TSX owner, would the TLS be a big upgrade?
01-06-2019, 05:13 PM
#41
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Over the last four plus decades I have driven many dozens of cars with manual transmissions; on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being a horrifically underpowerd 36 hp Fiat I rented once upon a time and 10 being my very torque rich 1970 Challenger), I would rank the TL 6MT as a 6 for initial launch and a 4 for ease of effecting a smooth 1-2 shift.
01-06-2019, 05:14 PM
#42
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Recently bought a TL-S and also came from an Auto 2006 TSX. TL handling and power is so much better. The TSX is a nice car but in stock form the suspension is way too soft and the 4 cylinder with AT struggles to get up to speed. In regards to what others have said about quality, not saying made in Japan is better but just from what I've notice the TSX feels more solid. No rattles squeaks, or any problems at 75k miles.
01-06-2019, 05:54 PM
#43
Suzuka Master
its not hard to learn to drive MT on a TL, its hard to drive it smooth because it use the self adjusting clutch along with delay valve. Someone decide to delete the check valve on my TL long ago so the clutch grab pretty good even at high RPM.
I show my wife how to drive MT for the first time and the modern car actually help you out, once the engine detect the extra load it automatic increase RPM so you don't stall out. My first MT car was a 91 Legend.
01-06-2019, 07:59 PM
#44
Null and proud of it
Recently bought a TL-S and also came from an Auto 2006 TSX. TL handling and power is so much better. The TSX is a nice car but in stock form the suspension is way too soft and the 4 cylinder with AT struggles to get up to speed. In regards to what others have said about quality, not saying made in Japan is better but just from what I've notice the TSX feels more solid. No rattles squeaks, or any problems at 75k miles.
Glad to hear that!
I'm sure the TL-S is an amazing machine. I'm starting to wonder how good the suspension is after reading this.
01-06-2019, 08:12 PM
#45
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01-06-2019, 09:06 PM
#47
Instructor
Personally, I would take Manual Base over Auto Type S. The first TL I drove was a 08 Manual Type S that I went with my brother-in-law to pick up because he doesn't know how to drive manual cars. The suspension is definitely stiffer and of course its got more top end power. But after fixing up some issues (suspension, mounts etc) on my 04 Manual Base, I honestly don't feel like its that much slower than the Type S. I'm talking about normal, day to day driving conditions. I am plenty happy with my Base model which I spent about half of what my brother paid for his Type S, after doing all the maintenance stuff.
01-06-2019, 09:32 PM
#48
Personally, I would take Manual Base over Auto Type S. The first TL I drove was a 08 Manual Type S that I went with my brother-in-law to pick up because he doesn't know how to drive manual cars. The suspension is definitely stiffer and of course its got more top end power. But after fixing up some issues (suspension, mounts etc) on my 04 Manual Base, I honestly don't feel like its that much slower than the Type S. I'm talking about normal, day to day driving conditions. I am plenty happy with my Base model which I spent about half of what my brother paid for his Type S, after doing all the maintenance stuff.
Me personally I just want a nice looking car with some good power, the base fits that description for me, so I would honestly be happy with it, the type s has has brembo brakes, suspension, cool stock rims, 16 more horsepower and some more cosmetic changes.
I love cars but I dont do much mods and all that, like to keep them stiock, the way I see the TL is already a sports sedan and the Type S is an even more agressive TL.
Like I said, I love the TL and would probably be happy with it but the fact that I can get an even cooler and more upgraded TL stock; I love it!
The main question for me is, track down a manual and learn it or get an auto which has been my plan for some time anyway.
01-06-2019, 09:48 PM
#51
Instructor
01-06-2019, 09:53 PM
#53
Hmm, I guess if I have the money and come across a mt tls and can get someone to pick it up/teach me, why the hell not!
Im sure I’ll be happy with an Auto TLS too though, hell im happy with my auto TSX haha
so I wonder, if a TL mt is so much better than an auto and even tls, would a mt TSX be way better than my auto?
Im sure I’ll be happy with an Auto TLS too though, hell im happy with my auto TSX haha
so I wonder, if a TL mt is so much better than an auto and even tls, would a mt TSX be way better than my auto?
01-06-2019, 09:55 PM
#54
01-06-2019, 10:29 PM
#56
Suzuka Master
lol after owning so much TL I can tell you one thing, Base and Type S is about the same if you drive normal. However in WOT you will feel that extra torque in the 3.5 motor, yes even compare between my MT TL and the Type Slow AT.
01-07-2019, 04:10 PM
#57
So to echo what many others have said, the Type S is MUCH better than the TSX. I drove both and, well, I've got an '07 Type S AT now. Had a base TL MT, both great cars but you can't hear the engine at all in the base car.
Oh, and I'm selling mine so you should totally buy it
Oh, and I'm selling mine so you should totally buy it
01-07-2019, 04:20 PM
#58
Senior Moderator
So to echo what many others have said, the Type S is MUCH better than the TSX. I drove both and, well, I've got an '07 Type S AT now. Had a base TL MT, both great cars but you can't hear the engine at all in the base car.
Oh, and I'm selling mine so you should totally buy it
Oh, and I'm selling mine so you should totally buy it
01-08-2019, 04:04 AM
#60
Null and proud of it
The RL, dispite having SH-AWD, drives big, it will handle well when powering around coners due to the benefit of the SH-AWD, but otherwise, will drumive like a boat. It's a big luxury car, nothing sporty about it really.
The 4G TL. Well, I like the car. It's exotic and very cool looking inside. The dash craking and tranny slipping didn't really occur on these. However, the SH-AWD models had a TQ converter issue I think for 2012, it was software related, I think, and the J37 loves to drink oil, sadly. There should still be an ongoing recall/warranty extension for more recent 4G models.
The 3.5 Base is a nice car... Super solid and reliable, but it's big and softer than the SH-AWD model.
Why not look for a V6 TSX, those are badass! Rare, but totally badass!
The 4G TL. Well, I like the car. It's exotic and very cool looking inside. The dash craking and tranny slipping didn't really occur on these. However, the SH-AWD models had a TQ converter issue I think for 2012, it was software related, I think, and the J37 loves to drink oil, sadly. There should still be an ongoing recall/warranty extension for more recent 4G models.
The 3.5 Base is a nice car... Super solid and reliable, but it's big and softer than the SH-AWD model.
Why not look for a V6 TSX, those are badass! Rare, but totally badass!
01-08-2019, 04:58 AM
#61
The RL, dispite having SH-AWD, drives big, it will handle well when powering around coners due to the benefit of the SH-AWD, but otherwise, will drumive like a boat. It's a big luxury car, nothing sporty about it really.
The 4G TL. Well, I like the car. It's exotic and very cool looking inside. The dash craking and tranny slipping didn't really occur on these. However, the SH-AWD models had a TQ converter issue I think for 2012, it was software related, I think, and the J37 loves to drink oil, sadly. There should still be an ongoing recall/warranty extension for more recent 4G models.
The 3.5 Base is a nice car... Super solid and reliable, but it's big and softer than the SH-AWD model.
Why not look for a V6 TSX, those are badass! Rare, but totally badass!
The 4G TL. Well, I like the car. It's exotic and very cool looking inside. The dash craking and tranny slipping didn't really occur on these. However, the SH-AWD models had a TQ converter issue I think for 2012, it was software related, I think, and the J37 loves to drink oil, sadly. There should still be an ongoing recall/warranty extension for more recent 4G models.
The 3.5 Base is a nice car... Super solid and reliable, but it's big and softer than the SH-AWD model.
Why not look for a V6 TSX, those are badass! Rare, but totally badass!
01-08-2019, 06:40 AM
#62
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Not that you care, but to me at least, the HUGE strike against a V6 TSX is it was never made with a manual transmission. That's a non-starter for me.
01-08-2019, 08:46 AM
#63
Im sure that V6 is still an awesome car though.
you guys are gonna make me track down a MT TLS and learn it lol
01-08-2019, 09:26 AM
#64
Suzuka Master
GL tracking down a clean TL-S MT without paying a premium price for one lol.
01-09-2019, 09:10 AM
#65
Because when it comes to my commuter car I usually only own them for a year or two. I love cars, I want to drive all the ones I find interesting and my job affords me the opportunity to change out cars when I want to try something new.
01-09-2019, 09:12 AM
#66
hell yea I can relate to that! I actually really want to find an IS300 I can trade my TSX for until I get a TSX, unfortunatly they are hard to find in good condition around here.
01-09-2019, 09:36 AM
#67
Suzuka Master
don't get an IS300 or you will regret it later.
01-09-2019, 10:35 AM
#70
I know this is an Acura forum but seriously? The IS300 is an awesome car with an awesome engine, worst thing about it is its gas mileage, a mint condition low mileage 01-05 IS300 is worth a lot more than a TSX..
01-09-2019, 11:26 AM
#71
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Yeah, but the IS300 is seriously FUGLY; the TSX is quite a looker.
01-09-2019, 11:36 AM
#72
Suzuka Master
Tell me what so awesome about the IS300 engine? I am not a fan boy of any brand but I will wait input from you.
01-09-2019, 12:00 PM
#73
I love them both actually.
The 2JZ engine in the IS300 isnt the turbo supra version but its still has a good power to weight ratio on the car, has proven to be incredibly reliable over the years and from what I hear its easy to work on.
I am not expert so Im not sure what you want to hear from me but I have driven the car plenty and absolutely love it, looks wise and the way the car handles, I just have always loved that car.
interior and gas mileage the TSX shits all over it though.
I am not expert so Im not sure what you want to hear from me but I have driven the car plenty and absolutely love it, looks wise and the way the car handles, I just have always loved that car.
interior and gas mileage the TSX shits all over it though.
01-09-2019, 12:02 PM
#74
Btw the K20/24 engines as well as the 2JZ engines are considered awesome even legendary engines across the tuner world so Im not sure why im getting flak lol, its not like im trying to sell anyone one on an optima engine..
01-09-2019, 02:30 PM
#75
Burning Brakes
Actually Im also a fan of the IS300 and was looking at them before my tl. I totally disagree with Shoes, those are another great looking sedan like the TL and offers rwd and a mt which is the best combo in the car world if youre into performance. Anyways let us know what you end up getting-GL
01-09-2019, 02:39 PM
#76
Actually Im also a fan of the IS300 and was looking at them before my tl. I totally disagree with Shoes, those are another great looking sedan like the TL and offers rwd and a mt which is the best combo in the car world if youre into performance. Anyways let us know what you end up getting-GL
I guess a MT base TL would be cool too, if all else fails my trusty TSX has never let me down!
01-09-2019, 04:54 PM
#79
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01-09-2019, 08:37 PM
#80
Suzuka Master
I love them both actually.
The 2JZ engine in the IS300 isnt the turbo supra version but its still has a good power to weight ratio on the car, has proven to be incredibly reliable over the years and from what I hear its easy to work on.
I am not expert so Im not sure what you want to hear from me but I have driven the car plenty and absolutely love it, looks wise and the way the car handles, I just have always loved that car.
interior and gas mileage the TSX shits all over it though.
You are not getting flak but the problem are people don't know much in tunning making the 2JZ-GE engine looks like a 10 foot tall monster. The 2JZGTE found on mark 4 Supra indeed a beautiful over engineer engine, many features that seem like over kill for Supra power output but yet its there.
HOWEVER the 2JZGE which found on most RWD Lexus is a pale comparison to the GTE counter part, the only thing they have in common is the ENGINE BLOCK. That it beside that everything in the GE is shit compare with GTE counter part. Transmission is the way way, the R154 is shit compare to Getrag found on some Supra, so that like I am saying my TL-S engine is the beast because its the same engine use in 2nd gen NSX. You are sadly mistaken XD.
GTE can easily handle 600 WHP on stock internal and tranmission. However in the IS300 if you push anything above 375 WHP on stock form you ARE living in borrow time, I bet you didn't know the AT and MT gear box has similar ratio with the exception of 5th gear and final drive :P the A650E actually much safer to push for high power application by upgrading the valve body.
Well how do i know the IS300 handle and feel? BECAUSE I OWN ONE and WORKING on the car for 4 years along driving many other Lexus such as GS300 Sport design, LS430, GS350, RX300, ES330, LS460, ISF and RCF. So let me know how Lexus drive again?
Yes the engine is reliable and has good low end torque that it!!!! in mid end and high end RPM band it will absolute getting destroy by a K24A3 found on the 06-08 TSX stock vs stock with similar drive train configuration.
So to give an idea what the price difference on replacement part, my IS air iddle controller got replaced (OEM through online Lexus part) $186 plus shipping. Meanwhile my TL, TSX air idle controller cost me merely $40. OEM rack and pinion for the IS300 is $1900, my TL cost $400.
What you refer to "nice handling" actually has nothing to do with the IS300 suspension set up, its because the short wheel base and being RWD. If you drive any RWD car they can turn on a dime especially in low speed corner. Once you pushing the car limit you will encounter the soft suspension (which make a Lexus famous) before the predictable over steer.
Actually Im also a fan of the IS300 and was looking at them before my tl. I totally disagree with Shoes, those are another great looking sedan like the TL and offers rwd and a mt which is the best combo in the car world if youre into performance. Anyways let us know what you end up getting-GL