Well, I've gone to the dark side. . .the side of wrong-wheel drive (FWD). I recently traded my '04 6MT sedan for an '06 Acura TL with navigation.

You ask why would I do such a thing? My 6MT was wearing on me too much with my 55 mile commute (1.5-2 hours in heavy traffic). I thought about just getting an '06 G35 5AT sedan but the fit-and-finish issues, noisy interior, and some other things kept me away.

I was really leaning towards the '06 Lexus IS250 (a fully-loaded IS350 is too pricey for a commute car in my book) but the lack of availability, inability to negotiate pricing, and financing options made the TL a better choice. The IS is a really nice car with perfect fit and finish but I would have probably tired of the wimpy engine.

I've been driving the TL for a week now and have to say that it's a nice, quiet ride with lots of great features (and an awesome interior). The back seat, although the seat backs don't recline, is just huge (I thought my G35 was fairly roomy). There's no doubt that the G35 is a truer sports sedan and is more fun to drive but when my average speed is less than 30 mph in traffic, that doesn't really matter too much.

 

You'll love the new Acura... congrats !

I test drove one and like alot of things about it however the softer suspension or the 4 doors agree with me. So I picked up a coupe for 8k more (was getting a very good deal on the acura)

ppp

 

The TL is a very nice car. I was very happy to get away from FWD with the G, but the TL is great nonetheless.

And I can tell you from owning an 05 Odyssey, you've got the best nav in the industry, bar none....

 

Actually, I'm surprised to hear that. So far, it seems that the TL is sprung stiffer than my 6MT sedan. Granted it only has less than 500 miles on it so far but it does seem firmer. It's possible that the TL's suspension has less travel too since the car seems to float less. I can see where a G35 coupe would be sprung stiffer though.

 

Going to FWD did bother me a bit, a reason I was considering the IS250, but I had to realistically look at what kind of car best suited my requirements as a commute car.

The nav system is definetly tops. I really never had any complaints about the system in my G35, other than lacking a touch screen, but the TL's nav (typical of all Honda nav systems) is great. It's faster at calculating/recalculating routes, provides better feedback to upcoming turns, and is easy to use. I really do miss the bird's view of my G35's nav though.

 

Just wanted to agree with DP about teh NAV. We have an 04 MDX and it is 100xs better. Goodluck

 

TL is a great car nonethless (many good things to say about it). You gotta choose whatever fits your needs better.

 

Well, I think you made a wise decision. I feel exactly like you.....it's the I350 or nothing. The 250 is nice, no doubt, but the lack of hp would have you wanting more within six months....

Now, when Lexus comes out with an AWD 350 (and they will), then they'll get my attention...

 

Congrats on the TL.....I must say not a bad choice at all.
Enjoy.
C.

 

to each their own after owning a high powered FWD car, I will never do that again. if you spent any time on the TL board you would know that there are far more fit finish and quality issues with the TL than the g35

 

I hope that's the exception and not the norm. I don't plan on spending any time on the TL board because I've found that spending time on these boards decreases my bank account, annoys the wife, and makes me obsess about every little noise in my car.

I frequented s2ki.com when I had an S2000 and I ended up putting more than $2K in mods into my car. I've calmed down quite a bit since then (and now have a 2-year old son) and had only done minimal things to my G35s. This time around I figure I won't get sucked in and since I only plan on keeping the car for a few years (at about 25K miles per year), I don't want to sink any money into the car with mods.

 

Hey Fireball,

Instead of the TL, you should have bought a Honda Civic. Then you could have spent the extra money on a $1,000,000 house like the rest of us in Silicon Valley.

I bet you'll love the TL.

Cavu

 

I traded an 03 TL in to get my G35X. My bride (of 49 years) says "The TL is a better ride, but the G is a better drive." I got a keeper!

 

it's ok u wont be missed...j/k congrads though...

 

Oh what a difference a year makes.