I purchased my 2004 TL on January 6th and I couldn’t be happier. I was wondering if any of you folks have giving any thoughts to what car may replace your TL later on down the line. I would like to hear from anyone who has had cars like the S or E class Mercedes; 5 or 7 series BMWs.

I actually purchased this car for two reasons, 1) I had a 2003 TL, which I like a lot and wanted Navi. 2) I was looking at cars such as the 2004 S500, E55 and 545 BMW and I was considering purchasing one of those cars when I know I should wait about 4-5 years before purchasing a car in the price range.

With that said, I can’t imagine purchasing one of those expensive cars now or in the future. I love my TL it is truly a do-everything car. Navi on German cars are crap, most don’t perform at the level of the new TL, and I could find other uses for spending the extra $50,000. I think we now live in a time where the amount of money you spend on a car, does not determine the level of car you have overall.

Mike Smeezy,

Antracite/Ebony/Navi/5AT

 

My next car after the TL will most likely be an RL, or another TL. All I know for sure it will still be Acura, unless they screw up big time. I don't see myself jumping ship to another manufacturer. I'm happy with Acura. I do wish I could get an NSX, or that HSC car. If I could afford it, I would definately get that.

 

I'm glad you are enjoying your new ride.

Price plays a role in quality, but as the TL shows, you don't have to spend Mercedes/BMW money to have a great sports sedan.

 

if the a-spec concept car makes it to production my TL goes up for sale and i purchase the a-spec or type s or whatever it'll be called.

 

Isn't it tought to think about a new car when you are already driving a new car???? Perhaps after I get plates I'll start contemplating the next vehicle! In any case, cars change so fast I cannot even imagine what will be out there in 3 years when I'm ready to move on

 

Well, your right, but I going to be retiering in a few years, and I have always planned and saved to have my dream car during that time, such as a 911, E55, 545i, etc.

So thats what got me thinking and as such, I posted this tread, but again, in a tpical sense you're right, hard to think about the next car when the new plates havn't arrived yet.

Mike Smeezy

2004 Antracite/Ebony/Navi/5AT

 

Audi A8L......although the performance factor of the TL is quickly rising to the luxury/technology elements I traditionally prefer.

And for $30k LESS?!

 

Prolly a Vette or a Porsche 914 with a chevy 350 in it or something like that that's mid life crisis'ish.

Maybe a track only Civic/Integra/Prelude type car. Who knows.

 

well i'm not too sure but in about 2 years i plan on buying another car and that would be an M3. I don't know why but i just really want one.

 

Well, I haven't even gotten the TL yet (a few more months), but I am also considering the A8, E class, or the 7 series to replace the TL that will replace my Mustang.

If all goes well, in the next few years I will be able to afford the next level of luxury and performance that Acura hasn't quite been able to reach yet.

Who knows, maybe in 4 years Acura will have a vehicle to compete with the ones I mentioned. If the new TL is any indication, I think they are well on their way.

 

Agreed, Majorhouse.

I might even get my hopes up for what's planned in the '05 RL...

 

I totally disagree. TL is a great bang for the buck. But to put it at level of S/5/E is ridiculous.

For one thing, the chassis although much better than last generation are still not on the level of higher end german cars.

Transmission and brakes has improved over last generation. But its still a step behind the german counter part.

You still get what you paid. Although I disliked my E55's steering and braking response. The power from that V8 is beyond amazing. This is the 1st stock I own that I was able to spin my rear tire at 90mph when stomp on the gas. 500+ lb-ft or torque is addictive

As far as navi goes. True german car sucks in this respect. But i will take a much more willing engine, transmission and excellent brakes over that any time of the day.

 

TL A-Spec with 21's

 

I've actually pondered the same thing. I can only imagine where technology will be when I'm ready to replace this TL. In the near term; however, I'm ready to replace my other car with something in the wagon/suv market. I'd love to see a hybrid MDX to compete with the soon-to-appear RX330.

 

Chiawei,

Let me reiterate that statement... The TL is so nice, I cant justify spending an addtional $50,000 for a car that may be slighter nicer and in some ways I may be dissapionted at the same time.

Mike Smeezy

 

I should mention the cars I would entertain, but likely not purchase now that I have the 04 TL.

Audi A8 & A6
S500, E500, E55
545i

Although I do agree that these are better cars overall, can't justify the $50,000 to get the tires to spin at 90 mph.

Yippe Kiya!...

 

I'm not going to replace my TL, but my next car is either a dodge Viper or a Nissan Skyline (import)

 

Chiawei - I think we all agree that the ///AMG cars are all quite a bit different than the "regular" E-classes. This guy was trying to justify the extra $15K for the E320 or probably the extra $21K for the E500. I could have easily bought a E-class (or even the new 5-series) but bought this instead...The E55 (like yours) is about $85K starting. That's $50K more than one of these. The ///AMG's are truely different animals (Performance rivaling a Porsche with luxury like no other). IMHO My next car will most likely be another sedan (either the new body style E55 or a 220 S55 or S600). Ideally I would also like to have AWD but as of today there are no S55/S600 or E55 4-matics so...(BTW: Audi does not offer a large performance car so it has nothing to offer right now).

 

My next car will be a modded Ford Pinto....

Especially after I go broke buying everything for the TL....lol.

 

How is it that you got it Thanks!

 

I'm Currently looking for a weekend car. Probably a Porsche Carrera C2/C4 or an S2000

 

When my TL lease is up, I hope to be able to afford 2 vehicles to take its place as daily driver(s). One will probably be a BMW X5 or perhaps an X3, the other probably an older M-car.

Hard to say, as I don't know all of what will be out in 2007.

I think my NSX is here to stay as the fun car for the foreseeable future. Still a lot of things I want to do to/with that car. If I don't keep it for a very long time, I might get something else. Perhaps a P-car or F-car or Lotus.

That is if life hasn't forced me to compromise my vehicle selection by then . . .

 

Don't forget about the NSX.

I looked at the 911 and the S2000 and for me the NSX was best choice. I couldn't really spend the $50k for a good 993 C2/C4 and have a decent daily driver (like the TL), and I didn't want to have an older 911 sitting in my garage all winter leaking oil.

The NSX has amazing dynamic qualities. It drives like nothing I have ever experienced. There are many people who could afford a more expensive car (or have many expensive cars) that choose to drive an NSX.

 

No kidding. My uncle has a '71 911 Targa sitting around waiting for a restoration. Oil puddles are almost gone, but it has a nasty misfire right now. However, when it gets back to optimal running condition... look out.

 

I don't think I'll ever go past the $60k range (that's with inflation not accounted for, by the way). With so many cars coming out now that offer what only the big boys used to offer, it really doesn't make much sense to burn the extra cash just because of the badge. For example, I would never buy an Infiniti M45 or GS 300 or S430. If I had the money, I'd go Q45, GS430, or S600. A wiser decision would probably be the new RL if it comes with AWD. That would be something I'd buy as long as it's less than $60k!

 

I will get an MDX to complement my TL and ditch my Explorer.

 

I'll take the next generation RL with AWD and all the bells and whistles, including 18" wheels and whatever sport package or boosted horsepower they offer. Either that or I'll keep my TL and get a pre-owned NSX to complete my Acura triumverate. TL, MDX and NSX...that would be just fine.

 

Last time i check, he was shopping for E55 not regular E. No other E would cost $50k over the TL. There is a significant price gap between E500 and E55.

I just disagree with his comment that E55 does not worth $50k more. In fact, those $50k difference are more than justify in my opinion.

My 2000 TL was a pos that suffered from rattles, lousy transmission, and terrible brakes. Engine lacked low end torque. When I bought my 1st BMW in 2001. I was quiet happy with it. Although it had some minor bug, it was generally trouble free. After a trip to las vegas in heat of summer, I found the price difference between 530i SPP and TL was more than justified.

My TL brake warped under hot summer heat, I had very little braking left outside mojave at 100 degree plus. I had to force the brake to cool down so I can regain some braking power. (I know it would warp the brake even further). But I was out in middle of nowhere. My 530i breezed through the same strech without missing a beat. Brake remained excellent through out. I had replaced my rotor and pad twice ( or three, can't remember) within 27k miles on the TL. My 530i was at 35k when I dumped it. The brake were even better at that mileage.

This is what you gained by paying $20k more. Anyone is entitled to their opinion. I think the new TL is a great bang for the buck and has solved a lot of my complaints about last car. However. using TL as an example to explain how over priced an E55 is just ridiculous.

I used to think like VFFR that german car does not worth the money. However after owning 3 BMW and 3 mercedes since 2001. My opinion has changed (well somewhat, I still think regluar mercedes are overpriced). I really think that to truely appreciate a german car, you really have to own one.

I am currently shopping for a new daily driver for the wife. New TL is one of the car under consideration. However, my wife is against the new TL since her last one was just beyond bad.

Most likely, my next car purchase would be the new GS430 or the new M5 ( not sure which will be available 1st). I can't wait to get my hand on the new M5 so I can retire my E55.

 

Interesting. I've been trying to decide between a 2004 e320 or 2004 530i, and then the TL came to my attention for 15K less. Would buy the TL today except for the scarcity of the Navi in the color combos I want. My personal opinion is that I liked the e320 interior the best, I like the exterior design & driving of the 530i, and I like the technology and value of the TL.

I agree with the note above comparing Navi. Touchscreen is very important to me, for useability.

Kevin

 

My next car, depending on how well GM makes it look and perform it most likely be another Z06 (Corvette Z06 for 2006)

The TL is here to stay until it falls apart, if if ever does fall apart.

(I am not planning on trading in or selling any of my current cars.)

G.

 

That's the smartest thing you've said so far. :p

 

I'll get this one!

http://www.motorcities.com/contents/03K2G591781509.html

 

I have no clue, but then my next car is probably at least another 130,000 miles away.

 

Ill probably get another TL as long as my new one is reliable and Acura treats me right otherwise I might give Infiniti a look if they put better quality interiors in their cars.

 

My father bought the 04' E320 AWD (for the Canadian Winter). Having had the opportunity to drive it several times, I have to admit, the 04TL really does compete well against this car. IMHO the navigation system on the E320 stinks, and the phone is a disaster. However, AWD is nice up here in the snow. But then, he has the $82K to spend, I don't, hence the 04TL. My next vehicle after the TL, not sure, but I know the wifes 1.7EL is traded in for the MDX in the near future. Perhaps...A6 after TL.

 

We are getting this because we didn't like the current crop of cars in the $45-60k range we normally shop are slightly above. The E-class had a nice interior but the 6 was helpless (being replaced for 05), the brake software still needs development, and the ride/handling is nothing special. The 5 series, where we normally shop, has interior by Hyundai and the ridiculous iDrive. Audi has no nav. The GS400 is very dated (new 06 in 05). All Infinitis nead help.

So, in '05 or '06, we will evaluate the BMW with mid-life updates, new 3-series, E-series with mid-life updates, new GS400/430, updated S-type, new M45, and of course update TL and new RL. In this price range we could update the TL annually or take a short vacation.

 

I've owned all three, and like I the 911 best, except little things like seat switches kept breaking. Still, nothing major in the 10 years I owned it. Had the NSX 11 years, and nothing except normal service and replacing the trunk struts (at Honda's expense ). I have an S2000 now, and like it better than the NSX (10 years newer design technology helps explains this), but would take a 911 convertible if I could afford it.

 

I was actually looking for something a little newer 99-01 996. Or I may wait a little longer by the fall I should have enough money to purchase a 04 GT3

 

How about a 2006 C6 Z06? Supposed to have a 500 HP 6.0L V8 and weigh less than 3250 lbs. Nothing else under 150k can touch it, except the 911 turbo with the 450 HP option. (Vipers don't count - too rough and hot). Think about it, great handling with the magnaride and stiff chassis with a 0-60 time probably under 4.0 seconds.

 

One word QUALITY!!!