 Maxima rather than get a new Alti SE-R.)

Tunerman

The coupe and sedan has similar resale values. The TL isn't holding it very well.

s54

cstreet - having just gone from my 04 TL to an 06 M35 Luxury, I hope I can point out some things.

I personally like Acura's strategy of offering basically fully-loaded cars, and I don't really like getting nickle-and dime'd, a la BMW & MB. I believe the Japanese are somewhere in the middle, offering packages such as the M's Journey and Technology packages for still-reasonable prices.

Looks are definitely subjective, but I like the M's front and the TL's rear. I chose the rosewood/graphite interior because I thought it more befitting of a luxury car. (I had the black/aluminum in the TL, which I thought was nice and sporty.) The M feels much bigger inside.

The M35 Luxury w/ Journey and Technology turned out to be $44.6k, so about $9.5k less than the TL. I typically keep my cars for a while and was not planning to trade my TL in, but I had so many problems with the Acura. Although most were eventually resolved, I had to take my car in 11 times for 3 sets of tires, various rattles, seat issues, etc, and I am probably forever soured on Acura. It's unfortunate because I really like the TL, and many others I know swear by Acuras.

Hope that helps.

S

mayflowerman

What? The M is $9.5K MORE than the TL.

Am I misssing something here?

Should've bought the RL. While the M35 looks great....I'd stick with Honda vs. Nissan.

s54

Yes, the M was more expensive. And yes, I drove the RL and found it lacking in size and curb appeal. Also, I liked the RWD feel of being "pushed", instead of the RL's feel of being "pulled" (FWD-biased AWD).

Acura seems to have mis-priced the RL, as I was offered $43.5k for a new RL, down from $49k sticker. Finally, the reason I went with the M was the fact that I have had tremendous success with Infiniti vs my one data point with a POS TL that I had to take back over ten times to the dealer. S

F23A4

That speaks volumes s54.

s54

I mean no disrespect to any on the board. I have enjoyed reading this board and frankly am envious of those who have not had problems. My experience with Acura has cost me in terms of dollars and time, and I wish the car had worked out. As I have said, I really like the TL's design but think the execution (of mine anyway!) was poor. Best to all. S