Maybe some of you are in this situation. Other manufacturers are offering some great deals on '03's, but of course stock is dwindling fast. The Saab dealer is practically throwing a 9-5 Aero at me ($8K under invoice last time I looked at his e-mails). Even the BMW 330xi is $4200 under MSRP, and the high resale makes that a decent investment. But both those cars are a risk or compromise in one way or another, so I plunked down my $1000 on a TL because I figured once it hits the showroom the wait list will become 6 months just like the MDX we decided not to wait for. But by the time I drive one on/around October 4th those other 03's will be long gone.

So . . . (you knew there had to be a question here) is the TL going to handle anything like these other cars? Have I finally found a car I'll love to drive that my family can be comfortable in (unlike the 330) and won't depreciate to scrap value in 5 years (the Saab)? I'm sure the TL acceleration will be good, but how about the cornering? Will it buck, at least a little, when I step down a bit too hard on the gas? I'm coming off a Jetta GLX, so I'm looking to keep that kick while I grow up just a tad.

Thanks for whatever insights you can offer. This is a great forum.

 

How much are they quoting u for the 330xi and where?
Thanks

 

Wow, you can get ventilated seats in that Aero!

What dealership for the 330xi?

 

You just might have. I'm sure the TL offers what you want in handling once you recognize that your family will also feel comfortable in it. Handling won't be supreme ala BMW, but it will be close enough. Factor in all the attendant headaches you will receive if you got the Bimmer, and Presto! No comparison.

 

I'm currently leaving in Germany. I have driven a few BMW's and handling is not as impressive as I thought it would, but very good anyways. The 03 TL has no comparison with BMW's specially 330, but I the 04 TL should be a very good handler for a 4 door sedan that is still comfortable. They increased the size of the sway bars, made the front end smaller; the 04 TL is more rigid than the BMW. I think the 04 TL will handle to your satisfaction. The TL is also wider than previous years. I really which I could test drive it to tell you more, but nothing like you doing the test drive yourself.

 

Come on folks, we're going to use these cars to commute, not set new lap times at the Nurburgring. I'm sure the new tl won't handle quite as well as a BMW, it can't with fwd. But if it's 95% as good it's better than we'll use on the street.

 

the only positive thing i can say about the saab's interior.

 

To respond to some of the various comments above:

I was quoted 37,995 for an '03 330xi automatic with premium package and heated front seats, MSRP 41195. I you go through one of the internet services you're likely to get a good quote without even going into the dealership. I wish that worked on the TL!!

I don't expect the TL to handle quite like the BMW, just hoping it's "close enough". I think the European handling can be copied into American/Japanese comfort, so when I realized that's what Acura was shooting for I lined up.

Thanks for the responses.