Buying a used entry-level luxury car: Acura TL?

[pennywize]

I'm looking at buying a used Entry-level luxury vehicle, budget is $15,000 to $20,000.

Has to be somewhat gas efficient, automatic, have heated seats, lots of room in the backseat, and a sunroof. Bluetooth would be a good bonus too.

Here are my choices so far:
- 2004-2005 Audi A4
- 2004-2005 Acura TSX
- 2004-2005 Acura TL
- 2006 Subaru Legacy

I've noticed in Autotrader that the Acura TL's are actually cheaper than the used TSX's. Why is that? Aren't the TL's higher class than the TSX? Is there some sort of reliability issue with the TL's I don't know about? I've seen 2005 TL's for under $20,000 with navigation system whereas TSX's would be $20k++....Anyone with a TL want to chime in on how the car is like?

[boyoflondon]

2004 TLs had recalls with power train; auto transmission along with some other smaller problems. 2005's had a recall done on the fuel pump.
At the same time, gas consumption is higher vs TSX and Acura's use premium gas as well.

Other then that, they seem to have some solid reviews ...

[Emancipated]

2004 TLs had recalls with power train; auto transmission along with some other smaller problems. 2005's had a recall done on the fuel pump.
At the same time, gas consumption is higher vs TSX and Acura's use premium gas as well.

Other then that, they seem to have some solid reviews ...

We're on the eve of 2009 which is 4 years so is it safe to assume these cars are out of warranty?

[UrbanPoet]

is there a new gen TL now?
If so... I heard cars go down in value when the new gen is out.

[boyoflondon]

We're on the eve of 2009 which is 4 years so is it safe to assume these cars are out of warranty?

Recalls are covered even when out of warranty.

My 99 accord had a recall done regarding an ignition switch, something I didn't know about until I my car started randomly turning off.

When I discovered what the problem was, and that there was a recall done, I went to the Honda dealership and they fixed it at no charge.

You can always get the VIN and call up Honda Canada, or go to any dealership to get it checked for any recalls.

is there a new gen TL now?
If so... I heard cars go down in value when the new gen is out.

2009 models of TL and TSX have been re-designed - aka "new generation".

[Pete_Coach]

I am not certain the Acura is in the "entry level luxury" class yet. It may be an entry level sport sedan though. Some of these links are a few years old but the gist of them is still valid.
http://www.roadandtravel.com/roadtests/buyersguides/2007buyersguide/entryluxury/2007luxury.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=43924/pageNumber=1
http://www.autospies.com/news/March-2007-Entry-Level-Luxury-Car-Sales-13930/

But, if you like the Acura TL, go for it.

[Piro21]

The TL is based on the Honda Accord that we get here, whereas the TSX is based on the Euro Accord, which we don't. People who are looking for a TL sometimes settle and get an Accord since it's mostly the same car underneath, so the prices are lower since there's more competition. Same thing with the CSX and the Civic.