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Getting back to the TL sounds....I love the idea of burning MP3's to the DVDa. Who needs XM when you have 600 of your own best hand-picked songs on tap?
I've had XM since 10/03 and really like it. I bought their stock at $18 and change but sold at $26.49.
I have two small kids and we listen to XM kids all the time. I actually like listening to it too. Often times I'll have already dropped them off and I notice that I'm still listening to that channel.
Radio Disney blows. There are too many commercials and their playlist tries to make a little slut out of your daughters.
I'm also a talk radio guy and there's plenty to offer.
Sure you get it breaking up under an overpass but it's not often and I get the same thing with AM radio near power lines.
I just wish it had an easy mp3 hookup. I'll admit if that was easier I'd listen to my own stuff a lot more.
If it breaks up, so what, it is not that often really. I find the comedy channel alone worth the monthly fee. :P
It kinda sucks for me as I have three opportunities for it to go dead within 8 miles to work. One opportunity is where there is a long light wait.
As I mentioned....going to go with a renewal for the wife and kid. Me...load up the six discs. Unfortunately I won't be able to burn a dvd as I only have a cd-rw at home. Hmmm...might have to ask my I.T. guys to upgrade my work one as it is mission critical I get an upgrade...especially since I do sign off on all the capex
Ok, I'm just an IT guy somewhere with a TL who participates in these Forums and doesn't even have a cd-rw. Had an mp3 player, evil wife took it away from me. Good thing she prefers her RX to my TL!
'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...)
Only if your PC has a DVD writer, Nick. If it is DVD-ROM, no luck.
'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...)
I decided that I wasn't going to fuss with burning dvds. Just going to load up the six cd changer...that will be sufficient. And going to try to burn a few compliation cds on the cd-rw..which will not have 99 songs...but have some 20 songs.
Side note... at my previous company...there was an arms race to get the latest in notebook PCs. So of course...a few of the regional sales guys would come back to I.T. with cracked screens. And laurasdada...I would make you proud. I wouldn't sign off on their CapEx and get them old loaners for some time.
The one for whom I had to buy a Labor Day gift. As I'm sure all you good husbands did. Ok, she's evil, I'm dim...
'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...)
Evil wife thinks the TL is pretty and is scared by the power! There we go, back on topic!
'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...)
It really annoys the heck out of me.
Actually, I was going to discontinue the subscription (in the Accord) but my wife begged me not to.
Perhaps it is dependent on music types which would have more chat.
For $6.42 a month...worth it not to have commercials dominating my listening time.
Outdated thinking. I'd agree that American cars don't seem to give you the value (bang for the buck) of foreign cars, but quality is improving with all cars, including american cars. As for losing value, that's only because of those like you who automatically exclude them from their shopping list. With fewer people willing to buy them, the supply-demand ratio favors the buyer with lower used prices. Same problem with Mitsubishi (maybe not the Eclipse) - they make fine cars, and I'd advise anyone looking at Accords to look at a Galant b/c they don't sell well and you can get discounts when new or when used due to depreciation.
it seems like standard proceedure that you need to be 55 yrs or older to own a vette...
I think the vette is a great car, but I do agree with this assessment. I chalk it up to the younger generation (of which I am one) preferring the status of a foreign car, and the few that would buy American also get divided among sports cars and luxury SUVs.
What's the word on the '06 TL paint colors? Anthing new or different?
thx!
Hang in there, Pat!!
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Anyway, he was absolutely amazed at the power-delivery and the smoothe shifting of my TL. Apparently, the real heavy duty trannies in the Porsches and "vettes are nowhere near as smoothe as the TL. He agreed that it's a great balance between power and luxury, and now he looks forward to borrowing my wheels on occasion (what a switch!!!).
He noticed some torque steer, but thought it was much, much less than he noticed with the 2005 Maxima automatic, which he drove when shopping for a car for my mom. Ultimately went with an M35x for her. They looked at the TL, but the ride was a tad too rough and the looks too aggressive.
Anyway, the point of this poste was not to discuss my mom's car-shopping, but to mention how nice it was to have my father admire my car - I've been an admirer of his cars for some time!!!
Porsches and BMWs are a lot of work to drive, at times.... but, ultimately worth it... their strengths lie in other areas...
regards,
kyfdx
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Just out of curiosity...with so many TL buyers so pleased with the car...having migrated from other car types....where do everyone see themselves driving after the TL? Moving to a RL? Moving to a G or BMW 3? BMW 5? An econo Honda Insight?
(Pat...see...I am trying to get this forum going).
Seriously, though, here's what I figure my options to be. It's listed in no particular order and I'm assuming that no totally new cars are created:
1. I'd consider another TL if it has a RWD platform (not interested in AWD - you listening, Acura? I don't even need more HP);
2. If not, I'd consider buying my then 5-yr-old TL
3. If the Infiniti M35 comes with a manual tranny, that might beat out the TL, depending on the $$$ and the technology
4. Would consider a used BMW 545
5. Would see what strides the VW Passat has made, but it probably wouldn't be sporty enough
6. If the Volvo S60 came with a 6MT (never will), I'd look at that, too.
Right now, I think that if the M35 doesn't get a manual transmission, odds are I'd stick with the TL (new or current). What're your feelings, Delmar?
Well...I am really really pleased with my TL. In past model versions it came out second choice and this is my first. However...this has to be one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever driven....because of the true balance of performance, luxury, sport. So the 2005 TL become a benchmark for me.
Next car in the family will be where I trade in my BMW 745 (which was when I was burning big miles and needed a land yacht with performance)...and getting my wife a SLK. However...I might try to look at the Honda S2000 which I have ridden in and that is a blast.
For me when my TL goes away (I typically hold my cars for 5-7 years), I would look at the following sedans:
1) The TL again as it will be in its next generation.
2) Maybe a BMW540...but the problem currently is that I get all the benefits of the 5 in my current TL.
3) Lexus G series. I find it an interesting choice and style. May not be as performance oriented at an Infiniti M...but it has some resonating style.
4) The Lexus I series that is coming out in 2006 still seems like it would be on the small side...so it is more of a Acura TSX competitor...so probably not.
5) Definitely no minivan or suv. Not my style because it lacks the performance I desire.
6) Would consider a G35 if the rear seat was able to better accomodate. Car only seats a max of 4 people and the rear occupants are very uncomfortable and hitting their head against the window....almost like a RSX.
7) Infiniti M....I know a lot are impressed...but I am not. Kinda too fadish and too many things to fiddle with. And the style just isn't it for me.
Well....that is my list. Until then...I will be enjoying my 2005 TL.
People have underestimated the RL. I would get that over the Lexus LS series. And what a bargain...for the low $40s.
'bodble2'...what are you choices for the future?
RL- as is- maybe a few more horses and torque
GS 350 AWD- When it comes out.
M35X- with tail light upgrade (only)
540i- I want one so bad but its not a practical car here in Connecticut (for the summer it is)
I cant wait for next summer/fall when the fun begins- CAR SHOPPING.
The replacement tires came form the Tire Rack direct to my dealer. I went with Avon 500's, which are still a high performance W-rated summer tire, but with much better wet traction ratings than the Potenzas. Not to mention a longer tread life rating (260 vs. 140). At the suggestion of another Acura dealer, I went with 245/45's instead of the original 235/45's. The difference in diameter is less than 1%, so it does not throw the speedometer or odometer off (both of which read too high anyway) The slightly wider tire should help me avoid scraping the rims on curbs as much, but unfortunately that damage has already been done, in my case.
So far, on a return highway trip of 375 miles, I found the tires to be quiet and smooth and already notice a significant improvement in grip around corners and on wet roads. If anybody is looking for replacement tires, I give these a positive recommendation. I was prepared to spend $225 per tire on Potenza Pole Position S03's, but the Tire Rack guys steered me to these at $120 each.
So don't get freaked out that the other owner only got the mileage indicated.
BMW 530ix, although I still have a problem with the styling.
BMW X3 3.0 if it gets the 255hp engine and body-colored bumpers.
BMW 330i, or more likely the ix if and when it comes out.
BMW X5 if it doesn't get too big.
MB SLK, or SLK AMG
As you can see, I'm leaning towards something German.
But if I decide to retire early, then a bus pass, or the Hyundai Sonata! :P
Frankly, it's about time. I find my TL adequate in power, but it has never felt like it had 40% more horsepower than my old Nissan Maxima (190). And when I test drove it and matched it up against a 2004 BMW 330i preformance w/ 235 horsepower, the BMW is just as quick, if not quicker. The new 330i with 255 horsepower is indeed quicker.
Porsche seems to have the opposite problem. I recently test drove a new 911 coupe - base model with 325 horsepower. The acceleration is incredible and the torque, which is only rated at approximately 40 ft lbs (15%) more than the TL, is in a different solar system. The 355 horsepower 997 S is rated by Porsche at 4.7 seconds 0-60 but has been road tested by all of the major reviewers at 3.9 to 4.2. Under promise and over deliver. A Porsche trademark that apparantly Acura got reversed.
I am - and remain - a fan of Honda and Acura. But their former horsepower ratings were puffery at best, fraudulent at worst. No excuse. Period.
Great choice, beautiful car.
My next car? Possibly the new Volvo C70 hardtop convertible. Four seats, FWD for my ski trips and a way cool (hopefully it works, unlike the Pontiac G6 from reports) three piece hardtop convertible.
I still find the ME E class a compelling vehicle, if not a compelling value. And, of course, the new BMW3, next gen G, maybe M. And TL or RL! If Lexus comes through with IS hardtop convertible that's on the list. Maybe a used Caddy XLR or MB SLK (yeah, I've got a thing for a hardtop convertible!). So many fabulous choices!
'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...)