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Comments
Let me ask that you and anyone who has a response for you follow that link to continue.
The TSX is a great car. but I prefer the TL.
The TSX definitely has improved visibility compared to the TL. The hoodline is the reason why the forward visibility is improved. Also contributing is the windshield slant. Visibility in the rear is also better because the rear column thickness is slimmer...and the passenger headrest is slimmer if viewing the quarter-panel.
However...the TL visibility can be improved by raising the driver seat (by its power seat). Also what I have done is scooted up the passenger's seat a bit more forward to improve the quarter-panel view.
Either way...the TL does not have any blindspots. Very good visibility.
One good thing about the TSX is that it has blinkers on the mirror...part of its international heritage.
The TSX ride. It is definitely a different ride than the TL. It is pretty darn good actually. Not for the 500 mile ride...but great nimble car. In many ways...reminds me of a BMW 3 series and its more sports oriented feel of the road (I know people are going to beat me up on that comment). Power wise...it has 200hp and revs higher...but it still scoots pretty darn good.
(btw...did you all noticed the blue tinted rear view mirrors in the TL...to cut down any glare and improve acuity? Very good feature.)
If anyone have any questions about the TSX...feel free to ask away.
I didn't notice it at all, but I can't wait to check. I haven't read anything about it - how did you discover this?
(no...I don't take Viagra and see blue)
Oh how I disagree. The TL definitely has blind spots. Big ones. (I'm not comparing it just to a TSX, any car). The B and C pilars of the TL are huge.
Several times I have almost hit a car when changing lanes. I must turn my head (as I should anyway) to look for cars in the TL's rather large blind spot. The few close calls came when I didn't.
I have set my side-view mirrors much further out to help with the situation. I simply must remember to turn my head every time.
Mirrors are only to augment visibility. Mirrors are not the primary source of visibility.
Luckily you have those side LED turn signals on the TL to warn other drivers of impending doom.
Perhaps the TL isn't the car for those that don't turn their heads before making turns. And if you thought the TL is tough to see out of...try some of its competitors.
The TSX and TL are two distinct cars. Both are excellent choices and both will please owners for many years to come.
For this reason, I'd probably take a Volvo S40 T5, even though the Acura is a luxury car and has a nicer interior.
We have a TL vs. TSX comparo which I've reopened for your conversing pleasure. :-) And of course there is the dedicated TSX discussion as well as the Sedans Comparisons board where any other comparisons of interest may be pursued. (This time the link works, Nick ;-))
Feel free to continue in any of those places, but it's time to let this discussion get back to the TL.
Thanks.
After a month of research and test drives, I fell in love with TL and I'm about to pull the trigger on a purchase.
My only concern is that I'm 6'5" and the TL feels, well, "cozy." My head doesn't quite hit the ceiling, but there's only maybe half an inch of headroom left with the seat adjusted all the way down.
How do other tall drivers feel about the TL? Any advice? If only the damn sunroof were optional this would be THE perfect car for me.
I had the same concern as you when I started looking at the Acura and was thinking I would need an RL. But when I test drove the TL I saw how roomy the interior was and was sold. Bottom line: at 6'2", I feel very comfortable in the car.
Post 7482 replied:
Oh how I disagree. The TL definitely has blind spots. Big ones. (I'm not comparing it just to a TSX, any car). The B and C pilars of the TL are huge.
I agree with the latter. We traded an 01 TL for an 04 TL in late 03. The visibility was definitely better in the 01, and I would only classify the 01 as having acceptable visibility but not very good. Visibility on 04 especially very bad if the rear seat headrests are in place. Noticed this when test driving the car, but still wanted this car and was willing to live with this shortcoming. After purchase, we removed them and that improved the visibility.
Style of 04-05 TL is great, but at what expense. Would like to see car styles return to low beltlines and lots of front, side and rear glass for safety sake. I guess TL is probably better than other cars such as new Chrysler 300 and Mercedes S500. Side windows on these cars are like gun slits. Honda Accords and Acuras of late 80's had good styling for the times and excellent visibility. These cars were reknown for their low cowl and dash and therefore good view out the front. Side and rear glass were tall and afforded very good visibility. Worst styling gimmick that most carmakers use today is the tall trunk line combined with broad rear pillars. This combo especially bad for shorter drivers, folks in the 5 foot + range.
Don't get me wrong...VW's are fine vehicles from what I hear...and read...never owned one...but in a five year long term test of the two manuf. I believe Acura come out ahead with almost every category...or at least most...
My problem with the VW is that once you start added all of the features that come standard on the TL you price is either the same or more....and in that case...Acura will get my check everytime....IMO of course...
Also, just to bring us back to my initial point, I brought up the Passat and the Maxima b/c they have rounded roofs, which I think gives people more headroom. I think they're both good, good-looking cars, but there are probably other cars out there that fit the bill, too.
In all cases...you have to use common sense. Turn you head towards the direction of your turn to make sure all is clear. Make sure all is clear before turning and have your turn signal on. Make the turn...and look forward and drive. And most importantly...get off the darn cell phone!
Ok...all I can suggest is not to listen to what is said regarding to visibility in this forum. Go test drive a few cars and make a personal and educated decision. What is acceptable to me or many...may not be appropriate for others.
Or, get the TL w/ nav so you can use your bluetooth phone hands-free!!! :shades:
The front headroom spec on the Maxima is 40.1" but I'm guessing that's without the sunroof. However, every Maxima manufactured comes with either a sunroof or a panoramic roof, so losing valuable headroom is unavoidable (it also feels like there's more headroom with the panoramic roof since the glass is stationary and requires less hardware).
The only other car in the $25,000 to $35,000 price range with a comparable "wow" factor to the TL that I've found is the Nissan Altima SE-R, but there's much less headroom than the TL. I think the headroom specs on the SE-R are way off. Nissan claims that front headroom in the Altima is 40.8" w/o a sunroof and, while I can't find the spec w/ sunroof, I can't even sit in the car w/o crouching over.
So, I took the TL for another drive yesterday and figure that I have about 1" of headroom with seat all the way down. I think I'm going to take the plunge and go for it. It's really an awesome car! Maybe the driver seat cushion will settle a bit after it's broken in? Has anyone modified their seats to gain an extra inch or two?