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At the Denver Auto Show in April, there were lines to get into the two TLs they had on display and the lines consisted of both men and women. I seen posts about similar long lines for the TL at auto shows elsewhere in the U.S. I think if the economy wasn't in the tank, the TLs would be flying off the showroom floor at MSRP.
I understand that some fans of the earlier TL's look or euro-styling aren't too thrilled with the new TL's styling, but that is a personal choice. We purchased the a Chysler 300M in its first year and still think it is one of the more attractive cars of recent times. We were appalled at the styling of the Chrysler 300C that replaced it and couldn't see how anyone could like that look. Well, Chrysler has sold a lot of those 300C "hoodlum wagons" to somebody, so bold styling usually finds a niche of followers and detractors. To each his/her own. At least now the TL no longer looks like a high priced Honda Accord.
Cannot see any resemblance of 04-08 gen TL to any Accord.
But, the 300C and the new TL? Not my cup of tea at all. The 300C somewhat grew on me (familiarity breeds acceptance?) but the current TL, most notably the horrid beak, still leaves me appreciating my TL so much more.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
See you there!
Can't "See" any resemblance.
Also, my local dealer has tons of 09 TLs as loaner cars. I look at these cars to see how the "wear and tear" has been progressing. They seem to be holding up well. I've not seen any problems with the front grill. Only time will tell if the leather upholstery will hold up (as has been a problem in the previous generation TLs).
1. 2009's Steering has no feel and is not speed sensitive, too light and sensitive at highway speeds.
2. All three had rattles; the first two were similar to my 2007 TL, which is still proving hard to get rid of all rattles, but the one I have now has at least 6 rattles and has only 6K miles.
3. When opening or closing the doors it reminds me of the old cheap Datsun cars decades ago. Don't know if they removed insulation or if the metal is just that thin. No where close to what I expected of a near $40K car and not even close to how solid my 2007 sounds.
4. Mileage seems slightly worse than 2007 even though ratings are supposed to be much more accurate then the 2007 were (both are rated at 18 city). But, in all fairness I'm not convinced any of the three were filled with premium, probably filled with regular, and I have not had one long enough to empty the tank and fill it with 93 octane.
5. New interior features and layout is improved, Nav control is very easy to use, nav is more accurate and responsive than 2007's.
6. Ride is quieter than 2007's and it soaks up bumps better.
I asked some people who rode with me in each of the three 2009s what they thought of it compared to my 2007 and surprisingly almost all said they thought my 2007 was a better looking and better built car. I figured the results would be fairly even between the two.
While I thought the earlier TL-S was attractive, my wife found it merely acceptable and I couldn't really get her interested in it as a must have replacement for our 300M. The non-sport TLs were nondescript, just some cosmetic differences from a Honda Accord. Now the new TLs have really caught our attention and my wife has locked in on the TL as "the" replacement for the 300M. We noticed the long lines at the auto show last April to sit in either of the TLs on display. Prior posts in this and other TL threads on this forum indicate similar response to the TL in other auto shows around the country.
Are they selling like hot-cakes? No, but what sedan is in this broken economy. I think it is Acura's misfortune and our luck that these drastically changed TLs can be bargained for at the dealer rather than getting the old, MSRP or walk attitude from the luxury car sales people. I guess if I owned an earlier TL and loved it I too would be disappointed that Acura had abandoned that styling, but the only certainties are death, taxes, and change.
Slamming the doors on the two TLs at the Denver auto show, I thought they had a had a very sound feel and sound. Perhaps the loaners you drove have been treated like rental cars and are showing the affects of that treatment.
Numerous comments on gas mileage with the new TLs is a concern; although CR didn't bust the new TL on gas mileage and they are usually sticklers for stuff like that.
If I were you friend and I rode in your car and with you in one of the loaners and you asked me what I thought of the new TL compared to your TL, what do you think I would tell you? Your car is a junker and this new TL is really great? I don't think so.
As for the steering, I have no idea what that complaint is about. I see none of that in mine, the doors CLOSE (not slam) with a satisfying thunk, and the trunk requires the lightest of pressure to latch. (not slam).
The Airflow made sense, but was so radically different that the public was aghast. Looking at the new TL gives me the same feeling. Who thought that mimicking a steam locomotive's cow catcher was a good idea for the front of an Acura? Yuck. It may grow on folks, but..... :confuse:
Current average TL sales are ~3100/month.
Dealer had incentives and big selection, not a popular guzzler trade-in and some truth to the looks for many. The dealer painted the big chrome grill on the one I bought and this toned it down just the right amount.
Re: the beak, shield, cowcatcher, proboscis or whatever the most recent derogatory remark about the front facia is. I think the problem is the plastic material its made of makes it look cheap and because it's so large it makes it look that much cheaper. If it was a nice metal chrome I think it would be a lot better looking. I tried to picture it in body color and that may help some but I think chrome would be classier.
The grill is metal. When I picked up my car it had watermarks on it. The dealer used a polish to remove them. Coated plastic would not respond that way.
Lots of choices at much better price, though I have yet to take the plunge ($)
http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/interactive.do?v=016003%7C2009&pc=53278
i never driven one yet but i think i love it , so big question is
awd or not also should i look at R L
what should i be sure i get as in option
and if you own a acura would you get another
i had a audi a6 i never go back there
thanks
Anyone else have an experience either way with clear bra?
I see you can buy a do it youself kit very inexpensive. This seem very tempting
I am still trying to figure out why Acura put those outdated yellow bulbs there. I know this is minor but I think it looks so much more modern to have the bright whites over the plates.Lexus, Mercedes and I think Infiniti uses the HID.
Thanks for the suggestion!
I'm curious about the lack of automatic headlights. The '08 TL
had this feature where you can set it and forget it. Now, it seems that the 2010 TL does not have that feature. Also, it appears that the tilt/telescope steering wheel is manual instead of power?
Can anyone confirm these two things for me?