Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

So, after going to the Inland Empire Azine Meet, I saw a whole bunch of type-s', and a few stick shifts. I can't decide which one I want. I know everyone is gonna say "get a manual type-s!", but lets be honest, I won't find one, especially not for under 20K. I really don't like that I have no navi, and that I don't have a stick shift.

So should I try to go for a manual base, or an auto type-s, and why? Lets say I have around 18K to spend.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I dont know why you're asking us.

With that being said; you should go for a TL type-s 6MT.

cpm06wdptl

You can't go wrong either way so start searching for one. Plus between those 2 the performance is basically the same!!

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

type-s 6mt.

search for one with higher mileage to try and get below that $20k threshold.

perhaps you should have done more research before buying your current base TL.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

18K is enough for a Type-S manual if you go with a little higher mileage. There's 21 listings for a Type-S manual on Autotrader (sorted from zip 97037):

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...By=distanceASC

Of course, that's across the entire country. Some of them will be a pretty far distance from you but if you really want a Type-S manual then this is probably a good place to start. eBay is also a good place to check out but there are currently no Type-S manuals as of this morning. They crop up now and again.

As far as which way to go - for the money I'd go with an 04-06 manual. You'll pay far less than the Type-S. However, if you plan on keeping the car for a long time then it would be worth the trouble to hunt down a Type-S.

I went with a 06 manual non-nav and I don't regret it. However, I never drove a Type-S manual so I may just not know what I'm missing . (I drove the TL-S auto and would go with the base manual hands down). In hindsight I would purchase the car again because it was well taken care of and was a great price. But if I went to purchase a TL now, I'd probably take more time and see if I could hunt down a manual TL-S.

If I were you I'd put my sights on the TL-S but check out manual 04's-06's. If you find a good non-S manual that is in great shape and drives well then you may opt to go that route. If not, then be patient and keep searching for that diamond in the ruff manual TL-S They're out there.

Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

Well yeah that's a given, but I bought it when my last cars transmission had just taken a crap (a CL by the way), and didn't know much about the specifics between trim levels, other than the fact that they're all pretty reliable and have way better transmissions than the CL did.

Back to the type-s though, what is considered "high" mileage for those, and what would be too high? I have 145K on the clock for my 04 right now, I definitely don't want one with more than that.

So you would for sure go for a manual base over a type-s auto, if you had to decide?

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

^ Most definitely. No question whatsoever. However, just because I would doesn't mean everyone would. Those who own TL-S auto's would likely disagree. But I'm a sucker for a manual. I feel like I'm on autopilot with an auto tranny. I want full control over my vehicle. I'm also a sucker for efficiency. Auto's suck power and fuel economy. They're also heavy - about 100lbs. more than a manual. They also break down more frequently. Heck, there's nothing good about them with exception to the fact that you have one hand free while accelerating.

But it's all personal preference. For me:

TL-S manual > Base manual >>>> TL-S auto >>>>> Base auto

Dubs_0

Same issue with me, Needed a car and found an amazing deal on a 05 base AT so I went with it, I've been thinking about maybe trading it for an S or manual, but my engine is in such great shape I'm afraid of getting ripped off into one that isn't. The sport mode is pretty good itself I think at least, I use it on highways, adds a nice kick.

Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

Yeah like the sport shift is cool, but it still leaves your left foot feeling so useless lol. With these engines is there really even anything to worry about though?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

thread derailed.

guise, OP DOES NOT WANT A TL-S 6 Speed.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

^ LoL! Dunno how I missed that.

I was one of those kids that totally failed that "follow instructions" test in 3rd grade. You know, the one where the instructions on the top of the page said to print your name then hand it in. I'd skip the instructions then answer all the questions on the page.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I used to do that.
until a professor included the answer in the instructions.
from then on, i always read! lol

ez12a

mmm though choice.

I would lean a little more towards the manual though, because while the TLS looks great along with a few other differences, those looks dont contribute to how fun the car is to drive. A 6MT alone offers a much different driving experience than going from say a base 5AT to a TL-S 5AT--yeah, it's an upgrade for sure with the TL-S interior, exterior, minor bump in power, and suspension...But deep down inside you'll think this is just a dressed up version of your previous car (No offense to TL-S 5AT owners). the 6MT is a game changer, imo.

but i'm biased. Again, this is if I had to choose. Ideally obviously it would be a TL-S 6MT.

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

If I had to do it again. I would have bought a 6 MT Type S.

If you get a 6mt base you are limited to 04-06 being the 07-08 base doesnt have a 6mt option.

If you get the base with 6 mt just get one with navi. The only thing you will be missing really is the 3.5L powerplant.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

The difference for me was negligible. I'm not street racing or out to prove anything like I'm playing need for speed. I do hit the track, but not often enough to care.

Nobody's ever said "hey thats a sexy ass transmission you got there." Have they?

I bought a car that looks fucking sexy, is reliable, and has back seats so I can pick up my grandparents when I need to.

But with that said, buy the 6-spd manual

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^actually, people do comment on it being a six speed.

"oh, wow! I didnt know TL's came in six speeds"
"3 pedals ftw"
etc.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

^ 6-spd manual type-s

triax37

iTrader: (1)

Future Moderator Justin - I think he WOULD want a TLS 6 speed, but doesn't believe he can find one for under $20k, so is considering other options...

I was deciding in 2009 and bought a 2005 6MT. 90% happy with it, but in retrospect, probably should have paid the extra $5k (used) for a TLS. I don't care about the engine difference as much, but really like the TLS interior and exterior upgrades. I've installed a backup camera and the the iSimple + Blackberry bluetooth combo that allows streaming from my phone, so I'm still rolling ....

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Oh, I know what he wrote! lol

Before he even conceived of this thread; I could have told you what the outcome was going to be.
everyone will push for the TL-S 6MT.
because simply put; Creme de la creme.

he has a freakin auto base now.
if one were to upgrade the same car, WHY NOT GO FOR THE BEST!?
if not, he'll create a thread called..."owned auto for a year, now want 6mt."

And Numbers can always be played with.
the price of the car will always fluctuate.

being stuck with the wrong transmission is forever.

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

I guess I'll make my windows darker : \

quanaman

iTrader: (4)

All this talk about 6MT type-S's is making me glad I paid what I did for mine.


There's one with 128k for 13999 or so. Also there's member ZAIN22150's old one at a dealership for 17.5k KBP with black interior and 75k miles.


Good luck. I'd said manual 04-06 if you can't find a 6mt type-s. if automatic then DEFINITELY get a type-s

Mrtastygoody

iTrader: (1)

I for sure DO want a tl-s with a manual, just don't know if I can afford one. If I can, I would certainly pick that over anything else, given it's not ASM (I hate silver).

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

inland empire meet? I was there lol, but there weren't "a few stick shifts", the only stick shift TL there was dstah's 6mt type S....I'm pretty sure all the other base and type s TL's were automatic

ZOMGVTEK

Don't bother with the base, get the Type-S, it's really not very much more if you look around. The only question is 5AT or 6MT. If you're willing to pick most any interior/exterior color, it should be very easy to find a 6MT TL-S.

The 6MT TL-S alone isn't that rare. I spent nearly a year searching for an 07-08 TL-S WDP/Taupe, and purchased the only one I found for sale. I still didn't see one posted for sale anywhere in the US in the past few months. They're all the Black/Silver interior.

As long as you're flexible on the colors, its no problem to find one. Just be willing to drive several hundred miles.

Flyer92

Unless the OP plans on being a stop-light warrior, with the intent to outrun and outgun at each launch, he will be happily satisfied with a 6MT TL w/ Nav. It's hard to not cop a grin on the occasional compliments I get on my TL, or even not look back at her when she's parked in the parking lot. Believe me you'll be happy either way.

dzionny_dzionassi

you should buy mine tl type-s auto 15k and its yours

Aman

Take your time and find the 6MT Type-S. They're rare, but out there.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

I have had a couple 6mt Type S's and I just don't like the manual in these cars. Clutch is a pain and you always have to think about it to get it right, and even then 1st and 2nd were still ridiculously unsmooth.
My vote goes to 5at Type S lol. Oh wait that wasn't an option :-)

sauceja

iTrader: (2)

I agree. 6 MT Type S can be found for under 20k. You just might be facing higher mileage is all.

I paid 25k for mine but it also only had 25k miles. Sitting at 33,500 year and half later.

Changing mt fluid to gm and removing the slave cylinder has really made me enjoy it again. But it is the most difficult mt car I have owned out of alot of them.

Get what you won't and don't settle. Save longer until you can achieve your goals.
Go big or go home.

truonghthe

OP depend how you use the car and stick to the one that fit you best, all of the factors coming to play such as do you like driving MT? traffic you might face in daily commute, wife/GF or other family member has to use the car, personal reference of technology, mileage reference, budget etc...

04-06 MT TL came with Brembo, stiffer suspension and sway bar as bonus but they don't came with Navi a standard and the choice for interior/exterior color is paint in the ass (if you are anal about color), no back up camera and no Aux port, MID has lower resolution than 07-08 TL.




07-08 Type S has everything standard except for AT/MT and the choice of interior color of Taupe or Ebony, other than that it come loaded with option and of course the revise gauge is much better looking than the earlier model. Type S has Aux port, HU is capable playing MP3 and WMA format, turn signal on mirror, back up camera and a few thing I mention above. TL-S also has better look (sportier).


About the performance MT base TL will probably same (if not faster than AT TL-S due to superior gearing in 4th).



Conclusion would come down to your personal reference and how you will use the car, good luck to your search and hopefully you will post pics soon up here so we can congrat you

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I think the price argument is moot.

he has a current car.
use that, while he saves.
while he is saving the price of the car will come down.


On the other hand; I do agree with James.
At times, I find this car the hardest to feel the clutches sweet spot.

in other cars, yes even sports cars, the clutch is pretty easy.

Bruce Banner

iTrader: (2)

TL-S 6MT, I wish I did

splew

Obviously a 6MT Type-S is the best. They're quite rare though. Finding one in nice shape for a decent price can be hard too. As for the 6MT base, they're still rare, but they're quite a bit more common than the 6MT Type-S. Many can still be had in great shape with low miles for pretty cheap now too.

I got my 06 6MT with only 44k miles for $16k and some change.

lazytik

Had an 06 non-nav auto and it was fine for daily duties. When moving on from it, tried both 6mt bases and auto Type S...decided to go with the 6mt with nav...a LOT cheaper than an auto Type S and quicker/more fun with the same tech (nav, voice control)...save some money on the purchase and buy a 6mt nav, then spend the $ on mods if you want.

I'm actually thinking about selling my 6mt nav if you're interested lol.

tpurkey

I wish I would have spent a little extra and gone with the type-s 6mt. It will definitely be my next vehicle!

Dubs_0

some people just don't maintain their cars

i_love_cars

iTrader: (1)

I told myself I was going to look for a 6mt base because I thought just like you - "i wont find a type-s at a price i find acceptable"

but i was perfectly happy with the notion of getting a 6mt base.

4 days after I started my search cross-country, I found a type-s 6mt about 20 miles away from my house that was clean and priced well so I bought it.

So what I am saying is just look for the 6mt and if you find a type-s 6mt at the right price even with higher mileage, great, otherwise there are a good amount of base 6mt's available and you really can't go wrong.

I think if you're even considering a manual, you should say F the type-s automatic because you'll end up wanting a manual in the long run.

4drviper

if you ever thought of stick shift, stick shift all the way.
i got auto and have been regretting since week 2.

oh and if you're feeling lazy, you can still drive stick shift without using clutch at all... (well, almost)
just saying.

ez12a

not meaning to start a debate, but i would highly recommend against doing that on our 6MTs since they're fairly notchy to begin with, and 3rd gear syncrhos aren't thaat great.

plus a normal car transmission is built far far less durably than say a truck's transmission where this technique is "frequently" used.

It's not even an efficient way to shift. All the people on youtube perpetuating this are relatively young and inexperienced. It's like the blind leading the blind on there. One kid commented "synchros are wear and tear items and are replaced several times throughout the life of the car" -- No, they aren't. But if you're clutchless shifting all the time, expect to replace them even sooner. People have gone 200k+ on the original 3G TL clutch/transmission.

NavS

I got a 5AT type s. I really wish it was a 6MT but I shopped around 6 other TLSs and this one was at the price and condition that I loved. Finding a manual at a good price and condition and color is just for people that have that kind of patience for car shopping.