Hello, wishing to join the 3rd Gen TL Family. Would like some advice!
12-14-2015, 09:19 PM
#41
Racer
No matter what car you end up choosing, just don't get in over your head. You came in here asking about 7000$ TLs, don't start looking at 10 000$ cars and then get fucked by cost of ownership. If I were you, I'd spend 6000$ on a higher mileage 05-06 TL and keep the extra $1k for fluids and tires.
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
12-14-2015, 09:21 PM
#42
Lol not saying it's an insane amount of miles or anything just trying to get a point across. I waited and look at a couple of cars until I got the TL I wanted and it all paid off. No major problems, other than that kid who couldn't tell the brake pedal from the gas.
might have to call up Guinness and inform them of the blood sweat and tears that must have been shed on that trip!!! Must really have wanted an S2000.
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rockstar143 (12-14-2015)
12-14-2015, 10:18 PM
#44
Okay fine...not that impressive BUT...
here's the kicker...other than once sitting in one a decade earlier...I had never even been in one nor test driven one.
I took my wife to dinner to sweeten her up on Friday night...(decided I wanted one on Thursday...bought the next day) and drove and had her follow me back until 3am that night...we got up there and I got in...and with all the squeaks of the hard top and harsh roadster ride I was like...WTF IS THIS PIECE OF SHIT...my wife is gonna kill me for driving up here to buy this if I decide not to...so I went with my gut and did it anyway. Needless to say, by the time I got home...I was in absolute love with the car. That trip kinda forced me to "get" what Honda was after...pure driving...pure discomfort...pure awesome.
12-15-2015, 12:38 PM
#45
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Hm I'm sort of at crossroads right now haha. On one hand I created an account here for the sole purpose of asking for advice to get a TL, and I know I would love the TL a lot even though my friends (around same age as me) has been telling me to get an RSX-s instead because I'll never drive that when I get older, and I'll have plenty of time with a more "mature" car, but on the other hand it's been hard finding a TL below $8500 Canadian Dollars that's the 06,07 or 08 models everyone here has been suggesting to me (since the earlier ones had transmission problems). Furthermore, a manual car has been hard to find so I don't know if I really want an automatic TL (it'll probably be less fun than an RSX-s even in manual, so definitely less fun in an auto?)
This led to me looking at Civic SIs, which are abundant and less driven hard than most RSX-s, but still holds a more mature look and feel to it, but ultimately if I get one I'd feel like I was settling and wouldn't be completely happy with it.
I was also thinking maybe a G35x or even an older BMW 325xi, but neither of those are cheap to maintain and I don't know if I really do want one of those compared to a TL or RSX-s haha!
I'm hoping for that "unicorn" like a manual 2006+ TL in decent condition, or an RSX-s that's near-stock, but at my budget I really doubt I can find anything like that! I've expanded my search all the way down to Vancouver and Edmonton and Saskatoon, with Vancouver and Sask being 12+ hours from me, but still nothing :/
This led to me looking at Civic SIs, which are abundant and less driven hard than most RSX-s, but still holds a more mature look and feel to it, but ultimately if I get one I'd feel like I was settling and wouldn't be completely happy with it.
I was also thinking maybe a G35x or even an older BMW 325xi, but neither of those are cheap to maintain and I don't know if I really do want one of those compared to a TL or RSX-s haha!
I'm hoping for that "unicorn" like a manual 2006+ TL in decent condition, or an RSX-s that's near-stock, but at my budget I really doubt I can find anything like that! I've expanded my search all the way down to Vancouver and Edmonton and Saskatoon, with Vancouver and Sask being 12+ hours from me, but still nothing :/
12-15-2015, 01:33 PM
#46
RSX is more versatile...with the hatch vs the TL with no rear seats that'll fold.
Shoot, if you're gonna be totally crazy look for a well rebuilt title S2000
That said, you are 21...I am not...so my advice might not be the best for you. RSX-S is a very nice car built in Japan...can't go wrong.
Shoot, if you're gonna be totally crazy look for a well rebuilt title S2000
That said, you are 21...I am not...so my advice might not be the best for you. RSX-S is a very nice car built in Japan...can't go wrong.
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
12-15-2015, 01:36 PM
#47
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Haha I'd love an S2K, those are so, so beautiful. Unfortunately really do need the room/space and practicality, this is going to be my daily for the next few years and my only car as well :'(
Yea after I saw the amount of space in the back of an RSX-s I was super impressed, never knew liftbacks were that roomy!
Yea after I saw the amount of space in the back of an RSX-s I was super impressed, never knew liftbacks were that roomy!
12-15-2015, 02:08 PM
#49
Intermediate
Thread Starter
WTF how'd you fit that in the S2000 haha? Did you kick your wife out the passenger seat :P
I live in Alberta though, lots of snow, don't know how viable an S2000 is
I live in Alberta though, lots of snow, don't know how viable an S2000 is
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rockstar143 (12-16-2015)
12-15-2015, 02:44 PM
#50
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Once again, sorry for a double post! Are the pre-2006 TL's really not recommended?
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
That one there has close to 180,000, but is from a dealer so it's probably much better taken care of, and it's $8000.
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
That one there has close to 180,000, but is from a dealer so it's probably much better taken care of, and it's $8000.
12-15-2015, 05:07 PM
#51
Once again, sorry for a double post! Are the pre-2006 TL's really not recommended?
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
That one there has close to 180,000, but is from a dealer so it's probably much better taken care of, and it's $8000.
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
That one there has close to 180,000, but is from a dealer so it's probably much better taken care of, and it's $8000.
I have an 04 with 148,000 miles on it and the thing is great. I understood that the tranny might not be the most reliable, but I knew that the car looked after by the last guy who owned it. Everything was done at the Acura dealership and the car was in pretty good condition, other than some wear and tear that comes with an 11 year old car.
Okay fine...not that impressive BUT...
here's the kicker...other than once sitting in one a decade earlier...I had never even been in one nor test driven one.
I took my wife to dinner to sweeten her up on Friday night...(decided I wanted one on Thursday...bought the next day) and drove and had her follow me back until 3am that night...we got up there and I got in...and with all the squeaks of the hard top and harsh roadster ride I was like...WTF IS THIS PIECE OF SHIT...my wife is gonna kill me for driving up here to buy this if I decide not to...so I went with my gut and did it anyway. Needless to say, by the time I got home...I was in absolute love with the car. That trip kinda forced me to "get" what Honda was after...pure driving...pure discomfort...pure awesome.
Geez, you were in quite a predicament there sir.
The real question now is how is that s2k holding up?
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rockstar143 (12-16-2015)
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
12-15-2015, 10:13 PM
#54
Intermediate
Thread Starter
So rare to find a MT TL haha, wouldn't mind an auto though like it'll be less fun but not a deal breaker by any means. I ruled out the Civic, figured I'd rather drive my beater for another few months or so than "settle" :P.
I also started looking at the Infiniti G35x, they are pretty decently priced for the KMs, and maintenance doesn't seem too bad as long as I don't get the rev-up engine ones haha.
Will definitely continue to look for 07+ TLs, most of them running at around $9000 Canadian Dollars for 175,000+ KMs around here, which isn't too too bad I guess.
I also started looking at the Infiniti G35x, they are pretty decently priced for the KMs, and maintenance doesn't seem too bad as long as I don't get the rev-up engine ones haha.
Will definitely continue to look for 07+ TLs, most of them running at around $9000 Canadian Dollars for 175,000+ KMs around here, which isn't too too bad I guess.
12-15-2015, 10:23 PM
#56
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Would really like to know how to edit replies so I don't look like a mad-man posting many times in a row because I'm an impulsive and indecisive poster haha!
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
12-15-2015, 10:33 PM
#57
Burning Brakes
Would really like to know how to edit replies so I don't look like a mad-man posting many times in a row because I'm an impulsive and indecisive poster haha!
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
12-15-2015, 10:45 PM
#58
Would really like to know how to edit replies so I don't look like a mad-man posting many times in a row because I'm an impulsive and indecisive poster haha!
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
Anyways, the option of going for a 2005 or 2004 model with higher mileage but saving money seems like a pretty decent idea, and I like the idea of buying from a dealer since less chance of a bad car, right? This dealer's a pretty big dealer in my city:
2005 Acura TL Premium V6 for $7,950 in Calgary | autoTRADER.ca
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Polaris (12-15-2015)
12-15-2015, 11:17 PM
#59
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Yea that's true, I guess I just have this misconception that dealers are less sketchy than private sales haha.
Are the automatic TLs fun? While I'd love the comfort, luxury and drive of the TL, I'd want a car that's "fun" to drive as well, and a way to do this is having a manual car (hell even a Corolla or Tercel can be fun to drive in a stick :P), so I'm not sure if an auto TL would be "fun".
A Civic SI would have the handling, speed and MT, but just not as luxurious and comfortable as a TL. An Infiniti G35 or G35x should be a mix between fun and comfort, but I worry about maintenance costs and honestly don't know if I'd pick a G35 over a TL haha.
Are the automatic TLs fun? While I'd love the comfort, luxury and drive of the TL, I'd want a car that's "fun" to drive as well, and a way to do this is having a manual car (hell even a Corolla or Tercel can be fun to drive in a stick :P), so I'm not sure if an auto TL would be "fun".
A Civic SI would have the handling, speed and MT, but just not as luxurious and comfortable as a TL. An Infiniti G35 or G35x should be a mix between fun and comfort, but I worry about maintenance costs and honestly don't know if I'd pick a G35 over a TL haha.
12-15-2015, 11:45 PM
#60
Honestly, I love the TL I think it has that mix just like the Infiniti G35. It also has the sport shift which is similar to a manual, but the shifts aren't the best. The TL is perfect for my taste and would not have any other car for the moment.
But you don't have to take my word for it. Take some time to test drive some of the cars that you have been thinking of getting and start to narrow it down from there.
But you don't have to take my word for it. Take some time to test drive some of the cars that you have been thinking of getting and start to narrow it down from there.
12-16-2015, 12:42 AM
#61
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Booked a test drive for this Friday 
. AT 2005 and 2007 from two separate sellers, no MT unfortunately to try.
On a separate, more expensive note, is $11000 CDN for 123,000 KM too much for a 2005 RSX Type S? If so, how much can I negotiate down to? Doubt I can get it down to $9000 or so LOL, but it has been on the market for over 6 weeks now:
wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/RSX/CALGARY/Alberta/19_9020136_/
. AT 2005 and 2007 from two separate sellers, no MT unfortunately to try.On a separate, more expensive note, is $11000 CDN for 123,000 KM too much for a 2005 RSX Type S? If so, how much can I negotiate down to? Doubt I can get it down to $9000 or so LOL, but it has been on the market for over 6 weeks now:
wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/RSX/CALGARY/Alberta/19_9020136_/
12-16-2015, 01:10 PM
#62
Racer
Yea that's true, I guess I just have this misconception that dealers are less sketchy than private sales haha.
Are the automatic TLs fun? While I'd love the comfort, luxury and drive of the TL, I'd want a car that's "fun" to drive as well, and a way to do this is having a manual car (hell even a Corolla or Tercel can be fun to drive in a stick :P), so I'm not sure if an auto TL would be "fun".
A Civic SI would have the handling, speed and MT, but just not as luxurious and comfortable as a TL. An Infiniti G35 or G35x should be a mix between fun and comfort, but I worry about maintenance costs and honestly don't know if I'd pick a G35 over a TL haha.
Are the automatic TLs fun? While I'd love the comfort, luxury and drive of the TL, I'd want a car that's "fun" to drive as well, and a way to do this is having a manual car (hell even a Corolla or Tercel can be fun to drive in a stick :P), so I'm not sure if an auto TL would be "fun".
A Civic SI would have the handling, speed and MT, but just not as luxurious and comfortable as a TL. An Infiniti G35 or G35x should be a mix between fun and comfort, but I worry about maintenance costs and honestly don't know if I'd pick a G35 over a TL haha.
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Polaris (12-16-2015)
12-16-2015, 03:46 PM
#63
Booked a test drive for this Friday . AT 2005 and 2007 from two separate sellers, no MT unfortunately to try.
On a separate, more expensive note, is $11000 CDN for 123,000 KM too much for a 2005 RSX Type S? If so, how much can I negotiate down to? Doubt I can get it down to $9000 or so LOL, but it has been on the market for over 6 weeks now:
wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/RSX/CALGARY/Alberta/19_9020136_/
. AT 2005 and 2007 from two separate sellers, no MT unfortunately to try.On a separate, more expensive note, is $11000 CDN for 123,000 KM too much for a 2005 RSX Type S? If so, how much can I negotiate down to? Doubt I can get it down to $9000 or so LOL, but it has been on the market for over 6 weeks now:
wwwa.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/RSX/CALGARY/Alberta/19_9020136_/
12-16-2015, 03:49 PM
#64
Yes the auto TL is fun, of course it's a little less engaging than a manual but you still have the decent power of the V6. It pulls nicely from a stop, highway merging is a breeze and overtaking is always fun. Just don't go around trying to race people on the streets because you're about as fast as any other V6 sedan in the category.
12-16-2015, 03:53 PM
#65
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Fair enough! $10,000 is a bit steep but considering the condition it is in and that it's stock, those are pretty rare finds haha. I'll take your advice and wait until maybe even the New Year or something like that and then send him an email and ask for $9000 lol, worst case scenario he says no.
For $10,000 would you get the RSX-s or the 2007 AT Acura TL with 140,000km I posted above?
Thanks again! Looking forward to testing out the 2005 AT TL this weekend!
For $10,000 would you get the RSX-s or the 2007 AT Acura TL with 140,000km I posted above?
Thanks again! Looking forward to testing out the 2005 AT TL this weekend!
12-16-2015, 06:00 PM
#66
Racer
12-16-2015, 06:09 PM
#67
I would highly recommend you stick with 07-08 if you go automatic...those earlier autos do funny things. and not funny ha ha.
My plywood story was from the RSX-S not the S2000!
Wife knew about the S2000 purchase, she approved it! But she didn't know about the drive to Melbourne to test drive one and pick it up! That S2000 is actually doing really well...sold it to my close friend Chip (themachine) in Jersey...he flew down and drove it home. It was right after a house purchase so it seemed smart. But then I missed it and it seemed dumb. So I bought another one...the Rio yellow one I have now. I love it.
My plywood story was from the RSX-S not the S2000!
Wife knew about the S2000 purchase, she approved it! But she didn't know about the drive to Melbourne to test drive one and pick it up! That S2000 is actually doing really well...sold it to my close friend Chip (themachine) in Jersey...he flew down and drove it home. It was right after a house purchase so it seemed smart. But then I missed it and it seemed dumb. So I bought another one...the Rio yellow one I have now. I love it.
12-16-2015, 07:39 PM
#68
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Sweet, will keep an eye out for 07-08 models!
And haha yea, I am surprised with the room in an RSX! Same with Celicas as well!
As a side note, other than giving it time so the car is on the market longer, what's a respectable, friendly way to negotiate a car's price down? Would you do it in person or over email so you don't waste time, i.e. send an email or text saying "Hey I don't want to disrespect you or waste our time, but I'm only able to pay $XXXX for your car, and I'll pay for the inspection as well, what do you think?", something like that?
With the S2000, I would not hesitate to buy one if I had a daily driver, a garage and the funds to afford two cars haha! Hell, I'd even drive it in the snow with snow tires haha!
And haha yea, I am surprised with the room in an RSX! Same with Celicas as well!
As a side note, other than giving it time so the car is on the market longer, what's a respectable, friendly way to negotiate a car's price down? Would you do it in person or over email so you don't waste time, i.e. send an email or text saying "Hey I don't want to disrespect you or waste our time, but I'm only able to pay $XXXX for your car, and I'll pay for the inspection as well, what do you think?", something like that?
With the S2000, I would not hesitate to buy one if I had a daily driver, a garage and the funds to afford two cars haha! Hell, I'd even drive it in the snow with snow tires haha!
12-17-2015, 10:50 PM
#69
Burning Brakes
Sweet, will keep an eye out for 07-08 models!
And haha yea, I am surprised with the room in an RSX! Same with Celicas as well!
As a side note, other than giving it time so the car is on the market longer, what's a respectable, friendly way to negotiate a car's price down? Would you do it in person or over email so you don't waste time, i.e. send an email or text saying "Hey I don't want to disrespect you or waste our time, but I'm only able to pay $XXXX for your car, and I'll pay for the inspection as well, what do you think?", something like that?
With the S2000, I would not hesitate to buy one if I had a daily driver, a garage and the funds to afford two cars haha! Hell, I'd even drive it in the snow with snow tires haha!
And haha yea, I am surprised with the room in an RSX! Same with Celicas as well!
As a side note, other than giving it time so the car is on the market longer, what's a respectable, friendly way to negotiate a car's price down? Would you do it in person or over email so you don't waste time, i.e. send an email or text saying "Hey I don't want to disrespect you or waste our time, but I'm only able to pay $XXXX for your car, and I'll pay for the inspection as well, what do you think?", something like that?
With the S2000, I would not hesitate to buy one if I had a daily driver, a garage and the funds to afford two cars haha! Hell, I'd even drive it in the snow with snow tires haha!
), nice front brakes (4 piston) and the great gear ratios compared to the Auto. Oh And the auto transmissions weigh a lot more than the manual trans. But all that aside the auto 07/08s are a very pleasant car to drive. Look at the car and test it before talking price, cash in hand rules, less messing around. Be polite but bargain hard (don't low ball) and ask lots of question to make them explain things. Be ok with walking away, remember you don't owe the seller anything.
12-18-2015, 06:43 AM
#70
I have a newfound love for my TL...new tires...235 instead of 225 and raised it a 1/4"...
A lot of people shy away from the negotiation process because it's semi confrontational...and a lot of people aren't comfortable with that. I KINDA am like that...in that, I like to lock down a price prior. The person has a number they'll pay...but I have a number I'll take. So I'd rather just get that out of the way before wasting anyone's time. Some people don't like that...but I usually don't sell to them or if I get that impression, I usually tell them point blank I ain't playing games at the transaction. As a buyer, I'm same, I'll just get them to tell me a price, tell them I think it's fair or I'm not the right guy...and move on.
Oh...and:
A lot of people shy away from the negotiation process because it's semi confrontational...and a lot of people aren't comfortable with that. I KINDA am like that...in that, I like to lock down a price prior. The person has a number they'll pay...but I have a number I'll take. So I'd rather just get that out of the way before wasting anyone's time. Some people don't like that...but I usually don't sell to them or if I get that impression, I usually tell them point blank I ain't playing games at the transaction. As a buyer, I'm same, I'll just get them to tell me a price, tell them I think it's fair or I'm not the right guy...and move on.
Oh...and:
12-19-2015, 12:05 AM
#71
Intermediate
Thread Starter
That video was sick! Those cars hold value too well though, going to be forever until I can grab one haha!
Instead of an Acura TL, what about a TSX?
2005 Acura TSX Sedan - Low Mileage - Fully Loaded with NAV | used cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji
This one seems like in very good condition!
Instead of an Acura TL, what about a TSX?
2005 Acura TSX Sedan - Low Mileage - Fully Loaded with NAV | used cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji
This one seems like in very good condition!
12-19-2015, 12:06 AM
#72
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Also, this one's slightly more pricy but lower KMs, is a TL:
2005 Acura TL Sedan | used cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji
Having a hard time finding 06/07, might have to buy an 05 now, or wait until next year spring/summer and buy an 06/7 then.
2005 Acura TL Sedan | used cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji
Having a hard time finding 06/07, might have to buy an 05 now, or wait until next year spring/summer and buy an 06/7 then.
12-19-2015, 01:51 AM
#73
12-19-2015, 01:54 AM
#74
Polaris, I had the same problem looking for a TL, so I started looking at the TSX. When I test drove it the car was considerably slower since it was a 4 cylinder. The one thing I enjoyed about it was the handling. So if you are willing to give up hp and a worse interior go for it.
12-19-2015, 01:56 AM
#75
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Hm handling might be fun, especially on twisties, but I might be overestimating the quality of handling for now. Test drive is tomorrow for the other dealership TL! How does the silver TL look?
Also, swung by the Honda dealer today, the new 2016 Civic Touring with the turbo is quite amazing! $31000 Canadian though so not a chance haha, but that was a nice car, felt good, drove pretty well, sounded nice, looked nice.
Also, swung by the Honda dealer today, the new 2016 Civic Touring with the turbo is quite amazing! $31000 Canadian though so not a chance haha, but that was a nice car, felt good, drove pretty well, sounded nice, looked nice.
12-20-2015, 12:07 PM
#77
Doesn't make sense from a modding perspective but if all cars came from the factory with turbo I think that would go a long way to reducing carbon emissions, increasing fuel economy, and fun factor. Just what I have been thinking for some time. I am not even sure that is all true about the turbo but in my little head it makes sense.
12-20-2015, 03:02 PM
#79
