That is definitely the question I've been wrestling with for a while now as I'm going to need a new car here before the summer is over for my new job. Question is actually more should I TL-type S it or not. I drive an '02 F-150 now with 160k miles on it and 12mpg is just not going to cut it for the amount of driving I'm going to be doing (medical sales). I estimate I'll drive at least 15-20k a year if not more.


I've looked at several Type S' over the months but with the new Fusion, Mazda6 and still attractive Optima out there, I can't help but think practically. I've asked, and gotten ridiculously helpful info from some finest Acurazine's finest but now I pose the question to everyone. I've driven them all, and like them all. It's just a matter of do I, at 22(in a month) go more "practical" with the eco friendly Fusion/Mazda6/Optima or enjoy my youth while still getting DECENT gas mileage with the Type S? Carrying capacity is a bit of a factor in the trunk as I'll be carrying totes full of instruments. The Mazda6 I test drove today showed me that they come with completely folding back seats which was huge to me. Fun to drive and looks are more important than features like navigation or heated/cooled seats or bluetooth or whatever. I look forward to any offered.

 

the other cars you mentioned are new model cars and the S would be several years old correct? I would let someone else take the depreciation and go used and enjoy the S. The TL is a freeway dream. The seat does not fold down but thats so you can do an IB sub. plenty of room in the trunk.

 

Can't go wrong with a Type S.

 

I've always been a Honda fan and have an 08 TL, but the new Mazda 6 has gotten awesome reviews from what I've seen. Plus it IS a sharp looking car.

Having said that, if you have time to hold out for a clean and well-maintained 3G TL, you'll be stepping into a winner of a midsize sedan -- timeless (IMO) looks and it'll serve you very well with the mileage described as long as you keep up with the maintenance. It's a Honda, after all.

Good luck with your search and I'll follow your thread to see how things work out!

 

yeah the Type is indeed sweet. Depreciation is something I never thought would be an issue because no matter what type of money I made, I never believed I'd want to jump into a new car. It just so happens that I didn't plan on the newer cars being THIS good looking and fun to drive for not being sporty sedans like the S. Luckily my girlfriend is also going to be getting a new car soon for graduating from the University of Michigan in a month. Maybe her dad will get her an 08 TL and I can get the best of both worlds

 

Also, if anyone has another good idea that I didn't mention, I'm for sure all ears. I haven't driven the new Accord yet. For some reason I'm not attracted to it but who knows?

 

So let me get this straight, you come onto a TL forum to asking if you should get a TL, smh. Of course more people than not are going to recommend the S, because it is a better car. By better I mean much much better, my .02. But if you really want something very eco friendly and can carry a load here ya go, http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KmWgXYmoaI...donkey-car.jpg

Cheers

 

^^^^this

the only reason why I got the TL are

1. wanted it since summer 07.

2. back seat leg room is far superior to IS350, 335i.

3. awesome styling inside and out.

4. all TL-S come one way loaded with standard option that will make you broke if you buying IS350, 335i or G35.

 

If you don't need a manual trans, I'd look at the new Ford Fusion. Over in the U.K. they're known as the Mondeo, and it's the only car the three Top Gear hosts all agree it's an excellent car.

 

some other considerations for you: cost of ownership for those new cars (warranty, no need for major service for a while) vs buying a used Type-S (possibly no warranty left and costs of maintenance is higher as mileage goes up), costs to insure any of these vehicles, premium fuel vs regular fuel, your 22- which car is gonna get you laid faster.

IMHO- look into these other things as well before deciding.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

You can get anything, but do not get a Kia

 

^and what would validate your statement?

 

^ he's 18. he knows everything.

 

That was exactly why I started looking on the new side. I mean, for under 25k I could get a lot of vehicles with moderate use. Type S, 335i's, etc etc but cost of ownership and potential for my car not starting on a day I need to be at a hospital is something I won't have time to deal with. I'm totally confident that a Type S can go WELL past 100k miles as my girlfriends father has an 05 RL with 240k on it and he has put REGULAR gas in it since he hit the 50k marker (I don't know why). And despite it being an Acura and not a BMW, Mercedes or Audi, there is still a hefty price to pay when some of the important pieces start to fail. Not to say a brand new car can't experience a similar issue.


Luckily getting laid isn't the biggest issue, but I don't want to hand my man card over at the same time. I always figured I'd drive a car with a v6 and at least 250hp but gas sucks. I just can't help but look at http://www.crownacuraclearwater.com/...UA76557A018431 and imagine. I can't get over the performance side which is why I'm looking for a middle ground. But maybe the Type S IS that middle ground? I'm not looking at IS350 (too small) or the BMWs (cost) though one day when prices aren't an issue

 

this says it all

 

I was in a similar situation to you prior to buy my Type S. Get a newer more economical car or get one that I've always wanted? I decided to get the Type S because in a few years I still wouldn't want to trade it in. Whereas with the other cars I would probably start to look for a new one in a few years.

 

For 25k sign me up for a C5 Z06 please! The second would be a 335I and thirdly a Type-S just my liking's.

 

This choice has to be yours to feel.

My dad suggested I go with the Accord V6, but I wanted the TL because it spoke to my personal interests. Despite the fact that they are almost the same car.

 

For 25k I would get an E30 M3...

 

Practicality does NOT go hand in hand with an M3 lol. Same with the Z06. But sign me up if I could somehow defy cargo space and carry multiple totes. And yes I've always loved the Type S but I got to say, there's nothing to hate about the 2014 Mazda6 which seems to be out in front if I was going to go brand new. Anyone here test driven the cars I've mentioned who can let me in on your thoughts? The decision is mine but I think I'd be a fool to not get perspective on it from other, more experienced drivers. I've read about people who've driven the Optima and the Fusion, though not many (only one I found) that did the Mazda6 and none compared them to the 3G TL, only to the 4G (which I love too beak and all).

 

When in doubt, around here, we always TL.

 

I still love my Type-S... I know that it has only been 4.5 yrs. of ownership, but every day I look at my car and I still love it. On the other hand, I think that Ford has really done a great job with their cars and I found myself pricing one out the other day... but rest assured, the TL isn't going anywhere

If it was me, I would get a used TL, save money, mod it a little, enjoy it... and after a few years, and you have some cashed saved, and your job is still secure... go out and test the waters with something different. Best of luck with whatever you do.

 

with the money I spend on my TL-S I could bought a brand new car. OP like everyone else said make sure you test drive everything with the price range before making a purchase.

 

That's what I'm trying to do for sure. I got the most out of the Mazda6 testing and the Type S for sure whereas I'll have to give the Optima and Fusion another go. Try that Optima with the SX trim. I figured on a TL board I'd always get the TL recommendation but there are also a lot of good snipits of advice in this thread which is why I asked here. If my dad had the 3G type S instead of the 2GS I wouldn't care because I could enjoy both. As it is I'm not super fond of the 2G.

 

^^^^how do you like the SX trim, they seem have to all bell and whistle but I don't know how they handled when push in the curvy road, my TL-S by far is the best stock suspension I ever ride for cornering handling wise and its not too stiff for comfort either.

 

I'm afraid I'll never know as everything here is straight lines but I'll be testing it all out tomorrow hopefully.

 

Wow! I wish I was 21 and rich! LOL! My choices at 21 were Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas! LOL! It all comes down to money and use, but lets not forget about FUN FACTOR! IMO there are not too many FUN Fords unless you are buying a $40k Cobra or $150K GT.

I love Honda's and have owned and driven nothing but for years. However over the past ten years Honda has slipped in the auto market allowing the competition to catch up. The 2013 Accord is (about time) a sharp looking ride! But as someone else said this IS a TL forum and we LOVE our rides!

If you can find a well cared for TL, most people won't have a clue how old it is. I just bought a MINT 05 Base TL (Already buying Type S goodies for her) and I have been getting compliments left and right from people who own cars newer than mine! These cars are loaded and truly ahead of their times (well except for that STUPID cassette deck!! Why Honda? Why?)

So save some money, buy a pre-loved TL, and enjoy the ride!

 

I know this is an old post but quite frankly the new 2013 Accords are nice looking cars. Especially if you get the Sport Model, EX, or EX-L. I had dropped off my car yesterday at Honda for routine maintenance and I was able to get a loaner which was a 13 Accord LX and even that model was nicely equipped. The car did drive nice except the road noise was still pronounced and that can definitely be corrected with nicer tires and not the Firestone's Affinity's. The acceleration on the 2.4 4cyl with CVT was effortless. I mean if I was to come out of my 06 TL for an EX-L Accord I would not feel that have lost a lot power cause the 4 is definitely plenty for all needs including merging and passing.