It was predatorbird with his $1500 cost, then another $4000...he dumped the car (Golf R)...that scared the shit out of me, more than I'd already heard.

I can appreciate you being happy, and I love that you are, quite the amazing car...but I think you're in the honeymoon phase right now. The 2012 S5 6MT is easily the most fun car I've ever driven.

 

Really the V8 one? I thought it was a bit lazy & sloppy compared to the facelift S5 with the 3.0T motor... But boy does the V8 sound amazing with a sweet Miltek on...

 

No sir, was the V6 supahchahhhgchaaaa one! But I loved it.

 

It was always a hoot driving those, though I probably would go S4 since sedans just add to that understated look

 

So back then I was looking into 07 S4, 04 E55 AMG or 07 E92 M3 for power but found S4 has tensioner problem and stupid Audi decide to put the timing chain behind the engine instead of front. E55 is a great car and most reliable of the three German brand until some thing decide to give still shell out a a$$ of money, M3 "the ultimate driving machine" too many people plus my experience during test drive found that the 7 DCT gear box want to take a early retirement at 60k miles, shifting is shitty for a DCT, car with less mileage has crisp and quick shifting. Well after all I think the car for me is a 08-09 IS-F not the fastest nor sportiest but Toyota reliable (weakest point is the suspension) and customer service has won me over.



I would never touch any car that has air suspension regardless of makes, hell even the LS460 UL package. I guess you can call your Audi A68 LOL.

 

This is a really interesting thread, it seems like the majority would be switching brands altogether, do we all agree acura is progressing the wrong way, I would think so. Personally I would love to jump to a CTS-V in a dream world. In reality since I already am building a stupid fast V8 Rwd car Id probably look at a small hatch, but older like integra, gti, subaru or a newer focus st

 

When the time comes, I'll be getting a new 5.0 Mustang. After 10 years of driving FWD, I'm craving something with a V8 and RWD especially since I now live in FL. I'll keep driving the TL until I can afford to buy the GT in cash since I hate car payments!

 

I test drove the 2011 5.0 3 times in a row in 2010...couldn't stomach the payment but never lost the interest in it. One day, I'll have one.

 

Yes, the Mustang GT 350 is looking pretty nice. I need to start saving now as those are around $60k fully loaded.

 

wait 2 years and buy it for 40K

 

Thinking of moving up to an SUV. Eagerly waited to drive the 2016 RDX, but it was a letdown. Handling isn't great, and the fit and finish seem like a big downgrade compared to my TL. And strangely, my current touchscreen seems larger and more usable than the new Acura tech.

So I tried out the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and the new Mercedes GLC. Each has it's drawbacks where the TL doesn't. Honestly if the damn back seats in the TL folded down I might be able to keep it forever.

My 3G spoiled me.

 

I feel ya! My dad rented a 2015 V6 Mustang when he came to visit and I loved everything about it. I can't imagine how much more awesome the 5.0 would be! As much as I want it, I think I like not having a car payment even more! I bought the TL new almost 10 years ago and it's been paid off since 2010. It only has 81K on it now so I'll keep riding it out until some d-bag runs into it or my trans poops the bed. Then I will know it's time for a RWD V8 in my life!

 

I swear, the both of you sound exactly like you crawled into my mind and read my thoughts.

 

*DJ Khaled voice*

What did I get after my TL? Another one.

What did I get after that one? Another one.

why? Because I'm smart. I'm loyal.

*/DJ Khaled voice*

 

listTENNNNNNN

 

I'll drive my 06 TL until it falls apart on me. 180k miles and still going strong.

 

this post is ackreit

 

till the wheels fall off...

dude, the amount of people posting that they're keeping their 3G until it dies on them, then resurrecting it and then keeping it until it's totaled, then rebuilding it and THEN keeping it until they are dead

is a testament to what a great car this really is!

 

The 3G really is a great vehicle. Sure there are other cars that are faster, better looking or more comfortable but as you said before, this car is just so well rounded in most aspects.

If I'm able to keep two vehicles with the 3G being one of them, I'll definitely be part of the "wheels fall off" club

 

Better looking? I think imo the TL is STILL one of the best looking cars out there today.

You're right on faster or comfortable....BUT if I am lucky to have not have mine totalled....once I get to a much better financial situation to get a fun weekend/vacation car I'd likely keep the TL as a daily and then really make it nice looking as it definitely is a very nice looking car once tastefully modded visually

 

I drove a 2G Lexus IS350 today...lol

Got very curious after reading about its impressive performance, overwhelming positive feedback, and of course it being RWD. Even before today, I always liked how they looked

I was not disappointed. Fits me well. Feels lighter, nimbler. Its smaller than the TL inside, which isnt a problem because I prefer smaller cars. Some people say it looks girly, which I dont agree with

Decisions decisions. lol

 

IS is a really nice car too...
in addition to the other things mentioned, the hardest reason for me to move on from my TL is that it is paid off, which gives it a huge edge over any other car since no other car I like is paid off already.

 

I keeping with the theme of the thread though...a Cadillac CTS-V was what I was seriously hunting for my next car. I would love to go German, but can't.

 

What year(s) are you considering? I always thought I wanted an 04 - 08, but my friend got one and I didn't care much for how it drove. It might have just been his, but I just didn't care for it. I need to drive one of the new supercharged ones, but I have to have a manual.

 

Cadillac?
Are you out of your mind?!?! Those suck!
CTS-V is 2009+ gen2!

If you get one, I'll be pissed. I know it's mathematically impossible but if you get one then literally EVERYONE will have gotten one except me.

 

Very good point. Almost everyone has payments these days and I HATE to be a slave to debt payments....having to shell out money each month. Ugh. Maybe its just me but that is just a icky feeling that I do not like at all.

This is another reason why I'd likely get used cars and no brand new cars either (terrible value at new, and the dealership experience has been pretty bad in my own experiences)

Why not German?

In my own opinion/situation:
Realistic next car (somewhat practical): G37S sedan
Less practical but still doable: IS/GS, R/T
Ready to spend more money or time: E55/63 AMG, B7 S4, E60 M5

Maybe the CTS-V fits in-between the 2nd and 3rd option above. Is it like a 4-door corvette?

 

I'm just a puss...I've heard enough from people I trust about the cost of parts and complicated repairs necessary. Just very high maintenance so it'd have to be a loan and lease or something, not my bag. I like owning a car I can keep on the road until I change my mind.

All the stuff you picked, fantastic. I love them all.

 

Are that many people really moving to the G35/37 from the TL?

I always liked them but after I sat in one years ago it was nothing compared to the TL. I tried to compare the two but the TL won it for me hands down--at least in the "SHOW" department, not the "GO"

The fit, finish, and quality just wasn't there for me, especially on the interior. Now that I see them for under $8k, they've definitely not stood the test of time IMO. I know our leather sucks, but from what I've seen the G's available on craigslist typically in worse shape, have less value, and are likely beat up by their owners (especially coupes)

 

Well yeah, if you're looking at the 8k price point. TLs won't be any better either.

 

I remember my mother having a dodge caravan when I was a kid. To me, everything new is awesome...good power, great interior...etc...

we're just a buncha spoiled babies willing to pay too much for things we don't need in a car.

 

I'll never go back to owning anything German. My S4 that I had before the TL was a nightmare! I only owned it 2 years and it needed constant repairs. There were things that failed twice in the time that I owned it and I treat my cars very well. I sold it right before the CPO warranty expired. My TL has been perfect outside of some rattles. The 2 VWs that I had before the S4 were junk as well. I finally learned my lesson after 3 German cars in a row!

 

I never hear ANYTHING but that...
close buddy of mine was selling his E46 M3...6MT...racing dynamic wheels...yum...even HE told me to steer clear...he refused to sell it to me (around the time I bought the other S2000). I still wouldn't have minded risking it on THAT car but probably best I didn't.

 

One of my friends, who is a BMW family, had a picture on his FB wall, with 4 new BMWs in the driveway... The problem? They were all loaners, because his were all in the shop for repairs

 

Ditto, if I'm not back in my TL if the unexpected happens, I'll be in another one.

For me and an '06 with a regular 36+ MPG on highway and averaging 20+ combined, along with the tech, I can't see a reason to "upgrade" unless it was an 07-08.

Surprised folks aren't gobbling up the early models of the 3G and sitting on them since they've begun to creep into the sub $5,000 range.

 

I'd seriously consider German only if the car was babied or I am buying brand new & if it's my weekend/nice weather car only. As a daily? Hell no unless it was leased.

One of my co-workers had an E46 325i 5MT that has only broken down once due to a bad fuel pump. Other than the car has been stone reliable and he's even taken it on road trips along the west coast a couple times. But the thing is the car was owned and babied from brand-new by his step-father and every single preventative maintenance was done proactively which he admits was a bit expensive. I was seriously considering buying his car specifically when I was look at 3G TL-S

 

Well I think for some the 1st gen CTS-V can still fill a niche. Yes it is ugly as sin...but for a cheap

 

Fuck that, for that get a G8 or last model GTO! Once I saw the new V, I could NOT stomach buying the old one.

But I agree...if I fucked my TL...I'd probably go look for a 6MT Type S...WDP, KBP, or CBP...reverse cam, 2 tone leather...3.5...and I already know ALL the problems of the 3G since I've had them all

 

and mtiaz...yeah, man...for every 10 horror stories you do get one where nothing MAJOR happened...still too scary for me and trust me, I was SOLD on an S5...best car I've ever driven. Can't do it...only a lease. and I don't lease...(and it was $700/month)...

 

I know I'm a picture whore...
but 3G, baby...three geeeeee

DSC_0957 by rock star, on Flickr

 

I had a huge reply typed up and the first half sentence show up?.....FML

Anyway short story is....yeah first gen V is ugly and I wouldn't touch one.

Agreed on the GTO, a very nice V8 FR platform coupe that is rarely seen these days (not many produced).

For a 4-door drag monster, if the 2nd gen V is out of price range.....the Charger R/T is a GREAT looking and very powerful car that has lots of potential. The dude with the Charger R/T on the Cartalk section is doing it right. Super sexy.

Unfortunately the interior is likely a plastic pos....because american cars. But maybe its wrong...I should google the newer charger interiors....

That is pure sex bruh.

When I'm in a more comfortable financial situation I'd be totally giving my 06 TL a big visual makeover as well. These cars can be made to look so hot!