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Older Acura TLs

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  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    No, it's just that in many situations, especially parking, you instinctively learn to start your turn earlier, place or angle your car a certain way before you start your turn, etc. Similar adjustments would have to be made if you go from a smaller, to a bigger, wider car, which no one complains about. So, no, I still maintain the turning radius of the TL is not an issue. Certainly shouldn't be a factor in deciding whether or not to buy the car.
  • bhelsdonbhelsdon Member Posts: 134
    My partner and I call my TL our little land Yacht. I agree that it is a little annoying but as boble2 said it is something that you learn to get used to.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I agree, it's a very easy adjustment. I have had very big cars, and very small cars, and you have to learn the characteriscits of both.
  • al57al57 Member Posts: 67
    looking at both TL and G35,warranty on G35 is longer and more miles are given,what is the feeling on this isssue down the road,i realize most people dont keep their cars for this to be of major concern,how about service when cars are in for repair,G35 also looks SMALLER,is it a myth since the size #'s compared are realtively close,and the price of the G35 still comes in higher overall,does infiniti think their product is superior (or do we consumers)or is Acura trying to gobble up this segment by giving more for less,what about tire wear on projections on wide TL tires as opposed to more dollar friendly G35 tires "And after reading various posts with each car lacking certain desires etc,how much time are we spending in the car at once to enjoy all this stuff??
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I think Infiniti believes their product is competitive with the TL. As for the sedan, I think the TL has more luxury, and the G35 a little more sporty handling. The g35 coupe is a completely different animal and is a likely choice for my new ride. :)
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I am about to buy a G35 coupe, please you TL fans, tell my why I shouldn't, I would really appreciate your help, thanks.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    The better place for that conversation is in our Infiniti G35 vs. Acura TL discussion. It had archived itself, but I have reopened it.

    Let me ask that you and anyone who has a response for you follow that link to continue.
  • nightcrawler29nightcrawler29 Member Posts: 146
    Well....the TL looks much nicer. :P
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    The TL is a great looker that's for sure. :P
  • proffyproffy Member Posts: 46
    I drove a TL and a TSX yesterday. I noticed that I had an easier time seeing over the dash of the TSX. Of course it's trivial to raise the seat up, but I still thought I had better visibility with the TSX. I'm on the short side, a measly 5'8'' - has anyone else had an issue with this? I loved the power of the TL, but I kinda liked the cockpit of the TSX.
  • yakuzayakuza Member Posts: 15
    I was given a TSX as a loaner when my TL was in for service recently and noticed the same thing. What I really noticed was how nimble the TSX felt when driving too. I'm only 5' 7" and can't really see the hood of my TL even though I feel the driving position is fine. Although the TSX is a great car, I was very glad to be back in my TL.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I am 6 foot and didn't notice the difference in the view of both cars. However, I felt the TSX was under powered and felt every little pebble in the road, but some people like that.

    The TSX is a great car. but I prefer the TL. ;)
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    We own both the TL and TSX so I hope I can assist.

    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.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    (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.)

    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?
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    I noticed something different from the exterior side mirrors when the sun was at my back and didn't have a glare...then inspected the mirror while washing my car to find the blue tint.

    (no...I don't take Viagra and see blue)
  • aaarghaaargh Member Posts: 230
    Either way...the TL does not have any blindspots. Very good visibility.

    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.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Yes...everyone should turn their heads when making turns. Driving 101.

    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.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Plus the TSX a is very attractive car. When I bought a TL they couldn't give us the car right away due to options I requested, and they gave us a TSX loner. I was so disappointed :cry: So on the drive home all I could do was point out how lame the car was. Now looking back on those few days, I began to enjoy the car more and more. In fact I was a little disappointed when they took it back.
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    Best of all...the TSX has folding rear seats so I can haul trees!

    The TSX and TL are two distinct cars. Both are excellent choices and both will please owners for many years to come.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    True delmar, the TSX is an outstanding car. The more I drove the TSX the more I liked it. It is an interesting car, it really grew on me.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    My only knock on the TSX is the lack of low-range torque. Admittedly, I only have 1 test-drive to base it on, but while I feel the TL is able to overcome this lack of torque, maybe b/c of it's overall higher #s; maybe b/c of the quick pick-up of the clutch, I didn't think the TSX could overcome this flaw

    For this reason, I'd probably take a Volvo S40 T5, even though the Acura is a luxury car and has a nicer interior.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's kinda past time for me to remind you that the TSX really isn't on topic here ...

    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.
  • amk04amk04 Member Posts: 2
    I'm a tall guy and I'm wondering how other tall folks have fared with the TL.

    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.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    I'm 6', so I can't advise, but if you wind up not going with the TL, you might want to focus on cars with an arched roof. I'm thinking, in particular, of the Passat (new one should have over 250 hp) and the Nissan Maxima. Neither would handle as well as the TL, but comfortwise, might be good options.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I would rather have my head banging the roof than buy a Passat or Maxima :P
  • mldj98mldj98 Member Posts: 378
    enough said!!!!! :o)
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Actually the Passat and Maxima are fine cars. :cry:
  • mldj98mldj98 Member Posts: 378
    which one do you own?
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    Neither :P
  • bob71bob71 Member Posts: 16
    I'm 6'2" and have plenty of head room. Although I haven't measured the headroom I have, I think I could add another 3 inches and be fine. Plus, I don't have my seat set at the lowest possible position.

    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.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I also test drove an RL and was surprised that the TL was just as roomy. I was somewhat disappointed in the RL. I didn't think the RL was thousands of dollars better than the TL. :cry:
  • billyperksbillyperks Member Posts: 449
    If you are 6'5'' and its all legs you would be okay, but if its mostly torso height, then you are going to have a problem.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    I had a Passat, and while it's not at the same level as the TL, in terms of speed, handling and "panache," it was a quick, well-designed car with a very classy interior. Two features I miss on my Passat b/c they're not on the TL include the rain-sensing windshield wipers and an integrated key/fob. :cry:
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    If I am not mistaken, Consumer Reports says that the Passat as the best family sedan in it's class, beating out the Camry and Accord, that's pretty darn good.
  • xrunner2xrunner2 Member Posts: 3,062
    Either way...the TL does not have any blindspots. Very good visibility.

    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.
  • mldj98mldj98 Member Posts: 378
    concur...but how does it measure up against the TL?
    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...
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    It is amazing what comes standard with the TL, it is a fantastic value. That is why a TL is in my garage. ;)
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    I'd rather have a TL than a Passat - that's why I got rid of my Passat for my TL. But I'd rather have a Passat that could fit me comfortably than a TL that resulted in my having an achy back or neck. I guess you could have a diffeent opinion, like people who buy shoes that look great, but they can't walk in them for more than 5 minutes b/c they're so uncomfortable. Me - I'm a cushioned-sole wide width guy myself! ;)

    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.
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    The Passat and Maximas are great cars, but the TL is in a different class not only in hp, but also interior. However, I can't believe you can't find a comfy position in the TL. The drivers side has so many position options it's a joke. Maybe you should go back to the Passat.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    Hey, frisco - I'm happy and comfortable in my TL. I'm a 6' guy giving some 6'5" guy a suggestion b/c he said he didn't have enough head clearance. If he can't get comfortable, he shouldn't buy the car, so I'm suggesting he look IN GENERAL at cars with rounded roofs. You can't be so blinded by the shine of your TL that you'd think it's the perfect car for all; otherwise, you wouldn't be looking for a G35 to compliment your garage. :P
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I was just kidding, if your head is banging the roof, go for a different car, by all means. And yes, the G35 coupe is my top choice. I am 6 foot even so the TL and G35 are very nice for me. If you are a 6'5" giant, get a car that fits you :P
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    Thank you. I don't know why, but for some reason you're prior post hit a nerve. :blush:
  • delmar1delmar1 Member Posts: 744
    The visibility is all relative. We are not talking about driving blind folded....and we are not talking of the visbility of a AMC Pacer either.

    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.
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    And most importantly...get off the darn cell phone!

    Or, get the TL w/ nav so you can use your bluetooth phone hands-free!!! :shades:
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    I wonder what people like 7 foot plus basketball players drive. :cry:
  • ljwalters1ljwalters1 Member Posts: 294
    Cadillac SUVs!!!!
  • frisconickfrisconick Member Posts: 1,275
    LOL, with a moon roof so the can stick there head out. :P
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    We need to stick to the subject, folks.
  • amk04amk04 Member Posts: 2
    I'm not even going to bother with the Passat -- too boring. I've driven the Maxima a couple of times. It's a solid car, but nothing too exciting either. Nothing against either model -- they're just low on the "wow" factor.

    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?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    do you all get a security alert when you log on to TH now, that asks whether you want to proceed or not, something about the name on the certificate not matching the name of the site? :confuse: :confuse:
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