Would it be the 07-08's?
Type S even a factor?

From what I've read;
Engine same. 3.2's
Auto transmission same. (TL S different?) not interested in manuals.
Some electronic differences.
The rest of the changes are basically cosmetic or suspension type.
Please correct me in any area I may have missed.

I'm a non owner first time perspective buyer.

Thank you for your time.

 

i am not really sure but i would obv. say the newer the better

 

I also should have added which year is the best bang for the buck. Possibly 06-07?

 

I'd go for an 07-08 for the new features.

For the 04-06 TL's, I'd say 05 is my favorite because I still like to think I have 270 horsepower, since the rating system changed for the 2006 model.

 

i'd go with an 07' type-s. you'll get ALL the features you want, and it'll be considerably less than an 08'.

07' n 08' type-s' are the same. you'll save money going with an 07'.

 

There is a speed limiter for the 07-08 models.

 

^^^ There is a speed limiter for the 04-06 models as well. Anyone remember what it is? 145? 155?

Also, unless you're getting a vehicle with navigation, I think all you're getting is TPMS, iPod connection and updated wheels and lights. I could be missing something though. My general rule of thumb is to never buy something the first year it comes out. Give them a year to work out the bugs with the new revision and get the next version.

I'm perfectly happy with my '05. No complaints at all. (Other than it didn't come with enough power. )

 

07-08 for the facelift and added features (e.g. back-up camera, LED turn signals on the side mirrors, separated fog lights, auxiliary port for stereo miniplug etc.). and obviously an 08 if you can swing it, because it'll boost resale later on.

 

Wuh fiddy figh.

 

Only 07-08 play mp3s. A pretty big deal I think, considering ur buying a luxury vehicle.

 

Type-S. Larger motor as well as more sporty both interior and exterior.

 

Factory stock overall best, the type S.

I like the looks on the '07-'08 better in every color but black. I'm not just saying that because I have a black '06. maybe it's the less busy look or the solid red tail lights.

Every year there were subtle improvements. There were also some bad changes.

The limiter on the last couple years may be considered a downgrade.

As for a limiter on the early years, unless my speedo is way off, there is no limiter at 155. I've had it buried at the high end of 160.

 

For me, I can't stand the look for the 07-08 models, so the best 3G TL is the 06. Its the newest and has the "fix" for excessive torque steer.

Joe

 

i would say the 06 is the best year if u do not care for the facelift, but otherwise i would say the 07 and 08s are pretty much identical so you cant go wrong with either one of those

 

all the 3G are beautiful- the best...even if I didnt own one I would have to say the Type-S model. no doubt

 

The newer the better imo. As for the speed governor on the newer models is not that big a deal. its not like you'll be doing 135+ on a daily basis, and if you do the TL is not for you.

 

What if you're being chased by a baddie Corvette through a mall?

 

On an everyday basis? then something not right. You shouldn't have slept with his wife. lol

 

It's a Top Gear reference lol. You never know when you may need it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHnF7RW5mwA

 

lol. hahaha. I say it's the type s for features and extra horses. Over all bang for the buck is the 06. 06 has the tpms available for it and it's the 3rd year to have corrected most of the other minor problems it had. Between the 07 and the 08 I would go 08 since It's the second year of the type s

What I have been wondering about for a long time though since the 4G tl came out is how much sales they have lost if any due to the fugliness of that model Yes more horses and extended the lenght a bit and added awd but who cares about awd if you get lesser gas milage. And I still can't stand the fugliness

 

then you need a fiesta not a TL lol

 

I have an 07 Type-S driven several 04-06's, and an 08 A-Spec. I personally like my Type-S the best. Not because of the power or additional options. The A-Spec sits a little lower than the Base model and Type-S. I do ALOT of driving and have a steep driveway, so the A-Spec was not feasible for me.

What ever one you choose, personally I would recommend one with warrany, just in case. I had to take my 07 TL-S to the dealership several times for common faults on our cars. Gas cap error message, side mirrors clicking going into reverse, a battery, etc. Small dumb stuff covered under warranty but I would utilize the search function in the forum to answer any questions you may have with our cars.

Good luck on the search!~

 

Thanks for all the added insite.
I agree about the governer not being an issue for this type of car. I don't plan on winning any races with it LOL. I've been looking for some time now and have done a bit of research on this particular car. Other choices I contemplated are the Infinity M and G series sedans.(Same years as TL basically)
I'm pretty sure I've settled on the 3G TL. Just not sure what I want to spend at the moment. I want to keep it as stock as possible except for maybe some nicer wheels and an extreme "maybe" for an upgraded exhaust. I love the look of the quad pipes on the TL S not so much the wheels.
I love the 04-06 wheels better than the rest. No one mentioned the transmission being different in the auto TL or TL S except for the paddle shifters. I would think it would be a bit beefier with the higher output, I guess not.
I also read that the electrical systems were an issue in the 06-07's? (User reviews on reliabilty history in consumer reports) Can someone shed some light on that?

 

^^^Dont know about the electrical issue. I was actually looking at the M35, BMW 525/530, and the IS250/350. The TL is a great car and am very glad I purchased this. I get compliments all the time on it. The 3G TL is way ahead of its time. I would also recommend navigation. The voice features are great! If you happen to get the quad exhaust you would have to get an A-Spec or Type-S bumper because they will not fit the Base TLs...

 

gotta say 2006 model. I got mine when the Type S came out. Pretty much a no brainer for me. the bigger engine, front brembos, reverse camera and paddleshifters are all things I can live without.

 

I would say 07-08. I love the updated front fascia and new taillights.

 

I would say that the best overall is the one you can afford and choose to drive.

 

Ok I have my eye on a target price of 20k with a few hundred of wiggle room. I could afford more but I will shoot for this range. I've found a couple 07 type S autos in my area that fit that price range in the 30-40k mile listing.
Sound like a fair price to shoot for or am I coocoo for cocoa puffs? LOL

 

2007-2008. Really liked the Type-S I drove.

 

Not sure if anyone mentioned... 07/08 has an updated transmission - variant of that in the RL

 

Isn't that the Type-S? or does the Base have the RL transmission too?

I'd take the 07-08 TL for features but I'd take the 04-06 for looks. I don't like the 07-08 tail lights and the wheels.

 

Base as well.

 

Base also I believe. The 5AT, that is. Not to be confused for the 6AT in the RL for the 2011 model. Which will likely be in the 2012 TL...8 years too late.

 

My favorite is hands-down the 2005. I have an 04 so I can see the small details that were overlooked- all were taken care of in the 2005 model. The wheels, changed front end (lights, grille) and tail lights (cleared out in the middle) on the 2006's and onward are all ugly compared to the 2004-2005 design, at least to me. The wheels like like dark gray spiderwebs, the front end looks a bit too chiseled, and the tail lights look kinda corny with the clear in the middle.

2005 has all the advantages of the 2004 without any of the kinks. Plus lower mileage than an 04.

No hate intended, I'm just not a fan of the newer 3Gs.

 

^
06 TL's were the same as the 05's visually. 07 is when they changed.

 

I really thought that only the Type-S got the RL's 5at. Time for me to do more research.

 

Report back. Second guessing myself a little now too.

 

If you are looking for a sporty ride, but can't afford a Type-S, I would get an 04 to 06 model. The 04-06 has a stiffer suspension than the base 07-08 models, better looking wheels (IMO of course), etc. Like someone said, get the 07-08 for better features, or get the 04-06 for looks. If you can, find an 05 or 06 model. The first batch of 04 models were prone to some transmission problems, unless it was maintained correctly.

 

The latest model in each generation of car is usually the best because the manufacturers solve most of the bugs and problems of the older models so they can resell with a "new and improved" title or so they call "completely redesigned" when they only add a few things here and there.

 

I have enjoyed all the false info on this page, thanks guys!

But for my opinion I say 06. It has the best base features and driving characteristics (stiffer suspension over base 07+, no ugly pink taillights like the 07+, fake carbon fiber interior in the dark colors instead of the fake black wood trim in the 07+, and in my opinion better looking base wheels). And hands down the 06 with the full aspec is better looking than the 07+ aspecs. But i may be biased because thats what I own

Type-S is a different beast so I wont comment.