Older Acura TLs

bodble2

Give yourselves some credit! Most people are fairly astute consumers. You're not saying you can be brainwashed so easily, are you? People are repeat customers of Honda's because based on past history, the chance of something going wrong with their future Honda/Acura is still lower than the chance of something going wrong with a MB, or BMW, or Audi, or Volvo, or Saab, or anything from GM/Ford/Chrysler, and probably no worse than anything from Lexus, Infiniti, etc.

That's why people buy another Acura/Honda. It's not brainwashing, or some other X-Files conspiracy theory! Sheesh!!

kahunah

...I've seemed to have misplaced my aluminum foil hat.

jmichaelp

I'm not looking for a dark interior & think the quartz is the best, followed by the parchment. Originally, I wanted silver, anthracite or black but now have added the blue & white. In order I guess I'd go:

Anthracite/Quartz
Blue/Quartz
Silver/Ebony
Black/Quartz
White/Parchment

merc1

Well he bought the TL over some Euro cars because of the reliability rep, so I didn't want seem like I was rubbing it in by asking why it took them so long. Know what I mean?

M

maldorf

Well, I figured it was a fluke and it would not happen again. Bought that 03 and less than 2 months later I get the first recall notice in the mail. You can imagine how pissed off I was. Now recall #2. Guess I made a mistake.
   What did I buy to replace that 99 TL? An Audi 2.7 T and it runs so smooth that it has almost made me forget how unreliable that TL was.
   I just hope that the transmission in the 03 is ok, they say that any car over 19,000 and something that rolled off the assembly line for the 03 model year has had the tranny fixed. Ours was approximately number 32,000 off the assembly line. Only time will tell.
   I will say something about comparing the Audi to the Acura. There is no comparison in fit, finish and how it drives. The Audi drives the way a luxury car should, albeit a bit more expensive.

boiko

...and what year is your Audi A6 2.7T..? and is it the sedan?

qbrozen

you are complaining about recalls?? Would you rather they ignore the problems and hope they go away (a la Mitsu)? A recall is not a failure or a breakdown, its a safety measure taken by the manufacturer because something MIGHT happen in relation to that part or system. I love the occasional recall, personally. It means the manufacturer found something on my car that wasn't up to spec and they are volunteering to fix or replace it with new and better stuff BEFORE something happens! I'd MUCH rather have that situation than have a failure on the road at 70 mph because corporate decided the risk/cost ratio was in their favor to ignore the problem.

varmint

It works both ways. The Honda/Acura reputation for quality has duped some people into believing that they make perfect cars. Not just good cars, but perfect ones. The expectations are beyond anything that reality could compare with. When the car doesn't live up to perfection, they get all bent out of shape.

Take a look at the transmission issue. Acura has one problem affecting 2% of their fleet and it's huge news. If one of the domestics has such a problem, it's just par for the course.

ruski

A6 2.7T only comes in a sedan shape.

1violinist

Here's an intersting article from AAA "Westways" about 04 new cars. It doesn't mention the TL, but still some good info and pics:
http://www.aaa-calif.com/westways/1103/wheels.asp

automophile

ANY magazine that takes advertising will NOT give you truthful reviews - be it for cars, hi-fi gear, photo equipment, whatever!

Why? Simple - they don't want to piss off their advertisers. You will NEVER see anything truly negative in a paid environment.

Only Consumer's Reports is not affected by advertising dollars and hopefully, Edmunds.

automophile

AS with the others, sorry to hear about your experiences with your older Acura. Our '87 ran 130,000 without a single repair of any kind, our 93 was flawless, and our TSX is 4 months of perfection. Hey - it can happen to ANYONE, even Lexus.

Regarding recalls - I've had 4 Audis in the past and would love to own another one, but reading the boards about all the problems has scared me off. I guarantee that they have had many more recalls than Acura and Honda combined. And - what's the problem about being proactive to eliminate future problems?

New Cars are so complex it is truly a miracle that they can be so good!

chas083

I have a 3 weeek old white/ parchment TL that I really like except for the tires. Dealer rebalanced with no improvement. Tire dealer Road- force balanced with no improvement. Bridgestone will replace 2 of them. After reading Tirerack's reviews and survey I will look at another model of tires. Why would Acura use such marginal tires that comprimise ride, handling and noise? Not impressed.

backcourt

I need some help. I live in the Northeast with snow. I have had all wheel drive for years with no problems getting around. I really like the new TL and was wondering if anyone has experienced driving in the snow with FWD. What about the stock all season tires? Thanks.

kahunah

If you're talking about the 17" performance summer tires - Bridgestone Potenza RE030 - you're right, they have not been rated favorably. A much better choice of performance tires would have been the Bridgestone Potenza RE750 which, according to TireRack's survey results have been rated amoung the best, plus they're better priced!

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/uhp.jsp

In the high-performance all seasons category, the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 and the Dunlop SP Sport A2 are top picks.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/hpas.jsp

maldorf

The Audi was a brand new, never titled, 2002 sedan. We found it shopping around, they had other 02 models on the lot too, and we got it 8k under sticker price. The car carries the normal warranty etc, it was the last 2.7T they had on the lot. It pays to shop around and know how to haggle on prices.

kahunah

I live in Toronto, Canada. Although we get only get a moderate amount of snow, I don't have any problems driving in winter with my '00 TL and all seasons. However, if you live in an area with above average snow fall, you may consider using winter performance radial tires. That's what I'll be doing when I get my 2004 TL 6MT with summer performance radials (in Canada, the 6MT only comes with the summer tires).

One of the best rated winter performance radial tires is the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 & M2. The Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW-2 and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 are also excellent choices, according to Consumer Reports but the Dunlops are better priced.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/winter.jsp

maldorf

I can and do appreciate having recalls issues that might cause problems farther on down the road. I have owned many cars and none of them had the problems that my Acuras have had. My first Acura, an 88 TL that I bought used with 70k miles on it, had its transmission go out about 1 month after I purchased it. In this case I bought a 1 yr warranty with it, and so I just paid a small deductible. Took it in for an oil change one day, and they tell me" oh by the way we replaced your fuel injectors- had been a recall years ago.
   My second Acura, a 99 TL, had its transmission go out at 30k miles. Acura puts in rebuilt transmission then to replace, but this is probably standard practice for any auto maker. This auto had about 2 recalls on it, one was for the ignition switch as I remember.
   Our third Acura is the 02 TL we now own. My wife does complain that it shifts rough, and we just hope that the transmission holds up. This car has already had 2 recalls in its first year.
   At one time I owned a dodge shadow es. I bought it new and put over 70k miles on it and it never had a single recall or problem whatsoever. Not one recall or malfunction.
   Why can't my experience with Honda live up to that of my Dodge!!! If you read the posts about tranny issues with Honda, you'll see it stretches back to the mid 90s with their Preludes, accords, and minivans. This isnt a new problem found in only one model car. As far as the problem with the TL, they say it was the clutch pack in the third gear. I would just be leary of rushing out and buying the first model year of the new TL. Let all the bugs be FIELD TESTED by other folks that just have to have the latest and greatest. After the kinks are worked out, then you might want to look at one.

uncledavid

I own a TSX and lots of TSX drivers have complained about a rattle in the door that Acura can't seem to fix. My car has been trouble free, but I think this supports your arguement. In the next model year, Acura will probably make some mods to prevent this issue for being a further problem.

bodble2

Can't wait. Life's too short!

billyperks

The 2.7 T comes in the wagon stlye too.

varmint

Buy the car now. I'll drive it for you during the first and get all those kinks taken care of.

uncledavid

You are one funny dude, Varmint.

king_george

I keep hearing that 600 or so miles is the avg time to break in the TL engine. I've heard from some people more and less than this. So what do u guys think is the proper amount of time it takes to break in the TL.

I'm buy one in a month (God willing) so when i get one i wanna make sure i take care of the engine.

bodble2

I take it easy for the first 1200 miles (2000 KM). And I also try to avoid going on extended trips until after 3000 KM. I used to get the oil changed once (after 1200 miles or so) before going on the first extended trip, but now Honda's got the "break-in oil" which they recommend against dumping out before 6000 KM.

midnightcowboy

I used to post under "M3 Car Nut" whan I had my M3 I have a 5-speed IS300 now and am seriously looking at the new TL.

king_george

can u order the 17" rims with chrome?

bodble2

How does that combo look?

automophile

The longer the better. At least 1000 miles - keep the revs at 2500 or below. It is well worth it. I didn't do this a couple of cars ago, and for the life of the lease I got very poor gas mileage. The last 2 I broke in carefully, and get GREAT gas mileage. My Lexus ES300 gave me 30 mpg on the road with the A/C on!

There are SO many moving parts in a new car, it takes time for them to wear in to each other. Excessive revving and speed when they are new can cause the surfaces to burn, and then they will be rough with high friction for life.

Be patient - it's worth it!

gregory28

I've seen it and it looks fine together. Color is such a personal thing. The desert mist and the silver exteriors are the most maintenance free I can tell you. I just don't like a gold car- not my style.

jaydoll

bodble2,

I test drove a Abyss Blue/Camel car. It is a stunning color wehn clean with lots of metalic that is picked up by the sunlight. The camel looks great with it. Doesn't look yellow at all to me. If anything, I would call it orange. IMO, I think this is the nicest combo. This is what I ordered and hope to pick it up this weekend. From my conversations with the delaer I am working with, becasue I am driving a bit, I can expect a couple of hundred off MSRP.

ruski

you'd be surprised how many people drive FWD in snow and live to tell the story

ruski

no, I haven't been to AOL since early 90's

gmanzx3

Hello, I just bought a used 2000 TL with 20,000 miles. I, of course, am worried about the transmission. I was wondering if there is anyone out there with a high mileage TL that DIDN'T have any trans issues? Am I guaranteed to have a problem? Is it more prominent in the type-s due to the higher HP? I really like the car and plan on keeping it for a while. Thanks in advance for any answers.

bodble2

My concerns are that the Abyss blue will have a purplish hue when the sun hits it at certain angles (quite common with dark blue) -- and I don't like purple cars, and I somehow find the Desert Mist a bit boring, probably from seeing way too many Seattle Silver and champaign Beige Accords over the years.

I was hoping the Abyss blue would be a more youthful hue, more like the Eternal Blue and Sapphire Blue on the Accord, or the Indigo Blue from the TSX. I have nothing against the Camel interior except I think the parchment matches up against the wood trim better.

sampy111

Does anyone know if it's possible to order a dvd that covers Canada. I'm from CT and i'm planning a trip to Niagra Falls.

Thanks

torontotl

I have seen the Desert mist TL with parchment interior. I actually quite liked the colour, but I currently drive the Naples Gold 2000 TL and didn't want to get another gold car right away. I can tell you that the gold is a really good colour in that it really looks clean even when it gets pretty clean. I love the parchment interior colour, I find that the faux wood looks really good and the overall ambience is very luxurious. I am picking up my Abyss Blue Pearl 2004 TL tonight after work and can't wait.

varmint

Ruski - Great perspective on FWD. LOL!

bodble2

Congrats. Looking forward to your commentary. Did you go for the camel or black interior?

mmm17

I see many posting regarding TL colors. I purchased my deep Green Pearl 2004 TL with Parchment interior a week ago & I love the color way more than I thought I would. It has metalic flake in the paint and is almost a grayish green. I Love the color and I've gotten several comments on how good it looks.

gregory28

I'm partial to the green/parchment myself. Will probably buy it next month.

I think the blue looks awesome. If it came with the parchment interior that would be my first choice. Camel interior has a nice look IMO, but my wife didn't like it.

mmm17: how's it to keep clean? or is it too soon to comment?

The dark blue in the G-35 is striking as well.

msf2

I'm reading customer reviews for the 2004 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe on Edmund's a little while ago and the reviews are incredibly positive. This makes me wonder about the 2004 Acura TL. How is it? How does it ride? Is it a big bang for the buck, or does it not live up to your expectations? Several of you have recently picked up your new TL's...give us a report. Thanks!

drdarell1

To iwse, sorry I haven't been around for a while to answer...

The leasing manager was from a dealership group that handles Acura, Lexus, and Infinity. He was talking about the '04 TL, (that's what I've been looking at) he said Acura has improved the transmissions but they are not 100% yet. He said they are selling all they can get so he wasn't worried about sharing this, but he also had no real details. I have no idea if this guy was blowing smoke or what because I hadn't heard of any problems with the later build '03's.

He said he was impartial but for his money he thought the G35 was the car to buy. The G35 is a fun car to drive, but it's too small for me... Another dealer told me some rental car agency picked up the G35's so that will drop their value... again they guy may have been blowing smoke??

I'm in CA so I think I'll wait for our new car tax to be repealed and to see if any probles arise with the '04 TL before buying...

dulnev

You shouldn't worry. There were almost no failures on regular TL's. It's the 260hp TL-S that was having almost all the problems, as far as I know.

chuckvair

I've had the car nearly a month, and each day I look forward to my 30 mile commute to and from work. The TL has a firm ride that doesn't feel harsh. The seats are very comfortable, and Honda has done a nice job with the ergonomics. A big thumbs up to the sound system and XM radio. The engine and transmission are silky smooth, and I'm averaging 26 to 28 MPG. This car just feels solid.

Minor Complaints -- The sunglass holder in the side map pockets are lousy. I'd prefer folding rear seats on those rare occasions when I have to transport long items. The steering feels a touch light and uncommunicative at highway speeds. There is no good place to store my CD holding case, except on the rear floorboards. My cell carrier doesn't yet have a bluetooth phone that is compatible with their network.

This is a great car for the $$.

iwse

The single biggest concern about the new TL expressed throughout this forum relates to concerns about transmission reliability, specifically whether or not the problems of the old version will reappear in the new version. Dealers maintain this was a prior limited production problem subsequently fixed. Interestingly, Consumer Reports reliability reports reveal no major transmission flaws in recent model years.

Dealers say the new TL's transmission is not based on the old TL and point to the drive by wire system as evidence, but do they know for sure? Does anyone know whether the transmission in the new TL is entirely new design from the bottom up, or similar to the old TL's transmission, or similar to the transmission in other proven Honda products (e.g., the TSX)? Does anyone know of transmission problems affecting any other Honda product?

In the absence of definitive information, perhaps as other posters have suggested, only time will tell.

ruski

The other day an Integra ran away from me. I was able to hang on up to 100mph but could not gain any. Then he walked away. I lost interest and got concerned about cops and slowed down.

it looked like a beater Integra too.

torontotl

Wow, what a hot ride. The power and ride are amazing. The handling is so much better than that of my 2000 TL that i traded in. Can't wait to really try out the engine once the break in period is over. I absolutely love the interior, both the styling and the comfort. It is so quiet inside and the stereo is really really amazing. I'll have to post more details after I've had a chance to really try the car out for a longer drive.

Oh and the car is the Abyss Blue Pearl which is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion and I got the ebony interior.

s852

I believe Acura plans to not carry over the old transmission problem into the 2004 TL.
There will be a revised transmission problem released for 2004.

Why do people keep asking this question? We will have to wait and see what the future holds.

pg48477

What kind of car do you have?