I am thinking about buying a car this weekend and I am undecided between the '04 TL and '03 TL-S, both with Navi.

I think I can get the '03 for about 30-31k (not sure on price), and you all know the price of the 04 (35k give or take a few hundred).

My Question : Which car should I buy? Is it worth the 5k for the 2004?

I would like to hear from people who own or owned the 03 and currently own the 04, or anyone that knows alot about both.

Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

of coz~!!

get the 04TL!!!

 

Shades,

I don't think we can answer this for you, but we can give you things to think about that will hopefully get you to an answer.

By the 03 if...

You don't care about styling or looking like you are driving the "old model".

Voice controlled Bluetooth phone interface, DVD-audio, GPS based climate control, etc. are technical goodies you can do without.

Want a great car that has had great reviews and reliability.


Buy the 04 if...

You want to be the first on your block to own one.

Like distinctive styling.

Want all the very latest in technical features.

Want a great car that has had great reviews and (hopefully) great reliability.

Fact of the matter is, either way you will get a great car. Reality is getting the latest greatest doesn't come cheap. If money is an issue and you don't have to drive the latest model, then trying to get a deal on an 03 is the way to go. Buying an outgoing model gives you a bit of an advantage when it comes to price. Is the 04 worth the $5K difference? I think most of the owners here would answer YES. I don't own one yet (driven it several times) and I would have to say yes too.

Good luck and hope this helps.

 

You're getting ripped off if they are offering you over invoice on the 03. They have dealer holdback and should be coming down another 2K from invoice. Then it's a 7K difference for you. I opted for the 04 as I already had an 00 but if the money is a factor. Get the 03 (you can't get a better deal than buying less than invoice).

 

I just traded a type s for a 6sp. If you can spare the change its a no brainer buy the new one. It's much improved. On the other hand if you dont mind buying an "old model" I'm sure you can drive a very hard bargain and get a navi 03 at no more than the price of the old non navi model. Even more, if price is what your looking for buy a six cylinder Accord EX navi. It is as good as the old Tl in some respects (power) and much better in others (accomodations).

 

Get the TL. You'll be glad you did.

 

Shades, I've heard of folks getting the 2003 TL-S for as low as $26.4. So if you want to save money, buy the 2003. If you want the gadgets and the looks, pony up the geld and buy the 2004.

 

I'm happy to try to help. I'm on my 7th Acura...as of yesterday.

Last night I traded in my Silver '02 TL Type S for a White '04. I thought about getting an '03 because the dealers have $1500 rebate from Acura to move whats left of them. Also, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Type S, but the miles got really high on my lease, and I like to trade up every 30-36 months anyway.

Bottom line is, if you can afford the new one, you must get it. It is such an amazing car, so refined, such a welcomed new generation for what was a modest looking car with relatively refined driving manners. The 2nd generation was great, but I don't miss my Type S one bit. Not one bit at all.

 

Neuronbob - Is that with or without Navi...thats a great price if its for the TLS NAVI.

The '04 has grown on me though!

So many tough decisions!!! j/k

 

Shades! What are you nuts? 04 TL all the way!

 

The only case that you should be getting the old TL is either you can't afford the new one or you don't like the new design at all. Since you're asking the question, it appears that you DO like the new design and CAN afford the new car.
So get the new one and enjoy it!

 

I agree with all of you. I do like both cars, but a $7K difference in price sure does have a great impact on the decision.