So I'm about two weeks into my 08 CBP auto w/o navi. Traded in my 04 WRX w/ minor mods and I haven't looked back. It's not the Type S unfortunately as I also have an 07 RDX and the two car payments were enough without adding on another five grand for the Type S. Either way I love it...My question is what do you all put our car up against. It's the same size as a Lexus GS, but way less expensive. It's similar in price to the ES, but way more fun to drive. It's bigger than the IS, but somewhat similar in performance. It's bigger than the 3 series. About the same size as the C class. Similar to the M by Infiniti, but cheaper...

Bottom line is I'm interested to see what you all think as far as what cars you considered when buying your TL and what you put your car up against now that you have one?

Pete

 

Well Pete, you already hit the bullseyes ... LOL ... I compared against Lexus ES (bland & floaty), IS (butt ugly & short), and Infinity G (good HP, but lost in overall scoring) ... Bimmer is def. a better car, but overpriced IMHO ... so it's based on a variaty of factors that I picked TL-S over the competition, not to mention that this is my third Acura cars, so I'm a bit biased and brain-washed ..

 

i also looked at bmw3, mb c and e class. the tl-s is the best choice for the money. it has good reliability history, perfect blend of sportiness and luxury

 

Two years ago I looked at the ES330, IS250/350, Mercedes C230, and the TSX. The IS was too small, the ES cost too much more for the comparable options, and the C230 had questionable reliability. My wife didn't like the feel of the TSX, although we both like the interior better (I don't like the MID placement; passengers can't see it).

 

I looked at the MB and BMW as well - may issue with those was that I live in Columbus and having a RWD car would mean that I've a. committed myself changing out winter tires every winter and hoping they give me enough traction to drive or b. given up driving in the snow (not an option as I'm a surgery resident at OSU). Even if they were FWD I didn't think they offered the same value as the TL did...

 

The G35 is ugly IMO, quicker, RWD. The IS 350 is small, RWD and also quicker, the ES 350 is SO BORING, about as quick. If you want FWD and a car that does most everything, the TL-S is it. If you have more money and don't mind changing to dedicated snows, the 1 or 3 series with the bi-turbo 3 liter hauls @$$ and handle fantastic. But good luck as far as reliability???

 

To echo the previous posts- before deciding on the 08 TYPE S (NBP) I looked at new 3 series, everything up to the 330- the Benz C class sport- Lexus IS and ES, even ventured into the Volvo R series wich personally I think are sick- but ultimatley the design of the TL- the front facia is just unmatched- I am completely satisfied and expect to be even though the 4th gen is about to drop- hard to beat what we got as far as styling goes- enjoy!!

 

I looke dat IS, but too small and too expensive if you get it comparably equipped, and good luck finding one with Mark Levinson and that takes you well over $40K.
Not a fan of BMW maintenance or the I Drive. Benz seems to have lost their way. Other serious contender for me was G35. It is very powerful and drives nice, I just didn't feel liek it handled as well, seems a bit much on numb steering and loose road feel. Also cabin is smaller and while I beleive their build quality and fit and finish is superior to the TL, I found the ergonomics of their NAV and voice activation weak compared to TL. Now I know I'm biased as I have owned now 5 3G TLs. and my 08 Type-S is awesome. Ride is great, but build quality at Acura sucks. I went through a few TLs on the lots to find one that did not have obvious paint blemishe's or poor panel/trunk alignment. Even the TL i settled on has minor blemish and the leahter on the Type-S is horrible, very loose fit so it crumples up and creases real easily, seems like the early VINs were better, my new one is creasing and bunching up with less than 400 miles on it.

 

all comparison threads need to be in Car Talk

Thank you.