Would you trade your TL 06 for an RL 06?

Cliff Notes:
My "racing cl" wrecked
Got a "clean cl" stolen
Bought a new TL
Had a kid
Now the TL has 31K on it that I am ahead on
I can get a 06 RL, same milage, for the same payment as my TL by extending the term


Would you do it?

 

Why not?

If you really want a new car and can get into an RL with more gadgets and don't mind the slight dip in performance and fuel economy, the RL is a fantastic car to own.

 

 

With the scenario you described, sounds like a winning situation. I say do it.

 

The RL offers so much more then the TL including SHAWD, Keyless start, memory and electric steering wheel, etc. etc. etc. It's just a much nicer car with also a slightly better build quality.

I'm driving a brand new 08 TL right now (100 miles on it) as a loaner while my RL is in for an A1 service. The TL is very nice but it's not an RL. I also don't feel any noticable performance pop with the TL (although I didn't try to push it very hard). If anything the RL feels much more planted because of the AWD. Also, I was immediately reminded I was in a FWD car when I got on the road with the TL. With the RL, there's absolutely no hint of that uneven steering and torquing that you get with a FWD car. That's very nice.

Given that you have a kid now, the RL also sounds like a better fit.

 

How long are you extending the term?

 

Roughly 14 months. On a 5 year term.

 

could you fix your "racing cl" to be "road ready or is totalled?

 

Time to upgrade IMO.

Or have kid #2.

 

Nah it was totalled but I have thought about buying a cl for a project car.

 

I guess I'll play devil's advocate and say keep the TL until the next generation TL or RL for that matter comes out. By that time, you will have more "equity" ( and I use the term loosely) in the TL and be able to trade in for a new model.

 

You must be nuts...

 

I'd definitely get the RL, not only it's rare, but it's actually a really good car - SH-AWD, all those gadgets, well designed interior, and IMHO the exterior looks good, especially with the A-spec kit.

 

RL.Try something else for a change.

 

i would get the RL, shit its the same monthly price, and its a nicer car, why not.....

 

Yep. That's me.

 

Went through this same debate myself when deciding if I wanted to trade up from the '05 TSX --- except I was looking at a new TL-S or CPO RL. I loved both cars, and think I would've been happy in either one. The RL is hands down the more luxurious vehicle, but it still has a sporty ride despite its lux focus (as opposed to, say, Lexus). Interiors are no comparison. My hesitation was two-fold:

1) I *need* to drive a manual (doesn't apply to you in this situation).
2) I get bored of cars quickly, so I tend to turn them over frequently (4 new cars in 5 years).

The fact of the matter is that the 2nd gen RLs don't hold their value well at all. '05 owners are getting quotes of $25k on their trade-ins, and I could've been in a CPO '05 RL for less than $30k. So while I absolutely love the RLs, I decided that unless I was ready to "commit" to it for a fair amount of time, it just didn't make sense at this point... I'd rather wait to see what the redesigned TSX and TL bring.

My advice to you? If you believe you'll be happy staying in the RL for the full loan term, I say go for it You'll get a great car w/ almost every gadget imaginable... you'll get one of the safest sedans on the market... you'll get Honda/Acura reliability... and you'll get the some exclusivity... but if you're like me and like to switch it up more than most, I'd wait it out a bit to see if anything else that's coming out will fit the bill just as well...

 

Isn't your TL supercharged?

If so, then I'd definitely take into consideration how much power you'd lose by going with the RL. IMO, the power discrepancy would be much larger than the luxury discrepancy.

If not, then forget I said anything .

 

RL hands down, it's an awesome car. I bought one with around 8-9k miles and it's my DD. Plenty of useful gadgets, comfort, and let's not forget SHAWD.

 

and as mentioned before, one reason i really like the RL is that it's not very common on the road. we don't need to get into why that is as it's been discussed more than enough times. but whenever i do see one, there is a sense of uniqueness to it.

 

I completely agree.

I found an 07 with 10K for 37K is that good?

They are working on getting me the final walk out price so that I can do a comparison to see what my monthly would be.

My TL is not supercharged and I have been so lazy not to even tint the windows.

I do get bored with cars but now that I am older it has subsided (funny as I post in this thread).

Thanks for the advice and I will keep everyone posted.

 

i would have imagined that you could get a better deal than that this late into the year. but i dunno...i haven't really been pricing them lately.

 

First, I'm not an RL owner yet. I was trying to get an 07 RL (base or tech) mid-late Sept. Base could be had for roughly $39K and tech for $41-42K. By the time I got the really ball rolling there were none to speak of so I'm planning to go with a 2008.

That being said, I don't know if $37K for what is essentially a 1 year old car is that good. Just my

 

Now I am really up in there air. I just got a decent paycheck and could put 50% or pay the TL off. Here is the one I am looking at. I now am leaning towards waiting.

Link

 

the RL in that ad looks like a pretty nice example.

 

i say you wait for new models to come out in late '08 or '09

 

I think the best car is the one that is paid off. Now if you just have to scratch that new car itch, I think you can talk them down on the one you are looking at. This one is around the same price with only 13K miles...

http://austin.craigslist.org/car/447531544.html

 

That one is also an '06, whereas the one he is looking at is an '07 for $37,971 with 10.5k miles. I'm not sure how much lower they'll go, but that is a pretty decent price and it looks clean.

Did you drive the RL or are you just toying with the idea of it and not sure what you want to do? Personally, I'd go look at it, drive it, and play around with the toys it has. If you completely fall in love with it and you can afford it, upgrading just might be the answer to your dilemma. If not, keep the TL, save your money, and take your time deciding on your TL replacement.

 

In a heartbeat. I'm ready to dump my 05 TL now...

 

I love the RL, but extending your term by 14 months is a deal breaker for me. That's an extra year of car payments that you could use for other things, or possibly as investment/savings.

If you a financially sound, then go for it.