I was going to post this in Car Talk, but since it is more about the TL I thought I would post here. Mods please move if need be.

My wife is thinking of taking my 05 TL to replace her current car if she likes the TL enough. She has only driven it a few times. I would get the new car, not a bad deal.

I had originally looked at the 07 G35x, but the more I look at and read about it the more doubts I have. So, I have started looking at a new TL Type S.

Just wondering if anyone has gone from the regular tl to the Type S and what the overall impression of the Type S was to the standard TL.

 

I made the change and would do it again in a second. My TL-S suits me a lot better than my TL did.

When I made the switch I also went from a 5AT to a 6MT so that accounts for a lot.


My initial impressions were:

-suspension in my TL-S is firmer. Not uncomfortable but definitely more rigid.

-changes to interior (lighting color from red to blue) take some getting used to. I liked the blue gauge lights but I like the red button back lights better. I also like the MID being in the center better; as-well-as the MID buttons being on the steering wheel are a nice improvement.

- Navi has icon option and setup/interface is a little different. Radio controls in navi are totally diferent and take a little getting used to.

- leather is a little softer and seems a little higher quality

- backup camera is fun but also a bit of a novelty. And when it rains the camera sucks; because of water and dirt on the outside of the lens - not condensation.

-interior is nicer. Double stitching on the door panels is a nice touch

-and the obvious... engine has more power

To me it's like night and day (TL had the parchment interior - TL-S has black) Really though, I couldn't be happier with my decision. The type-s is EXACTLY what I wanted.

 

Thought I'd jump in here as I didn't see a separate forum for those considering TL or TL-S.

Same situation: trying to decide if I want to pay the extra $$ for the S-model. I love to drive, and have driven a little BMW 318i standard for years. Great car, but I don't want to take it to the grave with me. I want to splurge and have a combination of luxury, reliability, and sporty performance (while I can still enjoy it).

Was almost convinced to go for the S model with automatic, but am now rethinking that. I may miss the standard.

However, the standard will limit resale if I should ever decide to do that, as many folks I know don't know how to drive stick shift (!)

I have definitely limited my new car search to the TL, just one more test drive, the Lexus. But I'd appreciate your opinions re. TL vs. TL-S.

 

The transmission was one of the reasons I initially wanted to change from my 06 TL to my 07 TL-S. If you think you're gonna miss the standard then you probably will Others have posted that they're happy with the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and the improved Sport Shifting of the TL-S 5AT transmission. I think the only way that you're gonna know for sure is to go to the dealership and put some miles on both versions.

 

TL-S 6MT...one wonderfull car

 

I can't speak to the Type S, but wanted to comment on the manual transmission in the TL. I love it! Acura (and Honda) makes a standard transmission that is really easy to live with. I have had manuals from Honda (TL & Integra GSR), Nissan (3 Maximas), Toyota (Supra TT, Celica) as well as a few others. The TL manual has a great feel and isn't much of a pain in stop and go traffic. Good Luck!

 

I've had a TypeS TL for my company car for a few months. We are loosing our company car program in a month so I bought an 04 TL. The 04 05 TL is different from the 07 though.

I assume you are looking for sport since you are considering the G35x. The G is a great car. It feels a little smaller inside and is really fun to drive but not as smooth. The Engine is awesome with 306hp but it is a little thrashy compared to the TL. Everything about the G draws your attention to the sportiness, so it can't relax and just cruise like a TL can. The TL can play the sport role almost as good as the G, but the G can't play the luxury sedan role like the TL.

The 07 TL is really quite different from the 04-06. The guages and steering wheel and outside cosmetic changes are usually what's noticed but the ride is different too. The 07 standard tl is smoother and quieter than the previous TLs. So the difference between an 07 TL and TL S is even greater than the difference between the 04-06 TL and the new S.

The Type S is a more powerfull car, but it's not what I notice most about it. The suspension changes are the biggest difference. You get used to the power and they feel similar unless you drive them back to back.

Go drive them both. The S is great for sporty driving, but the standard car is really smooth. It all comes down to how you use it. Everyone likes the firm handling in the twisties. The question is, how do you feel about the firm ride when you're not driving that way? Which car fits you better the way you normally drive it?

 

Thanks for all the great advice!
I've got an appointment to drive the S model tomorrow, they just got one in. Last weekend I drove the TL and loved it.
I'm not into twisties, and most driving will be city/freeway, but it's nice to have that handling when you are. So good point, if the handling is firm for city/freeway, then that's a consideration. We'll see tomorrow!

And what's with those paddles on the steering wheel?!! I'm not sure I like those (nor did hubby), but I have read of others who do.

Thx again!

 

Yes, thanks for your comments and advice. I don't mind a firmer ride and always appreciate better handling even though I am not the type to really push a car through the twisties.
The G35x looks great and I do want to test drive both it and the type S on the same day
to compare them. My biggest concern with a G35x is gas mileage. I know that neither car
is a fuel miser, but it seems Acura does a much better job of finding a happy medium between performance and economy.

I have been very happy with the 05 TL and the service and attention I receive at the dealer.
I keep looking at the G35x but I am always drawn back to the TL-S

 

Have just traded 2004 TL for 2007 Type S. The 2007 is a better car in almost every way. They have however really beefed up the suspension and I am currently waiting for the dealer to replace the struts as it is almost undriveable in its current state. They have driven the car and agree there is a problem. So test drive very carefully and if you find one without issues then by all means switch.

 

Went out and tested the Lexus ES and the TL-S and TL back-to-back. Didn't like the Lexus that much--not much head room for taller folks, kinda reminded me of a small Cadillac. Then drove the TL and TL-S...guess I've known all along that's what I really wanted. So much more fun to drive.

I decided on the TL-S because I liked the firm ride and what felt like more tighter, responsive handling. Reminded me a lot of my BMW. Wasn't crazy about the rough ride on bad surfaces, but felt the handling was worth the trade-off.

So, ordered the TL-S AT (they didn't have a MT to test...only had two cars in stock!). I think the AT will be fine. Ordered Carbon Bronze Pearl, with Ebony/Silver interior. Hope it looks o.k., as they didn't have an example in stock.

They also told me they'd have to get it in from another dealer, and there were only 4 of that configuration in the U.S.! Led me to believe they 'don't make that many of the S models.'

Anyway, tossed and turned last night wondering if it was the right decision, but this morning am convinced it was. People are going to think I'm going through a mid-life crisis!

Can hardly wait til it gets here, and thanks for all the input!

 

another stisfied customer good to hear it.

 

muranojo - congrats. I'm sure that you'll be happy and the carbon is beautiful btw. Great choice ~

 

You made the right decision!

 

Lovin mine all the way

 

Congratulations!!! I am going to test drive the G35x and the TL-S sometime in the near future, even though the more I look the better the TL-S looks. Hope my wife likes my TL!!!

Our dealer had 60 TL's in stock and 18 of them are Type S. They only had one Carbon Bronze and it had the taupe interior.

 

I made the exact same upgrade from 05 TL to 07 TL-S (both AT). Details are here: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...hreadid=152230

Would I do it again? Yep. TL-S is faster, more fun to drive and it turns more heads. I get more comments on the new car, than I did on the old one. I think the build quality is about the same. The steering (torque steer) is much improved.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

Thanks to all for my jittery post-purchase nervousness!
This is definitely a board I'll have to stick with...
Glad so many of you were happy with the TL-S, but have any of you seen the Carbon Bronze with the ebony/silver interior? Too late now, but just curious.

I'm so jazzed, can hardly wait for it to get here, and I'll stay tuned!

 

Yep, I have seen the Carbon Bronze with ebony/silver. I was looking at a NBP with ebony/silver and my wife liked the CB better. The dealer here in Chicago had two CB ebony/silver in stock. After seeing it I may have changed my mind on getting the NBP. You will be happy with the color combo.

 

Thanks for that feedback! Dealer called today to say they found one in the PNW. Turns out what they meant was there were only 4 of that configuration in the PNW...who knows how many in the entire U.S. So...I should be getting it soon!

 

I got one last month, have not had an Acura since 93 Integra but always liked the TL. Wound up with Navi S even though I wanted neither, very glad I got it. Rides a little rougher than I am used to coming out of a floaty Infiniti FX35 but it handles great and is very maneuverable which I love.

 

No no no no! You nailed it on the color but missed the interior choice. Mine has a taupe. You wouldn't want to choose a dark on dark, would you? My wife actually made a good point in years while we were selecting the S. Check out the taupe again. It's really classy and coupled with the carbon bronze, it's the perfect combo.

All kidding aside, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

 

My last TL (06) had the parchment interior and I couldn't keep it clean - I was kickin' myself for that decision. When I decided to get the TL-S I had to get the black - for me black on black was the ONLY way to go Plus I like the way the silver panels help break up the black and keeps it from looking too dark in there.

Man I love my car

 

ARRRGHHH! I can't stand it! Do you know I've been having dreams about driving this car, even before I get it??!! And now the FUD factor! They called yesterday, it's in, and I pick it up tomorrow. Never again will I buy a car without seeing the whole package, it's too painful!

(Well, I haven't signed the papers yet, so guess if I puke when I see it, I can always refuse.)

Of course, the salesman said, "it's just beautiful."

So one of my dreams was getting pulled over by a cop because I was showing off the performance to a friend. The other was we were out with another couple and I couldn't find a place to park at a movie theatre because I didn't want anyone too close to me and I didn't want to be too far away and get keyed (I'm sure somehow related to another thread on this board).

Will know for sure in about 9 hours.

 

Alex,
Got my car today and have to say I absolutely LOVE the exterior and interior colors. CBP with Ebony/Silver. They look like they were made for each other.
I was so nervous when we went to pick it up, but when I drove in and saw it, I was so relieved! Later, overheard several of the salesmen commenting on how fine it looked.

 

I'm happy for you.

Now post some pics...

 

Excellent choice of CBP. If it weren't for that color, I wouldn't have bought the TL. I didn't like any of the colors/shades in the '06 lineup. I was going to get the IS350 because the color selection was excellent. Every color has its beautiful shade but the color/shade that Acura made available were simply plain until they came out with the CBP and the CGP, but the latter is not available in the S. Anyway, enjoy!

 

yup, have the same color and interior and i love it. i get compliments all the time.

 

We done good!
Wonder why their colors are so limited? Inquiring minds want to know...

 

I want to get a TL type-S, but I think it's to pricy! lol, it's about 39,000 haha, I only bought my car for 33,000 and it was new when I got mine, black on black, they had to ship it to, how much is the lowest that other Acura Delearships went down on the Type-S?
~Jason

 

I think you did quite well for $33000 and I assume that's an '05 with NAV. If you must know, I got my S for $35600 or so including accessories (mud guards, wheel locks, rubber mat and trunk tray). So it's not as pricey as you think if you do some homework and negotiate a little.

 

Are you sure that there are only 4 of that config in the US? I have the same car.
I've had it for about 2 months now and I love it.

I can tell you that I love the exterior and interior of that car. I had an 04 TL NBP with Partchment int, and I loved that too, but the black and silver interior in my TLS is much nicer. Plus the CBP is a standout color!

 

Johndawg,
I think I came back with a follow-up correction message that there were only 4 in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). So I heard them wrong I guess. Anyway, they were able to get me one in about 3 days! Glad you love it as I do. Whenever I see it parked, I still think to myself, "What a beautiful car!"

 

yeah, I saw your follow-up after I posted.

Funny story... My wife and I ran to the store the other day. She stayed in the car while I ran in. On my way back to the car, a very nice lady expressed her adoration for my new car. When I got back into the car, my wife joked with me... "I'm going to have to keep an eye on you!"

 

that's a good price i might have to do the same price than haha, how much was your trade-in value? they offered me 29,000 for mine, but I think there going to be giving me about 25,000 maybe cause I have miles on it alot
~Jason

 

I sold my car straight to Carmax and got $1000 more than dealers' best quote. Had to do it in a short time because of Acura's special 4.9% financing last Dec. and my car was a convertible which has a soft resale value during this time of the year.

I think you should leave your trade out since purchase price of a new car is so elastic when there's a trade involved.