Hey everyone,

I'm new to AZ and I'm here to get some advice on getting a 3rd Gen TL. I wanted to get another car and pass down my 00'accord to my brother. I really love the 3rd Gen TL as it reminds me of my car but better. Times 100. And I would like a 4 dr. From what I've been seeing, a Type S 07-08 still runs between 20k and 30k. I've gotten a lot of criticism that there are plenty of other options out there and that the budget is really high for a 2 year old car.

I was hoping to get some advice and guidelines on buying a TL. I've explored other options (new TL is an eye-sore to me and new TSX retains the look of the 3rd gen better, but I feel like if I spent that much money I should move up to a TL in that case), but I think I'm really set on a 3rd gen TL. I love the Type S styling options among many other things. My questions are as follows:

Do I really need Type S though or even an 07 or 08 for that matter?
What are some things I should look out for?
Is 40-55k miles really high for a an 07-08?
Not sure if I want to give up driving a manual. Any arguments for a 6spd or auto?
Lastly, should I look at certified pre-owned only?

Thanks everyone for your time! Sorry if this is a repost.

Vinny

You can't go wrong with any 3g TL i my opinion. If you can afford a 07-08, go for it. Type-S has more power and navi is standard, but i'm not too into the red dash or the rims. It's true that you'll be spending a little more on an 2-6 year old car, but as a former Honda owner you know that they are good cars and last forever if well maintained. If you're not looking to spend $20K+, go for a 06 Navi. You can get one from $16K to $20K. And with the money you save you can mod, mod, and mod!! Good luck.

Thanks for some perspective! I was really on the fence for awhile now wondering if I should just spend the money on a new car, but I think I'll regret not owning a 3G TL.

I think I'll stick with driving a manual, but I imagine these are hard to find. Aside from the extra power, quads, and suspension, I really like the styling options of the Type-S. You think it's worth the extra 5-7k or you think I'd spend less money hooking up a base model? I see a lot of base models with real low mileage out there.

Thanks

Get what is in your price range. I would not have gotten a TL-S if it wasn't for the low price. I just happened to get lucky.

I don't believe their is another 20k to 30k car better than the Type-S.

Ford Fusion Non-Hybrid
Ford Mustang V6/GT
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Honda Accord
Chevy Camaro
Chevy Malibu
Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler 300 Base/Low Trim
Dodge Caliber
Dodge Avenger
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
BMW 325i

All of these cars should be 20k-30k, and none of these outlast or outlooks the Type-S. TL Type-S FTW.

well first off, what is your budget?

second, this is my first time ever buying a used car. i recently purchased a 07 NBP TL-S. ive been searching for months to fidn the right deal. i ended up driving 3 hrs away to pick up my sweet baby. hit 33k on the way back to maryland and got it for $21k out the door.

search around the web, local dealers, other cars too and see what fits you the best.

Wow that is an amazing price!!! 21k with tax, tag and title right?

I agree that a TL-S would outlast and outlook any of those cars. And actually, I think my love for it would last even longer too.

Well, I think I would've gone up to 30k for a new car, but I thought for a 3G TL, 20k would be reasonable. 21k for a TL-S with 33k miles is an awesome find! Most of the comparable TLs with even higher mileage I see goes for 25k. I've only seen one 6spd so far and it's at $28k with almost 46k miles.

I'm just deciding if an extra 5-7k is worth the Type S, but then again I'm not in a rush. I don't mind waiting a few months for the right car/deal.

You can find an IS model (250 or 350) Lexus for less than 30k. I personally think it's a nice/better built car than the TL but that's an opinion. I would add it to the list though (if you did add it to your list, it's the only car I would even consider over a TL... they both have their pros/cons).

Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to spend 20k+ on a car so I picked up my 05 TL for 16.5k and I'm happy with my purchase. I do believe that, in general, you get the best bang for your buck with the TL... Especially if you want something for less than 20grand.

As for the OP, only you can decide if the type S is worth it or not. I know for a lot of people who end up modding their TL, it's probably better just to get a base and use the money saved to mod. There's no point in spending the extra money on wheels that you're just going to replace, headlights/tail lights you'll change, etc...

So you have to decide where you're at... But like I said, I'm very happy with my base 05 that doesn't break the bank.

search on autotrader, type in what your looking for in a car. let them search and you look through. see whats local also and check it out in person