Solara or Acura TL?

[Guest]

I am torn between these two cars. . . .the TL is about $31,500 the Solara SLEis about $25,000.

Which should I get? The TL is definitely more luxurious and prestigious, but is it worth the bucks?

[slingshot]

I just priced out the TL on its website. The cheapest version without any options is $33,195 with delivery included. This car is not in the same league as the Solara. The Acura TSX is a much closer comparison. The Acura TL I heard is selling for list price still. The Solara can be bought for way under list price. If money is no object, get the TL because it has more options included, is more luxurious, faster, and a better handler. But you'd have to like its looks and hope you get a problem-free car.

To read everything you always wanted to know about the TL go to www.acura-tl.com and look at the third-gen forum. They'll tell you all the good AND bad things found so far about this car. Since it has so many features there was bound to be some problems and all of them are documented there. Makes the problems of the Solara on this forum look small in comparison.

[pantyninja]

If money is not a factor go with the TL. It is a better car in every measurable performance category. Plus you can get it with a manual transmission and you get 4 doors. My brother drives a CL type S six speed and loves it. He leases and pays what I pay to finance. You also have the longer bumper to bumper warranty. I don't suppose it would matter with either of these cars just for piece of mind.

If you are at 33 for the TL I would be hard pressed to pick it over the G35 coupe or sedan. You can even get the G35x for the all wheel drive. That would be my pick and I bet you can talk them down to 33 on a nicely equipped G35 sedan again auto or manual which is nice.

Basically the Solara is a tremendous car for 10 thousand less than the TL or G35. When the TRD supercharger comes out -- watch out 350Z's

[Guest]

From a leasing standpoint, the TL only costs about $100 more a month.

[Peter]

my parents just got the tl, and i think it was worth every penny. plus it looks a lot sexier . i'd definately say spend the extra and get the tl.

[slingshot]

Sexier? To each his own. What's with that super deep crease along the sides? That's the nastiest part of the car I think. The front isn't bad, the back looks like an Audi and the interior is very nice.

[Mole]

in deep reality, you guys are comparing a toyota vs acura.

two diff leagues. acura should compare with lexus models...

[cdssolara]

in deep reality, you guys are comparing a toyota vs acura.

two diff leagues. acura should compare with lexus models...

You're right, but that's the choice that the person who started this thread was asking about.

One of my friends will be taking delivery of his new Acura TL in a couple of days, so I'll get a chance to test drive it. From what I've read, it has a lot of great luxury features, plus 270 hp, a limited slip differential and the option of a manual transmission. If you're willing to pay the additional money, it sounds like you get a whole lot more car. If you're really into performance, however, I'd get the G35. The rear wheel drive, with it's near 50/50 weight balance, gives that car a lot better feel from behind the wheel.

[fotodad]

I am torn between these two cars. . . .the TL is about $31,500 the Solara SLEis about $25,000.

Which should I get? The TL is definitely more luxurious and prestigious, but is it worth the bucks?

In my humble opinion the TL IS NOT worth the extra money. But, if you don't mind or can afford to spend the extra $10,000 then get the TL.

Looks-wise they both have distinct lines. If money were no object I'd get the TL or a BMW. But since money is an object, I am extremely happy with my Solara.

It's interesting how people continue to include the Solara in the company of Acura and Lexus. Says a lot about the Solara, don't you think?

[dabuda]

this is an odd comparison...like some of you already pointed out, the TL and Solara are two completely different cars. i'm confused as why the "Guest" is deciding between these two cars? shouldn't it be TL vs ES300/IS300? or Solara vs Accord Coupe?

but for some odd reason if you really want to compare, obviously here are the major factors:
1) Coupe vs Sedan
2) $25K vs $32K
3) Toyota (massmarket) vs Acura (lux)
4) 225HP V6 vs 270HP V6

still about the comparison

[SolaraT]

No comparison. TL is obvious choice if you had that choice. I would get a BMW if I had the money. Not Acura.

[Kini]

You do realize the "TL" is an upscale US version Accord. The TSX is the upscale Euro version of the Accord. As far as being faster, the TL with the auto tranny is actualy the same or a little slower from 0-60 and 1/4 mile. For $30k plus go for any version of the G35. May not be as luxurious, but you get rear wheel drive, much better handling, it is faster and can be had in coupe version as well, manual or auto and in all wheel drive.

Kini

[Buckeyegirl]

Comparing the Solara and Acura TL is like comparing apples & oranges. If money is not an issue, then take a good look at the Infiniti G35 coupe like Kini said. If your looking for a 4-door then you have plenty of options, BMW, Acura, Lexus etc. Car & Driver did a road test on the G35 coupe in 4/03 issue if your not familiar with this car. If you go with the TL you won't regret it though. Good luck on your decision.

[angelo]

I am torn between these two cars. . . .the TL is about $31,500 the Solara SLEis about $25,000.
Which should I get? The TL is definitely more luxurious and prestigious, but is it worth the bucks?

If you have the money for the TL and you want a sedan, you may consider Lexus ES330 (the same engine and tranny as V6 Solara). Even having just 225hp on paper (vs 270hp in TL), Toyota's 3.3l has more torque (esp in the low end) and is more refined.
And if you are looking for luxury and prestige, Lexus sounds much better than Acura, since Acura status is more as a near luxury brand.

[NASTY]

You do realize the "TL" is an upscale US version Accord. The TSX is the upscale Euro version of the Accord. As far as being faster, the TL with the auto tranny is actualy the same or a little slower from 0-60 and 1/4 mile. For $30k plus go for any version of the G35. May not be as luxurious, but you get rear wheel drive, much better handling, it is faster and can be had in coupe version as well, manual or auto and in all wheel drive.

...what he said