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Comments
As for the paddles....that has been on other cars. Somewhat a gimmick to be honest. But...some do like paddles.
If I could change one thing about the TL it would be to get it up to about 300 horses (what does the new '06 have?). But I would think that would torque the hell out of the front wheel drive action on the car.
The angular look on the car is attractive - I think. It's certainly a subjective thing. Since I purchased this car I've received all kinds of compliments on it. Most of the <30 guys in my office tell me stuff like "Man, that is one HOT car". I must admit...my head swells a bit. :-)
There are no shortage of good buys out there in the beginner luxury market. I think it's just a matter of finding the right fit for your desires. For me the Acura does it all. I sleep well at night knowing I have an awesome car that I absolutely love.
- Rob
The MPG gauge on the TL is fairly accurate compared to the calculation of miles divided by gallons pumped.
That's not necessarily inaccurate - if your foot is off the pedal and you're still going 40 mph, you might be able to get 100 mpg at that rate, using so little gas.
IMO, the annoying thing about the TLs readings is that you have to hit the "enter" button to display the info. I don't know why they don't just have it come up automatically, or automatically once you've scrolled to that point in the display.
I'm sure the IS350 is a great vehicle, though the back seat room may be an issue for some people.
So far, I love the TL - what a great blend of sports and luxury. It is one of the great car values out there.
I have a feeling the 07 will get a body makeover. But these cars seem to hold their value well, and I'd expect to get a decent offer if I decide to trade in a couple years from now.
My first question to the all knowing and seasoned forum members... I have been stalking the TL for several months now in anticipation of a purchase and feel that I have gotten to know the 05 TL pretty well. I was waiting a long time for the 06 to be introduced on the Acura web site and now that it is here, I don't see any real changes except for tire inflation monitoring and maintenance monitoring indicators on the dash. Can someone tell me what is new for 06?
Thanks to all -
I also like the 2006 because of the soon to be available Ipod connector with steering wheel and voice command controls.
On the highway....easily you will get greater than 30mpg with the TL. Incredible for a 270hp car.
Both are listed consumer best buy. Think the milage on the Lexus is sl better. But have less horsepower also..
Any help out there to make this choice?
1) First...don't let the end of a lease to be the determination and drop dead date to buy. You can probably work it out to 'rent' your car beyond the termination date or just rent another car until your car you want is in.
2) $6,000 better? I cannot answer that as it is a personal choice. But to me...the TL is worth much more than $6k (I am partial remember as I do own one). Trade-in residual value is higher. Warranty blows away the Accord. HID headlights and fog lamps.... A little more interior room. Etc. As I said...I cannot answer the $6k question for you. Beyond the above mentioned.... I really find the exterior style to be very different and angular....I also find the TL ride is more sporty and to my liking. Driving experience is much taunter.
It is true that SOME owners of TL's have had vibration/rattle/squeak problems. Personally, I have a couple but they are not driving me crazy, yet. I am giving the car the benefit of the doubt and letting it break in. It has 3k miles on it. My better judgment tells me that they will not go away on their own and I will have to seek alternative solutions either rigging it or taking it back to the dealer.
I actually highly recommend the ES because I was very close to buying one of them. The ES is very luxurious compared to the TL and has excellent fit and finish along with legendary Toyota/Lexus quality and reliability. The ES drove the smoothest among all the cars on my short list. However, the ES is a luxury sedan and the TL is a luxury sports sedan. Among other differences, The ES only needs unleaded fuel which is a plus especially in light of the rising fuel prices.
I did not purchase the ES primarily because of the power AND because it will be completely redesigned next year. In essence, I did not want to spend 35k on a vehicle that will look outdated in 10 months.
Basically, I believe you need to identify for yourself what is important to you. Both vehicles will be reliable and has excellent fit and finish. However, the TL's ride is stiffer and more sportier and the ES is smooth and very, very quiet. The ES has more luxurious appointments as compared to the TL e.g. ac seats (even though the TL IMO is very luxuiorus). The TL will rocket away from a dead stop and the ES will get there but will take a little longer.
BTW, I love my TL and it is a blast to drive and I do not regret my decision. However, in light of the new design which I hear will look like the current GS, my decision might have been different if I were to have bought next year. Hope this helps.
In my opinion, I think it is worth it to spend the extra 6k. The car looks sportier, drives like a sports sedan and the standard options in the TL make it valuable to me e.g. bluetooth technology, warranty, headlights, perforated leather seats, among others. Some of the things that are standard on the TL are options on the Accord. You have to ask yourself what is important to you. Accords are awesome vehicles and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about them EXCEPT that they are all over the roads and more common than the TL.
One thing to consider. Were you wanting to buy a 4 door sedan w/ a V6 engine in manual transmission? If so, I don't believe Honda offers the Accord V6 sedan in this configuration and you would have to buy the Coupe to get the V6 manual tranny. The TL does offer the manual tranny in its sedan.
Also, I believe there is Forum that discusses this very issue Accord vs. TL. At any rate, hope this helps.
It is a mistake to view the TL as an Accord. Look at the suspension package and ride characteristics....totally different. That is like saying a Toyota Camry is a Lexus ES. I highly suggest furthering your research.
Look into the "Acura TL vs 2006 Lexus IS 350" discussion. Very helpful. I am almost considering IS350 now after making up my mind to get a 2006 TL.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=9993&page_number=1
Above is the Car and Driver link reviewing $35,000 vehicles of note.
For the Acura TL (4th place):
Highs: Lubricated controls, a V-6 that loves its redline, everyone's favorite back seat.
Lows: Jittery ride, steering gets squirmy when you goose it.
The Verdict: A sharp design without fatal flaws.
For the Lexus IS350 (2nd place):
Highs: The quiet horsepower king, seamless interior finish, the most entertaining Lexus so far.
Lows: No way to unplug the stability control, no stick shift with the big V-6, back seat gets the bottom score.
The Verdict: Speaks softly and carries a big stick.
Based on anything in particular??
I understood the Acura model cycles are longer than that.
I'm in a similar boat with an "impending TL '06 NAV" in my garage. I thought the Lexus ES was way too mushy and swaying on cornering. Liked the Lexus GS (especially coooooled/ventilated seat option not available on TL
See my last post (2cents worth) (#802).
You hit the highlights.
The corner swaying and styling (ugly-a** headlamp configuration in my opinion) did it in for me.
The referseher occurs within the fourth year of the new model then the follwing year usually around October they release the new model.
BTW, I am picking up my TL Nav tomorrow and I am paying $33,900 for an 06
I did it with another new vehicle. It took only a few minutes once I got the manual out and found the right page with directions. The range seems better. You'll do fine with it.
I have a quote for $34,940 for '06 TL Nav ($1000 off MSRP-destination included).
What part of the country/dealer are you working with? Seems like a good deal for '06. Share your dealmaking prowess with us!
I hope to have my TL in the next 2 weeks.
PS I'm also on the waiting list for the Lexus IS AWD 250 ( I can't handle the decisions!!)
they'll have to handle repairs covered by the warrantee. Other items, from standatd oil changes to accident repairs can be done anywhere. This is the case whether you lease or buy.