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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

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Comments

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    renssils...your TL isn't bad. Your dealer is, however.

    What are they talking about that your A/C is only covered for 12 months? That's false. I'd be reporting the back to Acura Customer Care and let them deal with the dealership. In the interim, I'd take it to another dealer for service.

    BTW....the clock is smack dab in the middle of the center stack. Hard to miss!
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    Did u test drive the car before buying it, the blind spots if as bad as you say, would have been an issue on a test drive. I find it interesting that people complain about issues very big issues one would have seen when they test drove the car, and when I say test drive, not the 5 minute ride the dealer takes you on. If people are serious about buying a car, then take the car for a drive to see if there are issues...
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Very true, and some dealers are more than willing to comply.

    I remember a few years ago a Volvo dealer was willing to give me a car for the weekend to see how I liked it.

    Some issues are easier to forgive during a test drive; even an extended one. I wish I had more headroom. I didn't grow...and the car didn't get smaller, but I now wish my head didn't brush up against the headliner. My next car will have more headroom...like my kids...sometimes the lessons are painful before they are learned :)
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    Ivan, my partner and I were in the market for a SUV, he is real big on reading consumer reports (CR), so after checking CR we went to the Acrua dealer. After talking to the salesmen, he handed us the keys to a MDX, and told us to take for a drive. When I quizzed him on what he meant by drive, his reply was, we close at 9. We hoped in the MDX and off we went, we were gone for about an hour (or two), we drove surface street, highway (rush hour) played with the nav system, we got a good sense of the vehicle, we ended up buying one a week later. We knew more about the MDX after that drive then any other SUV we drove, I remember the MB dealer telling us, we don't like to put a lot of "useless" miles on our vehicles, so we only drive about 15 minutes or so, no problem, turned the ML350 around and headed back for the dealer.

    I really believe if the dealership understands their target audience then they will allow people to take a longer drive in the car.
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    i agree i think its more dealership then specific car company-- for the G I bought the dealer actually came to my home and we test drove a car around my town for almost 2 hrs -- I was able to take it on the highway and do the local stops I would usually do. Great way to buy a car-
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I guess everyone here is waiting to hear what I think of my new 328xi. You guys are a tough crowd, so I hope I can deliver. I also know some of you have read my story on "Real World Trade In Values" & "Stories From The Sales Frontlines," so I'll try an tailor to the enthusiasts here comparing it to my (former) TSX and my all time (personal benchmark) 2001 Prelude Type SH.

    There was nothing wrong with my TSX except for the fact that I inherited it from my wife. I bought it on 8/29/09 on the last day of Cash 4 Clunkers to replace 2 BMWs. My 1990 E30 325i Coupe failed project car that my trusted mechanic declared dead. We were also leasing a 2007 X3 that had 38,000 miles after 2 years. We were allowed 45,000 for the total 3 years. So I bought the TSX with the intention of it being my wife's daily driver that I'd get some seat time in on the weekends.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    When we were blessed with having our 3rd child, we needed a bigger vehicle with the ability to handle New England winters, haul kids' stuff, and hold at least 3 (our vey are they big) child safety seats. We bought a 2011 Pilot. Given the fact that the TSX was less than 2 years old at the time I didn't want to take a steep depreciation hit, so I kept it, made the Pilot my wife's daily driver, & put my beloved Prelude into semi retirement.

    So on Thursday night, I traded in my TSX for a 2011 BMW 328xi.

    So far I'm completely blown out of the water about how well this car drives. I hate to sound like I've been reading too much Car & Driver, but the steering is perfectly weighted (nice & heavy, how it should be) & telepathic.

    I love the chassis' balance. Driving a car with RWD just feels very natural. The inline 6 is just so amazingly smooth. The brakes are strong. Suspension tuning is wonderful. Firm & solid, but nowhere near uncomfortable.

    My Acura was a nice car. Excellent fit & finish. The 2.4L 4 banger loves to rev. The transmission is crisp and doesn't struggle keeping the engine in its sweet spot. The suspension is tuned to allow road feel. It's good, until I drove the 3er.

    The electric power steering is artificial and lifeless. The brakes are weak.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    edited March 2012

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    edited March 2012
    Brad I know we have had battles in the past over the tsx- so given the wide performance gap between the BMW (the standard) and the Acura - does it truly belong in this group?
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    edited March 2012
    Congrats NYC, it sounds like a great car.

    I've never driven an xi but from what you say, it sounds like it's not much different from the RWD 3er - probably don't really notice the difference day to day.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    The hosts won't take it down, no matter how much you scream. I think the Acura for this group should be the TL/SH AWD. I really don't think any car in this class actually "competes" with the BMW. I'm that impressed. However, there are many who don't put the premium on driving dynamics that those of us here do.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Thank-you so much fedlawman. I appreciate it. I'll readily admit that my driving skills are merely average, especially compared to you, Flightnurse, & Roadburner. As far as I'm concerned my car is RWD.

    The biggest difference I notice between my 328 & my Prelude is weight. My Prelude only weighs a little more than 3000 lbs, the BMW a lot more. The other thing I notice is that my Prelude's cable actuated throttle is much more linear & responsive.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Thanks NYC, but I'm afraid you might assume too much. We all like to think we're good drivers, but I doubt if my skills are as impressive as you think.

    I totally agree with you on throttles. I've never met a FBW throttle I liked. Combined with a turbo (yes, even the 335i quick spooler), it's even worse - like a rubber band between your foot and the engine.

    I'll choose a cable every time.

    I can't wait to see pictures of your new ride!

    v/r
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    Fair enuf- no rant here. Enjoy
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    nyc....big congrats. As Fedlawman said, we're waiting for pics. Have fun!
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    edited March 2012
    Fed, every car that is FBW throttle can be turned to your liking, that is one of the nice things about OBDII data port, get the software to allow you to adjust the FBW and presto... I plan on doing that with the 2011 soon.

    FN
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    NYC, what I find interesting is when people get behind the wheel of a BMW and have time to drive it, they get it.

    Last week I was in Austin for South-by-southwest, their big music and tech festival, I was out of the loop and was looking forward to hearing about your car when I got back, however now I'm back on Long Guyland I love hearing how you are gushing over the car.. Once again Congrats...

    FN
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    I may get to put that to the test one day if I ever buy a car built after 1998. It's not looking good right now.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Which radar detector do you guys use? Fedlawman & Roadburner, I peg you guys as V1 users.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    I don't use one.

    The 135 came with a built-in one intalled by the PO. I can't remember the name of it off the top of my head. I know it was expensive. But the damned thing doesn't work. The lights flash and it beeps when I start the car, but that's it. No signals when radar is around. I even emailed the company to ask about it, but they never replied.

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    I have a v1 that is now 6 years old- loved it new and I have yet to update- works well on the country roads and around town. Anywhere it's unless. Like large states highways. Do love the directional alerts -
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A reporter is hoping to interview car-shoppers under 34 years old to learn whether they are interested in the new "near-premium" offerings from Acura, Audi, Buick and Lexus. Thanks for responding to PR@edmunds.com by Thursday, March 29, 2012 with your daytime contact info and a sense of whether you think those vehicles are well-suited to you and your peers.
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    Allow me... Mind you I'm 35 - but in order _ boring, expensive, intriguing, and the new old Buick.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    I have one from about 1992 in my car. still works, and goes off around town. It just sits in my console (behind the waterfall in the Volvo). Still works back there. I think it is a uniden.

    I had a newer Beltronics in the van, until we forgot to lock it one day (9a rare day it sat outside) and someone walked off with it. Did not bother to replace it. Just try not to drive the van too fast!

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    edited March 2012
    "Which radar detector do you guys use?"

    Did you forget what I do for a living? :blush:

    Seriously though, I'm older and wiser nowadays and I respect and abide by almost all traffic laws whenever it's prudent.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    fed....not that I would do this, but I've heard that the new Escorts are some of the best on the market with a way to be updated by the user. Both Valentine and Escort are based in Cincinnati (my home town), so they probably compete harder here than they do anywhere else. Plus, the Escort "falses" a lot less than the Valentine V1, making it very easy to ignore most of its warnings (and makes it seriously annoying).

    Again, not that I know any of this on a personal basis.....just what I've heard. :P
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,439
    my BIL (the one with multiple BMWs, including a new style 550) got one of those interactive Escorts for Christmas. He was anxious waiting for other people in the area to get them (not much market there I don't think) so there would be enough coverage to make the user flagging worth while.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    stick....I wondered that myself. In order for the interactivity of the Escort to be effective, other people on the road would have to have one.

    Nevertheless, there's some history between the Escort and Valentine. Valentine founder (name escapes me....it might be Valentine) originally worked for Escort as an engineer. I guess they rejected one of his designs, and he left to start his own company. Now, this was a lot of years ago. But, they both emerged as the two titans in the industry.

    The downside for Valentine, they only have one product, their detector. Escort has several versions of their detectors, as well as some commercial radar engineering they do for others.

    Two really good products in their field (Escort, Valentine) that duke it out. You use either one the way they tell you to use it, you won't get a ticket (unless you get caught with instant one laser when no one is travelling in front of you). Or, they clock you from the air (which is the only time I've been caught speeding).

    I've used both. Can't go wrong with either. I like the Escort for the size factor and usability the best, however.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    edited March 2012
    NYC I have a brother who is a retired Motor Cop, he was/is an expert in the field of radar and radar detectors. Most Motor Cops (motorcycle) can peg the speed of a car before using a radar. Also they can capture your speed before your radar detector goes off. The only good they are is if you are in a pack of cars and the cop shoots his gun in your direction, then your radar will go off. I don't use one, I just watch my speed (most of the time.)
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Amazing thing is how quickly they can spot the infraction...

    I was in a ride-along with a relative who's a state trooper and before I was able to look up we were going across the median with the lights on.

    Much more fun chasing than being chased :)
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    Yes, I agree, I was amazed how very accurate my brother could peg someone's speed (off my 2 MPH) before using his radar gun...
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    When I'm driving on the LIE - I look for the nearest 328 rolling up behind me- (pretty frequent) then I let them pass - press them a bit as I slide behind, cop will always give the ticket to the BMW over the Nissan 8 days a week- works like clockwork.
  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    Interesting I don't see many 328i on the LIE, however I only drive it from JFK (Via Bell Prkway to LIE) to Holtsville, then on to Medford. Outwest here the police are pulling over 2-3 and at time 4 cars for speeding, since all cities are hurting for money. Now I'm not too sure why anyone want to speed on the LIE it has to be one of the worse freeways with unkept road condition I have seen.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    My best friend's wife is a police woman in one of the burgs near me. I asked her about this topic last night. While she says she's pretty good at guessing the speed of cars by sight, the trick is to have evidence to use in court (which her "guesstimate" of speed is not). So, the radar/laser detector provides that.

    Most modern radar detectors will "sniff out" a radar source in over a mile, which can't be seen by the radar operator. Laser is "instant on" (as is some radar devices). The officer has to be relatively close to the vehicle to get their reading (100 yards or so).

    She said if there's heavy traffic, you won't know if the officer is "pinging" you or someone else. But, your laser detector will go off and on in short bursts, full laser detection to none in quick succession (telling you that the officer is taking a speed reading of several cars.

    She also said that she has to get a lock on your vehicle, of a reflective surface (usually the license plate) and that curvy roads in high traffic areas are the easiest for a "perp" to get away with speeding/using a detector.

    Finally, she mentioned that the time to look for radar/laser, especially "instant on" is when you're traveling on roads that offer "cover" for a police vehicle to spy on you....a thicket of trees, a valley in the median, an overpass (which she uses with another officer on the road.

    She also said laser guns are way more expensive, and are harder to use, than radar guns. Thus, there are many, many more radar set ups than laser as municipalities can't understand why the same number of tickets (revenue generators) can't be used instead of the more expensive laser guns.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I've been pretty good about "being smart" regarding my speeding ways. When I got my 81 in a 55 ticket a few weeks ago, I completely let my guard down. It was 7:04 AM on a Saturday. If I had a detector, it defintiely would have gone off. The state trooper was sitting on the zebra stripes to an exit ramp right out in the open. This ticket is the 1st I've gotten in almost 10 years.

    My beautiful, new, BMW 328xi seems to be quite comfortable at speeds that are higher than the posted limit (and I'm strictly following the break-in).

    I can't wait to get in it & drive home from work.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    NYC you said it, the car drives so well, the faster you drive it the better it feels, that is the real issue, is keeping the speed down enough not to get a ticket but fast enough to place a smile on ones face...
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    The car just feels so planted & glued to the road. The chassis seems like it won't loose it's composure unless I do something purposefully stupid (which I don't plan on doing).

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    NYC I couldn't agree more, in my job I travel a lot and rent a lot of cars, I have driven many a Camry, Chrysler 200's and 300's (2011-2012) VW CC's, Malibu's (really the worse car I have driven) Altima's (currently have one) C300s and I have to say the 3 series has a vault feel to it, enjoy it!! It is suppose to rain tonight here on the east coast so you get to see how the AWD handles it.
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    This is good stuff. Thanks.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    "Malibu's (really the worse car I have driven)"

    Hey, I drive a Malibu M-F. I actually think it's a pretty nice car. Attractive cockpit, compliant ride, quiet cabin, decent handling (for a family car).

    I would never own one, but it's a nice car for commuting and a lot of car for the money.
  • sweendogysweendogy Member Posts: 1,310
    Its also a good value - lawman sorry these BMW guys love to rag on others because they didn't spend 45k. Malibu also a nice place for vacation.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    I didn't forget what you do for a living, just figured like the great Axle Foley that you "fractured an occasional law or two..."

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Well, if it's that nice, why do you call it an M-F? :surprise:

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  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    edited March 2012
    Because to drive it on the weekends would be a betrayal of the public trust. :(
  • m6userm6user Member Posts: 3,181
    Don't think he got it. :sick:
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    If he would have said, I drive a M-F Malibu. I think he got what you were saying though.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    OK, now I get it. Phew, that one flew right over my head... :blush:
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 13,665
    flightnurse.....I just returned from a biz trip where I rented a Hyundai Sonata. Now, I've read about them, and seen them on the road. They're supposed to be the next great "Accord killer".

    Well, comparing it to my 3, or even my Fiesta, the Sonata feels almost uncontrollable going down the road.

    Fed....even those Malibu rentals handle better than the Sonata.
    2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring
  • qbrozenqbrozen Member Posts: 32,891
    edited March 2012
    sorry these BMW guys love to rag on others because they didn't spend 45k.

    Easy with the generalizations. I spent little more than half that. :P

    I think any mid-sized front-driver is lame, I don't care the price. ;)

    '11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S

  • flightnurseflightnurse Member Posts: 2,217
    Hey Fed, I'm not too sure which version you have, but the rental fleet Malibu I have had (I only rent from National) hasn't impressed me, fit and finish not too good, creaking noises from the dash, transmissions that don't downshift quick enough. Now like I said, it just might be the fact it is in a rental fleet. I also get Ford Fusions, with either the 2.5L 4 or 3.0 6, I have to say nice car...

    I currently have a Chrysler 300C, the more I drive this car the more I like it.
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