Thanks for the suggestions. I remember looking at the TL's a year ago, but I was looking at the 00-03 generation being as that was my budget. Didn't even think to look if the 04's came with a six speed. Drivetrain doesn't matter to me I just need a midsized daily driver in a 6M that moves a little. We have snowy winters and I already have a truck for when the weather gets nasty. I've glanced at the volvo but I just can't get myself to think it looks sexy.

 

Just as a curiosity, do a quick search on Autotrader "2004-2005 Acura TL"... You'll see some of'em with higher mileage 80,000 @ $ 13,000; and I bet an interested buyer can negotiate the price much lower.
The price for 2005 ones in between 35,000-55,000 miles seems to average $ 16,500....which can probably be had after some negotiations for $ 15,000 or even less in these times. Tis not bad, considering the approximate figure you brought about the budget.

In my opinion the interior looks more sophisticated than the one of an A4 or A6 (now I hear the stones coming...)

 

I would pass on the G35 too....two of my best friends have them....not bad cars but my biggest complaint is the seats are uncomfortable on long trips! I would say either get another A6 or the TL. TLs are great cars especially if you can afford one of the newer Type S ones, they are sweet looking.

Steer clear of the Volve S60 R. The Lancer Evo is a fun car but interior quality is poor, same with the WRX. For a comfortable ride with medeochore performance, get another A6 or the TL with the 6 speed!

 

I beg to differ on that one... always thought the S60 was quite good looking in R guise.
http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/3204/sniz25dssp9.jpg
Some other pics, and some things to read. The interior of this car is SOO sexy!
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=383931&page=1

 

The volvo S60 is a ugly car, I would not buy it if it had 500 hp

The TL is another car with a cheap interior and it is also a rattle trap.

 

Disagree with first statement...
And you forgot over-priced.

 

I guess as a former 3 X Infiniti owner I ought to chime in. Chefro is wrong... the G35 and M35 are both based on a rear wheel drive platform. The Altima and Maxima are both front drive (read I35). Same basic engine, but totally different chassis and drivetrain. The G35 was upgraded in 2005 to fix a few of the ugly duckling exterior bits and the interior was massively upgraded. Personally, I would not consider one older than 2005. The early models had massive brake problems which are well documented, but otherwise all are extremely reliable. I owned 3 infinitis and never had any problems and routinely sold them in the high 100Ks without ever having to make any major repairs. That would be the silver lining. To say that a G35 will be an upgrade from a Audi A6? That is a crazy idea. I looked at a few 2005 G35s (which my brother owns one) along side the A6 2.7T when I did my shopping and there just isn't any comparison. If reliability and maintanance costs are a big concern, I would say go with the Infiniti. If overall build quality and the european ride is a priority, I would stick with the Audis/BMWs and live with the added maintenance. I just bought a 2004 A6 2.7T S-(53K Miles) line for $10,500. You can find one real reasonable if you look. That will allow you some extra dough to personalize. Shopping is most of the fun anyway, don't rush it.

 

I know that the luxury will be a downgrade coming from an A6, but the shopping is starting to get old.
It seems that they made less 6M's from 02-04 then they did in the early years 00-01. I would agree that there are plenty of good deals to be had A6's but they are all autos, and I will never drive an automatic.

 

The S60 R is a good looking car and quick too. But the Volvo reliablility is the biggest issue. Lots of small problems with those cars. Also, not many of them made, making parts cost a lot more if it isnt the same as a regular S60.

I disagree with the interior of the new TLs being cheap, it is very nice and comes together well in my opinion. It is well worth the price....keep in mind it is a lot cheaper than the other cars mentioned too! I am not a huge Japanese car fan but the new TL did impress me.

The M35x is a cool car too. It is AWD and they i think they look real sweet.

 

My problem is that Im afraid of the future. I remember when the previous TL came out, I thought it was a sweet looking car. Now, they look dated though. The A6s still look fresh, even the 98s with nice wheels.