When shopping cars what were your choices?
06-09-2011, 02:05 PM
#1
When shopping cars what were your choices?
Ummm when you guys were shopping cars, what choices did it come down to between the TL or whatelse...?
My first choice was a 2004-2005 audi S4 which was only about $4k more than the TL I brought but I everywhere I went I could not get approved for it. I said if I couldnt get the S4 Id get a TL Type S but I couldnt find one within my price range they were all $23k+. So what about u guys?
My first choice was a 2004-2005 audi S4 which was only about $4k more than the TL I brought but I everywhere I went I could not get approved for it. I said if I couldnt get the S4 Id get a TL Type S but I couldnt find one within my price range they were all $23k+. So what about u guys?
06-09-2011, 02:08 PM
#2
Senior Moderator
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Back in 2005, the only two cars I cross shopped was the (new body style- I think it's called e90) BMW 330i which had just come out and the G35.
06-09-2011, 02:10 PM
#3
Instructor
g35, is350, bmw 3 series, pontiac g8, audi s4.
TL takes the cake. You will break the bank trying to maintain an audi, which was the final straw in me going for a japanese car.
TL takes the cake. You will break the bank trying to maintain an audi, which was the final straw in me going for a japanese car.
06-09-2011, 02:23 PM
#4
well when i got my first TL it was between the TL & the Q45 infiniti. wanted the infiniti but when i went to pick the car up it wouldnt start then when they finally got it started light smoke came out from under the hood so that was a no brainer TL
Second TL there was no competition i had to have another TL
Third TL it was a toss up i looked at G37's,Maxima's,M35's, pretty much the whole nissan market. It was a toss up between the G37,maxima and the TL though because i wanted brand new & knew what i wanted to spend a certain amount.
Could'nt do the G37 because of the size and really didnt like the styling to much (sedan not coupe love the coupe but wasnt interested in coupes at that point) & the way i wanted the maxima couldnt see myself paying the same for a max as a g37 or TL so TL won again . For now we will see what happens next time round.It was a nail bitter though
Second TL there was no competition i had to have another TL
Third TL it was a toss up i looked at G37's,Maxima's,M35's, pretty much the whole nissan market. It was a toss up between the G37,maxima and the TL though because i wanted brand new & knew what i wanted to spend a certain amount.
Could'nt do the G37 because of the size and really didnt like the styling to much (sedan not coupe love the coupe but wasnt interested in coupes at that point) & the way i wanted the maxima couldnt see myself paying the same for a max as a g37 or TL so TL won again
. For now we will see what happens next time round.It was a nail bitter though
06-09-2011, 02:52 PM
#6
Racer
The only two cars I wanted that were reasonably priced in my range (25k'ish), were RX-8 R3's and TL Type-S's, since I had good withstanding with Honda/Acura financing (from my previous NBP 6MT 3G TL), I got a much better deal on my TL Type-S, and I never regretted it.
What I would rather have instead: 2006+ BMW M5 E60 or 2008+ Audi S5 or S6, thats about the only two cars I would take over mine atm.
What I would rather have instead: 2006+ BMW M5 E60 or 2008+ Audi S5 or S6, thats about the only two cars I would take over mine atm.
06-09-2011, 03:04 PM
#7
A6 and TL
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TL, ISX50, G37, E90 328i.
Already have a E60 528i and have a E90 325xi in the family. Thats why opted out on the E90 328i. Didn't like the G37 sedan it seemed big and the MPG was not good. (Not like my TL gets amazing MPG 18 LOL). The ISX50 didn't drive good and the IS250 I looked at took forever took to pick up.
If I had to do it all over again I would have gotten the G37 sedan. The G37 sedan is powerful RWD and the MPG is the same if not better then my TL.
The interior feels cheap of the TL. Dislike the seats and the whole dash with the tri color theme going on. Other then that I like it. I can't wait until I slap some mods on
.
Already have a E60 528i and have a E90 325xi in the family. Thats why opted out on the E90 328i. Didn't like the G37 sedan it seemed big and the MPG was not good. (Not like my TL gets amazing MPG 18 LOL). The ISX50 didn't drive good and the IS250 I looked at took forever took to pick up.
If I had to do it all over again I would have gotten the G37 sedan. The G37 sedan is powerful RWD and the MPG is the same if not better then my TL.
The interior feels cheap of the TL. Dislike the seats and the whole dash with the tri color theme going on. Other then that I like it. I can't wait until I slap some mods on
.
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06-09-2011, 03:09 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
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^ Sorry but the g37 will never have better gas mileage than the TL. With the way you drive, the G37 will have even worse gas mileage.
06-09-2011, 03:15 PM
#10
Instructor
06-09-2011, 03:15 PM
#11
Keep Right Except to Pass
I got my TL in August 2004 on fairly short notice after someone rear-ended my Accord and insurance declared it a total.
Other cars I thought about test-driving and considering were the Lexus IS (whichever one it was at the time), the Audi A4, and the Volvo S60. I dismissed the S60 fairly quickly after deciding that a (then-)single guy in his early 30s shouldn't be driving a Volvo. I went to the Acura dealer first because it was the most conveniently located and because I dragged my father along because he had just bought a TSX there three months earlier and knew a salesman. After driving two TLs (one 5AT and one 6MT) I rather quickly decided I didn't need to check out the Lexus and the Audi. I had previously looked at a Lexus IS at a football tailgate the previous winter and so, while I had not driven one, I had a pretty good sense for how the interior was smaller and how the gauge cluster was in a rather gimmicky arrangement. I was also aware of how most non-Honda automakers put the screws to you on pricing by making everything an option.
I've never regretted the decision.
I didn't consider the TSX even though it was the most similar to my Accord. I wanted something that was more of a step up from what I had at the time and the TL was it.
Other cars I thought about test-driving and considering were the Lexus IS (whichever one it was at the time), the Audi A4, and the Volvo S60. I dismissed the S60 fairly quickly after deciding that a (then-)single guy in his early 30s shouldn't be driving a Volvo. I went to the Acura dealer first because it was the most conveniently located and because I dragged my father along because he had just bought a TSX there three months earlier and knew a salesman. After driving two TLs (one 5AT and one 6MT) I rather quickly decided I didn't need to check out the Lexus and the Audi. I had previously looked at a Lexus IS at a football tailgate the previous winter and so, while I had not driven one, I had a pretty good sense for how the interior was smaller and how the gauge cluster was in a rather gimmicky arrangement. I was also aware of how most non-Honda automakers put the screws to you on pricing by making everything an option.
I've never regretted the decision.
I didn't consider the TSX even though it was the most similar to my Accord. I wanted something that was more of a step up from what I had at the time and the TL was it.
06-09-2011, 03:48 PM
#12
I love my TL. It is really difficult to find a car with as much hp and mpg's in one package. I really am not sure how they got a V6 to have 270hp and achieve 32hwy/26city. It's unheard of.
Even the Accord can't come close to those kinds of numbers. It get worse mpg's, less hp, and a smaller engine. Makes no sense at all. Especially since the engines are so similar. You would think adding another 200cc to an engine would worsen the mpg's. It didn't. Acura found the sweet spot with the 3.2L.
I looked at G35 and 3 series BMW's. Drove the TL and fell in love. The G37 are pretty sick. As long as you can see out the back window. Those blindspots killed it for me in the G35. And the tight seats.
Even the Accord can't come close to those kinds of numbers. It get worse mpg's, less hp, and a smaller engine. Makes no sense at all. Especially since the engines are so similar. You would think adding another 200cc to an engine would worsen the mpg's. It didn't. Acura found the sweet spot with the 3.2L.
I looked at G35 and 3 series BMW's. Drove the TL and fell in love. The G37 are pretty sick. As long as you can see out the back window. Those blindspots killed it for me in the G35. And the tight seats.
06-09-2011, 03:56 PM
#13
Drifting
When I got my TL back in 07 it was between this and the bmw 330 but for the price the TL took it hands down also i always liked the TL's so when they made a S version i was excited... if i was in the market for a car now it would be a caddy cts-v
06-09-2011, 05:35 PM
#14
Desert Life Sucks!!
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I have owned nothing but hondas for about 10 years now except a ford f150 (wish honda made a truck truck) so buying the best honda created to date was the only option.
Thats why I looked for over a month to find the type s I wanted. I really liked the anthracite metallic but unfortunately not a type s color option so CBP took the cake.
I will be upgrading in a few years to the SH-AWD when I can convince myself that the 4th gen TL's look good.
Thats why I looked for over a month to find the type s I wanted. I really liked the anthracite metallic but unfortunately not a type s color option so CBP took the cake.
I will be upgrading in a few years to the SH-AWD when I can convince myself that the 4th gen TL's look good.
06-09-2011, 05:43 PM
#15
Well because I definitely wanted a six speed and a reasonable fast car my choices were VERY limited. The G35 is a 6 speed but its RWD---not for me and the mountain of snow I get yearly. Cadillac was an option but I always wanted a TL-S so I got one. If the TSX V6 was a 6 speed I would of had to consider that as well.
06-09-2011, 05:55 PM
#16
06-09-2011, 06:05 PM
#17
the overexplainer
All of these were options in 5/6MT, and the reasons why I didnt buy them minus the TL:
-G35 : mpg sucked, you are lucky to get to 30 mpg highway. Was doing 100 mi a day for my old job (for my new job i'm doing something like 15 a day, whatever.). Infiniti interior leaves something to be desired, and is rather drab.
-TSX : a valid option, but safety ratings weren't as good as a TL, lacked 2 more cylinders. MPG not that great for a 4 banger. Kind of swore to get either turbo 4 cyl or N/A 6 cyl car. Significantly slower than the TL. Doesnt sound (engine/audio sys) as good. Oil burning/Engine issues with 2003 year.
-8th gen Accord Coupe: good option, though maybe lacking the refined quality of an Acura. Would have prob bought one if they were 14k (which I bought the TL for).
-TL: despite being fwd, it had decent power (in the range of .2 sec off 0-60 with the G35), had everything i wanted standard in the navi trim. impressive mpg for a 6 cyl. Large sedan I could take friends in. Tsuchiya loved the TL-S. HID projectors (which I do care about)
-WRX: extremely dated interior (looking for none later than 07). mpg, unrefined.
-Legacy 2.5GT: stories of blown turbos ruining engines (couldnt deal with that driving 100 mi a day), mpg. not so cheap. Extremely fun to drive though, my old housemate had an 06 spec B.
-G35 : mpg sucked, you are lucky to get to 30 mpg highway. Was doing 100 mi a day for my old job (for my new job i'm doing something like 15 a day, whatever.). Infiniti interior leaves something to be desired, and is rather drab.
-TSX : a valid option, but safety ratings weren't as good as a TL, lacked 2 more cylinders. MPG not that great for a 4 banger. Kind of swore to get either turbo 4 cyl or N/A 6 cyl car. Significantly slower than the TL. Doesnt sound (engine/audio sys) as good. Oil burning/Engine issues with 2003 year.
-8th gen Accord Coupe: good option, though maybe lacking the refined quality of an Acura. Would have prob bought one if they were 14k (which I bought the TL for).
-TL: despite being fwd, it had decent power (in the range of .2 sec off 0-60 with the G35), had everything i wanted standard in the navi trim. impressive mpg for a 6 cyl. Large sedan I could take friends in. Tsuchiya loved the TL-S. HID projectors (which I do care about)
-WRX: extremely dated interior (looking for none later than 07). mpg, unrefined.
-Legacy 2.5GT: stories of blown turbos ruining engines (couldnt deal with that driving 100 mi a day), mpg. not so cheap. Extremely fun to drive though, my old housemate had an 06 spec B.
Last edited by ez12a; 06-09-2011 at 06:11 PM.
06-09-2011, 06:48 PM
#19
I was looking at the g37 sedan, BMW 335I, and 06-07 CTS-V. The CTS-V had too cheap of an interior, the 335I is too expensive to fix when the warranty is up. So it was really between the TL type S and the g37 sedan. I liked the looks of the TL better so thats what I went with.
06-09-2011, 07:38 PM
#20
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
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hmmm...way back in 2005...the TL, RSX-S, g35, bmw 3 series, 350Z...TL won out as the best bang for your buck with all the bells and whistles included. it was also the most practical for my needs. the g35 optioned out would have taken me way over the top on my budget, same with the bmw.
couldn't beat out an acura (honda) in terms of reliability and the
factor in terms of what my "me likey, me want" gauge. as far as the 6MT...i had some brotherly influence on that one. 
couldn't beat out an acura (honda) in terms of reliability and the
factor in terms of what my "me likey, me want" gauge. as far as the 6MT...i had some brotherly influence on that one.
Last edited by TLtrigirl; 06-09-2011 at 07:40 PM.
06-09-2011, 08:06 PM
#21
I love my TL. It is really difficult to find a car with as much hp and mpg's in one package. I really am not sure how they got a V6 to have 270hp and achieve 32hwy/26city. It's unheard of.
Even the Accord can't come close to those kinds of numbers. It get worse mpg's, less hp, and a smaller engine. Makes no sense at all.
Even the Accord can't come close to those kinds of numbers. It get worse mpg's, less hp, and a smaller engine. Makes no sense at all.
and your second statement about accords, the v6 accords coupes and sedans now have a 3.5L pushing 270HP and gets about 20 city / 30 highway compared to our TL 18 city / 26 highway.
good numbers to me
06-09-2011, 08:08 PM
#22
At the time there was only one car I wanted, and that was an e46 330i ZHP Sedan in Carbon Black with Cinnamon leather and a man pedal.
Only reason I got the TL was because I would have been STUPID to pass up the deal I got.
Still to this day wish I got the e46.
Only reason I got the TL was because I would have been STUPID to pass up the deal I got.
Still to this day wish I got the e46.
06-09-2011, 08:15 PM
#23
I'm a weirdo when it comes to cars (I shift about every 18 months or so....)
I was looking at:
Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, TL-S, Infiniti FX35 (09+), or a 335i Coupe.
I think I'm still struggling with the fact I didn't go with the Jeep.
I was looking at:
Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, TL-S, Infiniti FX35 (09+), or a 335i Coupe.
I think I'm still struggling with the fact I didn't go with the Jeep.
Last edited by AirForceFX; 06-09-2011 at 08:18 PM.
06-09-2011, 08:41 PM
#24
06-09-2011, 09:42 PM
#25
Used Audi A8 ( realized it was too big and doesn't go with my age ) Used BMW 335i ( repairs scared me ) New VW CC ( for the price i could've gotten a brand new SH-AWD TL across the street ) ... and finally i was interested in the new TL... deposit was paid for and papers were signed. The night before the pickup i met up with my friend to eat all she said was that " it will take forever to pay off " and " there are good used cars for around 20K " long story short few months later i found a 3g TL-S
06-09-2011, 10:51 PM
#27
Team Owner
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Well, since the Lambo's were out of my price range.....
Honestly, the TL was my one and only choice because of the sporty look and the bells & whistles.
Done the BMW-it nickeled and dimed me to death. Audi was not sporty enough and costs too much. Wasn't impressed with Lexus-AT ALL.
.
Honestly, the TL was my one and only choice because of the sporty look and the bells & whistles.
Done the BMW-it nickeled and dimed me to death. Audi was not sporty enough and costs too much. Wasn't impressed with Lexus-AT ALL.
.
06-09-2011, 11:21 PM
#28
Suzuka Master
white or red
06-10-2011, 12:38 AM
#29
TL=True Love
believe it or not i like the honda CR-Z the front is SOOO hot, but I still like my TL cuz it has a back up camera< which has spoiled me as in my future cars MUST have a back up camera.
To this day, I think the 3rd gen TL is the hottest car out there and im not saying that juss cuz i own one. there are more $$$ cars than the TL but I think are UGLY
To this day, I think the 3rd gen TL is the hottest car out there and im not saying that juss cuz i own one. there are more $$$ cars than the TL but I think are UGLY
06-10-2011, 08:34 AM
#30
I saw that comment coming a mile away. I come from a German car family and I learned how to work on German cars at a young age. They are no where near as bad as you think, VAG products being the exception to this.
The last BMW I had (1991 e34 525i) had 230k/mi on it when I sold it and it still ran perfect. It was one of the easiest cars to work on I have ever owned. Didn't even have to jack it up to change the oil.
The TL is nickle and diming me to death.
The last BMW I had (1991 e34 525i) had 230k/mi on it when I sold it and it still ran perfect. It was one of the easiest cars to work on I have ever owned. Didn't even have to jack it up to change the oil.
The TL is nickle and diming me to death.
06-10-2011, 09:19 AM
#32
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09'-10' maxima- after my friend bought one I was no longer interested.
G37 sedan - couldn't find one with tech package and low mileage in my $range.
BMW 335 - lol over priced in my opinion. Styling + performance = sex tho
09-10 TSX - didn't want the 4cyl. Hard to find a used v6 am I right?
VW bug - could not find one with racing stripes and body kit FML
Conclusion: previously owned 01 acura tl for 6+ years and sold it with 189k
How could I not go with certified pre owned acura tl and extended warranty? 08 w/tech package 28k miles for $22,0000 I'm happy car is super nice and affordable. All the "sportier" cars I was interested in were to expensive.....maybe next time around
G37 sedan - couldn't find one with tech package and low mileage in my $range.
BMW 335 - lol over priced in my opinion. Styling + performance = sex tho
09-10 TSX - didn't want the 4cyl. Hard to find a used v6 am I right?
VW bug - could not find one with racing stripes and body kit FML
Conclusion: previously owned 01 acura tl for 6+ years and sold it with 189k
How could I not go with certified pre owned acura tl and extended warranty? 08 w/tech package 28k miles for $22,0000 I'm happy car is super nice and affordable. All the "sportier" cars I was interested in were to expensive.....maybe next time around
06-10-2011, 09:49 AM
#33
this has been said plenty of times. the revised HP ratings for the 04-08 TL is 258HP. that's more of a realistic figure and what you should be going by, not 270. and just incase you didn't know, the type-s is 286.
and your second statement about accords, the v6 accords coupes and sedans now have a 3.5L pushing 270HP and gets about 20 city / 30 highway compared to our TL 18 city / 26 highway.
good numbers to me
and your second statement about accords, the v6 accords coupes and sedans now have a 3.5L pushing 270HP and gets about 20 city / 30 highway compared to our TL 18 city / 26 highway.
good numbers to me
Even with 270hp the new accords are slower. I knew a guy at school that got the v6 sedan 2009 model accord. We raced. I waxed him. My car walked away on him. I guess my "258hp" TL is faster than a 270hp Accord.
And I really hope YOU don't get 18/26mpg in your TL cause something must be wrong with it. I have 101k miles on mine and I still get 25 in the city and 31-32 on the hwy.
06-10-2011, 10:01 AM
#34
Fine. 258hp. Big whoop over 12hp. It still doesn't change anything. But I have an '05 so my window sticker said 270hp. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. When comparing it to other 2005 cars it's still 270 vs. whatever hp another car made that year.
Even with 270hp the new accords are slower. I knew a guy at school that got the v6 sedan 2009 model accord. We raced. I waxed him. My car walked away on him. I guess my "258hp" TL is faster than a 270hp Accord.
And I really hope YOU don't get 18/26mpg in your TL cause something must be wrong with it. I have 101k miles on mine and I still get 25 in the city and 31-32 on the hwy.
Even with 270hp the new accords are slower. I knew a guy at school that got the v6 sedan 2009 model accord. We raced. I waxed him. My car walked away on him. I guess my "258hp" TL is faster than a 270hp Accord.
And I really hope YOU don't get 18/26mpg in your TL cause something must be wrong with it. I have 101k miles on mine and I still get 25 in the city and 31-32 on the hwy.
Ill agree with the 31-31 on the highway when I am not doing 75+
The 25 in the city...I think the better question is where are YOU driving if you get 25 in the city....must be a city with a freeway through it and 2 stop lights...
I was between:
E550- Used to drive a Mercedes before this TL and liked it, that car was kinda a boat though and I wanted something faster that didnt cost 1k everytime something broke. (Plus there is always something wrong with those damn cars IMO)
3 Series: Too small, barely fit in the thing.
G35 Coupe: Loved this car, and found the color I wanted too (it was a silvery blue or something I dont remember).....only problem was my head hit the roofliner with the seat all the way back and all the way down. This also elminated the seat behind me...overall the car just wasnt practical since I had to drive to school from NJ to Indiana.
IS250: Similar to the other two...I barely fit in this one as well.
TL- Fast, bigger, roomier....more practical overall. At first I had no intention on touching the car from the day I bought it until my first rattle occured. A google search later yielded me a nice thread on a website called Acurazine.com. Thanks to you guys, I now spend all of my money on this damn car.....and I love it more than the day I bought it. Now all I need to do is convince my gf and parents its not a waste of money....guesss they will never understand.
Last edited by lucnex; 06-10-2011 at 10:04 AM.
06-10-2011, 10:30 AM
#35
I'm Craig
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Came extremely close to getting a 328xi...as in we were sitting down at the dealer negotiating. Couldn't agree on a price and walked out.
My list at the time was:
2004-2008 BMW 5 series
2006+ BMW 3 series
Acura TL
Lexus IS
Audi A4/6
Also threw around getting something brand new/loaded like a Civic Si. I'm so glad I found my TL though.
G35s weren't ever on my list. I thought (and still do) that the 03-06 ones are hideous and have ugly interiors. Compare a G interior to a TL's and you'll laugh.
My list at the time was:
2004-2008 BMW 5 series
2006+ BMW 3 series
Acura TL
Lexus IS
Audi A4/6
Also threw around getting something brand new/loaded like a Civic Si. I'm so glad I found my TL though.
G35s weren't ever on my list. I thought (and still do) that the 03-06 ones are hideous and have ugly interiors. Compare a G interior to a TL's and you'll laugh.
Last edited by cjTL; 06-10-2011 at 10:33 AM.
06-10-2011, 10:31 AM
#36
Advanced
b5 s4, is300, mazdaspeed 6, tsx and altima se-r. i wanted a manual car. the altima se-r and mazdaspeed 6 are a hard find period. even a auto. the is300 were hard to find in manual and i wasnt really finding a b5 s4 that i wanted. tsx was if i couldnt a manual tl at all
Last edited by TLFTW; 06-10-2011 at 10:35 AM.
06-10-2011, 10:32 AM
#37
6spd FTW
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I wasn't actually shopping for a car at the time. I wanted a TL since the 3G came out. I owned my 1G CL at the time and I would occasionally browse the local acura dealer websites and came across my 04 6MT SSM. Went and took a look at it then I was sold. Picked it up within a few days.
06-10-2011, 10:45 AM
#38
Haha. You just described my last BMW (including the Color Combo). They are very, very nice cars, but now that they are soon to be 2 generations old, their power quite doesn't compare to what you get in a TL (225bhp & 214tq vs. 270bhp & 238tq). Plus, the rear room in a 330i is cramped as hell when you compare it to the TL. They are sexy looking cars though. Ill take that over any other Non-M 3 series.
06-10-2011, 03:31 PM
#40
Desert Life Sucks!!
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Yeah I have been telling my dad to by a 3g TL since the first time I saw one in person. He didn't listen I bought his v6 accord and sold it 2 months later to buy my TL-S. Now he is considering selling his car to buy one for himself lol.
TL was my only option I just had to find one with lowest miles possible due to having a work truck. I put maybe 200 miles every 4-6 weeks on my car. Tank of gas a month the way I drive.
TL was my only option I just had to find one with lowest miles possible due to having a work truck. I put maybe 200 miles every 4-6 weeks on my car. Tank of gas a month the way I drive.