eluzion

Totaled my '04 TL so now I'm in need of a new car... asap.

Test drove the IS350 and TL SH-AWD today. The IS350 interior is very cramped compared to the TL, but I'm still not sure if I like the TL exterior design. I was quoted about $40k for both with the F-Sport package (IS350) or Sports package (TL). I also considered the Acura TSX V6, BMW 335i Sedan, Cadillac CTS Sedan, Infiniti G37 Sedan, Hyundai Genesis Sedan... but really the TL and IS350 are my two favorite.

Plus, I'm reading there is a refresh coming out soon for the 2012 TL, but there's no confirmation on exactly what has changed and exactly what it looks like... and I need a car asap.

Any other cars ya'll would consider? What am I missing...

erick3

what'd you do, jamie...?

edit: nm saw your other post.

erick3

are you considering new for all?

eluzion

Yeah, only looking at new. I really don't know what to get... seems like bad timing to be buying a new car.

winstrolvtec

There is also the C class, A4, Maxima, LaCrosse, and CC.

As for probable changes it's highly likely that the TL gets a 6AT (although maybe just the SH version), revised styling with the new grill that you can see on the 2011 TSX and RL.

More assumption based would be song by voice for iPod controls, maybe a small HP bump, interior tweaks, navi software and interface updates and possibe advance package like the ZDX, MDX, and RL.

A lot of it's speculation for now as it's still a few months away at the earliest.

eluzion

C350 was my first option but I feel like the interior is really cheap and the cost of ownership is much higher. I feel like Audi's are overpriced and underpowered. Maxima, LaCrosse, and CC I don't find very appealing.

So is it just the grill that is being changed or is there changes to the actual body? I wonder if the new grill would fit on the pre-2012 models.

Linmk2

I purchased an 11 TL at the end of October. A car I really liked was the Buick LaCrosse. It drove nicely, but was very hard to see out due to the thick pillars. I did think the Acura had a little more pep and handled better. I choose the Acura because it had better visibility and frankly, I get a better deal. I think I would have been happy with the Buick equally. One other car I looked at, only because a friend worked at a Toyota dealership, was the Toyota Avalon. I know, only old people drive them, but I guess I'm older than most of the people on this forum. If you want room to spare and a very Lexus like interior, the Avalon meets your needs. I was very surprised how well it drove. However, I thought the outside was boring and as such, it did not make my final cut. As for as my TL, I've been very pleased with it so far. The exterior styling is different to say the least, which for me, is a plus. The ride is firm but comfortable. I find the car to be quiet. It is free of rattles or other things that go bump in the night. I do wish there was more "soft" touch plastic on the dash and door panels. It has all the performance I need. A speeding ticket is at the touch of your toe. Frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with a new Acura.

KeithL

I'm guessing the IS350 at $40K did not have the Mark Levinson sound system? The ELS will blow away the stock Lexus sound system and the Acura NAV is easier to use and more functional and I don't know how good Lexus voice commands are (if any) but Acura's are great.

eluzion

Yeah, just the standard audio system. I prefer the Acura navigation over the Lexus as well. How is the M37? Seems like a pretty big car, but then again, the TL is pretty damn big.

lji

I would stay away from Toyota/Lexus for a while until they get their act together. Check ClubLexus for any issues people are reporting for MY2010 or 2011. I bought an IS 250 brand new in 2008. The car's a nice car, but quality issues abounded. The IS350 was also on the list of car recalled for the faulty valve springs if I remember correctly. Anyhow, the troubles I had:

1) CD Changer replaced a few months into ownership
2) Stuck cupholder fixed/replaced
3) Lexus could not fix an alignment issue (car kept drifting at highway speeds). Changed out tires and performed alignment several times to no avail.
4) The front passenger window fell down into the door on a rainy day after going out of it's track.
5) Horrible navigation implementation. Cannot adjust while driving, voice commands not all that great either.
6) Expensive maintenance.

Finally sold it in Nov '10 with 40,000 miles due to reason #3 and because of the lack of space in it now due to family.

Test drove both the Infiniti G37 auto and the TL SH-AWD (both auto and manual) and felt the TL was just the better overall buy (the G is only a little bigger than the IS).

Bought a TL SH-AWD 6MT the same month and love the car so far. No issues to report, plenty of space, ability to use nav while in motion is a Godsend.

eluzion

Thanks for the input. I'm still undecided. I love both cars, the TL SH-AWD and IS350... decisions decisions...

docboy

IMHO, forget about the IS 350

I had a 2009 IS 250 AWD for a whole 4,000 miles. I traded in a perfectly good 05 TSX b/c I wanted AWD. At first the IS was nice b/c it was small and tight, felt very cozy inside like a "sports car." Then it just became a chronic cancer, the car became so unbelievably uncomfortable and literally painful to drive; I couldn't drive the dam car without feeling like my right leg was going to fall off. Finally I had enough and said to hell with the Lexus; I took a huge financial hit and got the TL 6MT when it was first released.

Among other things I hated about the Lexus:
1) Useless nav. The nav becomes inoperable when the car is in motion. What is the point of having nav then if one can't use it? What if my wife in the passenger seat wanted to use it?

2) Thick A pillars and right rear passenger side blind spot. Couldn't see out well to my left and the rear right.

3) Car was too quiet, so quiet it was nauseating as I watched the world pass by.

4)After sitting for a while, my rear end felt like I was sitting on a hard metal plate.

5) Anemic engine (though the 350 is the sportier car of the two)

6) Only 1 exposed and useful cup holder

7) I only got 25mpg, compared to the TSX I had with nearly the same engine output I got 30mpg

8) Unresolved rattle near the driver's vent

9) Unresolved "sticky pedal" recall. Seriously, where is the Lexus quality???!?

10) Did I say the car was so dam uncomfortable and painful to drive?

The positives of the Lexus that unfortunately sold me the car: looks good, nice air conditioned seats, Lexus badge.

The TL 6MT is a far superior car to the Lexus in nearly every way; far more comfortable for myself and the family, awesome power, superior AWD system, slick 6MT (not available on the 250 AWD or 350), a navigation system one can actually use, better visibility, etc... If you are unsure of the TL's exterior, take a look at the upcoming RonJon kit. IMHO.

KeithL

Infiniti Electronics suck! Their voice commands are a joke and liek Lexus the Nav locks out while moving leaving you to voice control of NAV and voice NAV and touch screen NAV work totally different. The car rides nice, is beautiful and powerful, but it is not built as well as the TL AWD I had. I plan on coming back to Acura when I can afford to get out of the M37, but will wait for the 2012 TL assuming a Type-S is coming as well.

KeithL

I looked at a Volve S60 a few weeks ago and they have a great fix for this, a remote that the passenger uses to activate the NAV while the car is in motion. I don't know the particulars on how it works, but it is a better idea than what the other makes have!

007Acura

The IS has been the same since 2006 and a major redesign is coming in the next year

NJ SHAWD

Go silver on the TL. The beak disappears.

eluzion

Yeah, I'm leaning towards a silver SH-AWD 6spd manual. I just hope the 2012 changes aren't too significant...

How much did you all pay for your TL SH-AWD? I'm at $38,910 without the lip kit and $40,761 with the lip kit.

If I lease the car, can I add the lip kit later on without causing any issues?

docboy

+1

That's why I went silver (palladium metallic). IMHO, the OEM grill works best on silver.

007Acura

If you can get the .9 financing that would be the best way to go.

Sure but since it is a lease you just wasting your money... unless you sell it at the end



also the 6mt is an awesome choice

eluzion

Yeah, I can get the 0.9% financing deal but the monthly payments are too high. I'm still paying off school loans or I need a lower monthly car payment so I still have money for hookers and blow.

Now I'm not sure if I want a manual or automatic. Why did Acura have to put a 5spd auto in the TL? They could have at least had a 6spd...

It's really hard to overlook the G37 Sedan since I can get one for around $36k with all the options I want... that's about $4k less than the TL with even more power and more options.

lji

You should be able to get the 2011 SH-AWD around $38,300 (no lipkit) with the $2k incentive on it. If you want to push for the holdback money it should be another grand off.

onekneedown

I just purchased my 2011 TL SH-AWD (base) 2 weeks ago after considering the same cars you are. The IS was more money and was very cramped feeling inside. The G37X was nice but it also seemed a little tight (the rear legroom wasn't very good). The TL drove better IMO and was very comfortable. The 0.9% sealed the deal for me saving me almost $20 a month off my payment vs the similarly priced G. I opted for the auto and haven't regretted it. Leases are nice if you're trying to lower your payment but in the end you walk away with zero equity.

eluzion

Where is this incentive at so I can mention it to the dealer? I can't seem to find it on their website. I'm at $38,910 now which seems pretty close. They're throwing on some bullsh!t Xzilon & Protection Package that apparently is already pre installed on the car for $499. Funny thing is I don't think the mud flaps will work with the lip kit. I hate buying cars.

lji

Refuse to pay for the BS. You can always check truecar.com or Edmunds.com for the latest incentives. Truecar gives a very detailed breakdown. Don't know if this link will work but here it is

http://www.truecar.com/Acura/TL/2011...?zipcode=32201

eluzion

Yeah, I've checked both of those websites and both say there are no incentives. $38,292 is the "best" price around the area I'm buying the car so if I can get it below that, I think I'd be happy.

jspagna1

I would even look at the G37X before the Lexus. With that said, the IS is way outdated and is the lowest volume selling Lexus vehicle.
Go for the TL.

jspagna1

Silver and the WDP color.

lji

With a little negotiating, you can get them under $38,292 (holdbacks). Good luck!!

eluzion

Dealer will not budge. $40300 with for a SH-AWD 6spd with the lip kit. Don't know if I should bite the bullet. Wouldn't even knock off the $300 to make it a nice even number, haha.

lji

There should be other dealers in town who are willing to deal... see if someone else will trade with them.

eluzion

Well, there's only one other one that is about an hour away and they are not helpful at all.

This particular dealer doesn't have it in stock so he has to get it shipped to him but he's willing to do it for free (probably because he's making a pretty penny if I buy it for $40,300).

Type34

Call me crazy, but have you thought about looking at cars you can afford?

The TSX V6 has less "beak" and cars like my Mazda 6 with the 3.7L V6 perform as good or better than the TL. There are plenty of options out there that won't break the bank You're only 24 dude, don't rush things...

lji

I agree with Type34, but if the dealer is getting the car freighted over, he's going to consider freight charges, so you may be getting an ok deal.

eluzion

Who said I can't afford it?

I simply don't want a $650+ monthly payment. Since I usually look at a new car every 3 years or so, I rather lease a car with a lower monthly payment and invest the rest.

I appreciate your concern but I honestly don't think you know me well enough to know what I can and cannot afford. Call me crazy.

Type34

How did I know I would get this response. Good luck to you bud, your money is your money...

3gstealth

iTrader: (2)

Give the G37X a spin. It is a sexy beast and a great overall car in all categories. My girlfriend has an 09 and I love to drive it over my TL when I get the chance.

eluzion

Like I said, appreciate the concern but I think it's a moot point to tell someone you don't know what they can or cannot afford. I'll admit, I like the finer things in life but I'm still young so I'm going to enjoy it while I can.

I think it's a fairly nice car but I much prefer the exterior and interior of the TL. They do have some very competitive leasing options, more power and couple more gizmos the TL does not.

I have two other dealers that are within a 4 hour distance of this other one seeing if they can beat $38,910 (price I got from the original dealer without any accessories).

eluzion

Anyone know what was changed from the 2010 and 2011 model? One of the dealers has a black 2010 SH-AWD 6spd in stock and said they can give me a "killer" deal on it (probably because it's been sitting there for so long).

I know the 2011 has the hard drive music deal (which I don't care for). I think a better navigation screen as well?

lji

With the 2010, you're obviously buying the previous MY but there are no major changes as far as I know. Tell them to throw in the navigation update disc (Wish I knew about it when I bought mine in November). I'm not sure if there's been any nav screen changes. Good luck!

007Acura

there are no changes, 2010 has HDD music too

black on black with painted grille and rear trim looks sick!