Been a TL owner for about 6 years now on an 05 Base. In the market for something a bit more updated in the 20 grand or so range (used) but just don't like the looks of the BMW 3 or 5 series interiors and the Benz C series is sort of blah as well and has less HP than the TL. If money was not an issue I could find a Benz or BMW I like, but I work for a living.

I hate the 4G body style so my logical choice then is an 08 TL Type S. I love the looks and it has the features (Nav, BBK, HIDs) I want without breaking the bank.
Question time then:
1. Does the 08 TLS have any Aux input in the stereo so I can hook up and play audio from my iPhone, either via Bluetooth or cable input? I have the iSimple now and just not happy with the sound quality.
2. Does the auto trans in an 08 have paddle shifters or manual shift mode on the shift knob?
3. Thinking white, but how hard is that to keep clean? I have gray now and it's not too bad. Color suggestions based on ease of keeping clean?
4. Known issues with the 08's? Any reason I would want to go with an 07?

Thanks guys!
Bueller

 

1. There's an aux input in my base 08 so I would imagine the TL-S has one too. Located in the arm rest compartment though.

2. Paddle shifters and shift knob I believe.

3. Darker colors are easiest to keep clean except black. White is easier to keep clean than black. Basically any other color than black can get away with longer with no cleaning.

I have a CBP and it's super easy to keep looking clean as it's bronze, but when it's clean the color is amazing. I admit it wasn't even in my top 3 choices of colors, but seeing it in person really changed my mind.

4. No real major known issues in the 07 or 08 models.

 

05-08 Lexus IS350? 2007+ Infiniti G35/G37?

 

TL-S does have aux locate in the center console, and no all 3g tl has Bluetooth for phone only no Bluetooth audio, however if you willing to spend $20 you will get Bluetooth audio via aux adapter. All type s has paddle shifter, as far as the interior color there is taupe like almost white and ebony/silver. Taupe you will have to keep cleaning or that seat will turn brown yurky color but once cleaned its makes the interior looks luxurious where
Ebony/silver makes it looks sporty. I had no choice when i bought my tl every listing is taupe.

 

After 4 hours of cleanning details and reconditioning the leather and the result is great.

 

What mileage is your 06 at? I only ask in that you're trading up your 06 for an 07/08 TL-S. They are the same basic car of course, with differences, but is it worth the $20K for the stereo to sound better (and I guess a few extra perks like the Nav, paddle shifters, and different wheels)? If you're not satisfied with the iSimple, you could always go with a USA Spec or Blitzsafe interface for substantially less money than replacing the whole car. A TL-S is a very nice car and if my TL got wrecked, I would probably consider one, but ask yourself if it's worth the $20K to you since you already have a TL. Conversely, if your TL is high mileage and you're looking to upgrade, then go for it.

 

My TL is a 2005 with 92K miles. Just something about that red Type S badge, Nav, and two tone seats. My thought is once I get one, I would sell my Base TL so looking at basically 8 thousand bucks or so for the Type S.

 

It's not just Nav, paddle shifters, and different wheels. The 07-08 TL/TL-S drives differently. IMO, it's more fun to drive (stiffer steering, which I personally enjoy) as well as a much more reliable transmission

 

Honestly if I would have known more about the TL back when I bought it I would have never bought the base model, I would have went straight to the Type S. Now that I have had several years with the car and am still in love with it (despite a 400 dollar steering pump, a 600 dollar dash board and a main belt replacement), I am basically just adding the options I want on to the car I already have and it comes with a shiny Type S badge and more aggressive styling

 

G37 > TLS.

I'm biased though

 

^^^^ G37 $ = TL-S $. Fixed.

 

I recently purchased a CBP '08 TYPE-S 5AT a couple months ago SP I can verify a few things.
-Yes there is an aux input in the center console underneath the power outlet
-There are both paddle shifters and a slapstick to shift gears
-Type-S badging on steering wheel and rear
-More aggressive looking IMO (Different front and rear bumpers, side skirts)
-Beautiful quad-tip exhaust underneath a mesh-type diffuser
-Type-S wheels
-Stiffer, lower suspension
- 2-tone seats
That's about all I can draw up off the top of my head but I'm sure if you search the forums you can find more

 

I don't understand what you just said lol.

They both cost money?

 

Yep. That's what I'm talking about. LOVE the styling. Any pics you can share of the CBP? Still thinking white but if I find one of the Kinetic Blue ones I would definitely jump at that, they seem hard to find.

 

Look if you can afford the Type-S, go for it, just take your time finding one. Life is too short ...