so currently drive an 02 911 C2 - would like to transition to an 06 TL 6spd or an 07 / 08 TL-S 6spd - due to less initial cost, less depreciation (with accumulated miles), less maintenance, lower parts costs (especially the engine), cheaper insurance, more reliable on the long term - basically it is the wiser decision for me right now as I am financing the 911 and still owe 85% of the car's value

did anyone make the transition from a sports car similar to the 911 into the TL / TL-S and regreted making that move?

Please discuss all aspects involved here

I do love driving the 911 but it is not wise to drive it daily and accumulate miles and lose value + the added maint. - why did I buy it from the first place? a combination of emotional buy / work situation was good at the time of purchase

the stuff I enjoy in any car are: speed / torque, good handling, light car feeling, good steering feel

 

If you have the option, it is a no brainer to go with the 6MT Type S. Basically the only reason to go Base instead of Type S is the price difference.

 

Tword.

 

They are completely different cars as you already recognize. The TL will do much better for you as a daily driver though. Is there a reason you're looking at a 4 door sedan, as opposed to some other sports car?

Given your situation, moving to a TL sounds like a wise move financially speaking. The TL is a great & reliable daily driver with good resale value (even with higher miles) and it is a lot of fun to drive. I'd look for a TL-S and if you currently drive a manual then be sure to find yourself a 6MT. Test drive it and see what you think.

I never had a sports car like a 911, but I did have a Celica. One of the big reasons I ended up in the TL was because I needed to get a sedan and was so disappointed with how most sedans out there drove nothing like my Celica (handling-wise). The TL handles very nicely and was one of the big deciding factor (along with the tech that was there back in a 2004 model).

For me, it had plenty of power. Now you coming from the 911 may find the TL (even the TL-S) to be lesss power than you like, but maybe that's okay.

I have my (base) TL for 5 years and I now have 150k miles on it and I am extremely happy with my decision.

 

[QUOTE=jhumbo;13062408]They are completely different cars as you already recognize. The TL will do much better for you as a daily driver though. Is there a reason you're looking at a 4 door sedan, as opposed to some other sports car? QUOTE]


I have 2 kids and I just love hondas - in my teen days, I mainly drove preludes - 88-91 models

 

Yeah for the Kids Sake this car would be great. My daughter loves the car and shes 3. She says she sits comfortable in the back in her booster. LMAO Shes to much. If you looking for something similar to the 911 as a downgrade the TL isn't that. Its like comparing Apples to Pears, You cant do it. The TL-S is a nice ride and very sporty and if you invest some $$ into it you can make it even sportier (Wheels, Suspension, Exhaust, Etc) I say if go test drive one because its really hard to compare the two. If your looking for something close to the 911 I would say try G35/G37 Coupe or Nissan 350/370. Both small inside like the 911 and RWD which is similar to the Rear Mid-Engine the 911 has.

 

Steering feel will be disappointing compared to a 911 but then again most cars will be. Compared to my Camaro Z28, and even my Maxima, low RPM torque was weak. Gas mileage is awesome if I keep my foot out of the gas. Visibility out the rear three quarters reminds me of my Camaro (awful). Turning radius is school bus like, but it's only really an issue in tight parking situations and u-turns. Overall, I don't have any regrets with my TL as a daily driver. There's a little adapting to the drop in cool/fun factor compared to a sports car but we've all got to grow up at some point. lol

 

I'm with Mafyoso, which is why I asked why you're looking at a 4 door. If you want a 4-door for the kids, then I do recommend the TL-S. If you're okay with a coupe, there are probably better options for you. Either way, take a long spirited test drive and see what you think.

 

I've driven my fair share of sports cars and the TL-S handles much better than a 911. Porsche's really handle like crap, IMHO, for one reason: the engine location. That car is all about performance, low luxury. They minimize weight by keeping alot of things out, like radio, and larger block engines. So, with that said, I'd say the transition to the TL-S isn't going to be a huge performance decrease, a noticably phenomenal handling and, especially, luxury increase. its a great daily driver, has great resale value and is reliable :-) . Hope this was helpful or insightful!

 

2 things. The TL-S is cool on paper, but I cannot find one to even test drive. They are rare.
If you want a sedan with get up and go more simiar to the porche, try a 2007 thru 2010 BMW 335i. Big brakes, 300hp, 300ft/lb, good rear seat room for something so sporty. More interior space than a G35 sedan. Price about 28K for one with low miles. TL-S sedans, if you can find them are 26K-27K. If you are looking for a comfortable ride, my GUESS is that the TL-S is better. But if you want power, brakes, handling (stiff ride) the BMW is better. Plus, the BMW on a Cobb tune makes near 350hp, 400ft/lbs.

Sorry, been researching this stuff for a while now, test driving lots of "sports sedans". Was not impressed by any facet of the G35 even though they are highly touted.

 

Um. What? You've obviously NEVER driven a Porsche. Have you ever tracked a 911? Or even ridden in one? I'm literally so dumbfounded by your comment, I'm finding it difficult to properly organize a decent argument. I have no idea how and why you can make such a claim, but 48 years of Rear Engine design will disagree with you; along with an enormous owner community and multiple race teams. You don't win awards for "handling like crap." Seriously dude, get back to Forza and stop insulting a wonderful company producing some of finest sports cars in the world.


NSX7, I apologize for the thread jack. The TL-S is an excellent option. Not quite of the same caliber as your 911, but I transitioned from a 2005 WRX STi. It is a very different driving experience but enjoyable and exciting nonetheless. I greatly appreciate the extra space, awesomely standard technology and the fact that she's no slouch. Not in the slightest. I agree with many stated above, test drive to find your niche, but I think you'd find yourself quite content in the TL.

 

TL-S

 

Definitely wait for a Type-S 6MT. Significant handling downgrade from the Porsche for sure. Even coming from my previous FWD 4cyl CL the front end of this car felt much much heavier. It reminded me of the Grand Prix GTP we had in the family, but much more composed. But that's not to say it doesn't get out of its own way, I love this car (04 6MT Base).

 

I'm watching in the midwest in a 300 mile radius from Indianapolis and not finding much. The good thing is I have time to wait so maybe something good will come along.

 

so I had a 1-hour test drive in an 08 Type S 6spd on saturday and it is definitely up there in the luxury area. There will be a huge transition in the performance dept though. Steering feel is not as bad as I expected it to be.
Torque steer is a little annoying but I can manage it.

I may just go for an 06 TL 6spd due to the price difference which could be as much as $12K

 

oh look we have a funny guy

 

I currently drive both. I have a '99 911 C2 and an '06 TL base AT.
There is absolutely no comparison in the handling feel and seat of your pants acceleration. The 911 is a different beast. It's in a different category all together.

That said, the TL is a great car. It rides well, has decent power, great tech, and is as reliable as a Honda should be. Very good resale value. It will feel heavier and less tossable. Not sluggish, but just different. Again though, a great car, and sounds like it would fit your needs well.

I definitely agree that the BMW 335 would make a good replacement, while still keeping the sedan feel and practicality. Just don't expect the TL to feel like a sports car after the Porsche.