Hello,

I am curious in the difference between the older and the younger crowd...on how they perceive the TL.

I just turned 25, the reason I got the TL is because to me it seems like the best choice for its price. I've always thought that TL seems to "fit better" for older (30+) and bigger (5'11+) people. Initially I was thinking about Nissan 350z, BMW 325 coupe, Lexus IS250, and TSX. I was almost sure on getting a TSX, but ended up for the TL because it is bigger, thus more spacious for passengers and perhaps protects me better in accidents (which may or may not be true, but again it is my perception).

What do you see from the TL...? A car that gets you the attention from people of all age groups? A midsize luxury sedan that older family people drive? A showy vehicle that many young people would drool over even when compared to BMWs?

 

With the TL, I saw elegance fused with aggressiveness, luxury mixed with the sportiness that was desired. The looks of the TL seemed head turning to me. When I test drove it, it was perfect, neither grandma slow nor teenager dangerous fast. I looked at BMW's, Infinities and other car brands, but this car seemed to stick much better to my mind than the others. The BMW's looked like they were for older gentlemen and women, and also for people to brag about. The Infiniti’s looked like "garbage" to me and the clutter of buttons was unacceptable. May age shall remain disclosed to fellow members. (for now at least )

 

I see it as a entry level luxury vehicle with good power and alittle flash. The interior was a huge factor in purchasing this vehicle. I didn't feel comfortable driving a G35, 325i, or a 350z which were all other choices. I really don't care what people think of my decision.

Here is SoCal a TL doesn't really scream out look at me.

 

I got it 'cause of the pimp interior, descent power, and overall best deal in its class.

Tried the bmw 325 and hated the power delivery. Love the way the g35 drove, but it had a cheap interior. The is250 was nice, but underpowered. Audi- dont want the electrical problems.

I guess I see the TL as simply a nice well rounded car. Doesnt have the prestige factor that the germanics have.

Im 30 if it doesnt show...

 

hi...just a friendly reminder, i am almost sure that there must be numerous threads discussing TL vs a competing model. please try to stay within "your perception on a TL and your age...thanks

 

I think the TL has an excellent blend of luxury sedan and sports car. It has the aggressive good looks, handling and power of a sports car along with the amenties of a luxury sedan.

 

I actually was predisposed to a TSX 6M, until my wife said "auto tranny." The TL was among the faster cars and certainly more elegant inside and outside than most (G35, 330i, CTS V-6, 9-3, etc.). The TL is a more subdued yet aggressive design than the dime-a-dozen 3-series and C-classes here in SoCal and don't seem to generate the same ambivalence or hostility from bystanders.

 

My g/f gives me a hard time and says the TL is an old persons car and I should have bought something different. I see a practical 4-door car that looks damn good no matter what your age.

 

I bought the TL because I thought it was the cutest car out there.

 

Well I got the TL because they didnt have an 05 CL

 

We had an A4 before and wanted a 4 door car that was large but not too large, sporty but not a true sports car (have a 944 Turbo for that), gets good gas mileage, attractive and reasonably priced. Our choices were: G35, Lexus, Accord, Camry -didn't want BMW.

We hit the jackpot with the TL 6MT. It's everything we wanted and did I say attractive? It looks gorgeous, is comfortably luxurious, has a sporty ride, powerful engine, gets good gas mileage and priced incredibly right.

Loving the experience.

 

< ----- As identified at left, I'm in the "old" age group. This is my mid-life crisis car. I was tired of mom-cars. My last car was a Ford Explorer.

So what characteristics did this 50-year-old "Explorer refugee" look for? Roughly in order:

• It had to be good looking (to my eye). That eliminated lexii and infinitii right off the bat.
• No "jerk attitude" associated with the car. That eliminated all beamers.
• No way could it be considered an "old lady/man" car. (Remember the "mid-life crisis" thing)
• It had to be well made. That eliminated most if not all American cars.
• It had to be a good value.
• Last but not least, it had to be not common - not the car you see every five minutes when you're driving down the street.

So I started looking. I saw the 3G TL and fell in love with the appearance immediately. All the other criteria were met perfectly, so I knew what car I was going to get.

What about the appearance, you might wonder, would appeal to an old hag like me? Answer: it's a beautiful, sexy car! It's sporty and sleek. I absolutely love the way this car looks. My favorite thing about this car is seeing other ones on the road, and I think "Dang, that's a great-looking car!"

 

Understated elegance, satisfying in pretty much all areas, be it power, looks, interior, comfort, fun, technology, etc.

 

Nicely put indeed. It's neither a "boy racer" nor "your Father's Oldsmobile"

I'm 42 and wanted a car that was:

• fun enough to drive but at 42 I realize I wouldn't be "racing it" all the time. It needed to be stiff but not shake my fillings out.
• not made by the millions (yeah I know it's a lot of the same parts that are in a made by the millions car). Sure I've "sold out" a bit by now but not that much.
• had a 6MT option. Old bald guys can shift unfortunately many choose not to.
• wasn't trying to look like a high school kids Civic or Evo. Trendy is for the younger crowd.
• was a good value. Stuff like that counts in the grand scheme
• had an acceptable OE audio system. No surprise that I'm loving it.
• Better economy than my old car. (The TL gives me 900cc more engine, 100 more HP and 2 MPG more than my old car...wahooo)
• Able to fit the family in it.
• equipped with a dashboard that wouldn't make me vomit like Nissan's dashes.
• going to make up for getting the Saab 900S in 1995 instead of the Integra GS-R. I was convinced that I would have ended up in jail back then if I got the GS-R

And best of all Honda now does a great job of making the 3G TL different looking enough from the Accord. By comparison I saw an ES350 today and it looks way too much like the new (fugly) Camry. Honda uses the economy of scale to make the TL a value but rewards customers with a car that is distinctively different from its other lines.

Also the TL is the only car that I "had to have" after seeing it once.

 

I am probably the oldest one to reply, but this is why I bought a TL. I was driving a 03 Accord coupe. Liked it very much, when a new Acura dealer opened in the Cleveland I had to drop by and look at the TL. I had liked the looks of the car since I saw early pictures of it. Took it for a test drive and that was it, good enough power for me and the interior was very nice. The price and the features make it a real bargain in my opnion. Never once have I had a second thought about buying this car. Although when I retire in a couple of years I may treat myself to a BMW 3 coupe.

 

21 here. Thought it was a great deal on a fully loaded vehicle. Best styling as well

(my opinion). But Its kinda small, I feel a little cramped. My last car was a Mercury Marauder

so I kinda expected it; 97' Towncar before the Marauder.

 

then why does ur age say 23 in the side menu where ur avatar is Mr. Hill ?

 

I did not put my real birthday when I started an account here, was not sure why it

asked for it. I had no idea the birthday even showed up there.

Just never changed it.

 

- I drove a 1990 Legend Coupe when I worked with Acura from 1991 to 1996. Have also worked with Toyota, Saab, Volvo, Saturn and Jaguar. Have had best luck with Honda/Acura products.
- Tired of a truck, the TL fit with what I wanted: Sportiness, economy and family-friendly in the price range I wanted to spend.
- Consumer Reports had great review on the TL.
- This website was a great resource.

I'm 36.

 

the TL just fit my personality best. I like to drive people, so the leg room is nice. and i also like speed =]

 

From a younger perspective, 17 yrs old, i believe the TL is the best infusion of sport and luxury that is possible in a car that gets great gas milage, has a great residual value, and wont need to be fixed every week. my dad has a 740li and it has been in the shop more in the past six months than my 2002 tl-s has in the past three years. simply put, the TL is fast, reliable, and all the ladies love it.

 

I purchased the TL because:

I have owned Honda cars almost all my life (and thats a long time) and this was the logical next step. I shopped all the usual other 4 door cars and nothing came close to the looks, comfort, power and price. Yea, I could afford more but why tie up all that money.

I think regardless of age those are good reasons to pick the TL.

Those who think the TL is an old folks car haven't seen my TL. It's funny to see people stare when they see who's driving a dropped custom TL with Ronjons.

BWT I'm just turned 48 last week.

 

Its fast, sexy, handles great, has a VERY nice interior and did i mention how fuckin SEXY it looks?

 

Compared to my previous two cars (350Z and an Audi TT) my friends who know nothing about cars think the TL is a boat, a nice one, but a boat. My friends who know cars think its cool and nice. I tend to agree. It definitely doesn't come off as small and agile but the design makes up for it.

As for older people, I don't know why there are so many Lexus ES's out there considering how much nicer the TL is. Lexus badge must help a lot...

 

I got the TL cause my parents said no when i asked for a S2000. Even tho am gonna pay for it later on, its my dad's $$ thats paying the monthly bills right now.

So their terms were a Nicely sized sedan. So i looked and.....

G35 sedan: ewww
IS350: no MT
3series sedan: slow... and not too sporty looking
Altima/Maxima: hate the look

So from a 18 year old's(time when i was looking) point of view the TL is Pretty darn good looking and a well performer and thats why i got it. Plus the cool people here was a plus

 

I'm 20...already had a 350Z and an Infiniti FX35....tired of having no room, and tired of horrible gas mileage....thought the TL was a good mix of both. As someone previously stated...my friends that dont know shit about cars wonder why I got it, but my friends that know shit realize its a pretty sweet car. My friends "expect" me to drive something nice, its kind of funny lol but I've worked hard all my life and pay for everything I have. As soon as winter is over, I'll be driving a Lotus Elise though....

 

38 y/o here. I fell in love with the looks, features, and interior from the spy shots that were posted online just before its release. It was hot enough to me that I was one of those that actually put down a deposit on it right before it was released. It is the best car I have ever owned. (I'm looking at upgrading to an RL....but only because I can add an A-Spec suspension and get some sportiness with even more opulent luxury than on the TL.)

Drives faster than a bat out of Hell, handles extremely well with the A-Spec package and Comptech RSB, seats are just right....

I do NOT see this as an "old person's" car at all.

All it needs is SH-AWD with some compensating lightening of the rest of the car's weight, and a 52%-48% F-R weight distribution......and it would be PERFECT.

 

I'm 45 and recently bought my 06 TL. Just like so many others, I realized the TL was a compelling car for looks, performance, features, economy, and comfort. They aren't as plentiful as some of the other makes so you get some exclusivity from others at least where I live where Lexus, Bmw, and Mercedes are plentiful. I also liked the fact that the Acura brand is still closely associated with Honda and the car is less pretentious at work than say a BMW or Mercedes. The insurance rates are reasonable considering this car's performance and price as well. The Navigation system is tops in my book too. Yes, I'm a happy owner so far!

The other thing I like are sites like this one where there is gobs of information and interest in the car. I was originally interested in a TSX 6m/nav, but quickly determined that the TL is a better value for the incremental 3-4K. You get added power, larger and classier interior, DVD Audio, nicer stock wheels, and HVAC vents for rear passengers. Once I drove the TL I stopped thinking TSX rather quickly.

 

The TL is just a great overall car. I love it since 4-5 yrs ago. When I saw it, I say I gotta have it. But at that time, I really couldnt afford it. The TL is kinda like " Dont mind me, I'm just walking by kinda car." The TL is definitely not an old car, but my younger brother seem to think it is....He wants to get an Evo; I will convert the man! There's so many great quality that you are speechless. Sporty, great gas mileage, luxurious, and awesome interior is what comes to my mind.

 

The TL is a very unique car. That is one of the main reasons I got one.

I am 28 and find that the TL is a car that appeals to all demographics. Just the other day another TL owner, who looked to be in his 60's, and myself parked next to each other in a parking lot at the same time. We both got out of our TL's and he looked at me and gave me a nod and asked me, "How do you like your TL?," as he approached me to shake my hand. The TL crosses all age groups and appeals to everyone. There is no other car on the road that looks like it and it has the perfect balance of performance and luxury. After all Honda's primary reason for their Honda and Acura consumer passenger car branches is to fund their F1 racing teams.

I have always had large cars and SUV's. My 1st car was a 1982 Lincoln Continental, followed by a 1986 GMC Jimmy, a 1992 Ford Explorer, a 1997 Explorer, and a 2000 Lexus RX300. The 3rd generation TL is the closest thing I have driven that comes close to the feeling of driving a large car or SUV. You feel totally safe in it and it can keep up with the best of them off the line.

There is no other car that comes close to the value you get in a TL. Why would anyone pay the same amount for a low entry level BMW 3 series when you can get a TL with everything included?

 

At 58 I am definitely in the “older” group and purchased my 04 6MT TL because:

1. My 95 6-speed Legend coupe had 140,000+ miles and although it ran great, I needed something newer.

2. I have had excellent experience with Acura– 1990 Integra GS, 1998 RL (still own) and my 95 Legend Coupe. I prefer Acura automobiles over all others.

3. I could not find anything else that I felt was reasonably affordable in a Japanese luxury coupe with a manual transmission. I don’t buy European or American vehicles due to past experience.

4. I was not impressed with the G35 coupe because it was too small. The G35 sedan was what I was planning on settling for until the 04 TL came out.

I actually waited for 6 months to purchase a vehicle until I could see the TL. Although it was a significant “step down” from my Legend, I wanted the manual transmission. I ordered my TL in early November of 2003 and took delivery on Dec. 10 of 2003. My car was produced during the first large “manual transmission run” during the Thanksgiving week of 2003. So far it has been almost trouble free (as were other 3 acuras I owned)

 

I dont really care what the perception of me driving a car is. I bought the car for myself not to make a statment. If I wanted to make a statement I'd issue a press release.

 

In my opinion, the 3GTL provides the best value proposition in the segment…it is the optimal blend of performance, luxury, comfort and prestige.

 

Find an empty stretch of high way and let her ride with you as you do a buck 30...lol j.k

especially don't do it if her car is faster then yours...

 

My reason for getting a tl...

I've driven a 4 cyl...not quick enough when you need it
I've driven an 8 cyl. (truck) plenty of power but i hated paying $80 to fill it up at the gas station
I was looking for a 6 cyl. I looked at the honda accord but didn't like the styling or the power it had...I saw the 3rd gen TL and LOVED the styling from day one. I'd been a fan of the 3rd gen since it came out in 04. saw that it originally came with 270 hp (even tho its 258 now its only 12 hp not much difference) and I loved that. it put me close enough to 300 where i could do some mods (or so i thought) to get me there. indeed many "older" (older then me) people drive the TL but so do a lot of young people...its bold in its design for acura. It stands out from the acura line up (imo) and it has good power and fuel efficiency.

 

I first saw the 3G when I was at the car show about 7-8 months before I was going to buy a new car. At the time, I knew the TL as the 2G, an old person's car in my opinion...my parents even had one. Great car, yes, cool, not really. As I approaced the Acura area, I saw the 3G and my jaw dropped...I had never seen this car before and was all over it. When I saw it was a TL, I was shocked; when I saw it wasn't a concept but a real car, I was ecstatic...I had just found the car I was going to buy. For me, a car has to look great, and I'm very particular as to what I consider good looking. When I bought it (May 04), the TL had more power than the G, IS, and BMW, it had more goodies, and it cost a lot less...icing on the cake.

I would consider the TL a younger person's car given iit's aggressive looks, but I have seen all ages driving it...heck, who says you can't be 60 and want a great looking car that handles well? The TL offers many things, all of which might apply to different people...while people's reason's for buying may be different, the bottom line is they see it as the best option for meeting their wants/needs. Seems to me Honda did a great job with it if it can appeal to so many people.

 

Actually my 04 TL was an afterthought. I was looking to get a 350Z (last hurrah before family and wife completely curtailed my life! ), but while I liked the feeling of the 350, I HATED Nissan's interior. There was just too much plastic; it felt cheap. I checked the new DCX Crossfire, and loved the interior, but it was way underpowered for a two seater.

I started looking around for similar priced vehicles that actually had room for the family I knew eventually I'd have. The G35 had (at the time) ridiculous "whiskers" for taillights, and a very plain interior. It was another car I really enjoyed driving, but the interior looked sterile to me. So my wife (yeah, go figure) actually recommends the TL - she liked the look and knew that I wasn't overly concerned with the two-seater models. Once I drove that one at night, I knew I wanted it.

I'm 27 now, and still love the blend of performance with a more elegant styling. It looks like a proper sedan, and yet was FUN to drive. And it's interior, to me, sealed the deal... after looking at a Grand Am's interior coloring for the last four years and seeing how gawdy or sterile some of the competitors were currently, I was completely impressed with the appearance.

Yeah, and the fact that my wife approved was a nice bonus.

Been happy with it ever since... and now that I'm modding it a bit, it's even more enjoyable.

 

Im turning 23 next week. Bought the car in June. At first I was going for the TSX. I test drove it and liked it a lot. But the seats were a bit uncomfortable. I test drove the manual one. Then I test drove the TL, 6MT.. and MAN I just fell in love with it RIGHT when I opened the door. The interior looks nice and sleek (black leather). I ended up getting the TL. Yes it is a bit on the big side. But, its a luxury sports car. just owning this car and driving it make me feel like I accomplished something as to owning a civic..(not hating on civics)

 

Best bang for your buck... I was sold on the interior.

 

This car broadens horizons... hence, the reason why I bought it. Besides, others may think of it as an "old person's car", i think of it as an advancement away from the normal. I love it! ..

... just a random thought about the tl:

"this exquisiteness had the attributes of a female woman: a smooth twinkle in each eye as they illuminate a moonlit field; her smile, showing all of her gorgeous teeth as she passed by every man on the road. Oh and yes, her body... so sensual and appealing to the human eye—every curve on her body flush in every way possible, creating a erotically stimulating sensation that flowed through every vein in his body. Just experiencing every moment with this enticement was nothing more than true passionate ecstasy that no other would comprehend. To others, this car was a run of the mill Acura 3.2 TL but to him it was a she, she was distinctive, her name was Misty." ... yes, i wrote this.