Long story short, I was out test driving a couple of Lexus cars today, when I happened to try a TL and I loved it. I almost bought a 2008 TL on the spot, but I decided to head home to do some research since I know little to nothing about Acura.

I've found a 2006 TL +Nav with 52K miles for $18K and a 2008 TL +Nav 43K miles for $23K and it is Acura Certified.

My question is regarding the $5,000 price difference and what you get on the '08 model that you don't get from the '06? I know the '06 does not have the backup camera, but is there anything else? As far as I can tell there was not a revision in the model from those years, and all things being equal I'd like to save the $5K. I am willing to spend it however if there is some compelling reason!

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

well there are a bunch of little things ... fogs in the lower part of the bumper, aux input, updated nav, cleaner looking gauges, and 10k fewer miles. IMO is this worth it for 5k, no ... you can mod in those things for cheaper, but its up to you in the end.

If i were making the decision and both cars were in the same condition i would jump on the 06

 

There are the many cosmetic differences inside and out and since that's subjective I'll leave those out.

Suspension is a little softer on the '07-'08 models. This can be a positive or a negative depending on what you're after.

'07-'08 has an ipod hookup.

DRLs on the '07-'08. Again, could be good, could be bad depending on your taste.

I *think* all '07-'08 models got the upgraded RL 5at but it may be just the Type-S that got it.

I *think* the later models got the active traffic navi.

Mechanically they're identical besides the suspension.

There may be more auto trans issues on the '04 models.

It's hard to say which one to go with. If you don't have a preference on the looks, I might go with the cheaper one. Mine at nearly 100,000 miles has had only 2 issues--- a burned out headlight and battery. It still drives like a new car. On this particular model, I wouldn't put a whole lot of weight on a 9,000 mile difference since it will probably go 200,000 with ease.

Good luck and if you end up getting one, there are a few maintenence items that will make the TL bullet proof especially in the trans department on both the auto and manual.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/i-am-ashamed-say-636932/

 

I have an 06 and it's been a flawless car- if you want to save $5K and upgrade it to near 08 status, add an Accord fog light kit ($200 or so) and add an iPod adapter (depending on how you do this, it will run as cheap as $69 for a Blitzsafe (which I have) to ~ $150 or so for an iSimple Gateway. As IHC said, this will be a 200K mile car, and I intend on keeping mine at least that long. Plus, I don't like the 07-08 TL wheels as much as the earlier version.

 

Guys, thanks for all the input so far that's very helpful.

I knew there would be some minor differences, such as the foglights, backup camera, & traffic on the navigation. The upgraded nav in models after '07 will also play MP3.

The softer suspension would be a positive for me, as I was looking into a Lexus previously which was very soft. I guess my best option is to drive the '06 and see if I like it. I may be worth saving the $5K for some of those extras, but only if I really like that car as much as the '08 I drove yesterday.

 

interior trim changes too, if they have the ebony interior. the 04-06 had fake carbon fiber trim, but in the 07+ base ebony interiors got a fake black wood trim because the type-s got the carbon fiber. not a huge issue, but i was really not a fan of the wood. this was one of the reasons i bought an 06 over the 07. either way, good luck

 

Let's not forget the turn signal LEDs on the mirrors.

 

If you have the money go for a 07-08 Type-S ... Do some research on them before you make up your mind. WELL WORTH the extra money. Alot of differences then a base. check it out I'm sure youll be impressed!

 

The OP sounds like he's leaning toward something with maybe luxury first, performance second. The TL-S is going to ride a bit stiffer than an '07-'08 base. It's a great overall package but again personal preference. My opinion is it's not worth the extra money since I have changed every single suspension item and I like the more grown up look of the earlier base. If someone wanted the sportiness and planned on keeping it stock, the TL-S would be the obvious choice.

 

that acura certification is worth a bit as well, probably 2k for that alone.