330ci vs TL

[Celicagts]

I cant seem to pick one or the other. I want to buy either a 2001 330ci or 2004 TL. I need the car to last atleast 7 years with little repairs. I need to know which do you guys think is a more reliable car in the next 7 years. Thanks.

 

[Tom]

That's a tough choice, I'd probably say go with the TL. Performance and handling wise, the 330ci is a much better car. My only concern when buying used is how well the previous owner maintained the car.

You should definately test drive both first and see which one suits you better.

 

[pony_trekker]

Performance-wise the 330 would absolutely slay the TL. Reliability wise, the TL would best the 330 if both were new; that the 330 is used makes this a no-brainer if your requirement is 7 years maint. free.

Also, have you considered an Accord?

 

[gizzy]

330 if it were new, but since it's not, go for the TL. If you can swing it, get the nav system in the TL - you'll love it. Not to mention, the TL already comes with bluetooth.

 

[dpnguyen]

If reliability for 7 years is your priority, definitely get the TL. In test driving the TL, I thought it was a big car that drives like a small car--not bad especially for the price. A compromise if you want the reliability, fun-factor, and great price, go with an Infiniti G35.

Let us know what you end up with.

 

[Roadhawk]

I agree with Tom - you must drive both.

And while I think the TL is a fine auto - looks good - has nice power - seems to handle pretty well - it wouldn't ever be the car for me. It has way too much body roll and torque steer and very little road feel. It feels like your driving a much larger and heavier car then it is - not good. Its clutch is bizaar - very light and unatural feeling. Yeah its powr is impressive and it scoots to 60 nicely - it can corner - but get used to doing so while sitting at a high inclination to the road and hanging on tight..yeah it is spirited - but sloppy. The 330 on the other hand is much tighter - has usable power - and will be much less taxing to drive fast. In my mind - if your looking for a cheaper alternative to the 3 - and want spirited driving - I would check out the Nissan G35. Or - if you need/want a stick - and can wait till October - the Volvo S40 is a very fun/fast car (in T5 guise). Its available now with the automatic. I drove an S40T5 and a TL back to back - and the TL (with a stick) was a bit quicker - but same ballpark - and its had more bells and whistles and more exiting styling - but there was no question that I could see myself in an S40 - but not the TL (both were FRD BTW - though the S40 is due to come out in AWD guise - again October I imagine)

 

[tmoody]

if you're looking at a price tag for a TL, you can afford a dealer demo with CPO that'll give you coverage for 6 year on warranty plus free maintenance. a new TL would only get 4 yr. warranty.
that's the process i went through in comparing the two cars. think they're both good cars, but the bmw felt a lot better.

 

[Celicagts]

Thanks so much guys. It is so hard, but when I look at the BMW, I just cant help but want it, even though I think the TL will be a better choice. I will probably pick the BMW just because I love to drive and the BMW offers the drive. Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it.