First post by a new owner (well, technically, that would be my wife...)
06-18-2010, 03:11 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
First post by a new owner (well, technically, that would be my wife...)
Yesterday, my wife and I sold her 2004 Honda Pilot and went with a new (to us) TL. 2008, 18K on the clock. Auto, non-nav, non-type-s.
Paid close to retail, but got a great trade. There is no Acura dealership close, but the dealership where we bought it has a concierge service for scheduled/warranty service where they will pick it up, drop off a loaner, and take the car to the Acura dealership (about 75 miles each way) for service.
We wanted white but we could not pass up the total deal on this one. The dealer owner's wife drove it for 3K and then switched to an SUV. (I know that sounds cliche, but they live down the street from us, which is how I know it is not a lie). We could have paid less if we wanted to drive closer to DC to buy, but the concierge service was a big plus, and this was a low-pressure deal with no d!cking around on trade values and financing like some NoVA/MD dealerships tried to do when we started looking. There were also no processing or documentation fees beyond the $20 the DMV charges.
We got 3.9% financing and can add Acura Care down the road if we want.
We actually started looking at an IS250 AWD, but it was too small. We called the dealership where we got the TL to inquire about him locating one for us and after talking to them about the one that they just sold that we had looked at, we decided that the TL was a better fit for us than an IS, and an AWD GS was too expensive.
We were considering a Type-S, but the MPG was not quite as good and extra cost of consumables was a turn-off. In the end, this will be more than enough power for her needs, and it should be good until the kids (3 and 6 months) get big enough to justify an SUV again.
Plans are moderate tint and a pre-painted lip spoiler, yellow fog light bulbs, and to sit back and enjoy the ride!
Paid close to retail, but got a great trade. There is no Acura dealership close, but the dealership where we bought it has a concierge service for scheduled/warranty service where they will pick it up, drop off a loaner, and take the car to the Acura dealership (about 75 miles each way) for service.
We wanted white but we could not pass up the total deal on this one. The dealer owner's wife drove it for 3K and then switched to an SUV. (I know that sounds cliche, but they live down the street from us, which is how I know it is not a lie). We could have paid less if we wanted to drive closer to DC to buy, but the concierge service was a big plus, and this was a low-pressure deal with no d!cking around on trade values and financing like some NoVA/MD dealerships tried to do when we started looking. There were also no processing or documentation fees beyond the $20 the DMV charges.
We got 3.9% financing and can add Acura Care down the road if we want.
We actually started looking at an IS250 AWD, but it was too small. We called the dealership where we got the TL to inquire about him locating one for us and after talking to them about the one that they just sold that we had looked at, we decided that the TL was a better fit for us than an IS, and an AWD GS was too expensive.
We were considering a Type-S, but the MPG was not quite as good and extra cost of consumables was a turn-off. In the end, this will be more than enough power for her needs, and it should be good until the kids (3 and 6 months) get big enough to justify an SUV again.
Plans are moderate tint and a pre-painted lip spoiler, yellow fog light bulbs, and to sit back and enjoy the ride!
06-18-2010, 03:23 PM
#4
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Could I have found the same for cheaper? Possibly. But it was a mid-08 in-service date (good for the warranty) and the concierge service really sold us. He does that for Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, and Acura vehicles burchased through him (There is an MB dealership 30 miles away). My buddy who bought a TL from an Acura dealership over an hour away always complains when he needs to have warranty work done because he has to miss work. This way, I save money and time, plus we get a loaner here locally rather than having to drive almost an hour and a half just to pick it up.
One of the few negatives to living where we do in WV...
Trending Topics
06-21-2010, 10:53 AM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Thanks to all. So far, the car has really lived up to our expectations, though we did have our first I-miss-the-hatch moment when we went to a kids birthday party at a park and we had to take the wheels off of a stroller to get it in the trunk. We rarely take the stroller anywhere, but when we do, it looks like the wheels will need to come off.
Otherwise, we love the car. I need to add a 3M clearbra to the top of the bumper to prevent sratches while loading the trunk, but otherwise it seems good to go.
Otherwise, we love the car. I need to add a 3M clearbra to the top of the bumper to prevent sratches while loading the trunk, but otherwise it seems good to go.
06-21-2010, 12:39 PM
#13
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I still hit the org from time to time.
06-21-2010, 12:40 PM
#14
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Yeah, that is me. I am still a moderator over there. I had an A32 GLE, then an A32 I30t 5MT (with the VLSD), then my wife had an A33 (5MT). I got a B15 SpecV for a while, and now I have the Legacy in the pic at the top and I have a 1988 E30 that I am building for track use.
I still hit the org from time to time.
I still hit the org from time to time.
Fixed.
06-21-2010, 06:54 PM
#15
Yeah, that is me. I am still a moderator over there. I had an A32 GLE, then an A32 I30t 5MT (with the VLSD), then my fife had an A33 (5MT). I got a B15 SpecV for a while, and now I have the Legacy in the pic at the top and I have a 1988 E30 that I am building for track use.
I still hit the org from time to time.
I still hit the org from time to time.
06-22-2010, 07:04 AM
#16
Intermediate
Thread Starter
ah nice, I thought that was you. I had a '97 SE 5MT prior to this car and still miss it to this day. Its been awhile since I've been back on the org so i'm sure much has changed with engine swaps/fi/bolt ons but it would have been fun to do a 3.5 swap while i had the car..
There is not much new going on. Manual transmissions are getting really hard to find for the A32 and early A33, so some 6MT swaps are popping up, usually behind a VQ35 swap.
Superchargers are less popular, since the VQ35 is cheaper and easier to swap.
06-22-2010, 11:09 AM
#17
Instructor
Last edited by P_R_N_D; 06-22-2010 at 11:12 AM.
06-22-2010, 12:05 PM
#18
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Glossary:
A32: 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima, or 1996-1999 Infiniti I30
GLE: Maxima trim level
A32 I30t: Infiniti I30 with a touring package
VLSD: viscous limited slip differential, a rare option on the A32 chassis due to it only being offered in the I30 with a manual trans and the touring package
A33: 2000-2003 Nissan Maxima
B15: 2000-2006(or -07?) Nissan Sentra
SpecV: A trim level of the Nissan Sentra that was made from 2003+ that featured a 2.5L 4-cylinder with Nissan's version of VTEC, a helical limited slip differential, factory 17" wheels, a 6MT, and sport suspension
E30: 1984-1991 BMW 3-series
Better?
07-12-2010, 08:50 AM
#20
Intermediate
Thread Starter
We got the windows tinted this weekend with 40% (legal limit in WV is a combined 35% VLT or greater).
The tint came out good, but they did not go behind the gasket in the rear quarter windows. They pulled the 3rd brake light, and that looks good.
Next up is a lip spoiler. I have a feeling that this will stay pretty low-key.
The tint came out good, but they did not go behind the gasket in the rear quarter windows. They pulled the 3rd brake light, and that looks good.
Next up is a lip spoiler. I have a feeling that this will stay pretty low-key.
07-12-2010, 09:11 AM
#22
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Quite the mystery to n00bies such as myself...
I like the option. Probably combats fraud.
Last edited by phenryiv1; 07-12-2010 at 09:15 AM.
09-28-2010, 08:52 AM
#23
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Small update...
Went to order the trunk lip spoiler for the TL...
After researching vendors on here, I spoke to thespoilerstore. Apparently, they buy them (both unpainted and pre-painted) from a distributor. Any that need to be a color that they don't buy in the pre-painted format have a charge for them to have a painter do them locally. This makes sense, but it makes CBP a more costly option than the "standard" colors. After some more research, I ended up going with spoilerexpress. They charged $109 for the spoiler, painted in CBP, plus $25 to ship. It looks like the same spoiler for $134 versus $122 + $25 shipping ($147).
The spoiler arrived in about 8 days (as originally quoted) and the paint finish was great, with a perfect match. Unfortunately, the car was filthy, but I cleaned it up with water, dried it, wiped it down with a cleaner/degreaser, and installed the spoiler.
At the same time, we removed the "Acura" and TL" badging to clean up the rear of the car.
This will probably be all that we do to it for a while, other than some form of yellow fog light bulbs. In the Legacy, they improve foul-weather visibility to both driver and other drivers.
With the split-spoke 17" wheels, the unique color, the tint, and the wing, the car is really a nice-looking sedan. I passed her on the road yesterday and realized how much cooler her car looks than mine. While I'd still rather drive my Legacy (it feels more like a driver's car to me), I really like the TL. It is more comfortable for hauling the family around, though the trunk in the Legacy is slightly more usable.
Went to order the trunk lip spoiler for the TL...
After researching vendors on here, I spoke to thespoilerstore. Apparently, they buy them (both unpainted and pre-painted) from a distributor. Any that need to be a color that they don't buy in the pre-painted format have a charge for them to have a painter do them locally. This makes sense, but it makes CBP a more costly option than the "standard" colors. After some more research, I ended up going with spoilerexpress. They charged $109 for the spoiler, painted in CBP, plus $25 to ship. It looks like the same spoiler for $134 versus $122 + $25 shipping ($147).
The spoiler arrived in about 8 days (as originally quoted) and the paint finish was great, with a perfect match. Unfortunately, the car was filthy, but I cleaned it up with water, dried it, wiped it down with a cleaner/degreaser, and installed the spoiler.
At the same time, we removed the "Acura" and TL" badging to clean up the rear of the car.
This will probably be all that we do to it for a while, other than some form of yellow fog light bulbs. In the Legacy, they improve foul-weather visibility to both driver and other drivers.
With the split-spoke 17" wheels, the unique color, the tint, and the wing, the car is really a nice-looking sedan. I passed her on the road yesterday and realized how much cooler her car looks than mine. While I'd still rather drive my Legacy (it feels more like a driver's car to me), I really like the TL. It is more comfortable for hauling the family around, though the trunk in the Legacy is slightly more usable.
09-28-2010, 09:03 AM
#24
Senior Moderator
You can try this for the yellow fogs:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/g-082-08-wdp-tl-s-yellow-fog-light-mod-diy-643146/
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/g-082-08-wdp-tl-s-yellow-fog-light-mod-diy-643146/
09-28-2010, 10:11 AM
#27
Patrick what's up it's Lee! I completely missed this thread, good to see you guys made the move into an Acura. How is your Subie treating you? Hope all is well with your family.
09-28-2010, 12:22 PM
#28
Intermediate
Thread Starter
So far so good on the Acura. I like the looks, the gas mileage is not bad, and performance is more than enough to haul around a family of 4 with some common sense.
As for the Legacy, it is doing fine. I have not done much at all to it. I put most of my mod money into building my track car- an 88 e30 325 that I have been building for about a year now. Still no track time as I try to get it built right the first time.
How are things going in NC? Are you still in the Charlotte area? (Edit: Appears that you are.)
09-28-2010, 12:51 PM
#29
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Damn the wifey is riding clean! 
09-28-2010, 01:06 PM
#30
I forgot that you had a Type-S. I remember reading your thread on madison motorsports, btu it has been a while since I saw it.
So far so good on the Acura. I like the looks, the gas mileage is not bad, and performance is more than enough to haul around a family of 4 with some common sense.
As for the Legacy, it is doing fine. I have not done much at all to it. I put most of my mod money into building my track car- an 88 e30 325 that I have been building for about a year now. Still no track time as I try to get it built right the first time.
How are things going in NC? Are you still in the Charlotte area? (Edit: Appears that you are.)
So far so good on the Acura. I like the looks, the gas mileage is not bad, and performance is more than enough to haul around a family of 4 with some common sense.
As for the Legacy, it is doing fine. I have not done much at all to it. I put most of my mod money into building my track car- an 88 e30 325 that I have been building for about a year now. Still no track time as I try to get it built right the first time.
How are things going in NC? Are you still in the Charlotte area? (Edit: Appears that you are.)
09-29-2010, 08:17 AM
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
As for the E30, it is definately a work in progress, but here are a couple shots from the day I got finished the motor build and finally put it back on the ground with the new suspension. The suspension was all brand new and had not yet settled, so I sits about 1/2" (maybe more) lower these days.
I have a bunch more parts to install- plastic bumpers with euro trim, the grill, new doors, all new rear suspension bushings, new shifter and all of those bushings, front strut bar...
It is also going in for paint, once I am comfortable with all of the mechanicals.
Last edited by phenryiv1; 09-29-2010 at 08:19 AM.
09-29-2010, 08:19 AM
#33
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
I want an E30 badly 
09-29-2010, 11:11 AM
#34
Burning Brakes
Love your taste in cars. My wife has a 2005 suby which I use a lot when the snow is too deep to get to work. The suby is not as luxurious as the TL, but it feels much smaller and lighter. Basically, it's easier to drive and is a rocket on ice. 4x4 trucks around here get so pissed when we take them off the line. I did the RX330 HID swap (best mod for that car) and I plan to install clear TSX projectors this winter.
09-29-2010, 07:30 PM
#35
Instructor
09-30-2010, 08:48 AM
#37
Intermediate
Thread Starter
09-30-2010, 08:52 AM
#38
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
12-13-2010, 12:16 PM
#39
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Swapped off the stock Bridgestones for a set of 235/45/17 Continental ContiProContact DWS. The Bridgestones still had life in them, but I got a great deal on discounttiredirect.com on black Friday.
These seem to be more square in the shoulder than were the Bridgestones, and their grip and ride is better then the stockers.
Seemed like the right thing to do with winter approaching. We also rehabbed the TPMS sensors while the tires were off.
These seem to be more square in the shoulder than were the Bridgestones, and their grip and ride is better then the stockers.
Seemed like the right thing to do with winter approaching. We also rehabbed the TPMS sensors while the tires were off.
