Like others have said, a lot of tl drivers are older and aren't into modding. Also, some people are ignorant when it comes to cars, they don't even notice that you are driving the same car as them, let alone that yours is modded.

 

Agreed. But when I see another TL I usually give it a second look just to look at it. What I don't get is most of the people I run into, even if we're in a parking lot 3' from one another and facing one another for 30 seconds, they will look the opposite way even if it means a safety hazard. It's almost funny to watch.

It goes past not caring about cars, they go out of their way to not look at another TL.

 

I recall reading an article once that talked about cars and analogized them to watches. The writer said something to the effect that a Rolex says "I've made it and I want to show off a bit," whereas a Movado says "I've made it and I don't feel the need to show off." To some degree there are people who can afford a nicer car but choose not to buy one for that very reason; others might opt for something like the TL because of Acura's reliability, or lower repair costs, or because they don't stand out as much to cops, or whatever. Then there are people who have paid off their TLs and who just like not having car payments! Another consideration is where you're located. Making $200,000 a year in, say, New York City is a COMPLETELY different scenario from making $200,000 a year in somewhere like Des Moines simply because the cost of living is so much higher.

You also have to remember that the person with the higher salary may have other debts that would prevent that person from buying the more expensive car—student loans would be a very common one, for example. Consider that a first-year associate at a big law firm who's making $160,000 a year but who went to a private law school like Duke, NYU, Harvard, Stanford, or Chicago will, in many cases, have over $100,000 of student loan debt because it costs in the neighborhood of $40,000 per year to attend those schools these days (law school is three years). The student loan debt is a major part of what enabled that person to make the higher salary, of course, but it can easily gobble up $700 to $1,000 a month depending on interest rates.

 

Being I'm an old guy, let me tell you that the cambered wheels, skinny tires, dropped car, NEVER looked good to me any time in my life, and the 4 door FWD TL is no exception, and although the A Spec body kit looks decent, I'm not a fan of stick on kits either. These cars remind me of the Honda's/Toyota's of years ago that look like roller skates with their small tires sticking out the side of the lowered vehicle with unbelievable camber. They don't handle correctly as the tires are rolling on the inside edges and they look like they ride like a truck with the bobbling and short shock duration. Enhancements in moderation I consider fine, e.g. wider tires (245) and a larger wheel (stock 18), but other than that, no go.

I must say that in my mind, enhancements should be like modifications on a true sports car, e.g. Vette/Viper. Can't remember the last time I saw a Vette with poked tires, lowered, and with heavy wheel camber.

This sort of sums up the old guy impression of what you say is tasteful in our community. To each their own, this is what makes the world go ‘round.

 

x2

 

Agreed. I'm 33 but I remember when I was 17 and 18 and lowered Civics with exhausts were just getting popular and trying to race me in the GN. I remember laughing so hard at these guys that several fights nearly happened. I don't really think it has to do with age but rather the mentality. I've always hated this stuff as did my group of friends from that time period. I'm probably the only person that has painted their 13" Rotora calipers black to avoid unnecessary attention. Stock rims but with slightly wider and much softer tires for a nearly stock look but huge performance increase. The last think I want is to be associated with the crowd I laugh at.

 

I had a 12 second Integra and a 13 second RSX so I know the feeling entirely. It really was annoying having these kids even some "adults" mess with me anywhere I drove, my last straw was when I was trying to merge in my RSX. It was pouring out and as I was attempting to get on the freeway some douche bag in a WRX was in the middle lane and then downshifted and got next to me.

I had my signal on and slowed down he stayed right by my side. I was almost ran off the freeway. I was so pissed, the following weekend I went to the dealer and instead of buying tires for my RSX I bought a TL, I bought this car a day before my 23rd birthday.

Anytime I got into my RSX I was annoyed. My mods weren't obvious except for maybe it being lowered, the Progress RSB/Tiebar, and blacked out headlights. I still miss that car because it was probably the most fun to drive vehicle I had, more so than my GS-R.

 

I'm surprised by that. The GS-R was a pretty cool little car. I ran into a 420whp one on the freeway one time. We went at it but he just smoked the tires from a 60mph roll. I ended up talking with the guy for a while, this must've been around '05 because I didn't own the TL yet. Pretty cool because it looked and sounded mostly stock whereas 99% of the ones around here made a ton of noise, stickers, etc, and ran 15s. This thing could probably have laid down a high 10 second pass with traction.

I find myself becoming more of a grouchy old man as I get older. When I'm in the TL I want to be left alone and just drive and it gets annoying with people trying to race me. I could only imagine what it's like in an RSX or Integra.

 

I look over at drivers of other 3G TLs to nod, but they see that my TL is completely stock and just ignore me....

Oh, and as a former SCCA autocrosser, I wouldn't mod a stock car now unless it was pre-1974 or a sports car.
Mods would only be for performance, too-- no VIP-look, flares, 20s, wings, etc.

 

Don't get me wrong, my GS-R was fun, but I felt my RSX was just an improvement over it, it was a much more livable/drivable car for everyday use. The GS-R was a torqueless wonder, tons of top end, but it was dead under 5k. Having an N/A set up didn't help either. I'm not saying my RSX was giving me whiplash either, but my K20 was leaps and bounds better down low, especially after having Hondata K-pro. Great little car and I averaged 35mpg on the highway with it.

It was just getting old having to ignore people, revving, downshifting, driving recklessly, in hopes I would bite...

With my TL, I get left alone and that's how I like it. I've gotten a few compliments at a gas station, starbucks, but never anybody trying to "run."

 

^^ this.

I like where this thread has been going. Just picked it up again today for a good read

To the guy IHC responded to above - man, that's the life of an RSX driver. My buddy had a type-S and you couldn't drive 10 feet without some schmuck wanting to race you. My buddy drove the car totally stock too except for an AEM v2. He paid for it in cash because he just wanted to own a car that was fun to drive but didn't feel completely barren on the interior. He ended up selling it because everyone and their mother wanted to race him.

And yes, I'm only about to turn 27 but I still feel like a Grumpy old man because I can't stand it when people try to mess with me. Normally, the only time I romp on my car is when I'm passing someone on the highway. But apparently everyone else thinks I live for this sh*t because they all want a piece no matter what I'm doing.

If it's some kid in anything other than a Buick, chances are they want to race. And don't even get me started with the WRX/Evo crowd. There's another pack of misfits I can do without.

If I take a lane at a stoplight instead of sitting behind someone, they will often take offense to that and floor it when the light goes green - in reality I have just found it impossible to give people the benefit of the doubt that they will actually maintain speed and drive in a consistent manner. So I prefer to take lanes whenever I can because I a) typically accelerate faster in general and b) like to use cruise control whenever possible.

If I am even rolling next to someone simply because that's what the traffic pattern mandates - people will take that to mean that I want to race them or something.

I don't understand the world anymore

 

Where I am from, most people that drive TLs are middle aged white folks. Fellow Asians drive their BMWs, Lexus and Mercedes, etc.

I am one of the few Asians in my area that drive a TL. Therefore, I shall feed the stereotype and rice out my TL just to show them who's BOSS!

 

That's funny. One of my best friends is Vietnamese and he came to pick me up in his brother's car that I had never seen before. As I'm walking out I have this huge grin on my face. He's driving a slammed Integra with loud exhaust, rims, and a 75 shot. Before I could say anything he was already telling me to shut up.

The same guy threw a roundhouse to the face of some meathead and knocked him out in a Vegas casino. I couldn't stop laughing because of the stereotypes. We figured security had a good laugh too when they saw the shorter Asian guy kick the big guy in the head.

 

WAAAAAA!!! V-Tech just kicked in yo!

No but honestly though, I think the standard base TL needs a few classy mods to make it look a bit more aggressive and a positive presence on the road. I myself is starting to do that.

Oh I saw this 80 year old woman driving a KBP Type S with aspec. I was thinking, Sales guy probably told her, "oh ya, this will help you pull ahead of those slower drivers some time"

OK! I'll BUY IT!

 

A WDP Type-S parked next to me when my girlfriend and I went to Moe's earlier. I was walking back to my car and he gave me a weird look and shook his head like I ruined the car.

 

x2 bud. I see very few TL's driven by other Asians (and then there are the ones driven by asian women...*face-palm*...) Most of my relatives drive Euro or Lexus. Younger asians drive BMW, older drive Lexus/Mercedes. Asians just like that status image.

and most people on the road dont think twice before they like cut me off or try to pass me on a merge lane. I realized that people just dont think the TL is fast (decently) and that most people who DO drive a TL never really bother to race or what not.

...I, on the other hand, race any car slower than me when they try to bother me haha.

 

I've kept my 3G TL stock (looks-wise at least) and to be honest I think that about 75% of the mods people do to the TL make it look worse, not better. So no I don't give any respect to a modified 3G when I see one, unless it really does look good (very rare).

 

Sorry I didnt even read the thread but WTF??? LOL who gives a fawk if other TL drivers dont look at your car?? Seriously man you're screaming attention whore/ego issues. Im not trying to start sh*t but you gotta realize that the general population is not into modding, and if you're modding to get attention from other drivers then obviously you're gonna be disappointed. General population knows difference between ferrari and hyundai but not between HRE/work and no name brand wheels. Modding should be for YOUR enjoyment

and I wouldnt call them "stuck up" just cuz they dont look at your car LOL

^^and our friend babnik above me is a minority on azine. We are car enthusiast and most of us come on here to share/admire each others mods. And spend lots of money of course

 

Ya I agree, image and status. Oh ya, CGP ftw!

 

Most 3rd gen drivers I have met are all base, so I catch them taking a quick peek to look at my car. Most of the guys in the type-s' that i've encountered usually give a wave (type -s is rare around here).

 

^^this

before the TL i looked at the M5, e55 amg and a few other but opted for the tl bc of reliability and lack of police attention

the tl subtly says "ive made it" while not being too flashy, comfort and style is more important to me than street status

 

I always screw up the parking at meets.

 

Try reading the thread and maybe you will understand more.

 

HAha this thread is funny. I am such a nerd when I see another 3G, I always try get a look at whether the occupant is doing the same thing I am! -Ogling! Saw a Tll hit the express lane while I was on the local I pulled up and we drove together 4 a while.The Passenger Waved to me! i was Geeked for the rest of the morning...

 

I used to drive a 2g Taurus SHO and i couldn't believe how many 1-3G owners would wave at me when driving by, it made me feel special hahha.

Yeah TL doesn't seem to be an enthusiast car like the SHO, but i think those who read this thread should start waving to other TL owners haha. I usually stare at other 3G's to see if they stare back, i've only seen 1 or 2 other TL's in the last 2 years that have been modded in my area. Most are grandma's or housewifes.

 

THAT WOULD BE ME. MY CAR LOOKS STOCK. WHEN I SEE A RICER I ALWAYS LOOK DOWN AT THEM. THE TL WAS NOT MEANT TO BE RICED OUT. MOST TL OWNERS ARE PROFESSIONALS NOT 20 YEAR OLD PUNKS

 

this thread was a good laugh. First the 3rd gen tl is one of the most common cars in my area and i see one at every stop light. It isnt a car you might see once a year or even once a month, you see it every day. Also you expect ppl to wave and acknowledge you cause you put some 19 inch wheels on. You shouldnt really care what others think and how many looks you are getting. If that is all you are after then you should get a rare car not the most common car on the road.

 

I get all day by TL owners here in NYC.

 

All of the TL-S drivers in LA I've come across drive like a-holes. Including myself.

 

was thinking this exact thing the other day...its kinda a smack in the face

 

My coworker thinks I drive a Toyota camry TypeS. What a retard, while he drives a POS oldsmobile that I don't even know what model it is... now I see why he doesn't know cause I don't give a shit about his car either...

 

I can't really comment about stuck up drivers probably because I haven't seen any driving a TL yet. If I do, I'll make sure to put him in place.

 

Oh, people do stupid shit to Vipers and Vettes too . . .

 

I'm sure you get from just about anyone who sees your car.

 

I can agree that many TL owners are older and also just not into cars. However, I'm turning 45 this Fall and I've never been into modding. I've seen some nicely done cars on this site, but in general, I've never cared for the look of lowered cars and/or cars with a lot of modifications. For me this goes back to my teen years in the 80s. In those days in NYC a lot of guys used to put cheap shiny trim on their cars along with skirts/body kits. I never liked that stuff. As someone who has always been into cars, I have always kept my cars spotless and waxed. So, I've gotten compliments on how good my cars looked because they're always clean.

At one point my wife joked that I was obsessed with my 3G. I then reminded her that I've always kept my cleans clean including my very first car which was a very unexciting '87 Chevy Cavalier. Sure, it was nothing great, but it was mine and I was never happy with a dirty car.

I do notice modded TLs and have nodded to some of the drivers, but for me... I prefer the unmodded look with a nice shine on it. My only add-ons are my tinted windows and lip spoiler.

 

Yeah i can understand that, personally i mod the car to add performance more than looks. Plus it gives me something to do on the weekends..granted the money is there for parts.

Haha yeah my first car was an 86' Pontiac 6000 Le woodgrain station wagon, i cleaned that thing religiously and always got weird looks from the neighbors like "Why does he spend so much time cleaning that thing?" For the love of a clean car!

Its a small crowd of TL enthusiasts in comparison to the number of TL drivers. I guess i like to find other people with similar interests so we can hang out..shoot the shit and work on cars together.

I don't think they are Snobs rather not enthusiasts.

 

Actually this guy in about his early 40s was picking up his daughter from this middle school near my parents' palce. I was in traffic because of all the cars going into the middle school. He was driving a type-S.

He walked across from me and said "hey i really like your wheels, how big are they?"

I said 18"... he looked at it and really liked it, said "Ya those dealership guys told me they couldn't do that... I gave him the place where I got my wheels.

Anyway, all in the mean time his daughter was waiting for him to open the door.

 

I cant wait to have this problem....

 

those are some harsh words. so all stock tl drivers must think im a ricer,so they look down on me.Please man,get a clue. Your insulting alot of people on this forum with your comments. Alot of these people here are not 20 year old punks because they mod their car. this is why we have a forum for 3g's in the first place. and to Mr 6speed Brian,look at all the stuff you have done to your car. IM sure you would like alittle recognition for what you have put into your car. I get compliments from alot of people on how my car looks.
I Hate Cars seems to be the only one on here that understands what im talking about.

 

I enjoy my car stock. However I will eventually want to change it after looking at it for so many years. I'll most likely buy some rims. I like the look of lowered cars but after last years snow storms I'll pass on that.
I love all modded cars. I just decided I'll spend my extra money on my house or retirement (45 y.o). However I do fight the urge to buy tools and do something to the car-- I love halos and clear tail lights.

As far as worst town for mods. In philly you can find a lot of surplus police cars with 22's. It doesnt look bad but it doesn't look good especially if you can see where the sheild and external lights and replcement fenders where.