Older Acura TLs

newbie66

Ordered a new 2004TL last week - AT, no NAVI. The dealer here in Vancouver refused to negotiate on the basic price or PDI. All I could get them to do is throw in a few accessories, that cost them little but have a $600 list price.

bartalk2

This will infuriate TL lovers, but the ride of the new TL seems a bit too firm for me. I feel every pebble in the road. Yes, I know, that's how sporty cars are supposed to ride. I love the car but would like to soften the ride a bit. Are there any all-season tires out there that I could use to replace the standard equipment performance tires? 235/45s seem rare for a general tire.
(Don't tell me to buy an Accord or an ES330.)

fbonepsb

I am planning to buy the new TL (cannot decide whether to go with white/parchment, or anthracite/ebony). Did you guys get any discount from the dealer when you purchased your TL? My local dealers offer a $500-600 discount off MSRP? sounds like a good deal? or is there a better way to bargain?? thanks

gregory28

For everyone who intends to purchase a 2004 TL, please go to the following link and sign this petition. Even if you don't use Verizon Wireless as your cell phone carrier. They are a major player and if they start purchasing blue tooth technology phones all the others will too. One of the highlights of the new TL is the hands free device built into the stereo, but you need a phone that's compatible.

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?ver123&1

bodble2

Hi, fellow Vancouverite, which dealer & salesperson did you deal with?

chas083

I'm not sure that Verizon has the network {GSM) to support Bluetooth. T-Mobile and AT&T do have this network.

talon95

USA Today's review of the 2004 TL posted today:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2003-10-30-tl_- x.htm

Loved the car, hated the Navi.

kahunah

They screwed up on the photo! They used an image of the TSX instead of the TL. I've already emailed USA Today informing them of their error.

billyperks

Maybe your rebuilt tranmission sucks.

My friends have the following cars 1999 Acura Intergra ,1997 BMW 528I, 1998 Nissan Maxima and guess what? I HAVE THESE GUYS FOR BREAKFAST EVERYTIME WE HIT THE I-95.

In other words they eat my dust.

This other dude with a c32 AMG wants to take me on- I will let you know how that goes

mariner7

I said on some board the fronts of the two are indistinguishable. People didn't believe me! How do you know usatoday screwed up?

kahunah

Yes, I agree that at certain angles the two cars are very similar in appearance. But, this is supposed to be a car review written by an expert. Anyway, I checked the link early this morning and it was the wrong photo. They must have reacted to the email I sent them because the correct photo is now posted.

pg48477

Don't even try, C32 is from a different world.

billyperks

so is the Type S

fwatson

It sure looks like you have been giving your transmission a thorough testing. You must have gotten a good one.

varmint

Aren't they supposed to look similar?

vinceb81

Was planning on buying 2004 TL Anthracite/Quartz with Navigation shortly. After reading the USA Today article, having second thoughts about NAVI. Anybody tried NAVI on 2004 TL? Is this article correct? What do you think about this color combination? Thanks for the information.

pg48477

I have type s, and it's not

newbie66

Dealer was Richmond Acura. I'd rather not give out the salesman's name till after I get delivery of the car, supposedly between Nov 4 and 9.

ihaberman

My favorite color combo is the anthracite/ebony. The black interior in my mind works perfectly with the carbon fiber trim, especially since the door grab-handles will be black regardless. Grey interiors tend to look pale over time.

As for the navi, I think that's what makes the interior look so fresh and modern. Worth the $$$.

1violinist

Very sharp color combination. It's my first choice. Anthracite is a decent color, much easier to keep clean than black. Quartz beautifully complements the black dash, aluminum trim and carbon-fiber faux wood. Excellent taste!

Navi: everyone I know who's got the Navi is very satisfied with it. Forget about this so-called "expert" -- they even put the picture of the TLX instead of the TL in their review until someone from this board contacted them! ;-)

ihaberman

vince b81/violinist-

To clarify, the quartz is not the same as ebony. Quartz is basically grey, and ebony is black. I'm a much bigger fan of the ebony than the quartz as I think it looks richer...both today and in the future. With the door handles being black regardless of leather color (even the parchment and camel), my preference is the ebony/black.

1violinist

ihaberman: I guess color is a matter of individual taste, and "taste has no account". If you like something, you like it! I was at the dealership a couple of days ago and sat in different cars. I noticed that the balck interior was a lot warmer than the rest -- something important for me as I live in So. Cal. :-)

bodble2

and also I just find a lighter interior such as parchment or quartz more cheery, and more posh.

ihaberman

Living in SoCA would affect my decision as well. Here in Chicago, black works and looks good, especially when you have to walk through snow to get to your car

As for the lighter interiors, I thought the parchment was very classy looking.

billyperks

I drive it like Andretti-no joke.

It begs to be driven that way- if the Tranmission
gives way- waranty takes care of that.

But on a serious note- if the Tranny gives way I
replace it then keep the car for four years or so then sell it.

vinceb81

The black is a big concern living in San Diego. Thanks for the comments regarding NAVI. A friend has a 2003 TL and he likes the NAVI. He does not have the voice-command feature. Thanks for the info.

rayainsw

What tire pressures are you running?
- Ray
Who noticed some harshness over broken pavement / expansion joints on a short test drive . . .

mhewitt

Sales manager's demo of the voice activated component of the navi system was IDENTICAL to the description in the USA Today review. Now I know my demo wasn't a fluke and I made the right decision not buying it

1violinist

Perhaps the Sales Manager himself was the fluke! LOL...
Sometimes the salesperson's guess is as good as the next guy. I talked to a couple of sales and found out that I know more about the TL than they do! ;-)

1violinist

The following message was posted in another discussion in reply to the US Today review about the TL Navigation system:

"I think they were an anti-Nav person (there are many out there).

The audio system display is one button push away, and all you have to say is audio and it pops up????

Regarding the Tin ear thing, you just need to know the correct format of the sentance, such as you can not say "floor setting cliamate control" but need to say "climate control, floor"

Or to turn off the recirculating air you have to say "cliamate control fresh air" not "climate control recirculating air off"

Once you know the format, it works great, it is just to find the right sequence to get it to work (plus if you are in the wrong screen, it can throw it off."

by: need4speed

uncledavid

I've had the NAV system in my TSX. I have about 6,000 miles on it and have been driving it for five or six months. It is identical to the system in the TL.

The NAV system virtually never misunderstands a voice command. The salesmen probably had trouble with it because he doesn't know the commands. Also, not all commands work on all screens.

Its a great system. I don't know anybody who bought it,and regrets the purchase. Its incredibly useful and not complicated at all.

bodble2

the salesman claimed that he once had a customer whose Korean accent was so thick that he had trouble understanding him. Yet the Nav managed to recognize the commands.

uncledavid

Well, I don't have much of an accent, but I've been experiencing near 100% accuracy in recognition. The only problem I have is that I sometimes forget commands.

ruski

2002 TL-S

1violinist

They should develop a sub-system that reminds you of the commands! :-)

maldorf

Today I tried to link a page reguarding the law suit against Honda involving the transmission issue and another page that is an online petition against Honda. The moderator here sent me an email saying that it was against policy to have links and that my post had been removed. Look at posts 1500 and 1503, they both have links yet they have not been removed. Whats the story! Do I smell censorship!

1violinist

Links are ok unless they are to a competitor site that has message boards and discussions.

automophile

Just to clear up a statement made earlier trhat Verizon and other phone companies were not set up for Bluetooth - I believe what was meant was that Verizon does not operate using the GSM standard, which is true. Only Cingular and ATT have GSM format at this time, which is a basic communication mode used in most of the rest of the world. We use primarily CDMA and TDMA here.

Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a very short range digital radio system designed to let things like PDAs and computers talk to each other. Some phone makers also use it for a wireless headset. It seems like a lot of trouble to replace a 3 foot wire! Anyway, ANY phone can have the Bluetooth added to it, but not too many do at this time. You CAN buy a Bluetooth adapter for many phones that plugs into the headphone jack.

I tried the Sony/Ericsson T616 for a few days in anticipation of my new TL, and I have to take it back. It was cute, and functionally, it worked great, but the color display is totally useless in bright light, such as outdoors. You simply cannot read it. I found that they are bringing out a new model, the T630, with an improved display that can be read in dim or bright light - My TL will have to wait for that one.

vinceb81

Listening to you guys convinced me to get the NAVI. USA Today reporter did not know how to operate the system. Thanks for the help.

bodble2

You must be burning up the streets of Toronto with your new TL! A couple of questions for you: How do you like the feel of the new drive-by-wire system. On my brief test drive, my impression was that tip-in throttle response wasn't as immediate as on the current Type-S. Also, how do you find the low-speed torque? Thanks for any comments you can offer.

uncledavid

1violinist - They do have a subsystem that reminds you of the commands! You just say "Help" at any screen, and the voice comes on and list possible commands!

vinceb81 - I live in Los Angeles, which is a large complex city. I know my way around OK, but there are lots of streets and neighborhoods here. For me, the NAV has been a lifesaver. I absolutely love it,and would not buy a car without it.

I do have some regrets about my purchase. For example, I often wish I bought a manual transmission instead of the automatic. But, absolutely no regrets about the NAV. I can also tell you, from hanging out on various Acura chat boards, there have not been a whole lot of complaints about the system. Nearly everybody who gets it loves it.

Worth $2000? You be the judge. For me, it was definitely worth it and I'd do it again.

Anyway, if you have any quesstions about the NAV, post 'em here and I'll answer you right away.

torontotl

I haven't been burning up the streets as I've been slowly breaking in the engine as suggested by the manual for the first 1000 kms which is going to take me a while since although I drive to work is close. In any case, I do find I love the drive by wire. I found that on occasion in the 2000 TL the throttle would give a sudden jerk when I tipped in. With the drive by wire, this has not happened yet. The other thing with the drive by wire is that you will get very good very quick acceleration if you tip in a bit harder. It's simply a matter of getting used to the drive by wire. As soon as you do, you'll find that this car has more than enough usable torque and horsepower. Can't wait to really give it some hard acceleration runs after break in.

mjb20

I just test drove a 2004 TL with Navi. The car is a terrific value....BUT, the navi on screen display, especially when in the radio mode looks fuzzy and really LOW QUALITY...especially for $2K! Looks like Acura is making about $1900 profit on this device. There is no excuse for such bad resolution at the $2K price. Hopefully Acura hears the complaints and fixes the resolution problem before I buy.

kahunah

After my less-than-satisfactory test drive with the 2004 G35 6MT this week, I test drove the new Acura TL 6MT (sans Navi) the very next day (for details, see message #237 on the 'Infiniti G35 vs. 2004 Acura TL' board).

Although the G35 had a lot to offer, I concluded and confirmed for the second time that the TL was, and still is, the better choice for me. So…what else was there to do but to buy the darn thing. Which is what I did when I got back from the test drive. My brand new Satin Silver on Ebony TL 6MT* will be ready for pick up next Friday…and I can’t wait!!

*Dynamic Package (Canadian): 6-speed manual, LSD, Brembo brakes, summer tires, stabilizer bars, HandsFreeLink, wireless phone interface w/ steering wheel controls. No navigation system.

vinceb81

Any other regrets except not buying the manual?

Above comments also states NAVI is not clear. Read the same thing before. Going to dealer today to see for my self.

1violinist

Hey Vince! I'm "1violinist" and I have no regrets -- at least not yet! LOL
I guess you meant to reply to message #1531 by "uncledavid" not me! Don't worry, if I have any regrets I'll let you know! :-)

1violinist

I came across the most detailed review of the 2004 Acura TL -- very useful, especially in Canada:

http://www.canadianautoreview.com/2004_acura_tl.htm

torontotl

I haven't been burning up the streets as I've been slowly breaking in the engine as suggested by the manual for the first 1000 kms which is going to take me a while since although I drive to work is close. In any case, I do find I love the drive by wire. I found that on occasion in the 2000 TL the throttle would give a sudden jerk when I tipped in. With the drive by wire, this has not happened yet. The other thing with the drive by wire is that you will get very good very quick acceleration if you tip in a bit harder. It's simply a matter of getting used to the drive by wire. As soon as you do, you'll find that this car has more than enough usable torque and horsepower. Can't wait to really give it some hard acceleration runs after break in.

bodble2

That's the mother of all reviews! Thanks for posting the link.

austinman7

Took my first test drive in the 04 TL this morning -- what a sweet car! Very quiet at 70 mph, smooth-shifting auto transmission. I noticed the slight firmness in the ride others had mentioned, but that seemed natural to me for a sport sedan and absolutely no problem. About 2000 rpm at 70 mph, which is nice, compared with 2700 or so on many other cars.

I wish the passenger seat had vertical adjustment, since I need the driver's seat all the way down to clear the ceiling and would like tall passengers to have the same benefit. But the passenger seat was still acceptable. My tall friends may have to lean that seat back slightly.

My tester was Abyss Blue with Camel interior. Like the blue, not especially fond of the Camel. There was a Rodondo Red/Parchment in the showroom -- great looking combination.

The car felt supple, refined, a joy to drive. I'm doing some comparison shopping, and this one is at the top of list thus far.