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Active Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2002
- Messages
- 342
"It's not perfect (hello?) but I wouldn't trade it for anything"
That's what I have always said about the TR. It's THE car for me, that's it. So I need to get rid of my 2000 Mercury Sable 195k for a new 4 door daily driver with more personality, power, fun. Now I don't want a new hobby, I like tech-ing the turbo buicks and might do a couple upgrades on the daily, but I'm a Buick guy. I want it to be fun, but need it to just run too.
So I'm considering 05-08 Legacy GT (limited) or same year Acura TL. Auto Trans, Leather Seats and as many goodies as I can find on a creampuff, one owner, well cared for ~100k mile car. I plan to keep the car around 10 years, or possibly give to my daughter in 4-5 years for college and find a new toy.
I know lots of turbobuick guys own / LOVE Subie Turbos. Some folks actually seem to feel about them like I / we do about our TR's. I don't really want to be forced to turn lots of wrenches, just optionally. So the Acura's reliability record seems pretty attractive to me. I have read a lot about these 2 cars and suggestions on alternatives. Now I want to hear opinions from THIS GROUP, as you guys represent my reference point. Here is what I'm reading so far....and I found it all on the internet, so it's all 100% accurate
This is why I've added the ....? feel free to comment on these "facts" and offer opinions, that's what I'm looking for.
Here is what I like and don't so far:
Acura:
PROS-
Engine
Transmission
Reliability (of a "Honda")
Longevity
Power (3.2 L or 3.5 L) Similar to the GT in HP
Overall Quality
Better technology electronics
Better fuel economy
Great looks of this gen TL
CONS-
Boring...?
Not a GT at all....Mushy ride...?
Several thousand more $$ to buy
More expensive to repair...?
Front Wheel Drive/torque steer
Legacy GT
PROS-
TURBO...need I say more?
AWD (I live in Buffalo, but have never really had any issue with FWD at all getting through snow, but AWD would be nice)
Less expensive to purchase, repair
More aftermarket performance parts, support communities, knowledge available
Seems more unique, like the turbo buick....?
Fun, Fun, Fun...refer to item #1
CONS-
More reliability issues, more service required
AWD matched tires required - cost
Overall quality of ride, electronics, mechanicals compared to Acura
Not a "real GT", lacks upgraded handling, suspension....?
May have to find a local, enthusiast mechanic to take care of repairs at reasonable price...?
OK guys please let me know your thoughts. Keep in mind I've been driving (and loving, actually) the 2000 Sable LS 3.0 24V, before that 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, before that 2 Ford Broncos (1990, 1982). YAAAwwwwwwnnnnn. I am sure I'd enjoy either, just due to contrast. But I'm looking for reliable fun in my daily commute from a TR guys point of view!
That's what I have always said about the TR. It's THE car for me, that's it. So I need to get rid of my 2000 Mercury Sable 195k for a new 4 door daily driver with more personality, power, fun. Now I don't want a new hobby, I like tech-ing the turbo buicks and might do a couple upgrades on the daily, but I'm a Buick guy. I want it to be fun, but need it to just run too.
So I'm considering 05-08 Legacy GT (limited) or same year Acura TL. Auto Trans, Leather Seats and as many goodies as I can find on a creampuff, one owner, well cared for ~100k mile car. I plan to keep the car around 10 years, or possibly give to my daughter in 4-5 years for college and find a new toy.
I know lots of turbobuick guys own / LOVE Subie Turbos. Some folks actually seem to feel about them like I / we do about our TR's. I don't really want to be forced to turn lots of wrenches, just optionally. So the Acura's reliability record seems pretty attractive to me. I have read a lot about these 2 cars and suggestions on alternatives. Now I want to hear opinions from THIS GROUP, as you guys represent my reference point. Here is what I'm reading so far....and I found it all on the internet, so it's all 100% accurate
This is why I've added the ....? feel free to comment on these "facts" and offer opinions, that's what I'm looking for.Here is what I like and don't so far:
Acura:
PROS-
Engine
Transmission
Reliability (of a "Honda")
Longevity
Power (3.2 L or 3.5 L) Similar to the GT in HP
Overall Quality
Better technology electronics
Better fuel economy
Great looks of this gen TL
CONS-
Boring...?
Not a GT at all....Mushy ride...?
Several thousand more $$ to buy
More expensive to repair...?
Front Wheel Drive/torque steer
Legacy GT
PROS-
TURBO...need I say more?
AWD (I live in Buffalo, but have never really had any issue with FWD at all getting through snow, but AWD would be nice)
Less expensive to purchase, repair
More aftermarket performance parts, support communities, knowledge available
Seems more unique, like the turbo buick....?
Fun, Fun, Fun...refer to item #1
CONS-
More reliability issues, more service required
AWD matched tires required - cost
Overall quality of ride, electronics, mechanicals compared to Acura
Not a "real GT", lacks upgraded handling, suspension....?
May have to find a local, enthusiast mechanic to take care of repairs at reasonable price...?
OK guys please let me know your thoughts. Keep in mind I've been driving (and loving, actually) the 2000 Sable LS 3.0 24V, before that 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, before that 2 Ford Broncos (1990, 1982). YAAAwwwwwwnnnnn. I am sure I'd enjoy either, just due to contrast. But I'm looking for reliable fun in my daily commute from a TR guys point of view!
Last edited:
). Looking forward to checking it out, thanks!
I think when I'm ready, this is the way I'm going to go. I haven't even found a Legacy GT nearby to drive yet, those AWD's are at a real premium here in Western New York State.
