tokyo12144

Hello everyone!! i'm new to the community

My dad is thinking about getting me a new car, he prefers a toyota camry..

i am looking at the Acura TL. I just love the look of it and it's bang for the buck in the pre-owned market. I was able to find a 2008 TL Type-S with 25k miles certified for $27k. I am just wondering if that is a good deal?

Also what are the maintenance like for it? Will it get expensive since it's a type-S? or should i just stick to a TL (i've found low mileage TL's in the low $20k's).

My other choice is a fully loaded 08 Toyota Avalon limited with navi, push start and radar cruise control. I know it's marketed for an older crowd...but it's tempting as well.
There is a 08 limited in the Tampa market with 17k miles for $22k!

i hope you guys can help me!!

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

If you like the color combination get the TL-S, you won't look back. Great car, minimum maintenance as long as you don't get hooked with the dealer's schedule, but the Brembo pads/rotors don't last very long, at least that's what I see on this Forum. That's a decent price, but make certain everything is top notch, and forget about the Avalon as I consider them as 2 different car classes, and if you drive both, you'll see what I'm talking about.

ionojimbo

i just recently bought a WDP 07 type S and i have to say it is amazing. sit in the seat and turn it on... that is all it takes. in terms of the tl-s you found i would say try talking it down maybe 2-3k since thats a pretty competitive price. an 07 and 08 are the same so if u want u can also look for those.

IMO honda parts are generally cheaper than other brands and their cars are reliable so aside from regular maitenece and scheduled ones at milelage points it wouldnt be that costly unless u put numerable aftermarket mods

my dad has the new camry and i have to admit its pretty roomy in there and one with the facotry lipkit doesnt look that bad. its also pretty quiet and u get better city mileage. with the recent recalls pricing for a camry isnt too bad either.

i dont know much about the avalon but it just seems like the luxury form of the camry and with the price u mentioned i would pick the avalon over the camry plus i think the avalon has more power?

TLperfection

TL-S all the way man. Definitely don't get the Avalon.

Goosew

iTrader: (1)

yea, that's the "SE" model. It caught my eye too. Saw it in arctic white or whatever colour it is. Looked pretty sweet.

shooter

Get the type-s if u opt for sport mode & camry if you want the float mode ...

ionojimbo

The TL-s is automatically fully loaded and factory installed. dont get the base tl if youre only gonnna end up making it look like the TL-s i started off looking at 04-06 then wanted to convert it to a 07-08 TL base then wanted to get the same parts as a TL-s only i wont have back up cam navi and engine/ steering wheel/ seats and interior design. so i went from an 04 base to an 07 typeS

also the TL-s will get u the girl over the camry and avalon plus its a real head turner over them too

Mug

Plus, everyone here is unbiased.

tokyo12144

yeah i totally understand, type S is way more sportier than the avalon haha..

what did you mean by not getting hooked with the dealer's schedule??

also, are the brembo pads/rotors expensive to replace? is there an alternative?

i don't plan to put any aftermarket stuff on the car... IF i get the TL-S, it is sporty enough for me

how is your type S so far? any major problems?

tokyo12144

oh! i forgot to post pics of the potential type S i would get....

it's one of my favorite colors for the type S, pearl white with white(?) interior....

pimpin-tl

Nice car man. Great price for a 08. Got my 07 for the same price with 30k miles 6 months ago.

laakness

I've had mine for a week and LOVE it. I made a great decision

Bladehopper82

^^

That's a sweet WDP. Snatch it up quick. Ask $25K and maybe you can get em down to $26K. But that price isn't bad the way it is, especially since they tagged it "certified".

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

There is the factory maintenance schedule which is the bible so to speak, then there is a dealer's schedule that is filled with services you don't need or isn't part of the factory schedule. It's just a money maker for the dealer and of no real benefit to the owner. If you can do the work yourself you'll realize a bundle of savings.

The front pads from the dealer can be had $150 wholesale, and there are aftermarket pads available from $30 on up.

tokyo12144

thanks turbonut!! great info!

i'll keep you guys posted!

anymore type-S customers, please chime in

gdong

I love mine. It's an excellent blend of luxury and sport for a great price used, not to mention it looks much pretty damn nice too.

BukvaMan

until you test drive it dont get into it to much... when you say you are looking at the avalon which is aimed at an older crowd, it is very soft, comfortable and steering is light... well things like. Having said that, The TL type s is complete opposite. Its stiff suspension, being bumpy and steering is also a lot heavier... u might not like that.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

It's hard to beat a Type S for best overall bang for the buck. Bukva is right about the stiffer ride, but all the bells and whistles are difficult to pass up.



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enigmaos

iTrader: (4)

Can't really compare them side by side because they are two different classes: comfort vs sporty. As Turbonut suggested, test drive both then decide.

pimpin-tl

I personally don't really think it has a stiff ride at all. My NISMO 350Z is stiff. hehe.,

enigmaos

iTrader: (4)

old man... jk

anyway, it's really subjective when it comes to ride comfort.

ionojimbo

i also bought the white on white(taupe) combo. I was looking at the G35 and IS250 for my other choices and maybe like an 04ish 3 series but in the end i liked the interior of the TL-s the most. in terms of power im not looking to race or anything so its power was satisfactory. the other interiors were plan and the IS250 was jus too clean i like more "cluttered" feel of the TL-s. so far i have never regretted the TL-s. plus its more reliable since its a honda over a toyota imo

tokyo12144

thanks ionojimbo!

i'm going to test drive the car today.. will let everyone know.

enigmaos

iTrader: (4)

Test drive both.

tokyo12144

the type-S was pretty damn good!! i liked the sports handling.. the steering wheel was actually not as "heavy" as i thought it would.. but compared to a toyota, it is :p

i'll be driving the avalon tomorrow..

i know i'm being greedy BUT man i wish the 08 type-S came with radar cruise control and push start! (like the avalon) that would just make it perfect.. lol.

i've also found an ES350 (07) with low miles in the same price range.... i know... i know, the ride will be plush. test driving that too tomorrow.

ionojimbo

personally i like using the key and if i get a manual i will pick stick over paddle.

Hapa DC5

If your dad is buying you this car I am assume you're under 18 which in my mind would mean you'd want a car that wasn't geared towards the blue haired crowd.

Get yourself a Type S and call it a day.

tokyo12144

nah... im actually a recent college graduate, taking a year off before going to med school.

enigmaos

iTrader: (4)

ES350=Avalon + more features...

tokyo12144

lol i was looking at one of those too!! you read my mind

there is an ES350 at a ford dealership for $23k! and it only has 16k miles.. sounds a little suspect... i might make the drive to go check it out.
i think it's that cheap b/c it's not a "certified lexus"

pimpin-tl

Not even close. ES350 is a Camry. And if you ever sat in the new ES350 it has nothing close to what the Avalon or Camry feel, or look on the car.

tmnhs81

How about an 06+ RL?

Hapa DC5

Congrats so you're in your early-mid 20s? I still would rather have a car that wasn't geared towards the blue haired crowd.

tokyo12144

yes just turned 25! majored in microbiology which took 5 yrs and a minor in chemistry and psychology.

Hapa DC5

I'm telling you you'll have your whole life to drive a soft riding luxury car. Why not get something a bit more sporty?

winkyyy

my parents wanted me to get the camry but instead i got a 08 TL-S. the only thing that REALLY bothers me is the 14 MPG i get from driving city. but i get a good 30 MPG on the highway. sadly i do most of my driving city. =/.

ac-n-up

tokyo12144

update:

that white TL -type S is gone

guess i'll be back on the look out for a type S like that... damn!

i'm on autotrader every other day.

Dat Boi Ralph

iTrader: (1)

Sorry to hear that, next Type-S you come across just jump on it, don't hesitate too much