Would you trade your TL for...
07-26-2006, 04:04 PM
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Would you trade your TL for...
I have the opportunity to trade my very low mileage (5700) 2004 TL automatic with nav. straight up for a 2001 BMW 330ci Convertible with 30,000 miles. Would you do it?
Before you answer you need to know I only use my TL on the weekends to cart the kids to baseball, birthday parties and such. So I need something with a backseat. But, because we only use it as a weekend car, we’re thinking about the novelty of a convertible.
Before you answer you need to know I only use my TL on the weekends to cart the kids to baseball, birthday parties and such. So I need something with a backseat. But, because we only use it as a weekend car, we’re thinking about the novelty of a convertible.
07-26-2006, 04:44 PM
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I would not trade. I know three people who have had that body style BMW convertible (actually, 2 were 2004 M3 convertibles); all three complained about squeeks. The one regular convertible I drove had a squeeky chassis. You will likely experience much more body flex than the TL if you do any spirited driving.
The maintenance (including brake work costs of $1100 for pad replacement without rotor replacement?!!) and part costs are horrific compared to Acuras. Get a maintenance cost schedule from BMW to consider. If the BMW has I-drive, it will probably annoy you a lot compared to TL's navigation system.
Finally, how tall/old are your kids? The 3-series convertible rear seat is almost useless for any passenger not sitting in a child car seat.
The maintenance (including brake work costs of $1100 for pad replacement without rotor replacement?!!) and part costs are horrific compared to Acuras. Get a maintenance cost schedule from BMW to consider. If the BMW has I-drive, it will probably annoy you a lot compared to TL's navigation system.
Finally, how tall/old are your kids? The 3-series convertible rear seat is almost useless for any passenger not sitting in a child car seat.
07-26-2006, 04:47 PM
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Personally, I don't like the way 3 series convertibles look...seems kinda boxy, but thats just my personal preference. If it was only between the TL and the bmw I don't think I would do it. Do you have any other cars in mind that you would like to trade the TL with? How much you are getting for the TL?
07-26-2006, 04:55 PM
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The only pro I can think of is that its a convertible. 'fun' drivability is subjective. Cost wise (fuel, maintenance, resale), and functionality wise, you lose out on pretty much everything.
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07-26-2006, 04:55 PM
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Let me tell you, I just switched back to a TL from owning a BMW, and I am so glad I did. That stupid thing was in the shop all the time for stupid crap that just shouldn't break after 60,000 miles. I had to replace the door lock actuators, power window modules, water pump to name a few...DONT SWITCH...YOU WILL BE SORRY!!
07-26-2006, 07:19 PM
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Thanks for all your advice/opinions especially Will Y. and Noah82. We decided to keep the TL. Though I do crave a convertible, the maintenance on the BMW is very high and an older car with higher mileage doesn't seem worth it.
mikey4226-
I'd be interested in a 4 seater convertible, the 3 series is the only car on the market that fits that bill unless you’re into Sebrings. However, I would be into something vintage.
The dealer was giving me $25,500 for my TL. The car still smells new, it's garaged and covered. I'm pretty confident I can get $29,000 privately.
Thanks again
mikey4226-
I'd be interested in a 4 seater convertible, the 3 series is the only car on the market that fits that bill unless you’re into Sebrings. However, I would be into something vintage.
The dealer was giving me $25,500 for my TL. The car still smells new, it's garaged and covered. I'm pretty confident I can get $29,000 privately.
Thanks again
07-26-2006, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by jhunter9999
I have the opportunity to trade my very low mileage (5700) 2004 TL automatic with nav. straight up for a 2001 BMW 330ci Convertible with 30,000 miles. Would you do it?
Before you answer you need to know I only use my TL on the weekends to cart the kids to baseball, birthday parties and such. So I need something with a backseat. But, because we only use it as a weekend car, we’re thinking about the novelty of a convertible.
Before you answer you need to know I only use my TL on the weekends to cart the kids to baseball, birthday parties and such. So I need something with a backseat. But, because we only use it as a weekend car, we’re thinking about the novelty of a convertible.
I am on a market myself.
TL is such cheap made that I really do not understand people around who is so exiting about TL.
Remember TL is made in USA= poor quality.
Period.
BMW is not problem free , however when it comes to driver feeling, material quality, assembly quality TL not even close to almost any BMW (exept X5, why- because it is build in USA)
07-26-2006, 08:07 PM
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I wouldn't call it crazy. The BMW 330Ci convertible is a $45,000 car, new.
The 330 is the newer engine that they are still using in the '07s. They have great resale value, and 30,000 isn't exactly high mileage.
And it's a rear wheel drive car.
Don't get me wrong, I love my TL and it's a great car. For me, it beats the BMW in many categories. Interior, stereo, gadgets, to name a few. But a rear wheel drive, 4 seater convertible, in my opinion, out weights it in the fun factor.
The 330 is the newer engine that they are still using in the '07s. They have great resale value, and 30,000 isn't exactly high mileage.
And it's a rear wheel drive car.
Don't get me wrong, I love my TL and it's a great car. For me, it beats the BMW in many categories. Interior, stereo, gadgets, to name a few. But a rear wheel drive, 4 seater convertible, in my opinion, out weights it in the fun factor.
07-26-2006, 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by jhunter9999
Thanks for all your advice/opinions especially Will Y. and Noah82. We decided to keep the TL....
I'd be interested in a 4 seater convertible, the 3 series is the only car on the market that fits that bill unless you’re into Sebrings. However, I would be into something vintage...
I'd be interested in a 4 seater convertible, the 3 series is the only car on the market that fits that bill unless you’re into Sebrings. However, I would be into something vintage...
Just another option now that you mentioned it- Mustang GT convertible? RWD, 300 hp, 4 seats. I tested a manual GT coupe before getting the TL. Wife & kids all said exhaust note was too loud, and the interior is very vintage compared to the TL, but if you can handle the noise and the interior, the Mustang GT has 4 seats.
Otherwise, stick with the TL since it's a nicer car overall and depreciation hit isn't worth switching yet.
07-27-2006, 10:34 AM
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If you've never owned a convertible, it really does not live up to the hype. The rear window needs to be repaced every year, it is extremely noisy, so it is difficult to carry on phone coversations, when the top gets older it leaks, and when you are driving with the top down on a hot day you will arrive with your shirt drenched!
07-27-2006, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by noah82
If you've never owned a convertible, it really does not live up to the hype. The rear window needs to be repaced every year, it is extremely noisy, so it is difficult to carry on phone coversations, when the top gets older it leaks, and when you are driving with the top down on a hot day you will arrive with your shirt drenched!
I've owned many convertibles. BMW uses a glass rear window, so they don't need to be replaced every year. Convertibles only leak when they get cut or dry out which usually takes about 10-15 years. Yes, convertibles are noiser. So what. I don't like talking on the phone while I'm driving anyway. And if I'm sweating to a point that my shirt is drenched, I'll put the top up and turn the AC on. This isn't a debate on the merits of a convertible.
07-27-2006, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Will Y.
You're welcome.
Just another option now that you mentioned it- Mustang GT convertible? RWD, 300 hp, 4 seats. I tested a manual GT coupe before getting the TL. Wife & kids all said exhaust note was too loud, and the interior is very vintage compared to the TL, but if you can handle the noise and the interior, the Mustang GT has 4 seats.
Otherwise, stick with the TL since it's a nicer car overall and depreciation hit isn't worth switching yet.
Just another option now that you mentioned it- Mustang GT convertible? RWD, 300 hp, 4 seats. I tested a manual GT coupe before getting the TL. Wife & kids all said exhaust note was too loud, and the interior is very vintage compared to the TL, but if you can handle the noise and the interior, the Mustang GT has 4 seats.
Otherwise, stick with the TL since it's a nicer car overall and depreciation hit isn't worth switching yet.
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