My mostly stock (at least suspension wise) 3G creaks and groans over bumps, so I figure it's time to replace the suspension.
Already have another go-fast car, so not looking for ultimate performance here...just something similar or slightly better than OEM.

Is the A-spec suspension significantly harsher than OEM? Or would replacing the bushings be enough to quiet things down?
Never tracked or abused the car, but I figure things will still wear down with age.

 

While I'm going to sidestep your question, I will point out you have a third OEM option; upgrading your suspension to the Type-S suspension. Speaking strictly for myself, if/when the suspension on my 2006 6MT gets tired, I'll be upgrading the one stabilizer bar which is different as well as the springs and dampers at all four corners to the Type-S model.

 

A-Spec suspension isn't available and there are plenty of crap knockoffs that start life as accord products that happen to fit the TL. Such is the case with most aftermarket suspension for our cars.

Go with the Type-S Shock assemblies and you'll be very happy. Change out sway bar end links, bushings and as well lower control arm bushings in the front.

Most interior creaks can be fixed with a little bit of felt/foam applied in the right areas to cushion rattles and worn clips.

 

Good point re: the Type-S shocks...completely forgot about that option. Having already converted my front and rear fascias with S parts, why not the suspension too

Somewhat surprising that A-spec parts are no longer available tho...thought they'd still be manufactured or stocked as they're technically factory parts (albeit optional ones).

Sigh, was hoping a simple spring/shock replacement might be enough to fix the noises, but seems I'd be going down a rabbit hole with the interior and other suspension bits. Not sure if I really want to invest that much more time/effort in a car that's already relatively old...decisions, decisions

 

@silverTL6, here's how I look at it; when I checked a little over a year ago the cost of the four OEM Type-S dampers plus the front stabilizer bar (the rear stabilizer bar is the same) was less than $800; even if you then need to pay roughly that much again for a shop to put the parts on your car, that is relatively inexpensive compared to a payment for a new(er) car.

 

right now the whole Type S set up for front and rear cost about $850 shipped to your door. I had drove all the TL suspension and I have to say Type S and Type S Aspec behave about the same as ride quality.

 

Ouch, ~$800 plus install is still a lot to sink in for a car that's only worth 2 or 3x that much. Already making payments on a newer car so too late to avoid that lol, only reason I'm still hanging onto the TL is for the nostalgia and its 6MT

I suppose the biggest concern is if the noises still persist after all that suspension investment...sigh. @truonghthe, good to know the Type-S rides about the same as base, will def take ur word for it given that you've owned almost every variation of the 3G

 

Well the Base MT set up is quite close to the Type S, hell even tire pressure are set as the same setting. You can buy Type S shock and swap them over your base suspension for a cheaper price.