Hello all, I've been fighting with the decision to make the switch from my 03 Mustang Cobra to a 04-08 TL. I'm 22, typical college / work full time but have the crippling bug of a passion with my autos.

I've been through a Garrett T3/T4 2000 Civic SI - 4" lift 33" M/Ts 02 Jeep Wrangler - 04 Mustang Mach 1 - to my latest pullied 03 Mustang Cobra. My Cobra is fun but eventually I'll be forced upon my financial convictions out of the Supercharged V8 daily driver.

Way back when, I nearly pulled the trigger following the sale of my Mach on an 04 TL with a Remote Start+Navi but went back down the dark path to an even faster V8. As you'd guess, high insurance premiums at 22 on a factory supercharged vehicle and a 60 mile round trip daily commute at 16/17 MPG (I carpool more than half the week - thank goodness) interests me to a simpler, cheaper, and more comfortable Honda/Acura. Parents own a 03 Accord V6 that I can't help but to respect at 275k miles with how well it still drives.

I'll always enjoy a big front engine rwd coupe but at this point I'm thinking that getting into a more stable daily driver will ease my mind and help my wallet.

I'm here because I'm curious to know if there'd be any suggestions swaying me away from a TL? I do understand I'm on a major TL forum but who better to ask then its owners? I already know I'd be waiting for a White or Gray / Tan interior TL with Navi.

 

Are you expecting a baby or starting a family any time soon?

Bro pay to play.

The TL will never have the performance to match a Cobra.

But the TL is cushy.

 

this is entirely a preference thing. But the TL is a great daily....nothing to complain about here.

but if you DO make the switch...
get an 07-08.

 

Tell ya what.. No offence , i detail a lot of cars and quality wise the Mustang isn't even close.

 

Gotta pay to play.

I came from an s2000 and my hand was basically forced with some cylinder issues with the s2000. Sold it for a good price, but I was gonna sell it after this summer.

My 08 TL reminds me alot of my s2000, especially the steering, it's awesome. The power is more than sufficient and it pulls much harder so I get my fun fix when I need it. Otherwise it's a nice quiet and smooth ride when I need it to be, and can really pick up when I want it to.

 

I would recommend the switch. The TL's are great all around cars. They look great, and perform ok. Not a huge back seat but useable. Very reliable and decent on fuel (premium).
As already mentioned if your gonna get a TL go with the updated 07/08 models as they have the most up to date looks and technology (for a 3G). Since your a car guy also consider the Type S model. Sportier look with a slight performance upgrade. They are also available in manual if you wanna stick with that.

 

You made an account just to ask lol? You sure you 're not looking for validation on that TL sitting in the driveway?

 

No kids planned soon. No immediate need for a four door sedan, but the TLs are just attractive.

Sadly this is the boat I'm facing right now with the Cobra. And at just over 100k miles.

I absolutely made an account to ask. I was looking for the answers that the others have posted so far.

 

Welcome to AcuraZine. What's your budget? Maintenance on the TL is not cheap IMHO at least. You have to use premium gas. I agree with James above- if you do pull the trigger, try and get a Type-S.

 

Go with the TL. You will love it.

 

Well I'd really like to stay out of debt so I'd prefer to stay in the low teens .

 

Keep the Cobra. When I got my TL I was eyeing an '04 Cobra too. I had my 10 sec GN and it was still a hard decision but due to the fact I had a quick car already I chose the TL. If I did not have a quick car already and I was 22 it wouldn't be a decision, Cobra all the way.

If speed is not important, the TL is nicer but don't forget the TL will never be even remotely quick short of a $10k turbo kit and it's still FWD. I don't know about you but I love going sideways and it kills me that I can't unless I corner hard enough to break the rear end free but that's not as fun as a power slide.

Surprisingly the TL can be made to handle extremely well with few mods. The stock suspension is great, no corrections need to be made to geometry. Only springs, shocks, and swaybars. I've been out there with C5s and M3s and such and I'm usually able to brake later and carry more speed around the corners but I get lose on the straights. I much prefer a car that's fast in a straight line for daily driving. Cornering hard on public roads is no where close to as fun as 600lbs of torque pushing 3,000lbs for a few seconds at a time on the way to work. I think you will miss the Cobra if speed is important. If it's not, the TL is better in most other ways.

 

Having come from big V8s before the TL Id say that it is a good all around DD. My hand was forced due to an increase in my daily commute. Im content with my decision, but by no means is it my #1 pick.

 

Is the tl vs cobra your only choice? Cts-v is probably chose in price to an 07 or 08 tl and you still get rwd and a big v8. I almost did that, but I like fwd more and I had the big v8 and got tired of it.

 

I've looked at the CTSV but not convinced I could keep up maintaining a big v8 + all the electronics that come with it. I'd only go down the C5 Corvette route if going GM.

Although with all of this, I'm not sure if I'm just running from a potential high future repair or truly am wanting a more reliable Honda/Acura again.

 

You like FWD more? I've never heard anyone say that.
Why would a V8 cost more to maintain? The TLs engine has at least as many if not more moving parts. The V8 is tuned for more low end and midrange power instead of being high strung and needing so many rpm. The V8 does not require a valve adjustment ever not to mention there are fewer valves to the same number of valves depending on the model. The V8 does not require a timing belt swap. The drivetrain is typically more robust and made for hard use. It's a mass air system and not speed density. Any additional airflow from mods will be compensated for with the MAF meter, electronically it's a superior system when you start modding the car.

The LSx cars, especially the Vettes get almost the same mpg on the freeway while making double the hp. They don't have the same transmission problems. The autos don't run a proprietary expensive fluid. A simple and cheap cam swap can net 60-80hp on most of them. If we're taking the supercharged models, a pulley, exhaust, and intake is an additional 150whp and more.

There are a lot of reasons the V8 is superior and maintenance is definitely not a reason to not go with one, especially an OHV design with fewer moving parts.

 

I doubt you're offending anyone with that statement. It's pretty much indisputable the TL is the higher quality car.

OP, in a nutshell: If I were still early 20's it wouldn't even be a contest. I'd keep the Cobra. It's the only worthy pre-2011 Mustang that Ford made in the last 45 years. If we were talking about an '03 GT, then I'd say trade up to a TL.

 

I had a Cobra a few years ago, had a whipped charger added on as well. I also have a 2011 TL. Like others have mentioned the TL is roomier and a little more comfortable, but the SH AWD isn't that comfy of a ride. I had coil overs on my Cobra and it rode pretty smooth. As far as power and looks, the 03-04 Cobra will always look better IMO and well, the power part speaks for itself. If you're looking for. 04-08, I suggest a 07-08 Type S. I haven't personally owned one, but they look better than a base TL and have a little more power.

 

I've never been much of a Ford guy......