I do love my WDP 04 TL AT non nav, but I am growing concerned about the warranty being up soon. The fact that I feel a slight shudder in low RPM 3rd gear that can not be duplicated by the dealer is not helping my concerns. They say it may be vibration from the EL 42s and I have been on rides w/ the tech and of course it won't do it when he drives.
Financially, I spent everything I had to get this car w/ no monthly payments in May. I paid $20,300 and after tax title reg, I am into this car for around $22,500. I just really fear something big going wrong as soon as the warranty is up that I can't afford, but at the same time I am not interested in an buying an overpriced extended warranty.

I really like the looks of the Civic Si sedan and a couple dealers by me have a few leftover 07s (1 w/ Nav) that are aggresively priced to move. I know its a huge downgrade from the gorgeous TL, but I am I seriously considering a 3 year newer car w/ full warranty, 45k less miles and possibly a few grand back in my pocket.

Forgetting the taxes I paid and trading it in to avoid paying future slaes tax, I could probably make a few grand for driving this beauty for 5 months.

Am I crazy? Do I need to be talked out of this by you guys or does this seem like a sound financial move?

 

I'd personally keep the TL. The civic would be too much of a downgrade for me. Plus, the TL is just so much sexier.

 

Depends on what you're after. The current iteration of the Civic Si from all reviews point it to be quite the little car that could and would.



You're obviously downgrading in the amenities department but likely upping it in regards to fun and sheer hooliganism potential.

 

considered one (along with a VW GLI) as a replacement for my 02 Maxima but, rightfully feared a VERY negative reaction from the wife. So, I opted for an AV6 instead.

 

Those Civic SI 4 doors are tight, and in a year or two they are introducing a 4Dr Mugen Civic!! (I think, correct me if i am wrong) Did you think about the TSX's too, they are nice!

 

no, you're not crazy for considering one. it's a very nice car for what it is. i wouldn't buy too much into the "you're too old for a civic" or "you're downgrading to a honda" sentiments.

if it's a financial move and you think it's the best for you, then why not?

 

Thanks guys.

I didn't know about the Mugen Civic, that should be interesting.
Saturday I am going to go to Acura one last time to try to duplicate the shudder w/ a tech in the car, this time w/ me driving.
Depending on how that goes, I will be going to the Honda delaership that I see from their online inventory has an 07 Nighthawk Black Civic SI w/ Nav.

If I do go this route, its a tough call between selling private or trading in. I need to do some math to figure out if the no sales tax will be worth the lesser sale price and hassle free sale.

 

so if they don't have the color combo you want, will that kill the deal?

 

Where do you live? Check out if they truly do have no sales tax on trade-ins. Most states don't even all taxing on the difference.

As far as trading down goes, don't worry about it. Just make sure it's something you'll absolutely want for a couple of years. I bought my MS3 thinking it would be exactly the step up from my Mazda3 I was looking for but it's not. I'm going to keep it for a while longer but in hindsight I wish I had bought a G35 coupe instead.

If you really like the Si, then by all means get it. Too many people with Home Equity on the brain are overreaching to buy cars they can't afford these days. I think it's smart to get something like the Si which will be fun to drive and great on gas and not kill you every month if you have a payment.

 

yeah i had to go look at the honda website about that mugen SI, that looks really interesting.

 

^^ kill that wing!!!

 

I've looked at the civic (don't like the dash), as a replacement for my CL which has been out of warranty for over a year (65K miles now). I just can't convince myself that I can downgrade to a civic from a V6 CL...

I do like the up coming Fit, but again, I already have a nicer, bigger car.... ok, so it's a little old (5 y/o).

The 04 TL's are pretty reliable vehicles, so don't use that as an excuse for getting a new car. If you want a new car, get one. I'd bet you'll have to come up with some money to get into an 07 Civic SI. I can't see how you'd walk away with making money on the deal. If you haven't got a trade in quote on your car yet, ask one of the honda dealers for one. I'm sure you'll change your tune once you find out how little they'll give you on trade

 

No not at all. I am flexible on the exterior color and all the interiors are non leather, black cloth with red Si stitching (from what I have read)





I live in Albany NY and am pretty sure there is no sales tax if you trade in. Thanks though, b/c obviously that does make a huge difference.
I own the TL and have no payment. I am thinking worst case scenario it could be an even trade for a brand new car that I think looks awesome and should have the same or better resale value when I go to sell in a few years.
Hmmm tempting home equity comment, maybe I should pull some out of the house and upgrade to an M3. Lol just kidding.

 

Good points. But I assure you this shudder that I have been slightly feeling in low RPM 3rd gear is a huge factor w/ my warranty that ends in 2 months.

I was assuming a ballpark of 20 on trade or I could get 22 in a private sale. The 07's MSRP is 21 and change I believe, so we will be close.

 

have you concidered the Nissan SE-R Spec V.
personally i like it better than the Si.

 

FWIW, Honda/Acura has generally been good enough to eat the repairs on most of the faulty automatic transmissions up to about 100K. You have a record of your concerns on file in the system. Dont use the possible repair cost as an excuse to trade. Now, if you just want the Si for some other reason then go for it.

I also think 3 year older TL's sell for more than 3 year newer Civics, check it out.

 

I went from a TSX to a Civic Si coupe last year and have really enjoyed it. The K20A is a great engine (8k redline) and I've always enjoyed the admittedly "quirky" dash. Mine also has navigation/XM which sort of offset the the "downgrade" factor a bit. I really like the pseudo-suede/cloth interior and haven't noticed any undue wear yet. THe 6-speed is one of the best manual trannies made (any Honda manual is awesome really) and the VTEC switchover is so great (especially in a tunnel with the windows down......what a sound!!!). Anyway, the TL is very nice as well and the Civic is a definite step down in luxury, but it has been well worth it for me!!

 

Thanks guys. I think my decision depends on how it goes this weekend with the Acura tech. Will keep you posted.

I have not considered the Sentra, I just don't really like Nissan products.

 

Though I do not believe it to be on par with the Si (or GLI), I do believe that the Nissan Sentra SE-R is worthy of consideration as well.