It is 25K miles on my odometer and I am thinking more and more what would be my next car.
Usually never keep cars more then 40K. So, what are my choices right now?
Stay with TL longer until new model or what? When should we expect changes for TL? 2007?
I like Acura TL but there is plenty of new models around. Here is some I like.

BMW 3
Toyota Avalon
Subaru Legacy
VW Passat 2006 (280hp!!!)
etc.

Sure TL still hot but for how long? I guess time for Acura to add some horses!!!!

 

I think it's stupid to replace an acura before 100k miles, but thats me. Try the G35

 

An S2000 will keep a smile on your face for quite a while. And there are lot's of mods available now, too. A 240HP S2000, although lower on torque, will carve up the twisties better that any of the above cars on your list.

 

New stang is nice.

 

yeah..if anything, i'd stick w/ the TL til 2007, but then again, if you really want a new car, i'd go G35 coupe (unless you need the room). Also, im from somerset too! haha.

 

stick with the TL till 2007 then decide

 

Sorry but why would anyone go from a TL to a G35??? I would prefer to get something different like the other member mention about the S2k. Almost every year their will be new models coming out so how are you going to keep up with the mkt. Plus changing your car out every 2yrs mean big losses to your piggy bank. I would keep the TL unless something out there is much better that would make me turn my head. But nothing out there right now will do that unless you have more than 60k to dish out for a 2006 Mercedez SLK AMG (That is the only car I would trade it in for)!!!

 

Most of the cars you listed are 1st year models, so it's probably wise to keep the TL at least until 50k mark. I just broke 11k miles today and, already, I'm having serious thoughts about trading my TL for a Legacy GT or an A4 2.0T... something with F/I, MT, and AWD.

A lot of new cars are being introduced this year (too many, imo), and I think some are rushed to the market for the sake of competition. So wait a while and take your sweet time researching the possible replacement - the TL will keep you comfy in the meantime.

 

From your list I say go for the 3 series. On the other hand, personally I agree with the others on keeping the TL for a little longer. Then decide.

 

Lexus IS300 is a beautiful car (the new ones) i feel like its a more luxurious and upgraded TL....i love it

 

IS300 is underpowered IMO. Bottom of the line SLK AMG wouldn't do it for me. The AMGs aren't supposed to be good for the price(when you get to the level where they flirt with ferraris and porches I have heard it is best to go with the track bred cars). I personally love the new CLS, but that is a whole other level. Subis are too stripped of tech, even as options.

 

S2000! Or a used M3 if you're looking for more horses!

 

The IS350 would be a good one to look at.

 

In the US, you can only get the passat with the 2.0 (tip trans) so far.
I dont know when the 6 cylinder will be avalable, or if you will ever be able to get
a manual trans.
Buying a VW, especialy a new model is madness, my 2003 wore its fuel pump out
in 2 years and 27,000 miles. Who needs a car that can die on the hiway at any time?


I was never fond of any subaru...

All the German cars seem to be going downhill quickly in reliability.

I hear the new avalon is nice, they used to be REALLY boring and more for
people over 70 (like buick).
The new one is supposed to be a very nice luxury cruser though.

It seems crazy to get rid of a car after you take the big hit in depreciation,
and not take advantage of the good reliability of some cars like the TL
and the avalon.
The German cars are much different, 2 years is likely a good time to dump them,
before most of the major problems start.

Brett

 

I wouldn't get another Passat if I were you. Had a 2000 GLS V6, nice car.......when it worked. Maybe the new one will be better.

 

I could probably live with this one.

http://www.canada.com/national/natio...c-7b5ff8cce06b

 

WOW!! A young person with some sense

Keep that attitude and you will be able to retire in your late 40s or early 50s.

 

go get a SUV.

such as RangRover, Touareg, or wait for the Audi Q7, or allroad.

 

100K?
Well then you have to look at your "grandmother" car and problems growing every mile.
G35 is small for me and I am not big fan of Nissan made cars.
I know Infiniti's is much different and better car but still Nissan. Plus I am looking for not just hp but also Bluetooth, sound, navi ... etc.
RL? Price scared me out of this car.
So question is when should we expect new/upgraded TL? 2007?

 

Do you know what is going to happen 2007? TL type S with 300 hp?

 

Don't let the MSRP scare you from the RL. I think you can get a really good deal on one since the sales numbers are low.

 

Agree IS300 is perfect quality made car. Real luxury by Lexus.
But not as sporty as TL and options killing final price.

 

RL still in mine mind since I could trade my TL in same dilreship I got it.
They seems nice to me.

 

Passat? My son driving mine 2002 I had before TL.
Horrible car but since I paid this car out and it is relatively new I might have it for a while.
But 2006 model seems different....

 

Sense, yes, but not good sense. By the time you have 100k miles on a car, it isn't worth crap, and it has likely cost you a ton in repairs and upkeep. Cars are depreciating assets, and should be treated as such. Turn them at the optimum time, which for most cars in this segment is before 50,000 miles, and you'll lose less money over the long term. Doing this will also keep your outlay at a minimum, since you'll still have some trade-in value and don't have to fork over the full price for the new one.

I'm increasingly convinced leasing is the all-round best way to buy a car these days. Just don't go over 39 months and don't run up more than 15,000 a year in mileage.

For the original poster, trade if you really want to, but your car isn't "ripe" yet, and you'll pay a little bit of a premium to dump it at this point.

(Oh, and BTW, I *did* retire in my early 50's! )

 

Best one there for the value would be the Passat when it comes out. More HP, incredible tourqe, tiptronic and even AWD if ya like. It seems to be evenly priced with the current TL with all the same toys.
I am also in the market and was very interested in the TL till I did some research on the Passat.
German cars do seem to be hurting in the reliability department lately, but the last passat was rated very high by consumer reports and was recommended on their list of cars to purchase right up their with many asian models. VW has stated on this new model that they are trying to make it even more reliable, but will be a challenge, as it is for any manufacture on a new model.

 

I am also owner of 2002 Passat. Car has horrible design inside and a lot of issues since 2002.
I new one will have same quality then forget about TL competition.

 

What's the torque rating on the 3.6L, cp3117? I can't find any info on it since it's a new engine... even vw.com doesn't tell you. VW's V/VR6 were never really known for their torque before, so I'm just curious.

You should just look into getting a fun weekend car, crm. TL is reliable enough to rack up miles on it.

 

VW: 3.6L 280HP @ 6200Rpm and 265lb-ft @ 2750 Rpm

Acura: 258HP @ 6200Rpm and 238lb-ft @ 5000 Rpm

I believe these are the new ratings that came out in the pass few months where acura had to drop their Hp rating due to how they record the manufacture ratings now???...still not sure what that is all about.
Anyhow thats nice torque at low Rpm.....think a guy might just need the 4motion if he goes the VW route

 

The RL can be had for 42-43k.

 

Cool, thanks for the info.

 

Possibly will trade mine TL later next year. RL best condidate yet.

 

You won't regret it if you do. I had the TL for 6 months before it was totaled - both excellent cars.

 

Interesting that the 2002 Passat is being bashed here. I drove one before purchasing my 2005 TL a few months ago, and I loved it. No, it is not in the same league as the TL with regards to options, luxury, or performance, but it is also $10 grand less (or was in 2002) I had a 5-speed manual with a 1.8T engine, black leather interior....never had a single problem with it mechanically. Why would you think the design was horrible inside & out? I was complimented on that car as much as the TL (wll...almost) For the money (25K), it was a lot of fun to drive. (and cool blue dash lights too!)

 

Audi/VW are notorious for electrical problems, no? Looks like you didn't get suckered into a lotta options - which means you had less gizmos to give you problems.

I agree with you on the design part, though, Gr8Cruiser - It was simple and modern on the outside, and the interior was top notch, with a lot of attention to detail.

 

Think so? when you head over to Washington, come give me a visit and I'll let you take my TL 2nd or 3rd gen and I'll take you in my IS300.. lets see how underpowered you think it is then..

 

wells...thats before modding. Everyone knows you can turbo a IS3 easily. He is talking stock wise...just like the TSX. You can turbocharge the TSX easily as well.

 

Show me a TSX that's turbocharged & tuned. I remember the frustrated folks over at the TSX forum talking about how there's nothing on the market that'll correctly tune the damn thing....

 

Actually your analysis is wrong, but not uncommon for most people. Cars depreciate more at the beginning and less each year (think as an example 10% per year of the beginning of the year value... ). To have the BEST cost of a car it is best to buy an older car, say 5 or so years and then drive it for another 5 to 7 years... Much cheaper, but most people do not like to do this.

Leasing is the MOST expensive way to own a car.

I have had almost all of my cars until 100,000 miles and they do not get that much worse as they age... I know of some people who have Hondas wiith 170,000 plus and they do not have that many repairs.

But, to your post, car buying is a emotional experience for a lot of people and they will not agree with what I say even though it is correct.. and as I say to each his own.

And congrats on the early retirement... it is an accomplishment that very very few will be able to do..

 

Leasing is the MOST expensive way to own a car.


HMMMM.... You are never owning on a lease, just renting...