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also:
when do you guys think is a good time to switch to synthetic oil ?
I think some said after a few oil changes, some say after the engine breaks in, some say to stick with regular oil. I thought synthetic would protect the TL engine a lot more...since it does not break down as easily.
thoughts from all you TL fanatics ?
It's not just an Acura TL complaint: I have yet to sit in ANY Japanese sedan (or SUV) that has as good of an ergonomic design and seat support/comfort of the Europeans mentioned above. My 1995 Maxima SE was guilty. And Lexus seats aren't any better, IMO. Perhaps it's just that they are attached to such "un-sporty" cars that their excessive padding and mushiness blends in with the Lexus driving experience. At least the 2004 Acura TL has taken the driving dynamics and handling up a few notches.
The only Japanese vehicles that I have ever owned that had superior seats were my 1984 Toyota Supra and my 2002 Honda S2000. And, in the case of the S2000, I believe the seats were designed by (and possibly made by) Recarro.
This is a serious conundrum. I wish the engineers that came up with the superior Acura navigation system would focus their talents on the seats.
Great long distance car. If you want European style chuckability and aliveness you're better off with the more fidgety TSX, but the TL has great grip if you apply power progressively through the turn. It's a big, fast luxury tourer, not a sport sedan. If the TSX is European in concept, the TL is definitely more American. The engine is fabulous, the transmission great, the clutch fierce -- it'll catch you out with its abrupt uptake after driving something else. It's a big, bad front driver and handles like one. I've always been a FWD believer (space, snow, rain) but note it'll plow. Steering is sensitive to road camber changes -- doesn't have a lot of caster -- reminds me a bit of a Series 2 XJ6 in feel. I'll replace the poor Bridgestones with Michelins or Contis when the OEM tires expire. XM is worth it to me for the BBC World Service alone and my 1940s Furtwangler CDs sound good on the DVD player. The longer I have the car the more I like it.
FWIW, my service manager also recommended replacing my HPT summer tires with 245/45 series tires when the time comes. Apparantly the TL rims were sized for 245's and the standard 235's leave the rim edge very susceptable to curb scrapes (which I've already had a couple of). Fortunately, at 7,700 miles, my tires are still in very good shape, compared to some of the Potenza tires which are in need of replacement after as little as 12,000 - 15,000 miles.
Goor Luck...
I saw that you recently drove from Cleveland to NYC. Is it safe to assume that you reside in C'town? If so, I'm curious to know how your TL handles during the wonderful wintertime here in Cleveland.
To those that own a 2004/2005 TL with 6 speed, how well does it handle? I know the fwd will hinder it, but I have been getting mixed reviews on how the 'sporty' the TL is.
I think I will change over....
I have handmade custom leather seats in the suburban, but they are not as supportive as the TLs.
The most supportive and comfortable, without being over-stuffed, IMO, are the seats found in the sporty Volvo RS6 sedan....you feel completely soft yet supported in them.....better than any I have ever tried....better than even Porsche, BMW, or Mercedes, IMO.....
TL is not bad....I can live with them in a long trip....
I thought the seats were hard 1st couple of days but they have "broken in" and are more comfortable already. XM is great on long trip and I will surely pay when the time comes.
FWD is ok. I find the steering a little isolated and "light". I may change tires in the spring, even though it came with Michelins.
Just my $.02.
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
If I could get by with a vehicle the size of the TSX, I would have gotten a 330i or M3 (obviously at a higher cost, but budget wasn't my primary constraint). However, in order to achieve comfortable 4/5 passenger seating, you need to move up to the 5-series sedan. Obviously, the TL can't match the 545i 6-speed in performance or handling, but neither can the 545i match the TL in reliability and overall economic ownsership. Not to mention that the TL has several features lacking in the 545i - better navigation system, bluetooth phone (needed in DC), XM radio, etc.
The TL isn't a sports car. I do miss my Honda S2000. But the TL 6-speed is about as sporty as it gets for under $40k in a relaible car that you wouldn't be embarassed to cart around business associates in the rear seat. Again, if you can get away with the size of a TSX, I'd consider the 3-series. Even a 325i will outhandle any FWD car.
The value of a loaded car sold it for me. I just didn't want to spend over 50K for my daily diver this time, since I do about 30K a year and always take a huge hit when I go to trade.
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT
BMW does not offer satellite radio?
Or is it an optional equipment?
of state and had it shipped? They got some great deals in the Midwest.
$34,000 out the door in CA would be about $31000 more or less + TTL (usual estimate 10% of purchase price). Invoice on the non-NAVI is 30,552 including $570 destination charge. So that means the offer was around $500 over invoice.
If I had gotten an offer around $500 over invoice for an '05 with NAVI, I'd be driving one now.
Btw with the TL, 100 miles is a short trip, I'm sure you'll be wanting more . I go from wisconsin to downtown Chicago almost everyweek(on sunny days only ), its more than 100 miles of fun.
Thanks.
The one poster with a 6 speed manual claims that the vibration stays after he speeds up to 90 mph and puts the car in neutral and coasts down to 60 mph. He is sure it's not the tires/wheels, since he has two sets and experiences the same vibration with both. However, it doesn't sound like a "drive train" issue to me, because it still occurs when the engine is disengaged. Almost sounds like an axle or wheel bearing issue.
In any event, I don't have it so I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.
Local Acura dealers are still denying that there is a vibration problem....however they are admitting that they have changed to different tire for the 2005 model.
2021 Toyota Venza Limited Hybrid, 2022 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT