TL, TSX and EX test drive confusion

[FlashG]

In the last two weeks I have driven all three varieties and the 6 speed TL is my favorite. I like it better than the TSX and Accord EX Coupe because the room, styling and extra features set it apart.

OK, so both my wife and I like the TL with NAVI but the 6 speed vs. auto decision has got me at an impasse. The manual needs low mileage summer tires and the upgraded brake pads are only good for about 20K miles. So its maintenance costs are higher than the auto. It does have torque steer that was easily controlled and actually fun to experience. Not boring at all.

The auto TL was VERY nice but just not as exciting. It would make a great, composed, commuter car with Bluetooth and all.

I took both TL versions out today on twisty wet rainy roads and noticed no loss of composure in spirited driving. No they are not BMW like and I think that?s why I like the TL better. I didn?t have the compulsion to drive up the next cars a$$ to prove anything.

So which one to get? The auto is cheaper to own and will probably be easier to sell in 5 or 6 years. The 6 speed costs more to maintain but is a blast to drive. WHICH one????


Note: The TSX?s are real nice also but all the dealers in my area have are automatics. The auto that I drove really needed the entertainment value of a good manual trans. Today the dealer had a 1 week old showroom model with 235hp worth of CompuTech mods (intake/exhaust, suspension and wheels) for about $35K. The killer was that it was an auto. What a waste.

BTW, for some reason the manual TL is definitely easier to drive than the 6 speed Honda EX was. I think that this was due to its superior seating and a more refined suspension setup.

 

[NutBucket]

MANUAL!!!!!

 

[gopunk]

we have a 02 auto TL and it is an awesome car to commute in... congrats on potentially getting a great car

 

[Medellon]

Before you go out and buy an Acura(which btw are great cars as I have a CL 3.0) at least test drive the Infiniti G35 6-speed coupe or sedan. The prices are equivalent and can't be beat for sheer enjoyment of driving.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Technically it doesn't need low mileage summer tires - just if you want to drive it like it was meant to be driven. Most people are too stupid and lazy to bother changing them out anyway. I thought you said your wife couldn't drive a stick?

 

[SuperTool]

Manual. You never know when a TL auto is gonna fail

 

[spidey07]

you can get the manual with or without summer tires for a retail difference of 200 bucks.

and the summer tires are bridgeston re030 I believe - good for 50,000 miles.

How is an auto cheaper to own? historically autos are more expensive.

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: Medellon
Before you go out and buy an Acura(which btw are great cars as I have a CL 3.0) at least test drive the Infiniti G35 6-speed coupe or sedan. The prices are equivalent and can't be beat for sheer enjoyment of driving.

You speak words of wisdom, but may get flamed. I would wait for 05 G35's to come out, because they are supposed to have an upgraded interior. Judging by the improvement in Altima interior, it may be a big step up.

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Technically it doesn't need low mileage summer tires - just if you want to drive it like it was meant to be driven. Most people are too stupid and lazy to bother changing them out anyway. I thought you said your wife couldn't drive a stick?

Well guess what she went and drove today? The 6 SPEED

The seating is so good and the clutch action and shifting are so smooth that she enjoyed it A LOT. The experience didn?t bother her knees at all. That plus the cars 5.1 satellite radio set her off the deep end of joy. So I don?t think a manual TL would be a problem for her.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Then go with the 6 speed then

 

[StageLeft]

I'm sorry, FlashG, but your excuses are inexcusable. You are at no impasse. One road leads to your own destruction and demise, and the other to a more fruitful and prosperous life. Get the TL 6 speed.

 

[spidey07]

tranny feels great doesn't it? Pick mine up Monday. jeez, I can't hardly wait.

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Medellon
Before you go out and buy an Acura(which btw are great cars as I have a CL 3.0) at least test drive the Infiniti G35 6-speed coupe or sedan. The prices are equivalent and can't be beat for sheer enjoyment of driving.

You speak words of wisdom, but may get flamed. I would wait for 05 G35's to come out, because they are supposed to have an upgraded interior. Judging by the improvement in Altima interior, it may be a big step up.

Not a flame but I just don't like the looks of the G35 at all. The exterior styling would get old over time and the interior is missing something.

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I'm sorry, FlashG, but your excuses are inexcusable. You are at no impasse. One road leads to your own destruction and demise, and the other to a more fruitful and prosperous life. Get the TL 6 speed.

Great Skoorb zen spoken here. I guess I'm found out.

 

[anxi80]

;drool; acura tl w/ manual....

i was even looking and pricing them this morning, think im going to stall out for next years model though... but still, if i had the dough today... this would be the car id be throwing my money at...

 

[Siddhartha]

Where do you live?

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: anxi80
;drool; acura tl w/ manual....

i was even looking and pricing them this morning, think im going to stall out for next years model though... but still, if i had the dough today... this would be the car id be throwing my money at...

Is there a change to the 05s? 04 tl is a new model year, so I expect it will stay the same for a while.

The G35 sedan and TL are the only cars I'd consider in the 30-35k range right now. Frankly I'd be turned off by the styling of the g35 sedan only because it's so ugly and bland compared to the G35 coupe - which looks absolutely stunning IMO. I'd have to try both before picking one, but I see no other car that comes close to them in that price range, at least in terms of horsepower which I like C&D was on drugs when they rated the 325i above the TL.

 

[WinkOsmosis]

OH COME ON. You are spending 30k on a brand new car and you are worried about some god damn $400 tires. I just don't understand people sometimes. It's like they have no sense of relativity.

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: anxi80
;drool; acura tl w/ manual....

i was even looking and pricing them this morning, think im going to stall out for next years model though... but still, if i had the dough today... this would be the car id be throwing my money at...

Is there a change to the 05s? 04 tl is a new model year, so I expect it will stay the same for a while.

Some people have beel talking AWD for 05 at the fanboy sites.

The G35 sedan and TL are the only cars I'd consider in the 30-35k range right now. Frankly I'd be turned off by the styling of the g35 sedan only because it's so ugly and bland compared to the G35 coupe - which looks absolutely stunning IMO. I'd have to try both before picking one, but I see no other car that comes close to them in that price range, at least in terms of horsepower which I like C&D was on drugs when they rated the 325i above the TL.

I think that C&D never got off drugs from the 60's. Their judgement gets BMW impared most of the time inflated by a self serving smart a$$ed BIAS.

 

[StageLeft]

Their judgement gets BMW impared most of the time inflated by a self serving smart a$$ed BIAS.

It's because when it's test-time, BMW sends over a whore to service all of the editors. Their last review, IMO, was a discrace. Truly. It was a comparison of sport sedans and the BMW with damn near 100 less horsepower than the TL beats it. Of course this issue has been beaten to death in a couple of other threads, but still, it's not right. Just not right, I say!

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
OH COME ON. You are spending 30k on a brand new car and you are worried about some god damn $400 tires. I just don't understand people sometimes. It's like they have no sense of relativity.

WinkOs - I'm cheap about some things, thats all. I'ts about taking the extra time out to do all the extra stuff that has me concerned. The house - the cars - the wife - the girlf--- you know. It all adds up.

 

[anxi80]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Their judgement gets BMW impared most of the time inflated by a self serving smart a$$ed BIAS.

It's because when it's test-time, BMW sends over a whore to service all of the editors. Their last review, IMO, was a discrace. Truly. It was a comparison of sport sedans and the BMW with damn near 100 less horsepower than the TL beats it. Of course this issue has been beaten to death in a couple of other threads, but still, it's not right. Just not right, I say!

your tellin' me.... friend has a 325ci....has taken in the car 4 TIMES in the past year! gas cap put left off or put on incorrectly, welp, here comes the service light...i mean, all the checks and fixes are free...but sheesh...what an inconvience having your car gone for the day.... i like the styling and power of the TL though, so thats why i think its a nice pick-up in the $30-$35k range.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: FlashG

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
OH COME ON. You are spending 30k on a brand new car and you are worried about some god damn $400 tires. I just don't understand people sometimes. It's like they have no sense of relativity.

WinkOs - I'm cheap about some things, thats all. I'ts about taking the extra time out to do all the extra stuff that has me concerned. The house - the cars - the wife - the girlf--- you know. It all adds up.

Pay no attention to him Flash - he doesn't even understand why the a/c runs during the winter. He thinks people are making their rooms colder. Regular genius.

 

[FlashG]

Originally posted by: Dr Smooth
Where do you live?

Jacksonville Fla, why do you ask? Cause of the rain and no snow?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: FlashG

Originally posted by: WinkOsmosis
OH COME ON. You are spending 30k on a brand new car and you are worried about some god damn $400 tires. I just don't understand people sometimes. It's like they have no sense of relativity.

WinkOs - I'm cheap about some things, thats all. I'ts about taking the extra time out to do all the extra stuff that has me concerned. The house - the cars - the wife - the girlf--- you know. It all adds up.

For the 200 dollar difference I'd for sure get the HP tires. They'll do fine in winter, the stock ones are nothing to speak of. I demanded my dealer put the bridgestones on mine.

mmmmm....red, DVD audio