ome14b@aol.com

I'm looking to buy a car soon and am deciding between the 2006 Acura TL or the Rx8. Also they both are going to be automatic. So I'm looking for your opinion. Thanks.

k0tti

why auto an 8? go with the tl if your getting auto...

BlueSky

If you're looking to get only an automatic car, and had to choose between the two, then get the TL.

The RX-8 is a sports car only with the manual transmission.

I think you want the RX-8 just for the looks. IMO that would be a poor reason for buying one.

Do yourself a favor and just get the TL.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

I was considering both those cars when I was shopping for a car as well.

It is basically going to come down to: What do you REALLY want to drive? A sport sedan or a sports car? They are both great vehicles but light years apart as to what they offer you...

Do you need a full size back seat? Which is more important: Function or performance?

Why an automatic? If you can't drive manual, that's not a problem...just wondering. Luckily the 06 AT offers more power but the MT is just SO much fun if you're open to buying a MT.

RA-Eight

iTrader: (6)

Go for an auto TL. They're nice.

BlueSky

All autos are boring.

SiLVeRE8

iTrader: (8)

go for TL if AT is your only option cause you might regret getting an AT 8 and trade it in for a manual later like me. or was it just me...

V Vette

iTrader: (-1)

The TL is a better all-around luxury car...Go for it...

dean2900

Buy the TL. At least Honda only makes S2000s with MTs. I think Mazda should do the same but I guess the bean counters say to make them both.

9G Redline

I looked at the title and asked myself, "Are they really asking that question?" I'm with everyone else, go with the TL if you're getting an AT.

I also think that the 8 should only come in MT. Mazda doesn't have much confidence apparently. (I still love you Mazda!!!!)

dillsrotary

mazda needs the sales, and auto's sell

NgoRX8

iTrader: (1)

my friend has an auto TL and it is a great car. back when i had the automatic rx-8... i yea... haha

unless you are looking at a manual rx-8, this isn't a question. TL all the way.

vapourit

they still make cars with autos? Why not just take public transit and have a nap during the trip.

BlueSky

Look into a auto E46 M3 (slightly used) or a Auto G35 coupe while you're at it.

Babo4u

my first car was a 2005 TL, and i really liked it. well i ended up crashing it and had another car and finally got a rx8 3 months ago. my TL was automatic and it was really nice. it was really smooth, comfortable, and whatever else a luxury car can give. on the other hand, i think im having more fun with the rx8. imo i like the rx8 more because i have the mt and i just love its handling.

aplx

Let me see if I can give you an interesting perspective on this issue. I happen to own both cars in question. Well almost. I have a 06' Shinka & a 06' TL. I really enjoy both cars but for very different reasons.

The TL is a very comfortable car with many great features, especially if you spring for the Navi model. It is awesome on a long road trips. I wouldn't even dream of taking my 8 across country With that said It also has its down side. It is a front wheel drive car with a fair amount of power, you will experience torque steer. The TLs handling isn't the greatest. Kinda like driving a bath tub on wheels, but the cars over all design is much different than the 8.

The RX8 MT version, on the other hand, is a whole different animal. The handling can be described in one word AWESOME. The ride is stiff, like a sports car should be and the interior layout is setup well if you like driving a sports car. The power on the MT version is more than adequate for me. Notice I said adequate, not great or incredible. I think most people would agree that the power could use a boost. I cant imagine driving the AT version considering the difference in power.

If you are going for a sports car, buy an 8. Obviously I cant speak to the AT version but the MT never fails to put a smile on my face while I am driving it.

If you want a comfortable sports sedan that is great for long trips and has a ton of features. Buy the TL.

just my 2 cents,
APLX

jimbo912

I also own a 06 TL auto. and a 04 8 manual. Hands down the 8 is alot more fun to drive. While the TL is great for long trips,I also think that the 8 has an upside for long drives. Last summer,my wife,daughter and I took a trip thru the Adarondack mountains in upstate NY. I didn't think twice,the 8 was the ride of choice!! Get a manual 8,trust me you will not regret it.

RevTo9K

I have a MT 8, and I had a 2003 MT CL Type S (same motor as the TL). I'm a big fan of Hondas, but they've had lots of trouble with the auto trannys in the CLs and TLs. Not sure if they got it worked out in the new TL - you'll want to look into that before you buy. Visit http://tl.acurazine.com/ and read up, if you haven't already.

The TL engine is a beast, plain and simple. Solid, smooth, bulletproof motor.

If you can deal with the stick shift, as many have noted, the 6 speed 8 has many advantages over the auto. If you love the TL, by all means consider the 6 speed manual... that transmission is pretty much indestructible, and it adds an LSD which dramatically improves the handling on a FWD car.

The only other thing I'll mention is a rumor that the 07 TL will be packing the Acura 3.5L V6 making 295 HP. Visit http://www.vtec.net.

You've narrowed your search down to two excellent cars. Good luck with your final decision.

PerformRX-8

as some people in this site we made the mistake of buying the AT, don't get the AT 8 cause you'll jsut end up losing a **** load of money and trading it in for the 6spd like me! I mean don't get me wrong there are plenty of AT owners, and all the problems you hear about the AT 8's are usually 2004 models... there isn't anything wrong with it excluding the fact of lack of power! so with that said buy whatever you want and what your budget allows. Maybe you should consider the Manual TL????

Raptor2k

ban that n00b for considering an auto 8


DO IT

GulfCoast

I agree, TL if auto, 8 if manual.

mdw1000

I have an 05 auto TL and an 05 auto RX-8. I like both cars for different reasons, basically for the same reasons that aplx mentioned. I would like some more power for my auto 8, but it is enough for most driving. It does need more low end torque, but I knew that when buying a rotary. The 06 would have a bit more power. I enjoy being able to use the paddle shifters when I want and being able to relax and let the car shift when I want. Plus I have some health issues that make an auto better for my situation. But I can understand after having some fun with the paddles and being able to keep the rpms where you want them why some people will only consider a manual.

I should also say that price figured into the equation when I bought the 8. I was looking for a good handling car in the mid 20s (I found that driving a car with decent everyday handling like the TL made it easier for me to drive further with my health issues, so I looked for a replacement for my truck - the TL is my wife's daily driver) With the discounts, etc i got my 8 for about 24200. If I had to choose between the two cars and they were the same price, I'd probably get the TL. You get a lot for the money with the TL. But if handling and uniqueness are the most important things to you, then i'd lean towards the 8. I don't go to the track, but if I did I'd want the 8 for its handling and RWD.

williamngRX8

this is more and more looks like an auto 8 bashing thread

flyboi1121

i'm curious now.. i want a ride in an auto 8~

i've been in a TL before.. it's nice~ it's quiet~ it's roomy.. but i'd choose my 8 over the TL anyday... but once again, mine is a 6spd =T

Winfree

Try them both, see how they fit - See how they drive. I have always driven stick but hated the way the 04 stick felt ( too much like an old Ford truck) so I went to an automatic 05. There is more speed in an automatic 8 than you might expect, and two Team Grannies once beat an Acura to the surprise of both drivers and both passangers! The 2005 8 is pretty good - avoid a 2004, and the 2006 is supposed to be even better. We took our little blue up to Frisco, and had no grief, she is running well inspite of 112 degree heat and dirt roads - You don't have to be a track racer to love one of these cars - they get in and out of Freeways with grace - there is a truely evil on ramp leaving Treaure Island to get on the Bay Bridge Freeway in San Francisco and I don't think I could have had the courage to even try to get onto it (heavy traffic continuous and very fast with very little room to get up to speed) and Yes, those back seats are nice - my sister and neice dropped in and we gave them a trip over the hump to the sea - air conditioner worked great, this car can haul even with a load of four passengers - Those extra horses really help. And if you want to make new friends and get a lot of public admiration its the 8!