CAgine

if you want to surpass 200K miles without a care in the world how you drive, overlook Honda/Hyundai/KIA and go straight to Toyota Camry lol.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Test drove the 2014 Mazda 6 and I've got to say WOW, what a difference over the previous generation. My only issue is that it's a bit sluggish, but maybe I need to realize that my TL has spoiled me and that 200hp is plenty and the 38mpg highway is worth sacrificing a few horses. This vehicle is now on my short list along with a Kia Optima SX and a used IS350.

Now heading in a totally different direction, I'm starting to wonder if I should be looking at small 4-door hatchbacks instead... but they're all so ugly and cheap. Maybe the Lexus CT200h??? Or maybe I'm just crazy with that thought.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Testdrove a CT200h. I actually like the car quite a bit except that it is slow as all hell.

Back to my current lists:

Possible contenders in order of preference as of today. Still would like to test drive many of these:

• Kia Optima SX Turbo. (Test drove and liked it a lot. Not sure if I trust Kia or a turbo for long-term reliability to 200k miles.)
• 2014 Mazda 6. (Test drove. Very nicely done. Could use a little more power. Handles very nicely.)
• Nissan Altima SL V6. (Test drove and it rides very nice. Handling is a bit soft, but acceptable. Tons of power.) Surprised by how pricey these are.
• Used Lexus IS350 AWD. (Test drove and loved it! Design is getting to be a bit old though, but still handsome. Hard to find even a high mileage one below $30k. I trust Lexus.)
• New or gently used Acura TSX. (Test drove and liked it. Styling just doesn't do it for me though. Why no slick LED taillights for example? I trust Acura.)
• Ford Fusion
• Honda Accord ELX V6. Need to test drive. I find it rather ugly though.
• Used Volvo S60
• Used Nissan Maxima
• Used Infinity G37x
• Subaru Legacy AWD 3.0 H6
• VW CC

Cars that have been suggested that I don't like.

• Lexus IS 250 AWD (slow, small). The upcoming 2013 IS sounds awesome, but will probably be out of my price range.
• Mazda 6 (Test drove and was not impressed. Highway mileage is pretty lame too.)
• BMW 328xi
• Dodge Charger
• Hyundai Sonata Turbo (test drove and did not like, Optima is much better for similar price and caliber vehicle)
• Honda Accord
• VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition

charliemike

Most of the cars on that list are not better than your TL.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Exactly my problem! ... and the reason I'm still driving my TL a year and a half after I first created this thread!

pttl

^
So what do you WANT?

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

I want a car that looks as good as the Kia Optima SX, handles like a BMW, is fully loaded with all the bells and whistles, has a 6-cyl engine, 0-60 times in the 6 second range, highway mpgs near 30, and has the low maintenance costs and high reliability of a Honda or Toyota, for under $30k (2-3 yrs used is acceptable). Is that too much to ask? My 04 TL meets all those requirements.

pttl

Problem solved.

mrmako

2008 TL-S 6 speed?

ENAHS

Used/CPO 4G TL?

Joe5.0

I'm going through the same thought process. My CLS6 has 193k on it now, and I wonder how much longer it'll last. Its still on the original clutch, and when it goes I wont be able to justify $1k repair on a $3k car.

If you can budge on the mpg into the mid 20's you might want to consider the Taurus SHO (altho its pretty big). I sat in a couple 14 Mazda 6's and was REALLY impressed with the price and options list for the money. I have not driven one yet, but I'll bet the turbo diesel will feel faster than the gasoline engine. Plus it'll get 40+mpg....

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

Im also in somewhat in a similar situation. My list is even smaller, since i want a manual RWD or AWD car. I wanted a LegacyGT Limited but for some stupid reason subaru killed the GT from the legacy lineup for 2013. Now only manual legacy is the base model 2.5i, which sucks.

VR1

G37, TSX V6 or the new Mazda 6.
I know you said a Midsize car but the 135i is a hoot to drive.

charliemike

This car doesn't exist anymore :'(

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

Screw the list, test drive the new 2013 Mustang GT w/ track package, brembo's and recaro's get out of your comfort zone and get something you'd really enjoy!

Unless of course you reallyyyyy need 4 doors.

charliemike

Ford Focus ST ... 250hp, 6MT, four doors, 30mpg.

Under $30k

Joe5.0

If you consider the ST you have to think about the Mazdaspeed 3 also. Problem is every one of these pants on fire hatchbacks are driven by complete dickwads. At an advanced age of 31 I think I'd feel like a toolbox getting in & out of one.....

charliemike

I hear you but look at the VIP donkeys.

Plus the Saudis do crazy shit in base model Camrys

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Ha! I agree. This is why I thought the Lexus CT200h might be a decent option, but damn that car is slow!

honda_nut

'13 Accord EX-L w/ nav V6 gives you pretty much everything you want.

RPhilMan1

Not really the case in what I've seen. In fact, on focusst.org the dominating age group is 50+, believe it or not... Now that may not completely represent the real world it does show that "dickwads" are not the only ones driving these cars. I resent that remark and you shouldn't paint with such a broad brush.

charliemike

Often, when someone generalizes it's because they don't know what they're talking about

Joe5.0

Thats just been my experience on the road. People say the same thing about Mustang drivers too, and I dont drive like a dickwad even though I have one.

I drive 20k+ miles a year in a urban/metropolitan area, pretty sure I know what I'm talking about. Your experience may vary.

Joe5.0

Except for the whole "styling" thing. While the 2013 is an improvement, its still pretty boring to look at, IMO.

Eoanou

Try the Acura ILX with the 6m/t. It has the same motor as the Civic Si, same transmission a bit more body roll and bit softer suspension. It's got all the bells and whistles, reverse camera, bluetooth etc, and it's under 30K. 0-60 in high 6 second range. Slightly slower than the TL was new, but compareable.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

The search is over. Now it's time to sell the TL.

MEKO

iTrader: (1)

Oh maaan keep both

charliemike

If you can afford it, keep both. Drive the TL til it dies and save miles on your new car, which looks great. Congrats!

paz840

iTrader: (2)

rossv1

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

TL is cleaned up and for sale:
https://acurazine.com/forums/member-cars-sale-49/2004-tl-navi-chicago-area-spec-suspension-wheels-single-owner-since-2006-a-883750/

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

... and the TL is now sold for $6100 with nearly 200,000 miles on the clock. Not bad at all.

NvrDwn

Damn that was a quick buy.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Where are the pics?!

Moog-Type-S

Nice Optima

dallison

In pics it looks nice, but in person not so.

jhumbo

iTrader: (1)

Just a few days. Tons of interest. (It was the only TL within 100 miles listed below $7000.) Lots of people hesitant to actually buy (or even come see it) due to the high miles. A few that were actually serious and impressed with the condition and then finally one that made a high enough offer that seemed pretty fair to me.