Acura TL opinions

[blary54]

I'm currently in the market for a used luxury car. I currently drive a 2007 Mazda 3 with 43000 miles on it. Its a good car but I feel like I can afford an upgrade.

I haven't started test driving them but just trying to get some opinions on the Acura TL. Im looking at the 2004-2008 Model. I think the new ones look ugly along with all the new Acuras(What a shame I don't know who designed the new models but they are UGLY!). I really like the looks on the 2004-2008 model and I think they are a pretty good bargain for what you get. Im also a big honda fan. Had a civic in college that I beat the hell out of and it just wouldn't die. Also the Japanese luxury cars are cheaper to fix and more reliable than the German ones(im sure someone will disagree with me on this).

I don't have a huge budget and don't really want to spend more than 22k.
Anyone own a TL? How do you like it. Any other suggestions?

Im also considering the Lexus IS250, Acura TSX, Mercedes C Class, Audi A4(or A3), and a BMW 3 Series. But I think the TL is the best deal and its a Honda so great reliability.

[sifu]

Hi fellow Honda fan. I currently drive a 95 Integra GS-R (have had it for a very long time) and am shopping in a very similar segment.

That price point really gives you a lot of options. The TL is a great car that rides nice and can be well equipped, get the Type-S if you can. I agree that the new body style is quite unappealing. It is really too bad because they tweaked a lot of things and the new one is probably a kick to drive. Really a moot point I guess because they are over $35K new. As for reliability, any car has its quirks and if you keep an eye on those you'll be golden. Sadly I don't actually own a TL (yet) but it is high on my list. I wish I could give you some firsthand knowledge but I can say that as an Acura owner the cars are solid.

As for the others:
-Acura TSX is going to be a bit lighter and less of a luxury feel, smaller car as well which will be more like your 3.
-Audi can be a gamble around 100K miles - some people have zero issues and others have massive electrical issues. Still, a great power train and one of the best AWD systems available makes it a good bet.
-BMW 3 series is a fantastic platform. It has won a multitude of accolades and truly is a driver's car. If you can go with an older car, you might consider the E39 540i or even an M5 if you are feeling froggy (well maintained 2000-2003 M5 can be had for ~$22K)
-Lexus IS250 is a nice "entry level" luxury car, I have heard mixed reviews about the interior quality but you have Toyota reliability.
-I can't really speak on the Mercedes as I have never even sat in one. They are known for great safety features but maintenance costs are definitely at the high end.

There are a few other choices depending on if you are swinging more toward the luxury or sporty spectrum (Subaru Legacy GT (fast but far from luxurious), Infiniti G35 Sedan, Volvo S40 or S60 (if you go older), Honda Accord (surprisingly great car for the money)). I am sure there are some I am missing at the moment. It really depends what is highest on your priority list.

Good luck in your search. Let us know how it turns out.

[raisindot]

I have a 2005 Acura TSX auto (bought it used from my father in law at a great price). It has very good acceleration for a four-cylinder, although it often 'hesitates' a bit when you accelerate at low speeds. The ride is on the sport-suspension side; you really do feel the road. Although it has a sunroof and leather seats it's not partucularly "luxury looking" inside. The shape isn't particularly interesting and I hate its gray paint, which scratches when you look at it. I like that it has anti-lock brakes and traction control, but I find that I keep the latter off most of the time because it inhibits acceleration and reduces gas mileage. Speaking of which, I'm not overly impressed. At best, I can get 20mpg in city driving and can never get more than 29 mpg in highway driving. If I were buying a new car in this price range I don't think I would go for it again.

[Obiwan]

My father has had about 5 TLs between him and his wife. (He drives about 50k miles per year and doesn't hold on to them much longer than 18 months.) Great cars IMO. You get a lot of bang for your buck with the TL.

[JCinPA]

2004 TL with 109,000 miles on it.

Love it.

Will get another in a few years.

No hurry.

[Easttexasman]

2002 Acura TL Type S here.I am on my 4th Acura.They were great cars back when it was hard to find a reliable vehicle and they have not changed.
I am not in the market for a vehicle but if I was I would check out the TSX,I like the looks and the prices seem very resonable.

[Loric]

I have a 2002 Acrua TL with 210K on it, and its running fine. I'v never had any problems with it save a headlight. I generally like a slightly smaller car, but aside from that its a fantastic car.

I love BMW's especially the 3 series, but repair and maintenance costs are ridiculous for them. I once found an OEM cup holder for $650.... That said the drive is exactly what all the car magazines have said for decades. The perfect combination of luxury and fun.

[BigFoot]

I know this is not what you asked. But I just leased a 2012 VW Passat that is one hell of a nice car. They made some major changes and upgrades to that baby.

[FiveOhNine]

Avoid the parrot fish TL. If reliability is what gets you going, then the TL is a good car. I personally cannot stand FWD, so I would get a used IS350. I am hugely biased, but am not buying another japanese car ever...if possible. I want to get in my car and tune in not out. I get in my Lexus and can't remember how I got where I was going....hate it. I want to feel engaged, interested, excited. Japanese cars, though reliable, don't do that, IMO/IME.

From your list:

Reliable: IS, TL, TSX, the rest
FUN: 3, a4, IS, C

Add in the WI winter....I'd probably get an IS250 AWD or a TL AWD

[Stubblefield]

Which 3 series? Big difference between a 335 and 325 in terms of cost and reliability.

Both the BMW and Audi will need a cooling system upgrade right around 100k miles. Water pump, hoses, thermostat, and possibly a radiator. The Tsi motor that is in use in the Audi is pretty bulletproof now, but no one really knows the long term reliability of the turbo. I have one and at 70k I'm beginning to wonder about it.

I have owned German cars for the past 20 years … long story short, this is my last German car. What with de-contenting, reliability issues brought about by poor design decisions, and a worsening in handling characteristics, I would not buy another. Japanese and American manufacturers simply build better cars now. I think the Acura is probably your best bet.

[DaveNJ74]

My neighbor had the TL and when the lease was up he went with a Maxima or Altima, cant really see form where I'm sitting. I would go with a certified pre-owned BMW or Audi. I remember him saying about the TL, " never again " but didnt ask why. Take one out for a test drive.

[Stubblefield]

Holy Smokes, I completely forgot about the Maxima. That would be my first choice.

Keep in mind if you opt for the Audi you are stuck with a 2.0 Turbo which in my opinion is not enough power for that platform. The BMW would be the better option. And handling of the BMW will be absolutely better. Lower end Audis/Higher end VW's have really poor steering feel, IMHO.

[blary54]

Holy Smokes, I completely forgot about the Maxima. That would be my first choice.

Keep in mind if you opt for the Audi you are stuck with a 2.0 Turbo which in my opinion is not enough power for that platform. The BMW would be the better option. And handling of the BMW will be absolutely better. Lower end Audis/Higher end VW's have really poor steering feel, IMHO.

The new Maxima is nice....however thats the only style I like of the maximas and I cant afford a new one. I'd Love a BMW but just so expensive to maintain/fix.

[closer]

I drive a 2003 Maxima that I bought new at the end of 2002. This was the last year for that model before the redesign. Best car that I've ever owned. It does get a bit loud at highway speeds, but the fit and finish inside rivals the luxury cars, and it has held up very well. And that Nissan engine is smoother than many other newer cars I've driven since then.

[KarthVader]

I must be the odd one here, but I LOVE the new TL redesign. I give Acura/Honda props for being bold. When I compare the 2004-2008 design to the current one, the old design looks mundane and boring.

[beeranon]

-Audi can be a gamble around 100K miles - some people have zero issues and others have massive electrical issues. Still, a great power train and one of the best AWD systems available makes it a good bet.

Hey, dude, you bleeding yet?!

I can speak of massive electrical issues firsthand. Had a 2001 S4 6-speed that I LOVED (the 2.7L twin turbo model, before they stuffed the V8 in). Even though it was a turbo, torque maxxed at 1800RPM and stayed flat through the remainder of the RPM range, and the AWD was a kick to drive. The reason it's "had" and not "have" is the climate control system. The only selections were outlets and temperature; musta seemed like a good idea, and it was great for 5-6 years, but it suddenly started just running the heater no matter what the temp setting (or the outside temp; try running the heat wide open on a 97*/80% humidity Alabama summer day...) and you couldn't shut it off! I replaced cabin sensors, outside temp sensors, nothing worked. Audi dealer wanted around $5-6000 to replace the climate control. I hated to do it, but had to sell it.

Man, I loved driving that car.

[legrandfromage]

I have had several Audis over the last few years -a 2003 A6, a 2006 A4 Quattro and currently, a 2009 A4 FWD. Good cars to drive, but too much computer overkill. I have been leasing so I don't keep them, but I think that they are a bit too finicky to run long term. Repairs are very expensive and I'm not sure how good the maintenance on the leased cars is, relative to getting a used on from a dealer. My mechanic claims that many of his customers run into timing chain problems after some years.

[Blue Raccoon]

We have owned nothing but multiple Accords since 1996.. Get an Accord EX w/6cyl & leather.. all the parts are stamped Honda, on the Acura about 3/4 of the parts are stamped Honda. :-)

[slugg77]

I have been in the car business (selling side) for a while. I agree about the Audi's (most older VWAG for that matter) being an electric issue waiting to happen. The best perspective I can give is that I frequently get 150,000+ mile Acuras in on trade (based on the sample size) and most of the maintained ones are rocking and rolling from a mechanical standpoint.

[Stubblefield]

I have had several Audis over the last few years -a 2003 A6, a 2006 A4 Quattro and currently, a 2009 A4 FWD. Good cars to drive, but too much computer overkill. I have been leasing so I don't keep them, but I think that they are a bit too finicky to run long term. Repairs are very expensive and I'm not sure how good the maintenance on the leased cars is, relative to getting a used on from a dealer. My mechanic claims that many of his customers run into timing chain problems after some years.

All cars eventually have timing chain issues--Audi/VW just have them sooner. I'll take a well designed motor with a timing belt over a chain drive anyday--they'll run forever without an expensive chain replacement. Others argue the opposite, of course.

Something else to point out on the current crop of Audi/VWs, Lexus, and some BMW's: If your car has direct injection and you decide to keep the car long term, you will most likely be looking at a fairly pricy intake valve cleaning at some point. As direct injection injects fuel directly into the cylinder, you have no fuel passing over the intake and valves (which normally helps keep oil deposits down). As these cars accumulate miles there is sometimes a slow bleed of power as the intake manifold starts to gunk up. I've seen pictures of VWs with direct injection and 50k that have tons of buildup, mostly driven by people that never wringed the car out on the freeway. Balls to the wall driving alleviates the problem somewhat.

If it were me, I'd stay away from any direct injection motor were I planning to keep the car a long time. V6 or V8, no turbo. Currently have one with 70k miles and am keeping fingers crossed.