I currently have both an 05 s2000 and an 06 Element 4wd. I'm looking into replacing the Element with an 04+ Acura TL. The Element has been a great car but I no longer need the 4wd and looking for a car with more power, creature comforts, and better gas mileage. I'd also like to stick with Honda/Acura for it's proven reliability and low maintenance costs.

I'm currently looking at 04-05 automatic TLs. Question is, should I opt for the 07-08 TL-S? Is it worth the extra money? Any input would be great. Again, only looking for an automatic and the car will mainly be used for commuting.

 

Your last sentence makes me think the jump to the TL-S would be wasted money. Automatic and only for commutes...I couldn't justify the price difference.

 

automatic = tl. I wouldnt spend the extra on a tls unless it was stick imo.

 

If you are getting the automatic make sure to get an 05+ the 04 had transmission issues the 00-03.

 

If it is only a commuter car I wouldn't spend the extra money for the S version.

 

Thanks for the quick replies and heads up on the 04 tranny issues! Yeah it seems like the tl-s is a "nice to have" rather than a "need to have". My biggest fear is simply regret. It's like buying a WRX and then regretting not spending the extra cash on an sti. But since this will only be used for daily driver duties, it will be a moot point.

Thanks!

 

You will still have the s2k for fun. It doesn't make sense to get the TL-S unless you intend for it to be fun.

 

I had a 2006 TL automatic, I hated the torque steer (main reason why I sold it) and the complete lack of visibility. With the black interior and big windshield the A/C took forever to cool the car down even though the air blew ICE cold. But it was very reliable, good on gas, comfortable seats, great NAV, and I thought the paint on it was easy to keep slick.

 

The TL-S auto is garbage. It's slow and the extra money is ridiculous, it's just new bumpers, headlights/taillights, seats, and a slightly bigger engine.

You could always buy my '05 TL 6-speed. Much nicer.

 

i have a 04 tl 6 speed, they are rare with 6 speed and nav, one of 40 made in that year... the torque steer can be mitigated with good tires and shocks and maybe even coil overs but it is livable on a day to day basis. the car is excellent.

i have it since 12/05 and it now has over 80k on it. i have replaced some light bulbs and the rear third brake light....along with one set of front brakes and a harmonic balancer, which was a two piece deal that just came apart recently, along with a new fan belt...that's it for a car going on 8 years old and see daily use.(of coure fluid changes and filters) The A/C is excellent.

I get 28-32 mpg on the freeway trips and a steady 22-25 in town on super. Many stardard modern features are included, room for people and stuff, easy on the eyes and reliable. 0-60 is perhaps 5.8 seconds give or take a tenth or two.

lots of standard features and a great highway car.