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Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima

136 messages,  Last post on Oct 06, 2009 at 7:54 AM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Nissan Altima, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 15

#14 of 136 Hold off on the TL by dannyr

May 29, 2007 (7:58 pm)

Anybody concerned about the price of a TL as compared to an Altima, just hold off until next spring and they will be giving them away as fall 2008 is when the next gen TL is expected to debut for the 2009 model year. Once it debuts at the car shows, Acura will have a fire sale on the 2008's. It's not often you can get a great window like this to buy a great luxery car really cheap as the new G35 and IS350 along with the next gen TL on the horizen will drive the current gen TL price way down.
 
Go to a couple of dealerships, find the one that will have the most 2008 TL's sitting on the lot, wait until the end of the month and I can guarantee you will get a TL cheaper than a loaded Altima, especially if the next TL is rear wheel drive, has a radical exterior makeover with 300+ HP. I remember the 2003 Maxima's being marked down as much as 25% off list because the complete makeover for the 2004 Maxima was coming and the the new Altima debuted with as much power as the old max.

#15 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [jd10013] by scottm123

May 30, 2007 (5:23 am)

Replying to: jd10013 (May 29, 2007 3:30 pm)
second, there is no more G35. there is the G coupe, and the G sedan
 
Not to beat a dead horse here, but I have a 2007 "G Sedan" and it has a shiny G35 logo on the rear right corner.
Do you think they put that there by mistake?
Should it say "Sedan" instead?

#16 of 136 Re: Acura TL vs. Nissan Altima [scottm123] by laurasdada

May 30, 2007 (10:00 am)

Replying to: scottm123 (May 30, 2007 5:23 am)
Sounds like you got yourself a collector's item! Just like one of those US Postage Stamps with the upside down airplane! Man, your G"35" could be worth millions some day! Never sell it, Scott...

#17 of 136 Re: Hold off on the TL [dannyr] by jeffatl

May 31, 2007 (7:20 am)

Replying to: dannyr (May 29, 2007 7:58 pm)
Danny,
 
Excellent point. That may make me buy the Altima. I do not think the '07 Altima looks like a basic family car. It looks damn sporty IMO and drives like a dream. But the reviews aren't as good as they are on the TL. I do not want to wait a year, as I've wanted a new car for 2 years already. I drive a '99 Acura Integra GSR. While its a great car, I'm sick of Integras. They are not comfortable and I need more HP. Plus, I've owned Integras (2 of them) since '92. I don't really care for Infinity, but maybe I need to drive one. Definitely want a 4 door, not a coupe.

#18 of 136 Luxury versus mainstream - wgo are you? by nowakj66

May 31, 2007 (7:52 am)

Yes there are quantifiable similarities between the Altima and the TL. On paper, the Altima is a better value. Just as an Accord is a better value than a TL.
 
But Altimas and Accords are common as house sparrows.
 
Some people get off on outthinking status oriented society and feel good driving a great value car like a high end Accord or high end Altima. Consumer reports often points out there is just a shade of difference between full-on Camrys, Accords, and Altimas and their luxury brand brethern.
 
But make sure you know who you are. If you get psychic benefit from driving something upscale, you will wish you paid the extra thousands for the luxury marque. There are little differences but their is also a premium to be paid for the ego boost.
 
It really never ends because if you go for the Acura, some will say only a Lexus will do. And if you go for the Lexus well its not a 7 series BMW and so on. The hedonic treadmill.
 
The truth is nobody cares WHAT you drive as much as YOU do. So make sure you get the car that gives maximum joy for minimum money.
 
All that said, I say go for the TL - its a little more special. I've had 2 Accords, an Outback and a Prelude since 1994. I didn't think I would get here but I can admit I want something a little more special. I have bought for value for the last decade but now I can see indulging myself a little.
 
The problem with the mainstream cars like the Alitma and Accord in full dress is they look pretty much like the $19,000 versions and are common as house sparrows. That worked for me for a while and its fun to laugh at materialistic society all the way to the bank. But now with two kids, in my 40s, coming up on midcareer, I am ready to indulge a bit.
 
But you are not crazy to get a high end Altima or Accord and save some money. Just make sure you know who you are and what motivates you and what will truly provide maximum joy for minimum coin.

#19 of 136 nowak by jeffatl

May 31, 2007 (8:10 am)

Yep, I feel the same way you do about wanting something more. I'm by no means a show off. Its about what makes me happy. The big thing for me is comfort as I approach 40 and have low back issues. I have a bad feeling that the TL won't meet that standard, but maybe I can live with it, as it will be a huge step up from my Integra. I was always leaning toward the TL, but with the new body style predicted to come out in '09 and maybe 4 all wheel drive, will these hold their value? It may not matter, as I plan to hold it for 10 years. My biggest issue with the TL is going to be trunk space, I just know it. After being accustomed to fold down seats, it will be a tough adjustment.

#20 of 136 Re: nowak [jeffatl] by ggesq

May 31, 2007 (9:23 am)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 31, 2007 8:10 am)
"The big thing for me is comfort as I approach 40 and have low back issues."
 
Lexus ES350?

#21 of 136 ES 350 by jeffatl

May 31, 2007 (9:36 am)

Too pricey with options. I'm stretching what I'm comfortable with paying with the Base TL (if I get it). But the base is loaded except for navi.

#22 of 136 Re: ES 350 [jeffatl] by scottm123

May 31, 2007 (9:56 am)

Replying to: jeffatl (May 31, 2007 9:36 am)
With lower back issues, is the TL really a good decision?
I suppose it depends on just how bad these back issues are, but I don't see the TL being a wise decision if your back is bad enough to become a shopping decision maker.

#23 of 136 Scott by jeffatl

May 31, 2007 (10:07 am)

Its serious enough...degeneration of L2-L4. In Layman's terms, that means the fluid between the disks is gone, resulting in inflamation and pain in the nerves. Yoga helps and no surgery in the near future. I did think the TL was comfortable, but need to drive it again. But yes, the back is a major concern as I car shop.

Messages Page 3 of 15

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