Greetings to all you A-ziners out here! Im new to the forums but ive been checking the threads here constantly (daily) for about 2 months and have been inspired to get a TL and turn it into a work of art much like what you guys have done. I am currently looking to get TL (04-05) or a G35 (03-05)and seeing as i am just a college student and like most of us college kids i am pretty limited in my budget (15k-17k ish if i had the money i would get a NSX hands down but thats a dream for now and reality later lol). I was planning on solely looking at TLs but have gained some interest in a G35 coupe. The cars will be AT but i want to know what you guys think i should get. I have a pretty decent idea of what the TL offers but i dont know much about G35s becuase i just started taking an interest but i feel personal opinions would be better. ( also im interested in a car with a good "kick" to it but that wont be too big a factor into my decision) I am a noob when it comes to mechanics but i like all you DIY guides i see here

im interested in hearing your opinions and welcome all critiques.
some topics im most interested in is:

handling and suspension( i live in MA and the roads can get brutal so i am wondering who has a better stock suspension)

reliability

luxury feature comparasions
power( since they are auto i dont expect much but i can be wrong)

i hear theres something wrong with the transmission for certain TLs and hope someone can clarify which type of TLs are affected.

FYI if i get a TL i already plan on an Aspec package, interior leds, and changing my taillight tints plus rims in the future as starters. (i like alot of the custom mods you guys do and think they are fantastic!)

i am currently on winter break from school so ill b up till 6am and constantly checking in hopes that you all will contribute your thoughts

 

Welcome.

G35 for speed.

TL for quality/bang for the buck.

 

You came to the wrong place looking for your opinion to be swayed towards a G35 lol. Pretty biased around here!

Before I start, let it be known that I've never driven a G35, or have even been in one for that matter, but here it is:

The TL is a wonderful vehicle that has countless commodities to indulge yourself. From the first day I saw this car, I knew I was going to love it. The reliability is off the charts. Look around, you very sparingly hear about wretched problems with the TL. I for one, in 10 months of ownership, have not had one thing go wrong with my car.

As for the luxury features, I undoubtedly give the thumbs up to the TL. The interior of a G35 reminds me of cardboard for some reason. It's so bland in comparison to the TL. The ugly orange lit interior makes me want to puke. The TL offers a vibrant blue and white interior, which to me, is very enjoyable.

Power? It packs a good punch when you need it to. It's not the fastest car around, but for what it is, it's quite nice. I believe it's neck and neck between the G35 and the TL.

I won't comment on handling or suspension as I really don't know the first place to begin with that subject. Also, I think the transmission problem could be with the early year TL's (04-06) but I could be wrong. Perhaps another Aziner could help me out.

Just to point it out, you seem to have already had your heart set on a TL based on your latter statement shown below:

"FYI if i get a TL i already plan on an Aspec package, interior leds, and changing my taillight tints plus rims in the future as starters. (i like alot of the custom mods you guys do and think they are fantastic!)"

Make the right choice!

ALSO!!! Don't settle!!! If you really want a color and combination, search for it. You're bound to find what you really want, because if you don't, you may end up regretting it.

 

i totally agree with you 218 TL on the interior

as for the transmission issue i hope it isnt too common so that if i do get one it doesnt break down on me =(

i like the exhaust note on a stock G35 but i can always upgrade the exhaust on the TL for a nice subtle one( preferably tanabe?)

well im willing to settle for 3 colors

WDP/ebony

black/black or black/beige

that dark grey/black

as for biased opinions i have seen some threads here where they put out a fair comparision between the TL and other vehicles

i currently drive my parents 02 camry and i know a v6 upgrade will be a big change as there will also be at least 100+ hp increase over the camry. It used to be a "as long as it gets me from point a to b" but i always have had a craving for more power and wanted leather. plus those empty highways at night are so tempting to speed through but im not one of those people who go crazy , or gets a civic and slaps on a bodykit from nfs and drops a turbo on it with a large exhaust -_-. im a pretty subtle person and i like both the TL and G35s looks with the a-spec and nismo kits although the G35 has more options in terms for aftermarket parts and accesories.

so i realized that im having some trouble deciding on sport vs luxury but your opions so far are making things a little more clearer for me but i like G35 coupes looks over the TLs currently but looks arent everything and i have been pondering really hard about the two.

 

Get the TL. It has the perfect blend of comfort, speed, reliability, maintainability, luxury, and sexiness.

 

03-04 had poor interior quality on that model G35. In 05 they upgraded the interior which was much better but still below par of what the 04-05 TL would get you. I owned a 04 and a 05 G35 Sedan 6mts. Loved them as they handled great. The TL has more space as well so if you have kids, the TL would be a better car overall. The G35's like the Z's had oil consumption issues especially the REV-UP engines in 05 on the manuals. The 05 auto was the older engine non-revup design which was less prone to issues.

Take it for what it's worth but I would look at the TL for reliability, roomy, build quality or look at the G35 for performance only.

 

I'd stick with the Tl just cuz of AZ, saves you $ on maintenance/repairs

 

Hmmm.... if you ask me.... I have no idea why someone would go to this website and ask if they should get the g35 or a TL..... I think most of us would be bias and pick the TL for odvious reasons..... so I say you get the TL...

 

College student with a budget, I would be looking at a TSX or Accord, you can probably find a really nice V6 Accord for that money. I'm a big fan of the second generation G35/37 but I never really cared for the first generation, so if it had to be one of the cars you mentioned it would be a TL.

 

I agree with most of your post except the above statement. We may be biased in the TL forum, but over here I think you will get some unbiased opinions. Hell, a lot of us don't even own Acuras anymore.

OP - I for one am a fan of the Infiniti line and really like the G coupe. But I think you will get a much better deal with the 04-05 TL over a 03-04 G Coupe. And I agree with Pimpin on the interior not being as nice on the 03-04 models.

The main reasons are for your budget a lot of the G Coupes may be a bit more beat up than the TL. Also, for where you live, I think the TL will be a better all-year car. And the fun factor is probably similar with both cars.

 

i'd get the TL over a pre-06 G35.

 

Here is a picture of my 04 G35.



Then my 05 G35 Interior

 

I bought my 04 TL in August of 08 with only 32k miles on it and absolutely love it. Its got plenty of room for everyone to be comfortable in it while looking very nice when driving down the road. It definately doesn't have that cramped sports car feel and can give you a thrill when driving still.

I couldn't see myself in another car

 

pimpin tl, no offense but that interior sucks.

 

I agree as I never said it was good. But it worked at least and I will say the cars had no rattles.

 

A majority of Car Talk regulars are no longer Acura owners. It's part of what makes Car Talk so special

Anyway, of those two I would pick the G35, but I would go 05+. The TL tranny should be good as the problems were mainly with 1999-2003 TLs. I know my 2002 was getting ready for its second tranny replacement when I got rid of it.

If money really is an issue, I'd have to agree with iTimmy and suggest a TSX or nice V6 Accord.

 

I always thought 2005 model TL is better than 2005 model G35 overall.

However, 2010 TL AWD and 2010 G37 are both great car in my opinion.

I suggest, If you really wanna get a good car now, get TL but I

recommand get a much cheaper car for your student time and save

up money for bigger one. ( 2008 TL type-s / 2010 TL AWD / G37)

 

I will have to agree with you on that. I actually like the interior of my I35 more than those.

Hell yeh. No rattles on my I either and everything works great.

 

I think one that is not beat to hell will be out of his price range.

 

^ Probably. Which is why he should just look into a nice V6 Accord for now, then, down the road, spend more money on nicer cars.

 

I would look at V6 Accords, TSX's, Maxima's or Lexus IS300. You will more than likely find one of those with fairly low miles and in good shape.

 

the 1G TSX is an awesome car.

 

Thanks for all your input guys

and i must say that i do find the interior in a G35 boring compared to the TL and in terms of power you guys convinced me enough that the TL is a better value for my money.


I found ones with about 45k-80k miles on a TL for a decent prices and of course i can talk them down some more.(even one with the A-spec packge). MY budget isnt too big an issue because i can make my price range higher but i prefer to save money. Im only 20 and a brand spankin new car can only benefit me so much.

I dont want an accord because my friend has one and he made it look so hideous and pretty much killed any desire i had for one. TSX's to me seem girly compared to the TL but i understand that the TSX has pretty good value too. I have looked at IS300s and i like the HUD on it and all but they all seem really dirty inside and i dont really want to deal with cleaning it.

pimp-tl i do not have kids lol 20 years old is too young other wise id probably be in a kia or something haha

since i got nothing for christmas i talked my parents to do the down payment for the car (4kish). but i have to wait till around spring time for the car. hopefully ill see some better deals pop up by then. until then ill be checking in the forums alot for more ideas

 

man, if i were you, i'd just get a brand new mazda3 or something in that line. just get some brand new fun hatchbacks.

 

im pretty set on getting a TL or possibly a G35 but there is still quite some time for me to still decide as spring over here doesnt seem to arrive anytime soon. Other car sugguestions at this point wont really sway my decision.

 

My girl was talking about selling her 05 TL gray/Gray no nav 75K miles with warrenty to 88K miles for 16K in north jersey..

 

If you are going to get the G35 sedan I wouldn't bother. Unless you're going to purchase a G35 coupe get the TL hands down. The Sedan is no comparison.

Now I was a previous TL owner, and this past summer I went down to a local dealership and test drove the G35 coupe. The one I test drove was a NY G35, so it had some wear to it, but it still shifted smoothly and performed nicely.

The interior isn't bad at all and is definitely adequate, and I thought it was rather nice. Let's also be adamant about the fact that a non-navi TL interior isn't anything spectacular either. Although the steering wheel on the TL has a much better asthetic. The size of the car is much larger than you would imagine although it took a while to get comfortable. I guess its due in part because I had never driven a coupe before and I was not accustomed to driving one, especially a RWD vehicle, so I was a bit nervous.

Anyway the car is nice and you'll definitely develop an appreciation for it once you drive it. In stock form the car has a nice and throaty exhaust and is nice to open up.

Both cars are great, and you should be able to find a nice G35 for 17K, you can probably go to a dealership and talk them down to sell a 19K G35 for 17K.

Oh and the reason I hate the G35 sedan is that its so plain and mundane looking, it doesn't appeal to me.

 

Not to be rude, however that is a bit pricey.

 

Also to the original poster, note that the TL has better all-season capabilities than the G, with the TL you can slap on a set of all season tires and you will do just fine. The G35 will require winter tires as it is a RWD vehicle and prone to traction loss.

 

 

I vote for Maxima or Altima V6. Same motor as the G35 but it will cost less and is more roomy

 

A used Maxima, but the new ones are actually pricier than a G37 new.

 

I was in the same dilemma as you when I was purchasing my car and ultimately picked the tl over the g35. I just couldn't stand the g35 interior and of course the poor mpg/ rwd in the winter time. Also consider if you need to drive anybody around since the rear seats in the g35 aren't exactly comfortable. The TL has it all in my opinion and the best bang for the buck. Good luck with your choice

 

First of all welcome!

My dad has a 05 G35x and I love it, but I would never replace my TL with a G35. The fit and the finish of the TL surpasses the G in almost every way. The G's interior is cramped compared to the TL and the gas milage is mediocre.

The G is a great car to fly around in and such, but I find it hard to get comfortable in during long trips (my family and I took it down to FL this past summer). I'm not one to drive fast, so I'll take comfort > speed.

Don't get me wrong, I like the G, and more importantly my dad LOVES it. You really need to take them both on a test drive and see which one you feel more comfortable driving and such.

Of course all of this is just my People will always agree and disagree about topics like this.

 

im gonna test drive a G35 coupe soon and ill have to see how a RWD feels because i read one of the threads here how once they drove the rwd in a BMW they fell in love with it. my standards in a car arent too demanding so maybe ill find the interior okay for the Gcoupe but ill give an update once i get a chance to test drive one.(oh i hate the clock in the Gcoupe dashboard because its not digital and takes me like a min to read the time on that small little thing but i can live with it)

i do hear the acceleration in a TL is very smooth because my friend owns the Gcoupe and he does Valet and got a chance to take the TL for a spin. unfortunately he wasnt in it long enough to say much. he does agree that the TL is much nicer interiorwise.

oh im not too concerned about putting passengers in the car, its all about me atm. my friends will have to settle for w.e room there is in the car. plus im usually the only one in my car anyways

i dont like the altima or maxima especially the altima coupe. thats like driving one of those hyundai's made to look like the mercedes i dont know if u guys know which car im referring to but yeah

in terms of MPG im not too concerned because a TL gets about 20 mpg if im correct and in my book thats not too good either but like i said im not too concerned unless the G gets like 10mpg haha then we have a problem.

i have not driven any RWD cars before much less AWD and i was wondering if anyone can give me an input about how your driving experience changes because ive been on FWD all my life

 

OH CLtotheTL32 whats the front bumper on car as seen on your avatar? i like how it has Acura on it very nice

 

^Thanks man! They are vinyl inserts that just go in place of the stamped letters

Without a doubt you need to drive both and compare them, so I'm glad you are doing that.

When it comes to MPG, my dad gets about 18 in the G and I get about 22 in the TL. Not a huge difference but a decent one.

 

That's more than a 20% difference.

The thing to remember though is that he is talking about the G coupe which will get better mileage than the G35X Sedan. But the VQ engines will tend to use a bit more gas than the TL.

 

^Very true, I didn't put that into consideration. Nice point

 

is insurance the same cost?( its different everywhere but a general overview helps too )

i did some googling( i dont know why i didnt before lol) and i managed to get the gist of things down between the 2 cars until i got pissed off where most comparasions were between the TL vs a G35 SEDAN and then a flame war started but u cant really compare a coupe to a sedan i know that but still always nice to hear opinions.

so heres my current list of my factors in determining what to consider so far

RWD =bad in snow but better fun factor on the road? lol FWD is overall better
mpg TL>G35
interior TL>35
exterior TL = G35
i cant compare body styling as the Gcoupe is sexy as a coupe and the TL is sexy for a sedan (i might go for the sportier car while im still young)

G35 is meant for performance upgrades while the TL is not (i read somewhere that you shouldnt put too much power in a FWD)

in terms of performance upgrades and such im just basically putting exhaust, intake, and a better suspension.+ other small mods

interior mods are completely based on how i feel but generally I will definetly put leds and weather tech mats

what has really won me over though is that kuruma Z style bumper G35 coupe and also in general the cars variety in mods cosmetics and performance wise. The TL doesnt seem to have much variety in terms of uniqueness compared to the G35. Most of it involves an A spec kit or Ronjon kit and they are both reallly nice addititions to the car but i feel that thats really all there is in terms of variety. Of course there are the personal mods you guys do which really sets you guys apart from all the rest because i have never seen so much amazing custom work on any car forum but here on Acurazine. i can understand why civic owners take pride becuase they have so much different ways to make their own cars unique. I apologize in advance if i offended anyone because of that.

i value all of your opinions and preferences (and of course to each their own) the work you guys put into your TL is very inspiring

so far i guess what it comes down to is the test drive which i hope i can do soon