Anyone that was out shoping for a new car, did you go test drive the Acura-TLType-S? Me and the wife test drove the Maxima and liked it alot, then tonight we went and drove the Acura-TypeS. It has the 5-speed Auto or shift it yourself mode as well among other nice features. Now we are really confused because the Acura was a really nice ride and we were not expecting that--so what are your thoughts between the two?

And now they are coming out with the 04 AcuraTL in sept/oct that throws another wrench in the mix as well! But they are letting the loaded Type-S with navi go for about 30,100--31,000!

 

The TL-S is a great car, but they do tend to have transmission problems (lots of TQ on that baby). They are every bit as fast as our Maximas...

 

You can get the 04 Maxima nicely equipped for that too. Drive them both as much as you can. Then pick the one that feels right. I chose the Maxima but the TL is great too. If possible drive one to the other dealer and park side by side and look at them. The Nissan dealers around here are easy to work with that way. I drove a couple of them home for spousal review. I don't know if it is that way everywhere though. Also if possible, try to do the side by side comparison in bright daylight and after dark under the brihgt lights of the dealership. It will come to you.

 

Correct you are Bluemaxx, We are planning on going to Mobile Saturday and do just that. Drive one of them to the others dealership and get a side by side comparo on them! I swear that Acura felt bigger and roomier all around but according to specs the Max is a hair bigger in all areas inside as far as head/leg/hip room are concerned!
Before I buy any car I insist that we have it overnight just to get a feel of it at night and no salesman on your back and if they say no Ill walk to the other dealer that will!

 

The 04 Acura TL is due out this fall I think so you could probably get a good deal on the 03 Acura. If you go that route, prepare for tranny issues.

 

Oh yea they are giving great deals on the 03 now! From what I have been reading the tranny troubles were fixed on the 03 models, I hope thats true

 

BOTH GREAT CARS. Love um both. TL-S with only headers can do 14.4 if you care about that sorda stuff. I think the TL-S is alittle faster than the '04 auto Max stock and their is an aftermarket following if you are looking to do that sorda stuff.

 

I think I could be just as happy in a TL but for my pubescent need for a manual transmission. And for some reason the look of the g6 Maxima just agrees with me. I'm a big guy too and the Maxima fits me very well.
Wouldn't it be cool if you could drive them both blindfolded? I don't know that I would have made the same choice if appearance weren't a factor.
Good luck, you can't go wrong with either car on your short list.

 

that price doesnt seem like a steal to me. try out a g35. but a g may be too small. and dealers let you take home cars or bring other brand cars on their lot? i would never even think to try that here.

 

thats one hell of a comparo you have on your hands. personally i think i would take the TL-S over a 6th gen max, assuming they were relativeley around the same price. IMO the TL-S looks better, ofcourse its more refined, and auto vs auto i would say the TL-S is going to be just a bit quicker and handle a bit better as well. its all upto you man, but i would most likely take the acura rt. for the above reasons and more.

or you could just get a 2k3 6speed and still save 6grand

 

Ditto. Awesome car...

 

You know, we tried out a G35 thinking it would be more plush and quiteier riding! We were shocked that it was much louder (road noise/engine noise) than the Maxima...dont get me wrong its a great looking car and runs well too, but it didnt seem to have the luxury of the max I was expecting.

Going to look at the Lexus IS300 this weekend--but Im thinking its going to be a little small?

 

It's gonna be tough to get the Max outfitted the same way for the same money. TL-S with everything except Navigation tops out around 30K. No six speed unfortunately. Feels slightly less roomy in the driver seat to me. I'm 6'1, 235 but rear seat room is good and the power is so effortless. Tranny problems have been taken car of as much as possible.

New max 6-speed is just as quick but it is a different feel. As smooth and effortless as the Max is, you get a little more road feel and feel like you're driving the car moreso than the Ack.

Food for thought, rumor has it that the next TL-S may come with a manual trans.

 

if your a big fan of manual, i would go with maxima. My friend has the 2k2 TL and it looks real good but inside is ok, i guess cause he only has a 2k2 and he doesnt have Type-S, no navi or anything...

 

thats what i would do!!!!!!!!

 

 

yes. how about a used gs430? 300hp and rides like butter.

 

i love nissan and all, but in this case i think i'd go for the TLS - especially with the factory body kit

 

Man, this decision is going to be a tough one!! I have thought about a year old Lexus GS300 Maybe? But I guess this weekend will tell the story.
I really wish the Navi in the Max would take voice command like the Acura! Ill bet you by next year that will happen?

 

I would go for the TLS the styling reminds me of the 4th gen MAx alot and I liked that style. A Pearl white TLS looks good!

 

You should go for the TLS. They even have a 100K warranty for the powertrain because their tranny is crap. Other than that, the car rocks.

 

The extended warranty is JUST for the tranny, not the entire powertrain.