weedeater

I didn't have the extra 10 large for the Bimmer.

6MTrules

Totally agree. But if the Accord came in 4 door V6 MT back in July 2005, I would have probably bought one. Probably would have been high $20's loaded. So Honda inadvertently "pushed" me up to the TL. Worth a few extra grand? Absolutely.

My buddy has a C230 and we often park next to each other at work. No comparison in quite a few categories, especially exterior styling and interior. BTW, he traded in his M3 for his C230 - more "family" friendly, and he did have quite a few issues with his M3.

I never even looked at BMW, because of cost, reliability, and long term maintenance costs.

Brettg

Yes, and I traded my 2 year old VW passat in on the Tl as it was a real mess,
totaly unreliable vehicle, typical German car. I loved it and it was a piece of crap.

Brett

davenlei

Well, I actually traded my 2004 3 series BMW in for a 2006 TL auto/navi. I am extremely happy with the TL. I must say that the BMW did handle better than the TL (stock to stock) but the HP/amenities/interior/price of the TL blows the BMW away IMHO.

I liked the BMW a lot but I love the TL.

There are three things about the BMW that I miss:

1) Auto on/off headlights.
2) 'Road Feel' handling.
3) 'Sport Mode' feature with the automatic.

There are many things I like about the TL better than the BMW but the biggest thing is that I get to have all the features I want and get to put $10,000 in the bank instead of giving it to the BM (Bowel Movement, snicker, snicker) dealer for a similarly featured BMW.

Will Y.

Me neither. And if I had it, I wouldn't want to spend it...
Besides, the 2006 model 330 was not yet out when I chose the TL in April 2005.

A friend of mine has to have RWD, so he is getting the 330, but next year in hopes that the first-year bugs will be worked out.

your_mom

The first two cars I owned were made by GM and Diamler Chrysler. Both were maintenance nightmares and broke down regularly. I like the way BMWs handle, but I had no desire to take on yet another car from a brand with a reputation for sub par reliability. Also, the TL costs $10 - $20k less depending on the exact models and options being compared. Because I'm cheap, that makes me very happy.

azrocks

I have a x5 130,000 miles and an old 535i 213,000 miles (rebuilt engine). I had a first gen tl and my wife totoled it (not her fault). I am in the process of getting a 3rd gen tl a-spec. the only complain I have with the x5 is that only get 17.4 miles on a gallon. When I bouth it four years ago, gas was only $1.30 now its $2.45. The first gen tl was a very dependable car. It was around 120,000 before the crash... to be fair both BMW and Acura builts great cars. I am having second though about the tl after seeing the yet to relase g35.
However, over all, tl is going to be better bang for the buck.

Juronimo

Me neither. Also, I've heard horror stories about German cars and repair bills once they have a few miles on them. For a while, I was considering a used 540 or A6 4.2 but I went with a TL since I wasn't eager to have my car in the shop every other week.

I don't know why people compare the 3 series to the TL, that's like comparing apples and oranges. Besides the 3 series is tiny. I can barely fit in it. If I was short, maybe I'd consider it.

gotmilk221

glad i went wit the TL.... BMW = Break My Wallet

MR1

I really thought I wanted a BMW for a number of years. I did think long and hard about getting one this time, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I have had pretty cars that kept me upset and on a first name basis with the service department.

The 3 Series IMHO is an overpriced, underpowered subcompact sold at a premium price. To get beyond the vinyl seats and cheap interior cost $$. To get the engine and sound system you really want cost $$. It does drive very nicely. It's a good car but not for me.

The only reason to compare a 325/330 with a TL is because of purchase price. The TL matches up quite well size and feature wise with the 525/530. Of course the base 525 is way expensive even with the cheap interior and crappy engine. Then again the current 5 Series is ugly IMHO. Again, nice car but not for me.

Bottom line, I could have purchased a 325/330 which are to small and to expensive in my opinion. I could have purchased a 525 with a few options without hurting much. I am happy that I decided to make the practicle decision and stay in the Honda/Acura family, no regrets here.