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Has anyone looked at their spare tire? The aluminum wheel is awesome! Made by Enkei. I want a set for my car---- With the tires, it ought to handle great.
You must not have any tolls in Canada. It would be incredibly hard and dangerous to get coins out of the back pocket every time you had to pay a toll.
To igiban, yes the reason there are three sizes and the reason they are arranged this way (quarters in the middle) is so that you can get the coins out without taking your eyes off the road. Works for me!
So I almost never need to dig coins out of a coin holder.
1. Second-year reliability--fewer squeaks and rattles, maybe a tire fix.
2. Chance of new and exciting color combos.
3. Possibility of irresistible incentives on remaining '04s--understanding that late model-year cars take an especially hard depreciation hit. OK if you plan to buy and hold.
Anybody on the board with inside info, or even Acura's typical m.o.?
Acura NEVER offers incentive on TLs until the end of the model life. By "model" I don't mean the annual update, but only the major 4-year cycle update.
By the way, in test driving the 6-speed last week, I didn't have trouble adjusting to the clutch, but the acceleration didn't seem smooth. I had the accelerator depressed to a certain level and the accleration seemd to come on slow, speed up and then slow down a lot through the rev band. Didn't feel as smooth as my Maxima 5-speed and didn't feel like the V-tech kick in on my S2000, so I'm not sure how to describe it. How's yours??
03oddity - The schedule for the 05s will probably be about the same as the 04s - October-ish. You will need to rent for a while if you want to wait for the 05s.
However, the only thing worth waiting for might be colors - assembly details and tires would surely be running changes if Acura sees fit to make them. Any savings by cutting the cost will surely be outweighed by the cost of providing an "in-between" car from June to October.
Good Luck!
I got myself Falken ZIEX 512 and the car is amazing in the snow. I had a boat load of fun driving through snowy local streets during the last couple snow storms in the North East.
Brew99: I've had to use mid grade 91 octane when premium (93 octane) was not avialable in my S2000. I noticed a slight difference in both acceleration and highway mileage. The S2000 magnifies everthing, but I suspect that the V-tech engine in the TL would also be slightly affected, especially if you have a 6-speed.
Brew99: I normally put in Sunoco 92 octane but for long hauls to cottage country with a full load, I'll fill the tank with 94. I get slightly better mileage and passing power.
I was able to locate a brand new (about 300 miles) '03 Lexus GS300 Sport Design for about $37k. This seems like a good price; or should I go for an '04 Acura TL w/ Navi (approx $34k)? Probably not the best comparison but just wanted some opinions before I spend all my hardearned money (always have been a fan of Acura, my '91 Integra has 194k miles)
Thanks!
Although the GS is RWD, Consumer Reports writes, "Though competent, these rear-drive cars (GS300/GS430) lack the optimal ride-and-handling balance of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Handling is capable but unexceptional."
The TL is much more of a sports sedan. As Kahunah points out, it offers the 6-speed (if you're interested), considerably more power and despite the FWD config, sharper handling (IMO).
OTOH, when it comes to luxury, the Lexus is clearly superior in terms of powertrain refinement, smoothness, quietness, and interior features/materials (e.g. nicer leather, real wood, power tilt/telescoping wheel, a power passenger seat that goes up&down and has a heated backrest AND cushion....)
You should also consider that although both Lexus & Acura have excellent reputations, Lexus is the undisputed industry leader in quality, reliability and durability. Furthermore, the TL is a brand new design whereas the GS is now is its 7th (!) season. You should expect fewer problems with the GS. OTOH, the design is certainly getting long in the tooth and is due for revision this fall.
Only you can decide if GS's virtues make it worth 3K more for an "older" car.
Morehp is correct, the car is 7 years old model, but its your money and its your decision. Just buy a car that suit you best.
A little data from TL for comparison but you need to compare it your self.
PERFORMANCE
0-60 –> 5.7 secs, 0-100 –> 14.2 secs, 1/4 mile –> 14.4 secs, slalom 600 feet –>67.4 mph, 270 hp, top speed 155 from various sources.
LUXURY OR STANDARD FEATURES
Xenon headlights, fog lights, Leather upholstery, Real aluminum trim, 10 way power and multi level heated seats with memory seats for 2 drivers. Driver’s power lumbar, Tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 8 speaker and an industry first 225 watt 5.1 surround sound system that play DVD and CD (6 in-dash disc changer)
Satellite/ XM radio, steering wheel audio control
One touch windows and power moon/sun roof
Reverse tilt dual side mirror and heated side mirror
Auto dual zone climate control, trip computer, memory side mirror for 2 drivers
Embedded remote control for garage, universal remote for home link security feature.
Automatic dimming mirror
Drive by wire, LSD, Vehicle stability Assist(VSA), Traction control, ABS.
17x8 inch wheel with 235/45 (wider) tire.
COMFORT (TL with navigation)
Almost every instrument in TL can be operated by voice command available in man/woman voice. For example:
just say to computer “ Radio on”, “DVD play previous disc”, “Climate control off”, “rear defrost”, “temperature up” or “down”, etc.
If the computer didnt hear what you said, it will say “Pardon”
If you say “Dial 123-4567-890" and the car will say “dialing”
If you say “phone book, store” and the car will answer “What name would you like to store”
If you say “list” then it will say “John...Mary....Jim” and if you say “call” then it will ask you “Would you like to call Jim”
If you say “Display current location”, it will say your current location
If you say “Go home” it will tell you how to get home from your current location in voice
If you say “Display nearest ATM/Restaurant/Gas station/Shopping/bank etc” then it will lead the way how to get there.
RIDE QUALITY
The new design and usage of high tensile steel (ding resistant steel) makes TL more quieter than 530i, G35 and ES300
POPULARITY
Consumer report rank TL #1 over 330i in 2004
Motor week named TL “Best sport sedan 2004"
Yahoo news named TL “Best high-tech car 2004"
Leading consumer named TL “Best performing upscale sedan 2004"
Motoring TV 2004 named TL “Best sport sedan 2004"
Car and driver rank TL third but 325i second
Sales report jan 2004 : GS300 -> 690 units 10.1% drop than last year, TL –>5036 units, G35 sedan->3382 units, 330i ->less than 1000 units
The Seats in the TL are MUCH better than the GS in terms of support, and also hold you better for spirited driving. The TL also has a much cleaner, sharper design (IMO)that will not be out of date next year. I feel that the TL in general is a much better looking car.
The GS interior may be a little better, AND you can get the Black interior with the White exterior (my personal favorite) something that Honda seems to have a problem with.
Good Luck!
Also, regarding a 155 top speed, that is really suspicious. As a friend who has spent a lot of time on the Autobahn has told me, anyone who drives a FWD car over 120 is qualified for free admission to the local insane assylum. Not that it matters here in the US, but any car made by BMW/Mercedes would be a much safer bet than any car made by Honda/Acura (save for the NSX/S2000) in terms of high speed driving.
Thanks again for everyone's advice!
I have to say though, I couldn't find a better deal on a new '03 GS 300 Sport Design anywhere! (crystal white w/ dark gray leather, very sweet)
155 mph modern racer website
67.5mph slalom edmund
I gtg to a dentist but check on TOV website, motorweek etc. you will find them
Your autobahn friend is corect, but I will add that anyone who drive more than 120 mph these days is qualified for a free stay in county jail.
http://www.imagestation.com/mypictures/inbox/view.html?id=4186055- - - 003&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imagestation.com%2Fpicture%2Fsraid10- - - 5%2Fp794842c11a5449861632ab319c2d288d%2Ff982215b.jpg&caption=- - - legendcrash
Anybody know anything about this? I am about to buy one but worry about all the tire problems I read about in this forum.
Thanks
Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z
Pirelli P Zero Nero M&S
Continental ContiExtreme Contact
Falken ZIEX ZE512
I'm looking for an all season tire rather than maintain two sets as snowy road conditions really only exist in the city a few days a year. All opinions gratefully received.
I was surprised how similar in size the TSX and TL are. The TL is larger a few inches in some dimensions. On the inside, especially they felt very similar. I guess this makes sense because they are based on the same platform but it really struck me.
I love the front and profile of the TL. I have to say that from the rear, I think the TSX looks best.
On interior elements, the TL was definitely the sharpest, with high-end metal accents throughout as opposed to painted plastic in the TSX.
I did drive a TSX last year and drive an Accord EX 5 speed every day. So the advantage in the TL must be more pronounced when they are driven.
From an external appearance perspective, I’d have to say the TSX appeals the most to me.
For your info the TL and the TSX are not based on the same car. The TSX is based on the Honda Accord sold in Europe. The TL is based on the Accord sold in the US...different cars.
It would be interesting to see the USA sales figures for the FWD and AWD versions of the Audi 1.8 sedan, VW Passat and Infiniti G35 (fairly new) since these are somewhat close in concept to the Acura but in a lower price class. Is there that large a market for AWD on cars? Subaru, which is a small niche player, has AWD on all cars and has a loyal customer (Subies?) following.
It seems that AWD would be a benefit if one drove a lot in the rain or the snow or on dirt or gravel roads. Then you could justify the added initial expense, maintenance costs, lower gas mileage and hauling around an extra 100+ pounds of weight. I wonder what the reliability is on Subaru, Audi or VW AWD cars? Can these cars go 200K-250K miles without repair to drive mechanicals as will a Honda FWD?
Acura would be able to sell so many more TLs if it offered optional AWD. I'm sure the engineers at Honda can figure out how to put a rear axle and center differential on a TL platform.
Regarding reliability, I wouldn't place too much confidence on Audi or VW reliability (check Consumer's Reports). Subarus, however, are known for their reliability. (Maybe not quite up to par with the reliability leaders - Toyota and Honda - but they're close.) Every Subaru made has AWD, so Subaru has the AWD system pretty much perfected.
Awd sedans tend to exact a penalty that most buyers are unwilling to pay. Subies are reliable, but underpowered(except turocharged models), cramped, limited trunk space and a bit pricey with rather bland interiors. Audis are cramped, costly and unreliable in spite of their great interiors and excellent handling. I shouldn't even mention the crude, overpriced x type. MB and BMW tend to be unreliable and underpowered or unreliable and costly.
An awd tl with power, mpg, reliability and price that shames its rivals from Japan and Germany would certainly look good in the ads. The jury is still out on whether Honda thinks that it would sell in sufficient numbers to justify the added expense of offering it. They make more money selling the higher margin mdx anyway.
The current FWD TL already weighs 3,500 lbs. Adding AWD will likely boost that to 3600-3700 lbs, over 400 more than a 330i and 200 lbs more than a 530i. Weight balance will still be decidedly front heavy. And the AWD system will be essentially a FWD car in everyday driving and handling unless wheel slippage occurs. Even then, the bias is strongly in favor of the front wheels.
Alternatively, the 330xi is a RWD based AWD and in normal driving handles much better than any FWD based AWD system.
The new TL is an attractive package, but a true sports sedan it is not and AWD won't make it so. If Acura wants to take on BMW in that department, it will need to develop RWD models. Period. In the meantime, however, I will still keep the TL on my shopping list as one of the most attractive and best performing FWD replacements for my Maxima when the time comes.
I have driven Accord and TSX 4 cylinder manuals but not the TL. I did also test a V6 Accord Coupe stick, which felt like a monster in the engine power.
Of the Sedans, the TSX definitely felt sportier and more nimble in the handling department than the 4 cylinder Accord.
I am guessing the TL stick has that "power to spare feel" that the Accord Coupe does. I guess I will just have to test drive one and find out. Any impressions in this regard would be helpful though.
just something to look at since they are really resonable priced and great quality. have had 3 sets total so far. 2 sets on a 1998 nissan maxima se and the ride quality is great. just my $.02
Honda already has experience with small RWD convertibles with their S2000 model. Didn’t the S2000 significantly beat out similar models from MB and BMW in Edmunds and other road tests in the very first year that it was produced? Did it not also beat out a Porsche mid-engine car? Looks like Honda already knows how to apply RWD to a vehicle and beat out the world leaders in this area.
Seems that Honda has been hugely successful in whatever products, markets and ventures they target. Their auto sales results and reliability are well chronicled. They excel in many other areas such as motorcycles, power generators, lawn mowers, etc. Also, haven’t Honda racing engines done well in IRL, CART and F1 over the last decade?
Given that the TL FWD already outshines (overall per Consumer Reports) the RWD BMW 3 series, can one even imagine by how much more a RWD TL would beat and outperform the RWD BMW 3 and 5 series? What then would the purists say?
Is it not easier to engineer a RWD rather than a FWD car? Could BMW even be competitive with more FWD cars? It would be interesting to see the BMW corporation expand their front wheel drive offerings to see how well they would do against the sedans of Acura, Audi, Lexus, Saab and others.
1. TSX: nimble, smooth-shifting, zippy and very taut-riding. Excellent interior, though the cabin is a bit cramped if you're used to a larger car. Adequate trunk space. Cramped rear seat room. Could use more power, but it's definitely not underpowered. Gas mileage is not as good as you'd expect; I've averaged about 22.5 MPG over the first 2800 miles. Very nice car, very solid. I've experienced none of the well-documented rattle problems so far (knock on wood).
2. Accord EX V6: Outstanding smooth drivetrain, great power from the V6. Unfortuneately no MT in sedan form, but the coupes 6 MT is characteristically very similar to the TSX's and TL's. Handling in coupe or sedan form is no where near as good as the TSX, or TL for that matter, but still acceptable. They exhibit typical nose-heavy understeer qualities. Better ride quality than the TSX over rough surfaces. Much roomier cabins with more storage space than the TSX or TL.
3. TL: combines the best qualities of the TSX and Accord, in that it has the great V6 power along with taut, sporty handling. I didn't drive the AT version, but the MT has outstanding brakes, good acceleration, sweet exhaust note, excellent interior, good cabin room and is just flat fun to drive. If I could've afforded it, this would've been the car I bought. Trunk space in the TL is less than the Accord, though, and no fold-down rear seats. IMO, it's a very good-looking car too.
Johnny