Hey everyone, been a while since I posted. But I've been thinking a lot lately about selling my TL. Currently has 92k on the odometer. The only problem with the car is aesthetics. Since the paint is so hard to match, I'd really want to get the whole car repainted.

Mechanically the car is running fine, but there's a dent in the rear quarter panel near the wheel well and my front/rear bumpers are cracked/dented because of frequent parking in Boston. Another gripe I have is with the CD player. It no longer reads discs or functions. I'm stuck with radio.

So my question is do you all think its worth it to get the bumpers/dents fixed or should I just get a different car? I love my TL but these minor problems makes me just want to get rid of it. I live in New England so this winter wasn't so terrible, but previous winters were harsher and the car does have a little bit of rust on the exposed parts of the paint.

I've come to the decision about getting an RSX-S or TSX. But at the same time, I might want another TL. I don't necessarily need a larger car, because it's just going to be me in it. What do you all think I should do? I'm overdue for a timing belt/water pump as well, and clutch was replaced at 84k. Thanks for all your opinions.

 

ok the TB/WP won't be due until 105k miles, I would keep the car for now unless you have extra money laying around then get a new car. I wouldn't get the RSX-S or TSX just because they are over price and slow in general, about the radio issue I would looking into car-parts.com or Ebay for a used radio and replace it with, from what I heard from this forum WDP is a PITA for color matching. If you buy a new car now how long the pristine condition will last? remember you living in a city where bumper to bumper parking is everyday issue, on top of that you will have a car payment to make why get into debt. I would keep the TL and drive it until it start falling apart.

 

I would keep it.

Getting another car and having the same damage occur would drive me nuts. Keep it and get your money's worth out of it.

 

Instead of trying to fix your CD player, have you considered other options? I guess in your case, perhaps a FM transmitter would be helpful if you have an mp3 player.

 

Get the dent repair and touch up where needed. The FM transmitter for MP3's is a good idea.

 

iSimple. And never use a CD again.

 

Is it paid off? If yes, keep it.

If not, you could always be on the lookout for a Type S and then trade up when you find the right one. Of course, you'll be subject to the same parking issues, but there's no escaping that no matter what car you get.

 

Had to have my clutch replaced last year. Had the Acura dealer do it and it was not cheap... If it's paid for keep it

 

This doesn't make any sense to me, unless you're planning to buy a 2009 and up TL. Why trade for a lower mileage used same generation TL? You, yourself know the history of your own car, just either pay the deductible get the body work done at a good shop (throw in an a spec kit) fix the radio and you'll be golden. Or sell the car/trade it in for a 4th gen TL, call it a day.

 

I actually use an FM transmitter, but I'm not impressed with the quality. I might just fix it and keep it, it's been paid off for awhile now. I still have an AM rear lip that needs to be painted/put on. I actually prefer the looks of the 3G TL vs the new one. I'll probably just pay the deductible and get it all fixed.

 

I'm guessing there's a little bit of static when you use your FM transmitter? Then I guess you could invest in an iSimple. If music is very important to you, I think it would be a good idea! Good luck and I hope your repairs are hassle free!

 

Get it fixed and have the body shop paint the rear bumper or sell it to me lol. But I hear you about the parking in boston, that fucking sucks along with tight parking spaces. I have so many door markings on my car. People just throw there door open with little regard to the car next to them.

 

Get it fixed seeing as it has been paid off
If I were you the only thing I would look for is a Type S for agood price.
Then maybe consider getting rid of your TL if you find one.

 

Have you reset your ECU?

That sometimes fixes the CD issue. Also make sure they're no CDs in there when doing it.

 

Yes I've even took it apart and cleaned the lens. I agree with people slamming their car doors. It's an annoying problem. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks you everyone for your input, it really changed my opinion.

 

Getting a new vehicle will eliminate all these problems (temporarily) but if my TL was paid off, I'd totally invest in repairing it's small imperfections rather than dumping money into a new car only to likely have the same small problems occur. Keep in mind that most of what you described are just that: Small. It's not as if the engine needs rebuilding or something nasty like that. It's an Acura not an Audi . Dumping money into a car is a bad investment no matter how you look at it but these small things can be taken care of on the cheap compared to the price of a new vehicle. You know the history of you car which is an added bonus, assuming you were going to buy a new 'used' car. And I really don't think a TL owner, especially a 6MT TL owner, would appreciate the TSX or RSX as much. Maybe the 6-cyl TSX but those only come with an auto. I personally don't think I could go back to a 4-cyl after the J32, even if it was FI. Granted, you would probably get a little better mileage with either, though it would doubfully be enough to offset the cost of a new vehicle.

Just my .

 

I live in Philly which is also a terrible place in terms of scrapes and bumps from others that are inconsiderate when parking.

My rear bumper got side swiped and partially cracked while I was PARKED. Unfortunately I wasn't there to catch the culprit and they left me with no note or anything. So after I got it fixed and repainted I bought this:


You only flip it out when you are parked, covers most of the back bumper. I feel much safer every time I walk away from my car. If only I could put one on the front bumper and the door panels too =P Heck I would bubble wrap my car every time I parked if I could.

As far trading for a new car, I agree with most that you may not like the downgrade in power and refinement. I think you have a better chance of liking the RSX-S compared to the TSX. RSX-S is much lighter than the TL/TSX and much smaller so it's going to be fun in the twisties. But huge downgrade in interior.

I'd probably stick with your current TL then save up money to get a place with a garage =) Then you can consider getting a newer car or repaint your current car.