I have a 2008 TLS, AT. with a 110 K mi on it. I have never kept a car this long or had this kind of mileage on one. I have done the 105 K service and maintained the car religiously. Human nature being what it is, I feel like I want another car. Then I start thinking about car payments, etc and I change my mind. I have looked at so many different cars, BMW's, MB, Honda coupes, I keep coming back to Acura. Ideally, I would want a 2013 TL Advance, but must admit I like the 6 cylinder Honda Coupe with the HFP kit. Do you think I would regret going the Honda coupe route? Should I just keep the TLS and drive it for a few more years? I'm conflicted, feel like a kid about this, I'm old enough to be your grandfather for most of you guys. Thanks, Bill C.

 

Test drive the Honda and see how you feel about it. Ask for an extended test drive (1 or 2 days) and not just a 30min one. If dealer says no, go to a different one.

For an extended test drive, you'd likely have to show them you're genuinely interested. Don't commit to anything, but don't make them think they're giving you a car for a day to bag on that you'll ultimately never buy.

 

To add to that, a loaded Accord coupe will likely have more tech than a 7 or 8 year old TL-S. Looks are subjective, so only you can decide on that. I'd imagine performance is similar between the two.

The question is- are you ok with losing two doors? If so, it shouldn't be a problem to switch. Just my

 

I would keep it. 110k miles and it's just breaking in if it has been well cared for. I understand the thought of getting something new and /or different as I go thru that myself but for me the 08 type S is a great body style.

 

^^ This exactly- maintenance is current, and I assume it looks and runs good- remember the car payment (if it doesn't bother you and you're really wanting new, then get it it). I hate payments, especially on something that really isn't needed. Any replacement car is going to depreciate heavily, so if you still like the TL-S, I'd keep it and just keep the maintenance current. My 06 has 107 on the odometer, and it looks and runs great, so new really has no clear benefit (to me)- the tech of the new cars is nice, but comes at a huge cost (down payment and monthly payments).

It's the whole wants vs. needs argument and are you willing to make that payment every month?

 

On the flip side: do what makes you happy. If you are old enough to be our grandpas, I'm sure you've realized life is too short to not be happy. At least there's a good market for the TL-S so you'll get some really good value on it.


Personally though, I'd take my Tl-S over my friends '14 Accord anyday. Technology aside, I just love the timeless styling and it's been the car I've wanted since my early high school years.

 

We have a 2013 Accord coupe in the family and I drive it every now and then.

No doubt the Accord has better tech, as it should, but the overall quality still goes to the TL, imo. The TL is quieter, feels a bit more luxurious, and looks better.

I actually drove the Accord for a few days instead of the TL and going back to the TL felt like a huge jump in overall quality. The Accord is awesome value for the money, but it doesn't come close to the TL imo.

 

Keep it and put the money in the bank. Not having payments on a depreciating asset is a nice place to be in. The TL-S is still a very nice car and has more than enough tech for most folks. I still get compliments on mine.

 

I would think its a step back...

 

My recent choice that led me to my current TL was between it, 04 6spd TL vs 08 EX-L Accord. Though it had 10 more HP it didnt feel like it. I drove both of these cars multiple times just last week. The accord was newer and nicer looking but that was it.

The acura has better quality, it handled better, it was just as fast because the gearing is closer. The accord had maybe slightly better low end but thats because my TL is 3.2 vs the accords 3.5. Also the clutch, our clutch is WAY BETTER, I could already feel slippage in the accord, it just doesnt grab the same, and it engages way too high.

Otherwise they were very very similar for me. In the end I got the acura because it was a few thousand less even though it had 30K more miles and it just felt more quality overall.