Hey guys!

I currently own 04 TL automatic w/ 96k miles on it. I love my TL and I am thinking about getting another one and giving mine to my dad because all he does is drive to work and back. I haven't done any mods to my car yet because I am debating on what I am going to do if I should keep it or get a new one.

Anyone own both TL and TLs? I want to get a manual car w/ mileage under 50k. I want a TL-s, but is there THAT big of a difference between the two? I was also thinking an EVO 9 or X, but that might be a little pricey. I do love the luxury of the TL.

Just want to know anyones opinions on this situation on what car should I get ..

 

Take a test drive and decide for yourself, but they are 2 vastly different cars. The FWD drive TL-S, more features and more refined, compared to the AWD Evo with about 1 second faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile time and is much easier to create more power with aftermarket parts if desired. Even with our Turbo car, just upgraded the ECU and fuel pump and jumped 100 horses.

 

even a TL-S 6mt will be a big difference to your TL auto.

 

Test Drive the 6MT TL, its not the easiest to grasp and sometimes really pisses you off sometimes. If you don't require a 4 door, the BRZ would be something to look at and have crazy potential for upgrades.

I'm going to move this thread to general as it does not belong here.

 

I drove a manual TL-S when I was shopping around. I noticed that it handled a bit better than a stock TL. They have a stiffer, sportier suspension. The consensus seems to be that the power difference isn't exactly night and day, but the engine is a little beefier nonetheless. I noticed a difference but it was subtle. I think the best part of the TL-S is aesthetic. The sidemarkers, trim, seats, steering wheel, insturment cluster and a bunch of other things are different. It's a significant upgrade from the base TL that way. After comparing the two, I decided on the base manual since the TL-S was 8K more, had nearly the same mileage and was in the same condition. The TL-S was white as well which I didn't want. I couldn't see spending that much more for a slight bit more power and aesthetic differences especially when I didn't want that color.

The biggest difference would simply be the change from auto to manual. Heck, I'd take a base MT6 over a TL-S auto in a heartbeat. But yeah, definitely give it a test drive. The manual in the TL is a bit of a learning experience. I've driven manuals all my life but I felt like a total newb when I drove the TL. I've got it down pat now but I stalled the engine a couple times a week for the first few months there.

 

I still havent mastered the TL's clutch.
makes me angry that I picked this car. lololol

 

^ have you done the check valve delete?

 

If the price difference isn't that much just get the Type S.

 

Seriously how is it that you guys had so much problems driving the 6mt TL? When I first test drove it; the only issue for me was how slow the clutch felt for me.

 

I have prior to my wreck.
while, it did help some...its not magical.

its just the fact that the engagement point is so low.
I can never consistently find the sweet spot.
once i find it, I lose it the next day.

 

I drove quite a few manual vehicles before the TL, and I would say it's the most difficult to drive smoothly out of the bunch. I only had it a few weeks, and didn't even drive it that much yet, but its about at the point where I'm not worried about steep hills or tricky situations, and I don't ever stall. It's not extremely difficult, its just that most cars are easier.

The 06 Base 6MT I drove was brutal. I'm not sure if it had an aftermarket clutch or something done to it, since it was extremely unforgiving. I never stalled it, or sat there burning the clutch to launch, but every shift was a bit rough. My TL-S definitely drives nicer, but the power isn't really noticeable, especially since I never really go above 3K or so. I only really stalled it twice, and it was in the heavy traffic leaving the dealer while trying to navigate in an unfamiliar area while moving over 6 lanes. Past that, its not too bad, but I do appreciate the freedom an auto can have at times. Slam your right foot down and you go. You can creep at very low speeds with ease, back up at extremely low speeds, sit on inclines without rolling, and its much easier to downshift midturn. The 6MT is still superior, but its not the best thing ever. It can be hard to determine engine speed, and the throttle feels a bit slow to respond to me.

Now, most of the manual vehicles I drove were beat POS's with bad clutches that slipped, so you can just about do anything you want without stalling or having the car violently lurch or shake. That said, I find it easier to drive my brothers 09 Si over my TL. It probably has to do with how much easier it is to hear engine speed, how firm the clutch engages, and how 'perky' the throttle is. It feels like it takes a ton of throttle in the TL to do anything.

 

I've got the same problem. However I have been driving it properly after I got it back from the power steering recall.

I find it's a bit easier to drive it with the AC on as the revs drop quicker when the compressor is on.

 

The only question i would ask you is

"what do you expect from the car ??? out of the box and down the line"

so if you say,

Luxury and some Performance and then mod it to my liking: Get the TL-S
Performance and some luxury should be quick out of the box: Get the EVO

the TL-S is an awesome car and I agree with Justn here....it is quick and you will see a lot of gain just from a Base 5AT to a TLS 6MT....but if you are looking for more, I would look at the EVO or the STI....they are wicked quick and offer the same package as 4 Door and decent in cabin room....

but yeah changes of your TL surviving more miles and years is higher....

 

drove my '05 AT for 4 years and it was a good car but when I sold it to get my TL-S manual, it was a significant difference all around. I really wanted to drive manual again as my '05 TL was my first car that had an automatic. So you may not have the same aspirations I did where it was a matter of pure passion to just say "piss on this AT nonsense i'm sick of it, give me a manual. Now."

for a daily driver that you want to be manual and be a nice car, the TL-S is top shelf. The car is respectably quick with the manual enough to make daily driving a lot of fun. The way the car shifts does take getting used to but the check valve delete makes a world of difference and slapping GM Syncromesh in there makes the shifts very smooth.

I find it easy to shift but then again in the past year I've also owned an '86 Lotus esprit and an '83 911, which are both unforgiving and can be difficult to drive. So to me the Acura manual is like a dream, lol.

I find everything about the type-s to be intoxicating as long as it has a manual trans. I've had mine for about 7 months now and have put about 13k miles on the car - I love driving it.

the only question is how attached are you to the TL as a vehicle? If there's any doubt and you want something that can be ballsy, I would not get the TL-S because you'll end up wishing you had something faster. If you want a TL-S for what it is - a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing car with nice amenities and a timeless design that has reliability in mind with balanced performance, then buy it and don't look back. You'll be very happy.

 

Thanks for all your help guys..

If I do get a TL-s manual, that'd be my first manual car. So idk how to compare it to others. The luxury of the TL is what keeps me wanting to get another one. Seeing a slammed TL with bolt ons is rare compared to seeing just an EVO or an STI. I sat in my friends STI the other day and the interior in my opinion is okay. I just enjoy the fact of having a nice leather interior/great sound system that is suitable for everyone who sits in it. After sleeping on I've made my mine up about just sticking with a TL or even buying another one. I've been looking around and only been able to find AT TL-s.

Speed isn't much of a big concern considering my commute is really to my gf's house or work. But I think the speed of a TL/TL-s is fine by me.

And just being a recent college graduate, the TL's insurance is probably gonna be a lot better on me than an EVO would. Students Loans break the bank.

Also, anyone with a TL-s or TL with bolt ons see a noticable boost in HP/speed?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Keep searching, those with a manual tend to keep them for a LONG time. just keep your eyes out for one, good luck!

 

I dont feel so bad now. lol

 

OP TL with MT is easier to find than TL-S MT, MT base TL is fast as (if not faster) than the AT TL-S do to the gearing ratio. TL-S MT is a whole new ball game lol, however TL-S is kinda pricey and people who hunting for Type S doesn't help with the price climbing up. AT TL-S is a blend of luxury and sport because they offer you all the luxury tech like back up camera and standard Navi, revise MID, LED lightning no need to shift during rush hours on freeway, meanwhile the suspension is stiff but not too stiff. Base MT TL can be found with thousand of dollars less than the Type S so go with your budget. Evo will cost you more when come to repair, turbo usually won't last you more than 130k miles without replacement and the internal will wear faster than NA car. I would never buy a used Evo or STI because I don't know how much abuse it has taken over years, after all no one buy an Evo or STI to do speed limit. That just my 2 cent

 

It will become muscle memory sooner or later. How long have you had the car? The clutch was irking me for the first month or so, but now it shifts smooth as buttah. Haha

Do you have issues getting into 1st smoothly? 1st to 2nd? Or pretty much all the shifts?

 

I would say if you are wanting the TL-S, get it. If you plan to do mods later, you might find yourself wanting to do the mods to make it look like a TL-S. I am definitely happy I chose it over the base mainly because of the little things. Even if the differences seem minimal, little things like that make you feel that much better about your car.

Just my

But finding a Type-S/manual/under 50k will be hard, and you will most likely end up paying more for it. So if price or time is an issue, you may want to reconsider.

 

It seems like the total clutch travel is considerably less than the other Honda's I've driven. And certainly less than my old '77 Camaro and '69 Ford pickup . It's great once you get used to it because you can shift relatively quick. But with a shorter travel, finding the optimal engagement point is more difficult. This is just the way it is with sportier manuals though. I drove my uncles M3 once and it was a similar feeling. The clutch was a different animal in the BMW but the short travel was similar.

I'm kind of OCD about shifting well. I got so good at shifting my '99 Accord that you would have thought it was an auto if you were a blindfolded passenger. I've got the TL down pretty well now. I haven't stalled the engine in a long time. But every now and then I'll either rev it too high or nearly kill the engine.

 

no, its the car. ive had it for 2 years going on 3.
although, not a daily driver....

but my experience mimics losiglow.
the engagement point is low and is very inconsistent.
One day, I'll be shifting PERFECT, the next; i'm a noob all over.

 

Finding a manual can be pretty tough if you are picky. I was picky and it took me months to find one. Don't give up though because getting another automatic TL won't be worth your money.

I pretty much learned how to drive a manual with my TL. Before that I had just a little experience with 2 cars for maybe 30 minutes total. The only difference I can really think of is the TL's clutch is stiffer, meaning it requires more leg force to push it in.

 

If you are comparing an Evo to a TL, you should go test drive the cars first. A forum is not going to help you much at this kind of choices.

 

Yeah but a 6MT TL-S will get you laid.

/thread

 

 

I test drove a TL-S 6MT before I got my base TL 6MT. To be honest I didn't notice a huge difference between the two. The TL-S seemed to have a bit more low end torque, but that's about it. Handling seemed about the same, granted I didn't really push the TL-S.

I've never driven an automatic TL, so I don't know how it stacks up. I do know that 04-06 base 6MT and the TL-S 6MT are pretty much the same performance wise as far as I could tell.

I think the main advantage of the TL-S over the 04-06 cars is the cosmetic upgrades and additional features.

 

I just bought my son a 2008 EVO with 56,000 miles for $25,000. Turbo-Intercooled & they really hold their value. Very quick & handle unbelievable, but NO LUXURY. Recaro seats are hard, it all depends on what you like & want. Test drive both first!

 

oh believe me, the TL-s 6MT will pull on a base TL 6MT. stock for stock

 

My experience as well. I have had mine for 3+ years and still have trouble from time to time. This isn't my first manual car to own and drive, but without a doubt is the most difficult to be smooth and consistent.

 

What exactly is the weight difference between 07-08 Type S vs. 04-06 6MT?

 

04-06 6MT with nav = 3489
04-06 6MT without nav = 3482

07-08 TL- S 6MT = 3559


Source = Hondanews.com

 

sadly not by much and its a slow pull...........

 

Oh yeah, I don't doubt the TL-S 6MT is faster than the TL 6MT. The performance numbers certainly bear that out. I'm just saying from a driver feel perspective the difference is pretty subtle IMO. Like I said, the TL-S felt a bit stronger in the low end, making the power curve feel more linear, whereas the base TL feels more peaky. That was the only real difference I could feel.

 

I really would like to drive a Type S 6MT and see if it feels much quicker. With more power and a little added weight, you would have to be a good manual driver to actually feel the difference, which I am not....

 

I've owned a manual TL and now own a manual TL-S.
The TL-S definitely feels quicker to me. However---the Base TL shifted smoother. (And yes I've done the synchromesh)
To me the base TL looks a bit dated, the TL-S looks a little bit more modern.

 

^I would agree. I can never get the 1st to 2nd shift smooth.

The clutch lets out to high in 1st but all the other gears seem to be fine. Might have to do with the slave cylinder.