don't wring my neck for asking this guys, i just want some input from my bonnie family. i am very interested in purchasing a 2000 Acura 3.2 TL by February. 2000 Bonnie is still definitely in the picture, but for various reasons the Acura may work out better for me. Give me some honest opinions based on study not merely brand or patriotic preference (i am one of the biggest and loudest true-blooded American patriots in my state)...here'* the stats:

2000 Acura 3.2 TL

Engine Type VTEC SOHC 24-valve 3.2 Liter V6 w/SMFI*
Engine Size 196 cid/3210 cc
Horsepower 225 @ 5600 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 216 @ 4700 RPM
Wheelbase/Width/Length 108.1"/70.3"/192.9"
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Curb Weight 3517 pounds
Fuel Capacity 17.2 gallons
Tires (F/R) 205/60r16 91V all-season
Brakes (F/R) Disc (ABS)/disc (ABS)
Drive Train Front-engine/front-wheel drive
Vehicle Type Five-passenger/four-door
Domestic Content 75 percent
Coefficient of Drag (Cd.) N/A

So, how is my possible choice? Anyone heard anything about this car that is negative or positive? less interior room than bonnie...less guts...but maybe not if i can squeeze another 15 horses out. acura has HID'* and tiptronic and navigation You guys are intelligent, and very informative, so I am looking for your honest "slap-me-around-if you-need-to" comments...um....that last sentence does not apply to Bill Boost and Bob (echo) :? oh yeah, bill, it has heated seats too...leather-wrapped ones!

Scott...a buddy had had these for the past 8 years. Every three years he gets the newest one. Nice cars. Not as roomy as a bonne, but will fit in a tighter parking space. Lot'* of nice features and toys.

The TL is much more geared toward being a sports car than the Bonne. Good amount of power, nice handling,...overall nice.

Where'* the smiley with the zippered mouth when you need it?

EDITED: (Like Scotts post) How are the nurses treating you buddy?

Do they have a tan steering wheel?

j/k Scott....in all honesty, I sat in one of this generation and could not find a comfortable seating position. I tried moving the seat all over but never found the "sweet" spot. Other than that, I have always liked them.

What about the 2 door- Type * supercharged version?

bob...ehem.... you know, i've heard someone else mention that they couldn't get the seating to feel right...hmmm. i have never liked coupes...can't do it. nice idea though.


wow! bill! you're great! hey, i love it when you pick on me! really...we do need to add a zipper-mouth to the emoticon list thanks for the input....how is the space in the back seats in real life rather than in pics bill?

I sat in the front. Reminded me of every other Honda though. You could sit back there, but wouldn't want to.

Do you spend much time in the back seat of your own car?

Edit: Oh..that'* right..the Dr. doesn't let you drive.....sorry bud

ha ha! no. never. not even once actually. i should just sit back there once to experience it. i don't typically haul peeps around...but occasionally i need to space.

My business partner owned a 3.2 TL for years. I've been in two and I have to rate it like this:

Power: Average. It had good handling, but I always felt it took a bit too long to get up to speed.

Comfort: Above average. One thing about the 3.2 is that it had alot of toys.

Looks: Above average. My opinion about the 3.2 here is that its a very handsome looking car. Has more of the luxury feel then the Bonnevilles do. The front end doesn't dominate the vehicle'* presence.

Overall, I really prefer the Bonneville, but that is because I've become more interested in the engineering and mechanics behind the 3800 Supercharged engine then anything else

I will request something though.

If you get it. Take a pic of the interior, this will keep any future steering wheel/shifter color questions from arising.

Copmared to you're old 97' SSEi:

Performance: The Bonny would blow it away from a stop. From a roll the beating wouldn't be as severe. 1/4 mile is on average 15.0@92mph for the Bonny, 16.1@88mph for the TL. However, you could get in SSEi territory with the TL-* with 15.3@92mph average.

Fit and finish: Goes to the TL Much more elegant inside. No low rent plastic like the Bonny. It has real leather too I believe.

Comfort: Goes to the Bonny. Bonny has way more lateral support and creature features. Also, more room.

Exterior Looks: Stablemates. I think they are equally good looking sedans.

Costs: The Bonny is WAAY cheaper to own. Ever brought an import in for repairs? I was actually looking for a 1998 Jaguar XJR when I found the LSS. Then I looked up the Jags repair costs.

Overall, they are both great cars with different strengths. Just depends on which strengths you value more. If you like the L67 but also want a refined interior, have you ever looked at an LSS?

Scott. Also, I believe there have been issues with the transmision/cv joints/half-shafts, but I could be wrong. Double check any TSBs that may have been put out for the TL, or "visit" a TL or Acura forum and see what issues they may or may not have.