I love my 3G/Test drove and contemplated, just can't pull the trigger on ANY other!
02-21-2010, 12:19 PM
#1
I love my 3G/Test drove and contemplated, just can't pull the trigger on ANY other!
Preface,
Picked car for my stepfather when he was going to lease in Dec. 2003. I knew he barely drove it and would care for it so I commited then, 5 years prior to purchase this car off of him when his lease ended. I bought it in January last year. It is 6 speed, A spec, and was $13600 with 34000 miles on it and I know the original owner well.
Like anyone with the modding bug...
You reach a point where you're "done" or bored. You start harping on the little things you DON'T like about your car rather than the things you used to love about your car.
So...lately, I've been car shopping in my mind...looking for something that HAS all the things I feel I'm missing. M3 for RWD and some real power but sucky gas mileage and I'd have to go E46 as old as my car now to get it and STILL drop another 10 grand more than I owe right now. Thought about the STI...because I like hatches, but that is too much money for a new one. I thought about the 4G TL AWD 6speed, but I can't fathom paying that much money and getting worse MPG.
So I drove to Audi today and test drove the A3 TDI. Great gas mileage but that's about it, PLUS almost 18K more than I owe right now. The car didn't even give me a semi. Nothing...drove it like I drive the company van to pick up groceries.
On the drive home, I really thought about the negatives of the TL...and they're just not there enough to drop more money on something else. The shortcomings of all the other cars on my list are still far worse than my car. So I fell in love with it all over again while sitting in front of it in my garage.
It looks amazing, has been netting me 21 to 23 mpg lately, is very fun to drive when I want to (ie turn off traction and make tires screech while going to 2nd), is gorgeous and aggressive looking, is reliable, is something I know how to work on (and at this point I can take any panel, seat, radio out in like 5 min or less). This car is the bomb...and until there is something else out there with a 60/40 split rear seat, that gets over 30mpg AND has a FUN factor to drive...
THIS WILL BE MY CAR.
THAT'S ALL...
Picked car for my stepfather when he was going to lease in Dec. 2003. I knew he barely drove it and would care for it so I commited then, 5 years prior to purchase this car off of him when his lease ended. I bought it in January last year. It is 6 speed, A spec, and was $13600 with 34000 miles on it and I know the original owner well.
Like anyone with the modding bug...
You reach a point where you're "done" or bored. You start harping on the little things you DON'T like about your car rather than the things you used to love about your car.
So...lately, I've been car shopping in my mind...looking for something that HAS all the things I feel I'm missing. M3 for RWD and some real power but sucky gas mileage and I'd have to go E46 as old as my car now to get it and STILL drop another 10 grand more than I owe right now. Thought about the STI...because I like hatches, but that is too much money for a new one. I thought about the 4G TL AWD 6speed, but I can't fathom paying that much money and getting worse MPG.
So I drove to Audi today and test drove the A3 TDI. Great gas mileage but that's about it, PLUS almost 18K more than I owe right now. The car didn't even give me a semi. Nothing...drove it like I drive the company van to pick up groceries.
On the drive home, I really thought about the negatives of the TL...and they're just not there enough to drop more money on something else. The shortcomings of all the other cars on my list are still far worse than my car. So I fell in love with it all over again while sitting in front of it in my garage.
It looks amazing, has been netting me 21 to 23 mpg lately, is very fun to drive when I want to (ie turn off traction and make tires screech while going to 2nd), is gorgeous and aggressive looking, is reliable, is something I know how to work on (and at this point I can take any panel, seat, radio out in like 5 min or less). This car is the bomb...and until there is something else out there with a 60/40 split rear seat, that gets over 30mpg AND has a FUN factor to drive...
THIS WILL BE MY CAR.
THAT'S ALL...
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02-21-2010, 05:49 PM
#8
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Brother, I know the feeling! There's nothing on the market I yearn for-except a Lamborghini. And I won't be test driving one of this in the near future.
02-21-2010, 05:50 PM
#9
06 Anthracite TL
I feel the same about my 06- I'm pretty much done with mods except for one coming up (pics to follow soon), but I can't imagine anything else I want. Plus, I have 2 more payments, and then plan on being payment free for at least the next 5 years.
By the way, beautiful NBP! Good luck with it!
By the way, beautiful NBP! Good luck with it!
02-21-2010, 07:14 PM
#10
Thanks very much guys...
Yeah, I've considered a different look. I'm actually considering reselling the cleared lights and going back to my stock ones (front). Not sure though. We'll see.
NOTHING out there, IMO based on what I owe etc...comes close to fulfilling so many categories of what I consider important in a car. None.
PS Steven...I DID see a used R8 there today...lol...would have LOVED To test drive that, but it wasn't an option. It's actually the first R8 they sold in the US...with VIN number 00001 or something like that. It was bought originally for 500K! Can you imagine?!?
Yeah, I've considered a different look. I'm actually considering reselling the cleared lights and going back to my stock ones (front). Not sure though. We'll see.
NOTHING out there, IMO based on what I owe etc...comes close to fulfilling so many categories of what I consider important in a car. None.
PS Steven...I DID see a used R8 there today...lol...would have LOVED To test drive that, but it wasn't an option. It's actually the first R8 they sold in the US...with VIN number 00001 or something like that. It was bought originally for 500K! Can you imagine?!?
02-21-2010, 07:35 PM
#12
Yes sir...sure did. I'm a lucky bastard!
I had an RSX-S in blaze orange metallic that I was in love with too...felt like there was nothing better out there. BUT, I couldn't pass this deal up man. It was a killer deal.
J.
I had an RSX-S in blaze orange metallic that I was in love with too...felt like there was nothing better out there. BUT, I couldn't pass this deal up man. It was a killer deal.
J.
02-21-2010, 09:54 PM
#15
^^^No doubt my man...no doubt. I am infatuated with the Mayan Bronze, Umber interior and SH AWD 6MT. I just know I couldn't stomach the payment! lol...if that were even though I'd be all over it. Thank you for that compliment too. I appreciate it!
Thanks for the comments guys. I know I consider these other cars etc too...but it felt good to go test drive and come home appreciating my old girl! lol.
Thanks for the comments guys. I know I consider these other cars etc too...but it felt good to go test drive and come home appreciating my old girl! lol.
02-21-2010, 10:09 PM
#16
Drifting
I'm with you all. Why buy another car when the current car is as good as it is? Sure there are higher performance cars available now, but the TL is pretty darn good too.
I paid off the TL 6 months ago and enjoy seeing my savings account grow by $400 each month now since the auto-payment is over. I figure I won't need another car for at least 5 more years since my current car has 29K miles now. My family size is stable so don't need a bigger car or different car for that matter.
The money will be invested like it has in the past to pay cash for the next vehicle or take a loan if the interest rates remain low (I may be dreaming on the interest rates because they will definitely be higher than now).
Anyway, the NBP pictures look stunning and I wouldn't get another car unless I really needed a different type of vehicle. I certainly wouldn't trade to get just another sports luxury sedan because the TL does that role quite well.
I paid off the TL 6 months ago and enjoy seeing my savings account grow by $400 each month now since the auto-payment is over. I figure I won't need another car for at least 5 more years since my current car has 29K miles now. My family size is stable so don't need a bigger car or different car for that matter.
The money will be invested like it has in the past to pay cash for the next vehicle or take a loan if the interest rates remain low (I may be dreaming on the interest rates because they will definitely be higher than now).
Anyway, the NBP pictures look stunning and I wouldn't get another car unless I really needed a different type of vehicle. I certainly wouldn't trade to get just another sports luxury sedan because the TL does that role quite well.
02-22-2010, 07:07 AM
#20
^^^honestly, the only VW that does anything for me (reasonably priced) is the GTI and the TDI GTI for gas mileage purposes. But puts me in the same boat as far as cost. After driving the A3, I don't think I'm ready to drop down to turbo diesel...no matter how clean it burns. Torque was there...but doesn't respond like my TL does.
PS...Actually, they have a 2005 S4 Audi at Carmax for $24K. 340hp V8 AWD 6 speed...that sounded like fun. BUT, I plugged in the car into the .GOV gas mileage website and it had a fat "YES" next to gas guzzler and I have to be honest with myself. I like power but I can't stomach 14 mpg.
Anyway, again, thanks for all the comments and commiserations guys. That's why I love this site!
PS...Actually, they have a 2005 S4 Audi at Carmax for $24K. 340hp V8 AWD 6 speed...that sounded like fun. BUT, I plugged in the car into the .GOV gas mileage website and it had a fat "YES" next to gas guzzler and I have to be honest with myself. I like power but I can't stomach 14 mpg.
Anyway, again, thanks for all the comments and commiserations guys. That's why I love this site!
02-22-2010, 08:27 AM
#21
Team Owner
^^^honestly, the only VW that does anything for me (reasonably priced) is the GTI and the TDI GTI for gas mileage purposes. But puts me in the same boat as far as cost. After driving the A3, I don't think I'm ready to drop down to turbo diesel...no matter how clean it burns. Torque was there...but doesn't respond like my TL does.
PS...Actually, they have a 2005 S4 Audi at Carmax for $24K. 340hp V8 AWD 6 speed...that sounded like fun. BUT, I plugged in the car into the .GOV gas mileage website and it had a fat "YES" next to gas guzzler and I have to be honest with myself. I like power but I can't stomach 14 mpg.
Anyway, again, thanks for all the comments and commiserations guys. That's why I love this site!
PS...Actually, they have a 2005 S4 Audi at Carmax for $24K. 340hp V8 AWD 6 speed...that sounded like fun. BUT, I plugged in the car into the .GOV gas mileage website and it had a fat "YES" next to gas guzzler and I have to be honest with myself. I like power but I can't stomach 14 mpg.
Anyway, again, thanks for all the comments and commiserations guys. That's why I love this site!
02-22-2010, 08:40 AM
#22
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Gorgeous TL!
I love my TL to death but I've been very close to trading it in for a S2000 multiple times. I keep telling myself I need the back seats
Plus there is no way I'll get all of the money I've put into my TL back if I want to sell it, so I'll keep it and get my moneys worth
I love my TL to death but I've been very close to trading it in for a S2000 multiple times. I keep telling myself I need the back seats
Plus there is no way I'll get all of the money I've put into my TL back if I want to sell it, so I'll keep it and get my moneys worth
02-22-2010, 09:50 AM
#23
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That car is really clean and there is no reason to get rid of that. Enjoy it as you have been. The only other car I would get rid of mine for is a Lexus GS350. A couple more years and a lot more miles and I will think about giving up the TL. She is a winner!
02-22-2010, 02:38 PM
#24
Thanks guys...yeah, I agree. No reason to give it up. I LOVE the S2000 too...but I'm a big boy and getting in and out of it as my main car has made me rethink it.
About the 600hp...baby steps man...I'd probably feel like that at 400 RWHP. lol...I'm sure gas is the last thing on your mind!
About the 600hp...baby steps man...I'd probably feel like that at 400 RWHP. lol...I'm sure gas is the last thing on your mind!
02-22-2010, 09:20 PM
#26
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Brother, you should have tried to test drive it.
02-23-2010, 01:52 AM
#29
what a touchy heart warming story.......i love my TL too. i also have the mod bug but i dont have mod bug money for i have spent all the money i own on my TL paying straight cash...dude! wtf! u got ur for 13.6K?????????
02-23-2010, 09:02 AM
#31
It is most definitely already debadged. I used to think I didn't like the look...but dang, it's so clean with nothing more than the A.
RJ...no promises, but I've been missing my OEM amber lights lately, so I may end up selling the 2nd set of cleared lights. Like I said, no promises so no inquiries please. I haven't made up my mind yet.
About the heartwarming story, thanks man. And yeah...I'm lucky with the price I paid! lol. I have to learn, and probably most of america with a lot of debt SHOULD learn...that we have to be happy with what we have. It's like a girlfriend/wife you take for granted...they're there...they make you laugh and love you. Then you start harping on their downsides and focusing on it. You end it...then look back on it and wish you could have them back. Not for me thanks...I'm old enough to have learned that lesson. My gf and my car stay!
RJ...no promises, but I've been missing my OEM amber lights lately, so I may end up selling the 2nd set of cleared lights. Like I said, no promises so no inquiries please. I haven't made up my mind yet.
About the heartwarming story, thanks man. And yeah...I'm lucky with the price I paid! lol. I have to learn, and probably most of america with a lot of debt SHOULD learn...that we have to be happy with what we have. It's like a girlfriend/wife you take for granted...they're there...they make you laugh and love you. Then you start harping on their downsides and focusing on it. You end it...then look back on it and wish you could have them back. Not for me thanks...I'm old enough to have learned that lesson. My gf and my car stay!
02-23-2010, 09:13 AM
#32
2021 RDX A SPEC
i have to agree with you here.. there really is nothing out there in the marketplace that can quite compare to the value of the 3G TL. Mind you, my family is getting larger and I've preliminarily chosen the top end of the Toyota Venza lineup as a replacement for 2012.. although Toyota seems to be in some trouble at the moment.
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