The same reason a loaded Maxima or Avalon is not a luxury car

 

Why just bring the Lexus or Genesis into the picture? To me, the Cadillac CTS is the closest competitor to the 4G TL.......similar radical styling, similar size, similar performance, similar features (both offer AWD), and similar price ranges. (BTW, I saw the new 550hp CTS-V the other day and it looks AMAZING!). You could also look at the Saab 9-3x, Volvo S60, Mercedes C300/350, BMW 3 series, Infiniti G37, and Lincoln MKS......when you are shopping for a mid-size entry-level luxury car these days, the list is very long.

 

I think the OP wants a softer ride, meaning he probably wants a luxury sedan not a sports sedan (hence the reason why he's looking at the vehicles he's looking at).

 

The ES is a Camry clone and the only FWD Lexus in the line-up. By "clone" I mean you could take almost any body panel off the Camry and put it onto the ES. He might as well get an Avalon and save some money and get a nicer car.

Yes the TL is based on the Accord but so are many vehicles in the Honda/Acura world. Lexus has been able to get away with this blatant badge engineering because people buy into their advertising.

People can buy what they want and just about any car over 35k will be fine but my statement about that car stands.

 

Cushy Rides:

Cadillac CTS
Hyundai Genesis
Chrysler 300
Ford Taurus
Volvo S60
Lexus ES350
Lexus GS350
Buick Regal
Lincoln MKS
Toyota Avalon
VW Passat CC
Ford Crown Victoria

 

Again it is a personal value v. needs issue.
Sport v. lux
Bang/$ v. affordability.

 

You don't consider the Genesis to be an entry level luxury vehicle, but many people do. It may not have the full-service, luxury dealer experience, but the car has as many luxury features as an Acura or lower end Lexus. Also, why do you keep inserting the icon in places where it isn't warranted?

 

You pictures prove nothing, because the same can be said of TL and Accord. What makes what Honda does better than what Toyota does? What's worst with the Acura versus Lexus lineup is EVERY vehicle in Acura's lineup is in one way or another a re-engineered Honda.

Same can be said of the Maxima and Avalon (the Maxima has features not found in the Acura or Infiniti lineup such as a panoramic sunroof)

 

There is platform sharing then there is badge engineering there is a big difference between the two. The Pilot/MDX is platform sharing while the ES/Camry is badge engineering.

Show someone an ES/Camry they look the same inside and outside and function the same. Show them an RDX and a CR-V I would bet the response would be different.

At any rate, I would still go for a used RL instead of any of these cars (which is just a Honda anyway).

 

It's subjective to say that the ES/Camry look the same inside and outside. Of course they function the same because they are both sedans. The TL/Accord have many stylistic similarities inside and out, and of course function the same as sedans. The ES is slightly longer than the Camry in the same the TL is longer than the Accord.

The RL is a bit of a gas hog, and the fact that it is "old" may turn the OP off. For new luxury cars, I think the ES would best suit the OP's needs (especially since you can choose between a 08 or 09 still).

 

Look up the reliability stats, maintenance stats, mpg, depreciation, and insurance so you know your costs. Then go out and drive the car and buy the one that you think dives the best. You can sit here for hours wanking over this statistic or that feature, but in the end it is getting in the car and seeing how it works for you that matters.

That's why I drive an AWD Tech and Porsche while SWMBO drives her S60.

 

Drove Genesis back to back TL; TL's "drive by wire" accelerator (electronic) and electric motor driven power steering in combination (mostly the drive by wire accelerator) is notable. Its precise control by foot pressure alone is remarkable.

 

You sure about that? I tested the stereos in both cars and to me the Lexicon was inferior to the ELS in a TL. Not even close actually and the Lexicon threw fits with certain DVD audio discs that play fine in a TL.
I test drove a V8 Genesis and it's a big cushy car with a comfortable seat and a lot of power. In the end I ended up with a TL because I drove a friend's Genesis with 30k miles and it was a rattle trap...not to mention he was already on his second transmission.
Hell, I'd buy an Avalon/ES350 before I'd buy a Genesis.

 

Interesting I did not think anyone regardless of make had a good electric steering yet. Based on my personal experience with the TL DBW throttle I thought it sucked with too much lag in the system especially with a 6MT.

BTW I just noticed this thread is very, very old

 

You can get a 4G TL for under $35. I bought my 13TL for $36 before trade in and cash.

 

This is a necro bump thread.. from 03/09

 

Haha! Sorry, didn't even notice the post dates.

 

Funny huh? But it is an interesting opportunity to reconsider how these choices have fared in the marketplace. Just for kicks, I went to the KBB app and selected each of the three cars from the OP and added Navi.

TL = $24,464 Retail
ES = $23,400 Retail
Genesis = $20,470 Retail

 

And in total sales by year from 2009

TL:
2009 33,620
2010 34,049
2011 31,237
2012 33,572

ES:
2009 48,485
2010 48,652
2011 40,873
2012 56,158

Genesis:
2009 21,889
2010 29,122
2011 32,998
2012 33,973

 

It would be nice to update this thread with the newer models of each car while at the same time adding the new Kia Cadenza and Hyundai Azera to the mix. These new cars seem to be in the same price range/class as the others. Hopefully those who are comparing them will oblige us!

 

Indeed, it's very relevant. Isn't the 3 series BMW in the same class as the TL or has the TL slipped further down?

 

I am almost positive the TL is still considered the same class as the BMW 3 series. Funny to think/look back though... the TL was in the same class as the BMW 5 series just 3 years ago! Not even close anymore.

My local dealer compares the TL to the Lexus ES, BMW 3, and Infinity G with Acura produced marketing materials.


Your GS F-Sport is way beyond anything Acura can compare against... maybe the RLX in terms of price, but that is about it! LOL!

 

if only the Genesis 5.0 had AWD, I'd be all in...