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Comments
I have decided that for me, a loaded Altima SL w/NAV is a much more likely comparison to the Acura TL than is the '08 Accord. In addition to my great dislike of the new Accord console, I love the Altima's keyless FOB with auto lock/unlock and push button start/stop (I'm sure the 09 TL will have one - can't imagine why Honda skipped it this year). The Altima is still smaller than the growing Accord (which is approaching full-size status imo!). And the Altima is a far better looking machine on the outside than the new Accord. I also prefer the NAV 3D view on the Altima to the 2D Honda map.
Looking for facts - not opinions.
Thanks - Joel
You wrote "I love the Altima's keyless FOB with auto lock/unlock and push button start/stop". It's interesting that you are intrigued with the pushbutton starter. All of the U.S. manufacturers had those for many years until they discontinued them a few years after World War II ended. Pushbutton starters replaced the old cranks below the front bumpers. The much more secure ignition key technology became commonplace after the demise of pushbutton starters.
TL did it for me.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
More Expensive
Faster
Sharper Handling
Rougher Riding
Overall More Luxurious
Older in Design
Smaller Inside (I believe techinically a compact by the EPA but could be wrong)
Has a Better Warranty
Go drive them and form some opinions.
They share the same frame. What other components are the same or different?
Those are the kind of "facts" I'm looking for.
Joel
2008 Accord
2004 TL
There was another difference between TL and Accord (and TSX) even with all of them having dual zone climate control. TL came with dual mode on top of it (Accord and TSX had single mode). This may not hold true anymore if the new Accord has dual mode as well (I do see a "dual" button on the climate control).
Accord:
And, don't get me started on the engine compartment; I want to see the good stuff under the hood!!! Don't hide it under plastic!
You may like to see stuff under the hood, but luxury brands are more about minor touches like these, where things have to have better finish. You open the door in an Accord, and the foot-plate is plastic. In TL, you have well finished stainless steel plate. Little details like these are key to differentiating cars, from mainstream to upscale. Most folks miss these details when comparisons like these are drawn. To some, these differences carry value, while it be be superfluous for others (hence "luxury"). Here is another comparison, this time between RL and TL...
Note the windshield wipers. They are completely flush and hidden in the RL, not so in the TL, an example of minor detailing that will often go unnoticed to the casual observer.
I believe MDX has taken it even further with tri-zone/tri-mode climate control but thats for another thread.
I'm surprised I haven't seen this mentioned. Maybe it's just a given. It is something that has me a bit annoyed. The 6-cylinder Accord has a 3.5 liter variable cylinder management (not sure of exact name) engine. It has more horsepower and torque than the 3.2 liter TL engine and gets better gas mileage: 3 MPG highway, 1 MPG city. Don't know why this engine was not in the TL. Maybe it was not seen as appropriate for a sports sedan, but I sure would have preferred about 10% better gas mileage and the ability to use regular fuel.
The 2008 Accord was not out yet, at least where I live, when I bought my ('08) TL.
That said, while you can't run regular grade in TL, you can get pretty good mileage from it. I do (mine is an 06).
Notable standouts:
luxury sedan
flawless interior fit and finish
just the right size (I don't want a Buick)
2 memory seat function tied to indvidual transmitters
un-castrated 260 HP V6, w/nice growl
touch-screen NAV
perforated leather interior
rear AC/Heat vents
HIDs
BTW, the buying experience is like comparing Nordstrom's to Walmart.
For most, I suspect the price difference will be the deciding factor.
I just wanted to point out that the pricing is not as different as it appears. Since the Accords are new, they are less discounted. For example, the TMV pricing is:
Accord V6 EX-L with Nav
MSRP = $30,895
TMV = $30,000
TL with Nav
MSRP = $36,940
TMV = $34,427 - $2000 incentive = $32,427
If the difference was $6000, it would be a tougher call. With the difference in reality being about $2500, I would have to say the better value is the TL. You could also skip the Nav and get a TL for the same as the Accord.
Others pointed out differences. I have to admit I didn't study them too closely. The TL benefits included:
- better warranty
- HID lights (often nearly a $1000 option if available but standard on TL)
- dual zone climate controls
- more advanced trip computer
- better quality interior finish
- electronic parking aid
- memory seats (seats, mirrors, steering wheel and even climate settings)
- cassette??
- 8 speakers vs. 7 in
- reverse tilt side mirrors
- rear/turn LED lights
- DVD Audio, DTS CD's surround sound 8 speaker system.
- remote entry with driver recognition
These are just some of the things. Most are minor but they do add up to a quality presentation. Even with features both cars share, there are often subtle imrovements in quality with Acura. For example, they both have Tire Pressure monitors. The Accord will show a low tire icon light. The Acura will actually show you which tire and what the pressure is per tire. Both have a moonroof but Acura has auto open/close auto reverse and keyoff operation. Both have variable wipers but Acura is speed sensing. There are also several areas related to chassis, brakes, suspension, etc. that are improved in the Acura as well.
Don't get me wrong, the Accord is a great car but if you focus on details, the Acura really does outshine the Accord. The question is how much more money is the Acura worth. There are also some Accord advantages being a new model such as folding rear seats, more space, slightly more HP, lower weight, regular unleaded., better gas mileage.
Good luck with your comparisons.
- better warranty
- HID lights (often nearly a $1000 option if available but standard on TL)
-
dual zone climate controls- more advanced trip computer
- better quality interior finish
- electronic parking aid
- memory seats (seats, mirrors, steering wheel and even climate settings)
- cassette??
- 8 speakers vs. 7 in
- reverse tilt side mirrors
- rear/
turnLED lightsFor the sake of being detail minded, I'd like to make a couple of corrections to your list if that's ok.
The turn signals on the TL are just red bulbs, not LEDs like the taillamps.
Also, the Accord has been available with dual auto climate controls since 2003, even before the TL had them I believe.
One more thing, wouldn't the TMV include rebates and discounts? Maybe a HOST can answer this for us? I honestly don't know.
Basically, Dual zone/single mode (Accord and TSX) versus dual zone/dual mode (TL).
I probably should have included this as part of the similar feature but slightly better in TL. I was also going off memory too. Thanks for clarifying the lights. I misread that and you are correct it is just the rear lights.
I've had different experience with TMV pricing and rebates. Sometimes they look like they are included and sometimes not. I also look at carsdirect.com to get a feel. I'm in the middle of car shopping right now so am quite familiar with what prices are going for with TL's and Accords. The quotes I'm getting as well as others for a base TL is around $30K-$30.5 which includes the $2000 rebate extended until 3/3.
The TMV price is about 32K which would indicate that the rebate is not taken out. Cars Direct has a price of $30.8 and does include removing the rebate. There is a link to "incentives" on the TMV pricing results that show the $2000 Marketing Support to the dealer. I was told it expired end of January but looks like it goes through March 3rd. I'm still pretty sure the TMV price does not remove this amount though as yesterday the TMV price was the same but there was no link to "Incentive." A host could confirm though.
Now, a tsx is little closer to the accords value, and is a really good bang for the buck.
I have also looked at other cars, like VW's, Acura, and I still say you can't be the Honda's over all value. Although Acura is Honda.
Basically, Dual zone/single mode (Accord and TSX) versus dual zone/dual mode (TL).
I always get that wrong - thanks for correcting me!
I was thinking about upgrading to an '06 TL (in either white or black, and prefer it to to be under 35K miles). I've never driven a TL before, so I was wondering how much of a step up it would be from the Accord I have. I guess a test drive at a local dealership here in the New York city area would show me how much I like driving it (as opposed to my only looking at them on the road and admiring how nice they look
Can anyone give me some idea of what a good trade-in exchange would be? What would be a reasonable price for my Accord, and a reasonable price for an '06 TL. Bottom line: what is the difference in price between them?
And which dealer in the NY area would be the best place to get a good dela on a trade-in?
Thanks,
Fred