I am looking a new daily. I have been driving our Odyssey and am not digging it. I found a low mile TL-S (58k) and was considering it. I need an auto but wanted something with paddle shifters and decent power, this fits well. The only thing it is missing is AWD. I was really set on sucking it up for another year and keeping the van, then hitting the market with a $40k budget, I still may, but a low mile TL may be a good way to save some $ and have a decent car!

 

I'd probably suck it up for another year in the van.
TL-S is a great car, but doesn't have any extraordinary benefits over its competition.
If it's a one owner with meticulous maintenance, probably make you a great reliable DD
But your post doesn't sound like the TL-S is what you truly desire to own.
If AWD is important to you consider a G35/37 over the TL-S
I did own a '03 TL-S, different car from the '07 I know, but it was....blah.
good reliable transportation, just didn't check off the 'exciting' option box.

 

Last good gen of the TL. Heavy tq steer.

i would get a Lexus with awd before I'd buy another Honda.

 

Have you thought about going with a 3 series?

 

The TL is a great and reliable car. To me the 3G TL is still one of the best looking cars on the road compared to some of the new crap these manufacturers are putting out. I've owned a base TL previously and I own a TL-S now. Both were fine in the snow and I actually just put winter tires on my TL-S now. AWD isn't the end all be all unless you it's an absolute necessity for you to have based on where you live. Some winter tires and it being front wheel drive should be just fine though. I will say the paddle shifters in the TL suck. There is a pretty huge delay when you hit it to shift compared to some of the transmissions that are out today.

Some pics for reference:

My Old TL


Acura TL by gccgoalie33, on Flickr


Acura TL by gccgoalie33, on Flickr

Current TL


TL8 by gccgoalie33, on Flickr


TL13 by gccgoalie33, on Flickr


TL20 by gccgoalie33, on Flickr

 

Man, those look great! I have a 3 series and an '04 TL. The TL is by far the superior car. A bit wooden in handling at times vs. the BMW, but beats it everywhere else.

 

I have an F30 and it's head and shoulders above the TL. To me, the TL was really bland and boring. However, it wasn't a type S. To me, nothing has come close to daily driving a 3 series.

 

I actually have, although I would be thinking like a 335 AWD M sport, so I am looking $10k more for something with comparable miles to the TL that I found.

If i wait the 440 grand coupe seems to check most of the boxes. I actually am tossing around leasing one, but hate the idea of leasing. That said with the depreciation of BMWs and the service plan they have for the term of the lease, I actually think that may make the most sense.

 

I have an '07 TL-S. It's pretty much identical to The Machine's except I have yellow fogs and XXR wheels. It's a great daily IMO and I regularly get compliments/questions about it. You can pick up decent examples for 10-12K all day (albeit with some miles). My only complaints would be the gas mileage (I average 19MPG according to the readout on the dash, but I believe it's closer to 21MPG), and the drop in the resale the last couple of years that have now put me upside down a little on it (not a big deal, but disappointing - I blame the TLX).

 

I hated the idea of leasing too, until I leased one. Now, I plan on leasing for years to come. In fact, I'm heading to my client advisor today to put in an order for my next lease. If you go to a Bimmefest sponsoring dealer, you can lease with lowest MF and residual guaranteed as long as your credit checks out. They will price your car just $500 above invoice of the configured car (the M series are exempt).