The reason why the selection of navi models is much less than non navi, is because navi models are produced in much smaller numbers, not because everyone buys them.
"The reason why the selection of navi models is much less than non navi, is because navi models are produced in much smaller numbers, not because everyone buys them."
You are only partially right. Yes, they produce it in smaller quantities than non-navi, BUT they are in MUCH higher demand than for previous model year. Instead of 10% of all TLs, I wouldn't be surprised if navi's going to be around 30% of all 2004 TLs.
I will be getting my TL with Nav next week and I was wondering if anyone knows how to use a Nextel phone with Bluetooth with the hands-free technology. I understand that the two-way direct connect can't be used, but I would like to use it for regular phone calls and Acura.com doesn't list the instructions on that particular phone.
Also I just wanted to add about the limited quantities of navigational systems for the TL's. Due to last model years lack of interest, Acura decided to only equip 22% of TL's with the navigational system. Now they are going crazy because there is such a big demand for them this model year which Acura didn't plan on even though they updated the system and added more features.
By the way, on another forum someone reported that the system was extremely easy to link with their 2 Siemens S56 phones, and that the caller cannot tell that the user is on hands free - the voice quality is very good.
Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any current way to use Nextel equipment with the TL handsfree link. I have the same problem.
Nextel doesn't currently provide any Bluetooth compatible phones and they have hinted they may skip over the technology altogether to another solution like UWB. This is why it would have been smart for Acura to include some type of modular adapter for the TL handsfree interface. Too many changes are happening too quickly in these wireless networking technologies to lock-in a car to a technology that might be obsolete in 2 years. I have not heard that Acura definitely doesn't have a solution for this problem, but I haven't heard they do have a solution either.
I thought that the Nextel i-95 was bluetooth compatability. My wireless Jabra hands free unit uses bluetooth and works with my nextel phone so I would figure it should be able to work with the TL. Either way, thanks for your help.
You're right about your i95 being bluetooth enabled, and therefore, could theoreticaly work with the Acura Handsfreelink. The problem is, your particular handset has not been tested for compatibility by acura, and they do not publish a protocol for establishing a link between that handset and the car system.
Every bluetooth device must be paired (wirelessly connected) with another bluetooth device in order for them to communicate. Without this pairing, they are blind to each other even though they have the capability to talk to each other. Kind of like you trying to communicate with someone from Montreal, who doesn't speak English, but then you realize you both speak French.
Call Acura and Nextel customer service and see if they can point you in the right direction. Good Luck!
I want the next vehicle I purchase to have the capability to play songs from a digital music player through the stereo, or at least play MP3's off a CD.
There is no technical reason that the TL can't connect using bluetooth to a portable music player. Has anyone heard if Acura has plans to support this?
What Bluetooth mp3 player is it going to connect to?
The best way would be a mini-jack that plugs into the headphone port of a portable music player. However, that option is ***NOT*** available on the TL. The only option is a cassette adaptor. That is the best use of the standard cassette player in 2004.
I have owned an i95 since soon after they were released and I can assure you it is not Bluetooth enabled. None of the existing iDEN phones are Bluetooth enabled. The only way to use a Bluetooth headset with an i95 is to buy an adapter that fits on the bottom of the phone and uses Bluetooth to link with the headset. Unfortunately, this solution does not allow the TL to negotiate a handsfree link with the phone. I honestly wish it would work because this would help me. I have been told some future Bluetooth adapter may be developed that will fully support the required protocol, but nobody is willing to guarantee this scenario.
I finally took delivery of my Abyss blue TL with Nav yesterday and I absolutly love it. It pains me when I reach my destination because I dont want to stop driving. The nav system is awesome although it did screw up on me today. I entered my home address for the destination, and I wanted to see how it would recalculate when I turn a different direction. It said at the top "Recalculating" but it never did. It continued to flash recalculating so I then changed the settings from easy route to direct route and then the calculating scale poped up on the screen but never did anything. And then I couldn't do anything with the nav anymore. I know it didnt lose signal because the symbol continued to move when I did, and it did know the road I was on. I then had to shut down the car and then restart it, from there everything worked fine but it was a little annoying that this happened. Has anyone else expierenced this problem? I have to go back to the dealer next week anyway because they scratched my trunk when installing the deck lid, but other than that I love the car, it is an awesome ride and I know understand what everyone was raving about.
Yep, same guy who posted this message - aciampi ;-)
aciampi, you may have yourself a defective NAV system or defective/dirty NAV DVD-ROM. You definitelly have to get it checked out by the dealer. I haven't seen any reports of such freeze-ups. My NAVI has been flawless so far.
Bluetooth is not really well suited to audio at all, it is designed for data. Even speech is really a mis-use of the technology.
An easy wireless way to play your MP3s in any car is the iRock FM adapter - converts your heaphone jack out to FM Stereo, then listen on your radio. It will surely sound as good or better than Bluetooth. Radio Shack has 'em.
Just drove a 6speed TL at Pohanka dealership in DC... Pros: Excellent interior layout XM DVD-A sound system odometer colors red and blue excellent brakes brembo of course 6speed shifts were short and crisp
Cons: even with 270hp this car just doesn't feel like it has alot of power. you cannot really feel the power. very effortless getting to 60 which to some might be good not for me..handling was decent. ride was bumpy probably because of the high performance tires..
Seemed the cars were leaving the lots fairly quickly most cars on the lot were already accounted for by customers. Only 1 6speed in stock was the one i drove. Seemed to me they were willing to take off about 500..I currently own a 2003 maxima 6speed SE. By far the Tl is more luxurious and has many more cool feautures but the Maxima feels quicker and you feel more like ur in control of the car...just my 2cents
"even with 270hp this car just doesn't feel like it has alot of power. you cannot really feel the power. very effortless getting to 60 which to some might be good not for me.."
Please, read this again and explain what it is that you're trying to say. First you say that you can't feel the power, then you say that getting to 60 mph is effortless. Then you say you don't LIKE that it takes no effort to get to 60 mph??? So you're saying you like to struggle your way up to 60mph?
was anything to go buy, these babies do fly - the acura, despite its impressive raw #s won't be as fast off the line to sixty - i'm thinking this is due to the fact that the accura ride-by-wire mutes your pedal input.
That being said, the torque steer on the maxima is pretty significant - you had better hold on tightly to the wheel if gunning that baby.
"Bluetooth is not really well suited to audio at all, it is designed for data. Even speech is really a mis-use of the technology."
After reading the article from the Mike McCamon executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest of Bluetooth, He states the intent to be used in cell phones for voice. Bluetooth uses very little power, making it the ideal connection technology for items such as tiny cell phone headsets that can't hold a big battery, or wireless mice and keyboards.
just feels a little too boring when u gun it casue i can't feel the car moving hard to describe... i only drove the car about 5 miles so I really have to get a better test drive.. I think i still may end up getting it cause i love the interior so much..i just have to figure out how to get rid of my 03 Max
Bluetooth is well suited to the transfer of digital audio information. (Any information in digital format is just data.) While the 1Mbps bandwidth limitation makes it impractical for WAV files, MP3 or WMA files will work fine. The radio must also have the ability to decode these compression types.
With all the technology built in to the TL, I am amazed that there is no method (Bluetooth or otherwise) for playing music from an auxiliary input. FM radio does work, but there are limits built-in to the FM specification that sharply cut off high frequencies beyond 15khz.
I'm probably going to hold off until this shortcoming is addressed. I expect that the 2005 version of this car will have an upgraded radio, especially since the Acura salesmen are being asked about MP3 player compatibility often.
For more information on Bluetooth, take a look at www.bluetooth.org.
I think I know what achadha was trying to say. I've only had one brief test drive so far, but my impression also was that the car didn't seem as lively around town as the old Type-S cars. Maybe it was the drive-by-wire throttle, I don't know. It certainly didn't have the jump off the line that the Type-S had. However, the downside to the Type-S was that the power delivery was often less than smooth. So maybe Honda toned down the "jump" to dial in more civility. If so, I'd be willing to accept the trade-off.
What we are starting to see the need for is some type of open information architecture to enable transfers of digital information between the car and various external devices. Since most of the digital consumer devices are beginning to converge around a set of standard information interfaces and formats, the future cars should support several of these standards and provide a way of routing the information to the appropriate embedded device (radio, NAVI, hands-free, etc..). These interfaces could enable MP3 or other format files to be transferred in either streaming or batch oriented modes. I think the next generations of cars are going to feature lots of integration with external digital devices.
For now, I would settle for a more flexible way of integrating a cell-phone with the TL. They should definitely have included a second option to enable non-Bluetooth phones to use the basic hands-free features. Locking-in to a single technology like Bluetooth just doesn't seem to make sense.
Hands-free is not just an entertainment or convenience item, it is a major safety feature. They need to find a way to make this important feature available for the majority of cell phone users (most of which do not incorporate Bluetooth).
We develop new wireless products, as well as other types. There are better technologies than Bluetooth. It is still best used for a PDA to computer type link, its original intention. We would never consider using it for any type of audio.
For the handsfree - Yes, it would have been nice if there were some wired adapters available to be able to use other phones, but it is probable that Acura is using a drop-in Bluetooth/handsfree solution, and there is no provision for wired additions.
There is supposed to be a wired adapter for current Honda Accords, but I have not heard of anyone actually purchasing it. So, Acura could have easily added this to the TL also.
You need a longer test drive. I had a 2003 TL-S and trust me, there is more power in a MUCH more civilized way. There is no crazy jump at the start, even if you just lightly touch the gas pedal. But when you push that baby, it delivers more than TL-S. I'm an aggressive driver and I keep getting surprised by how much better the new TL serves my needs!
You are absolute right, my friend! I'm going to try to book an extended test drive (preferably without the salesman) after the New Year. And what you're saying about the improved driveability is music to my ears.
Is anyone aware of how the new TL is selling? Autsite revamped their site and they no longer list sales figures. Anyone know where this info can be found?
The TL 6-speed was smoother getting to 60 than my V6 Accord which seems to "jump" when you floor it. The Accord almost feels like it has a "turbo lag." Honda claims 7.7 to 60 for the Accord. The magazines say 5.7 to 6.0 for the TL. It sounds to me this 4-door "sedan" moves pretty quickly whether it feels it or not.
achadha, I realize you only test drove the TL but I've had my 6-speed TL for almost two months now and believe me...there's nothing boring about this car. Once you get the feel for the clutch and shifter, making the car kick from a dead stop, quick passing at highway speeds, and stopping on a dime (thanks to the Brembos) is noooo problem. This car does it all...and then some.
I think thats what it is the car is so quiet u can't really feel the jump to 60. In my maxima you can totally feel the car take off especially in 2nd and 3rd. Also I stalled right out of the gate when driving the TL the throws are much shorter then the Maximas but I did enjoy those short throws takes a little bit to get used to only had a 10 minute test drive. I was offered 31k before Taxes tags etc on a 6speed with the high performance tires what do you guys think? The internet sales guy said that they were having specials til Jan 2 and after that the prices were to go back to sticker. But this is only for cars that you buy off the lot if you order anything they were willing to only give a Maximum of 500 off if you really haggled. I was told the car was pre-ordered but the guy who ordered it cancelled his order because he found the one he was looking for at another dealership eariler then the arrival at the dealership I was at...Any thoughts on the price think I can get them to go down a bit more say 500? I test drove the car yesterday and walked out of the dealership...Got a call today that they were willing to deal on the car...
You guys really think navigation is worth the 2k? I think I would play around with it for a month or two and then get bored of it. I heard the voice recognition is not to great you have to yell command a couple of times
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A TL WITH NAV. NEVER HAD THIS FEATURE BEFORE. I HAVE TO TELL YOU IT IS TERRIFIC! I DO NOT THINK I COULD EVER GET BOARD WITH IT. GIVEN A CHOICE: BUY IT YOU WILL NOT REGRET THE PURCHASE. MY FRIEND PURCHASED A 2003 E320. HE IS SURPRISED AT WHAT ACURA CONSIDERS STANDARD EQUIPMENT VERSUS WHAT WAS ON THE E320 CONSIDERING THE PRICE DIFFERENCE.
TIRES: CONSUMER REPORTS RATES THE BRIDGESTONE'S HIGH. I WILL READ THE WEB SITE TO GET UPDATED INFORMATION AND REPORT BACK.
It's actually more like $3,000 difference, since NAVI cars are in very high demand right now and don't get discounted as much as non-NAVI.
I still feel it's worth the difference. I posted a VERY long list of pluses on this board awhile back. It's too many to write it up again. The short answer is: it's an extremelly valuable tool in day-to-day driving, not a toy, so you will not "get bored" with it.
As far as voice recognition, it's only a bit difficult if you have a strong accent.
...after driving my TL for two months, I would have gladly paid $500 above sticker to get this car, I enjoy driving it that much -- but that's my personal opinion.
I received the first 6-speed at my dealership (I put my self on the waiting list, two months prior) and paid sticker for the privilege. But, I negotiated for a bunch of accessories and paid no fees except for the gas and a/c tax that's federally required.
Keep in mind, there aren't that many 6-speeds sitting on the lots and the ones that are, are usually accounted for.
You never know how low you can go unless you try, go for another 500 less, they can only say no. Then you can decide if the price is right for you. Remember, no one can tell you what is the right price, only you can. One person might be happy to buy at MSRP, while another wouldn't unless at Invoice. So, test drive it, look at all the color combos, and look at the other choices (Infinity, Lexus, BMW, whatever), then decide. Is this the right car, the right price, the right time ? Hopefully, it is, and something that you really like, that you won't regret it a few months down the road. After the purchase, don't look back, just enjoy it.
I agree with k_chui about letting them say no. I would go another thousand if you're really serious about buying right now. They can only say no. Be sure they have your phone number and be prepared to walk. There are a limited number of buyers who want 6-speeds. They may just split the difference with you or offer you some accessories for cost. It is still a great car with more "toys" than any one else has built in to their cars for a great price even at MSRP.
As for tires, richardgold, click on The Tire Rack.com. They have opinions about the tires they sell written by drivers who use the tires every day. You may even find someone who has a certain tire you're looking at on a TL but probably not the 04 yet.
Haven't seen a reference yet in this discussion group to the February 2004 Consumer Report's monthly car rating report, so maybe I am going first. CU has rated the 2004 TL at the top of the list of "Upscale Sedans." They rate it above the BMW 330i and the Lexus ES330 (perennially their favorites in this category), as well as 12 other contenders. There was some hint of this several weeks ago in the CU discussion website and one of the factors that suggested that our own purchase (last week) of a TL ought to be completed before TL sales possible benefitted from this rating. It will be interesting to see if CU's rating (admittedly playing to a slight different crowd than the auto-sporting magazines) helps Acura's sales. By the way, someone ought to note these results in the Acura Tl vs. Lexus ES330 discussion pages.
What is the correct PSI for the tires on the 04 TL? I checked my tire pressure (cold) from the dealer and it was at 37 PSI. Owners manual recommends 32 PSI. Also, what is your gas mileage? I have been averaging 22-23 mpg. Thanks.
Comments
You are only partially right. Yes, they produce it in smaller quantities than non-navi, BUT they are in MUCH higher demand than for previous model year. Instead of 10% of all TLs, I wouldn't be surprised if navi's going to be around 30% of all 2004 TLs.
Also I just wanted to add about the limited quantities of navigational systems for the TL's. Due to last model years lack of interest, Acura decided to only equip 22% of TL's with the navigational system. Now they are going crazy because there is such a big demand for them this model year which Acura didn't plan on even though they updated the system and added more features.
Nextel doesn't currently provide any Bluetooth compatible phones and they have hinted they may skip over the technology altogether to another solution like UWB. This is why it would have been smart for Acura to include some type of modular adapter for the TL handsfree interface. Too many changes are happening too quickly in these wireless networking technologies to lock-in a car to a technology that might be obsolete in 2 years. I have not heard that Acura definitely doesn't have a solution for this problem, but I haven't heard they do have a solution either.
Every bluetooth device must be paired (wirelessly connected) with another bluetooth device in order for them to communicate. Without this pairing, they are blind to each other even though they have the capability to talk to each other. Kind of like you trying to communicate with someone from Montreal, who doesn't speak English, but then you realize you both speak French.
Call Acura and Nextel customer service and see if they can point you in the right direction. Good Luck!
There is no technical reason that the TL can't connect using bluetooth to a portable music player. Has anyone heard if Acura has plans to support this?
The best way would be a mini-jack that plugs into the headphone port of a portable music player. However, that option is ***NOT*** available on the TL.
The only option is a cassette adaptor. That is the best use of the standard cassette player in 2004.
aciampi, you may have yourself a defective NAV system or defective/dirty NAV DVD-ROM. You definitelly have to get it checked out by the dealer. I haven't seen any reports of such freeze-ups. My NAVI has been flawless so far.
An easy wireless way to play your MP3s in any car is the iRock FM adapter - converts your heaphone jack out to FM Stereo, then listen on your radio. It will surely sound as good or better than Bluetooth. Radio Shack has 'em.
Pros:
Excellent interior layout
XM
DVD-A sound system
odometer colors red and blue
excellent brakes brembo of course
6speed shifts were short and crisp
Cons:
even with 270hp this car just doesn't feel like it has alot of power. you cannot really feel the power. very effortless getting to 60 which to some might be good not for me..handling was decent. ride was bumpy probably because of the high performance tires..
Seemed the cars were leaving the lots fairly quickly most cars on the lot were already accounted for by customers. Only 1 6speed in stock was the one i drove. Seemed to me they were willing to take off about 500..I currently own a 2003 maxima 6speed SE. By far the Tl is more luxurious and has many more cool feautures but the Maxima feels quicker and you feel more like ur in control of the car...just my 2cents
I'll take a little less "umph" and a LOT more ability to get around in rain and snow any day.
Please, read this again and explain what it is that you're trying to say. First you say that you can't feel the power, then you say that getting to 60 mph is effortless. Then you say you don't LIKE that it takes no effort to get to 60 mph??? So you're saying you like to struggle your way up to 60mph?
That being said, the torque steer on the maxima is pretty significant - you had better hold on tightly to the wheel if gunning that baby.
even with 270hp this car just doesn't feel like it has alot of power. you cannot really feel the power.
I know what u r saying......to feel the 270 hp one needs to almost redline the engine.........how often does one do that?
I you are used to a v8 and go to a 6 or 4 banger....the driver needs to work the engine a little more to feel some power.
just my thoughts........
After reading the article from the Mike McCamon executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest of Bluetooth, He states the intent to be used in cell phones for voice. Bluetooth uses very little power, making it the ideal connection technology for items such as tiny cell phone headsets that can't hold a big battery, or wireless mice and keyboards.
Good article to read...http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/techno- logy/personal_technology/7520078.htm
With all the technology built in to the TL, I am amazed that there is no method (Bluetooth or otherwise) for playing music from an auxiliary input. FM radio does work, but there are limits built-in to the FM specification that sharply cut off high frequencies beyond 15khz.
I'm probably going to hold off until this shortcoming is addressed. I expect that the 2005 version of this car will have an upgraded radio, especially since the Acura salesmen are being asked about MP3 player compatibility often.
For more information on Bluetooth, take a look at www.bluetooth.org.
For now, I would settle for a more flexible way of integrating a cell-phone with the TL. They should definitely have included a second option to enable non-Bluetooth phones to use the basic hands-free features. Locking-in to a single technology like Bluetooth just doesn't seem to make sense.
Hands-free is not just an entertainment or convenience item, it is a major safety feature. They need to find a way to make this important feature available for the majority of cell phone users (most of which do not incorporate Bluetooth).
For the handsfree - Yes, it would have been nice if there were some wired adapters available to be able to use other phones, but it is probable that Acura is using a drop-in Bluetooth/handsfree solution, and there is no provision for wired additions.
So, Acura could have easily added this to the TL also.
TIRES: CONSUMER REPORTS RATES THE BRIDGESTONE'S HIGH. I WILL READ THE WEB SITE TO GET UPDATED INFORMATION AND REPORT BACK.
I still feel it's worth the difference. I posted a VERY long list of pluses on this board awhile back. It's too many to write it up again. The short answer is: it's an extremelly valuable tool in day-to-day driving, not a toy, so you will not "get bored" with it.
As far as voice recognition, it's only a bit difficult if you have a strong accent.
I received the first 6-speed at my dealership (I put my self on the waiting list, two months prior) and paid sticker for the privilege. But, I negotiated for a bunch of accessories and paid no fees except for the gas and a/c tax that's federally required.
Keep in mind, there aren't that many 6-speeds sitting on the lots and the ones that are, are usually accounted for.
The TL is an EXCELLENT value at full price! I doubt that there is one TL owner out there that would deny this!
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND HAPPY DRIVING TO ALL!
As for tires, richardgold, click on The Tire Rack.com. They have opinions about the tires they sell written by drivers who use the tires every day. You may even find someone who has a certain tire you're looking at on a TL but probably not the 04 yet.