CB7 vs. '04 TL impressions

[Eric91Z]

Well, I have now and then considered just driving the '92 EX for the next couple of years and upgrading to something newer, bigger motor, etc. Well this past Friday I test drove an '04 Acura TL with the automatic. Wanted to drive a 6 speed, but they did not have any.

Anyway, I have done some reasearch on these: magazine artices, internet articles, Acura home page, etc. Now, this is a very nice car and something I could definitely live with on a daily basis - with the A-Spec package, 6 speed, and Brembo front brakes. It is very roomy inside, has an excellent sound and HVAC systems, nice appointments, very refined. But there were some nit picks: rear end of the car partial blocks rear visability, actually visibility in general is not as good as it is in the CB7. Also, if definitely feels like a much bigger car and the driving environment is pretty detached from what is going on around you (wind noise, tire noise, other cars, etc).

Now, if I was an executive making say good money to afford a nice car, it would a great car to have. I like the styling and the idea of Acura/Honda reliability and engineering, and the price is decent at around $39,000 for a fully loaded with A-Spec car (navigation is another $2000 on top of that).

But am I willing to look at getting rid of the CB7 for that? Not at this point. The CB7 is lighter and more "flickable" for daily driving (at least compared to the TL). Interior room is not as great as the TL, but then again there is plenty of room in the wife's Durango. The insurnace and registration are next to nothing at this point and there is quite the market for things to do. I think the lines of the CB7 are very classy and clean. Now I just need to get a new motor and tranny in there to make it even funner.

So, is the TL a nice car: yes, very much so. Something I would look at buying if I had the funds. Shoot, if I won the lottery, I would go to the Acura dealer and order a brand new TL AND and NSX!!! But that has not happened, yet... So for now, I will continue enjoying my CB7 and continue putting my "wish list" together for upgrades.

Just wanted to share an experience. I highly recommend driving one if you get the chance (the TL, that is).

[uncle_el]

in a few years, your cb7 won't be worth much (financially) for a trade in. it's not worth much now actually (again, financially), though i suppose any money would make a dent in the downpayment.

the tl is a very nice car, as a friend purchased one recently. i was highly impressed. i would say to stay away from the a-spec package, as it's a bit overpriced for what little you get (different side skirts, wheels, and slight suspension upgrade for about $5000). it'd make more sense, imo, to get a 'tl with navi and 6 disc and call it a day. you could add on the suspension components for significantly less.

there's talk about a supercharger in the future for the new tl, but i suppose only time will tell.

[deevergote]

I'd rather get the new RL, if it's all that's promised...

Still, the CB7 is (in my opinion) a far better car than the new ones. Honda has built it's reputation with quality, and now they seem to be doing what all the big companies do once they reach a certain status... They're cheaping out on us, giving us less reliable vehicles than they used to. Cutting costs and making profit...

mrhonda mentioned this in another post, saying that the newer Accord transmissions are total crap. I'd rather have some stupid stuff break (like my door handle plates) or something fairly inexpensive (like my CV joints) than something as major as a tranny! CB7s seem to me to be the height of Honda engineering. Before it was their formative years, and after was their cost-cutting time... My opinion, strictly... and very biased!

[xplode]

Yeah man.. if you can afford it i say fuck the cb7 .. get the TL.. im planning on getting one by next spring... Its up to you man.. i got a 5th gen.. and i love it,, but i mean.. its up to you... personally id take the TL