MattAKramer

Looking to get a TL on Saturday and wanted to see if you all thought this was a good deal or not.

2006 TL, 26k miles, Black on Black, nav, upgraded a-spec chrome looking wheels (the 2400 dollar ones), and I'm getting the dealer to install a new set of Goodyear Eagle F1 all season's for $27k. So what do you all think?

The only thing I'm considering is maybe for 3 or 4 grand more I should get one of the '07s floating around cars.com, but they aren't black/black until you get up to about 32k. Do you all think there are enough differences with the '07 model versus the '06s to justify 3-4 grand increase plus no new tires/standard wheels?

Also do the '07s come standard with backup cam if you get the Nav system?

Thanks a lot. I'm coming from a Saturn Sky Redline so I'm new at this.

MattAKramer

Was the navigation system changed from the 2006 model to the 2007? I've seen a video on youtube showing an 07 TLS that has a pop up screen on the right side showing what lane to get in when you approach your turn and it actually says the road name. Does the '06 do this? I've tried searching but no luck so far. Thanks again.

BLACKURA_NY

iTrader: (6)

Few differences...

MP3 Playing capabilties, Back Up Camera & Lower Fog lights... biggest differences IMO.

$3-4 grand, and NO a-spec wheels.. eh.. might not be worth it. I like the 04-06 A-Spec Aero Kit ALOT more then the 07+ ASpec kits

MattAKramer

I will definitely miss the MP3 compatibility, I've had that in my car for about 4 years now. Nice to be able to toss 180 songs on a disc and be done. My sky had individual folders, etc.

I think the lower fog lights look bette, I know a lot of people don't, but I wouldn't say that is necessarily worth the extra money.

Is the backup cam standard with all TL's that have Nav for 2007?

Do you think 27k for the car I'm considering is good deal?

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Are you getting an A/T or a MT? For MY 07, you can only get MT if you opt for the Type-S. If your getting an A/T, then it doesn't matter.

the backup camera is std with all 07's w/ Navi along w/ XM traffic (paid out of your pocket of course)

I think the price you are getting is fair (especially if YOU are getting the color combo you want) considering your getting the A-SPEC wheels and new tires. You accurately pointed out that you can pick up a brand new 07 for about 4k more. The 07's have a couple of more subtle differences like a slightly different looking gauge cluster, supposedly better leather seating surfaces, different taillights, a softer suspension than 04-06 models (from what I have read) and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors.
Maybe you should look at as well as drive an 07 to see if the 4k price adjustment is worth it. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

MattAKramer

I am getting the automatic this time around so 6MT is not really a factor for me. I guess it comes down to if I would rather have the backup cam and mp3 comptibility for 4k versus the color combo I really want.

If I end up doing that mediagate thing (depending on how extensive the install is) then not having mp3 comptability won't really be a big deal. However if I had the ability to just play mp3 discs, I might not do that at all.

Any other opinions out there?

Has anyone been in an '06 versus an '07 to confirm the ride is "softer" or nicer? Is the backup cam that people are buying from wendy as good as the factory installed option?

Thanks.

erdoc48

I own an 06, and have been very happy with the car- mine has 24K miles on it and no rattles. My leather is in really good shape with regular care/ conditioning.

Pluses of the 06:
-obviously lesser cost and color that you want
-Nav works fine but is different than the 07 (no Zagat rating if that matters to you, and no backup camera, but I'm really satisfied with the Nav that I have)
-You get the A-spec wheels and new tires
-as long as the car is in really good condition, and the $$$ savings is important to you, then get the 06

Pluses of the 07:
-different style Nav (but in reality, they all generally work the same)
-MP3 player capability (I have my iPod in my 06 running through a Blitzsafe adapter)
-Backup camera (I never really needed this but might like it if my car had one)
-New car, 0 miles

Lastly, if getting an 07 non Type S, I never really liked the stock wheels that came with the car- I have the standard wheels on my 06, and like them a lot better (although you would be getting the A-Spec wheels with the 06)

It all comes down to cost, either way, the car will last a very long time with regular maintenance.

erdoc48

1 more thing. I have read that the 07 non type S suspension is softer, and the 06 rides a little on the firm side (I previously had a 2000 TL which was much softer), but never found the ride to be punishing. My advice is to drive them both and see if you feel a difference in the ride (you should really take a good long ride with both cars, to put them through their paces, and see which seems like the better car).

MattAKramer

The '06 is coming from Nashville and I live near Cincy, Ohio so I won't have the opportunity to drive it until right before I sign. I suppose I could try to go to an acura dealer and test drive an '07 and see if they have any '06s on the lot to compare.

When you say the nav is different, is the only difference the restaurant ratings (which I will not use ever), traffic, and backup cam or are their other differences as well?

I liked using mp3 CDs versus iPod for the simple use of using the steering wheel controls and looking at screen versus looking at the ipod and fumbling around with it. The '07s I'm looking at have between 7 and 20k miles on them.

I like the type-S models but the wheels are hideous. Their is one on cars.com that is white with what looks to be standard wheels from '06 model on type-s.

Do the type-s models get much worse gas mileage? I read a thread on this last night but people seemed to be getting about the same as long as you don't redline every gear?

More opinions welcome and greatly appreciated. Thanks.

erdoc48

For the Type-S, it's got the 3.5L engine, so the mileage will be less (probably 22-23 mpg overall) whereas I generally get combined city/hwy mileage of ~26-27 mpg. I didn't realize the 07's you were looking at had mileage on them. I honestly haven't seen the 07 Nav, so I can't say with certainty if the navigation functions are different, but mine is touchscreen to enter the data, as is the 07+.

Just for pricing, you may want to check carsdirect.com for your area- I just pulled up a price on an 08 TL w/ Nav for $33098 in Cinncinatti (a little more than your price target, but this is for a new car)

Kostyan

I think the 2007's also have turn signal indicators on exterior side mirrors.

If you're financing your purchase then you should probably go with brand new 07, because of like 2.9% interest rate through Honda Financial. On 06 I bet your interest rate will be higher, unless you are buying with 0-interest credit card lol

Besides that, that is a very good price on 06, especially if its after taxes and tags.

Shalooby

To answer one of your original questions about the nav, the 06 does go into split screen mode as you approach a turn if you are following a guided route. You can also have it display split screen all the time if you like.
I have a 06 w/nav and have also driven a few 07s. I prefer the look of the gauge cluster of the 06 better. The blue highlights are larger and more definitive as are the numbers for the speedo and tach.
Keep in mind that if you do drive a 07 to compare with a pre-owned 06, the 07 will feel tighter even though it has a somewhat softer suspension because it's new. Good luck, welcome to the board, and let us know what you decide.

MattAKramer

I never parallel park so I'm not sure how useful the cam is, but it does seem neet for parking lots in general. I liked having the mp3 compatibility integrated into steering wheels but maybe there are other options for that later that won't raise my pament 30-50 dollars a month? The other features of the '07 don't seem too important to me in regards to turn signals on mirrors etc. If the ride is smoother and more luxury on base I would like that though.

So what do you all think is more important for long term happiness of the car/ability to want to keep it after it's paid off?

Having the color combo you want with 40 or 50 extra in the bank for 6 years each month, or backup cam/mp3 compatibility/newer fog lights?

MattAKramer

Anyone? Sorry to nag. But I need to make a decision by today.

erdoc48

It comes down to $$$- more $$$ for a few minor more features or 3-4K less for the color combo you really want and the A-spec wheels/ new tires. If money is no object, buy newer. If $$$ matters, get the 06.

MattAKramer

Money is obviously a factor, but I am trying to think of what is going to make me want to keep the car in the long run for 10 years or so and save money that way.

If I don't like the color I suppose I can get it painted, but good paint jobs=lots of $. To buy backup camera is not expensive, but I am not familiar with how to install it or any of the mediagate hard drive/dom's thing.

When it really comes down to it I think of the '06 played mp3s, as silly as it sounds, I'd much rather save 50 bucks a month than buy the '07 for basically a backup cam (only other real feature i'd like other than repositioned fog lights).

Is there anyway for a noob to hook up an ipod so it could be controlled through the steering wheel controls with display info on '06 screen?

erdoc48

Some members on this board have done some pretty amazing things with the existing Nav steup, including hooking up the MP3 player so that it can be controlled through the touchscreen and/or steering wheel controls- look at the stereos/ radios/ nav link in the forum, and search for iPod integration. You will find tons of info.

MattAKramer

I saw that USA Spec thing and the Dice thing. That seems like it might be better for me than doing mp3 cd's because I can have ALL of my music at once versus a couple hundred per CD. Is this install hard?

I just got out of college about a year ago and worked at best buy/ccity throughout the entire time but did home theater/audio not car audio so I'm quite novice with it. I like the tv/nav to go thing but think it might be too much for me. Plus it doesn't allow steering wheel controls from what I gather.

Also if this is an easy fix for lack of mp3 compatibility then do you think the other stuff justifies 50 extra bucks a month for 6 years? Thanks again to everyone.

erdoc48

$50/month x 6 years financed = $3600 savings - an iPod hookup (basic) should cost no more than $200-300 (for all the bells and whistles)- I did the Blitzsafe hookup, and it wasn't hard to do- it was a plug in harness to the back of the radio, and a cable to hook up to the iPod- cost ~ $90. Installation was easy- there are plenty of threads about how to take off the necessary panels to access the back of the radio on Acurazine. Actually, I don't use my iPod in the car all that much- I listen mostly to XM radio.

MattAKramer

I think I will be getting the '06, saving some cash, and get either the dice hookup or some other ipod full integration. I can always add a backup cam later on if I start to parallel park a lot or something. If it were an option on a new car I would prob pass anyway. Thanks for all input.

wilsel

Seems like a fair price to me.

I wouldn't worry about the MP3 capability. It's fairly easy to convert all your MP3's into a DVD, and play them that way. I can fit 90-100 songs on a DVD, and the sound quality is better than CD.

MattAKramer

How does the factory back up cam look compared Wendy's ebay one?

graytl2006

MattAKramer were are you located? one of my friends just bought two weeks ago, a 2008 TL with navi for 27.000 at Rosenthal Acura in Gaithersburg Maryland.

MattAKramer

I am near Cincinnati, Ohio. Did your friend find a private party listing and then talk the person down a lot? The cheapest '07 with nav on cars.com and autotrader.com within 300 miles of me is 29,995. Maybe I could talk them down, not sure. But they aren't black on black and don't have nice wheels like this one does.

I would like to have the backup cam, less miles, and longer warranty of course though if I could fin an '08.

graytl2006

She just walked in to the dealer, and that was the price they gave her, she also got 2.9 finance for 3 years. After she told me about the deal I was seriously thinking in trade my car. It seems like they have a huge overstock inventory.

MattAKramer

Wow that's pretty great. I am just going to stick with this '06. I'm getting the upgraded rims and brand new tires so I think it's a pretty good deal. Plus I think i'll get the dice adapter for mp3s and I don't parallel park so no huge need for back-up cam.

cristphoto

MP3 capability is a dealer installed option of the 2006 TL. So you can still be able to use your player. It's fairly cheap for the dealer to do from what I've heard.