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Torn between the Taurus SHO and the Acura TL AWD/Tech
I am looking for a new car and I have test driven these two cars but only driving it for a few miles is not enough to convince me buy either one. I know the sensible decision would be the SHO as the top of the line has it all but I can't get past the look of it and I haven't owned a Ford in a long time and I was wondering how far they have come because I would hate to pay $45.000 for a car and then have to start repairing it in five years as I have with other Domestic cars before.
I really love the new TL aside from what others think about it's styling. I personally think it looks sporty and looks like it's classy.
What do others think here? I am so confused because I like all of the safety features on the SHO as Ford gives the most bang for the buck seeing that it costs the same as the TL but the TL does not offer all of those safety features like Adaptive Crusie Control, Blind side warnings. Those are two very important features.
Like I said, I don't know about the features because they only let you test drive it a few miles. The dealer did offer me the car overnight but it is their only one and I didn't want to take the car and decide not to buy it when maybe they could have made a sale while I have it home.
Thanks for your input.
I really love the new TL aside from what others think about it's styling. I personally think it looks sporty and looks like it's classy.
What do others think here? I am so confused because I like all of the safety features on the SHO as Ford gives the most bang for the buck seeing that it costs the same as the TL but the TL does not offer all of those safety features like Adaptive Crusie Control, Blind side warnings. Those are two very important features.
Like I said, I don't know about the features because they only let you test drive it a few miles. The dealer did offer me the car overnight but it is their only one and I didn't want to take the car and decide not to buy it when maybe they could have made a sale while I have it home.
Thanks for your input.
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A friend of mine has a SHO on the way as he ordered one from the factory. He test drove the only SHO the dealer had (didn't like the color). He said it was very fast. He liked "Sync". He also said handling felt "heavy" (it is). And, he said the brakes seemed over matched by the weight of the car (some thing that can probably rectified by ordering the sport package, which has better brakes.
Safety wise, I'm pretty sure both cars come with all the airbags you could possibly need. Not sure where one would be safer than the other.
I've test driven the TL, in both AWD and base models. It comes all loaded up, too with the tech package. So, it's probably a wash when it comes to feature content with a TL SH AWD w/tech vs a SHO all optioned up. My opinion on the TL was it feels very well balanced and drives/handles smaller than the car is (something I like). TLs are pretty fast in their own right. My friend said the TL sounds and feels more "refined" than the SHO, too.
Acuras are known for good resale value. Not sure about Ford. That said, Ford is kind of on a roll. I like the SHO. I'm searching for a TL SH AWD, though.
Best thing to do is to test drive both again for an extended time and see which one you prefer. It's your money. I would think dealerships would allow you to test drive them for an extended period to get a better feel for either car.
I think you can buy a TL SH AWD w/tech somewhere in that $38K-$39K range. My friend is paying $41K with his "friends and family" X plan discount. So, the SHO costs $2K-$3K more, once negotiations are done.
I would take the Acura's brand of "Japanese ugly" in a heartbeat over a SHOwy Ford's brand of beauty. My father used to work for Ford and got cheap yearly leases with insurance included every year for well over twenty years and I drove most of them. I, personally, would never buy a Ford.
To each their own... drive what you want. Just an extreme comparison.
That said, I don't see someone who is thinking of a TL making the trip to the Ford store, too. Probably going from the Acura store, to the Audi store, the BMW store, the Mercedes store. Probably not the Ford store, though.
It still see some tacky approaches in the Ford quality.
Bottom line, if a company wants an edge, they have to compete in price and quality. Ford is getting better, but not there yet.
We drove the second TL out of the dealer lot to a restaurant, and it couldnt start again after dinner, they sent out their senior tech to the restaurant parking lot, and the problem was determined to be electronics again. After that we asked for our money back, the dealer didnt even resist and cut us the check, apparently talking with the tech this isnt that rare of a problem.
Ended up buying a lexus, no issues...until of course we heard about paddles getting stuck and killing people... For my next car it's definitely going to be american - either the new ford tarus or buick lacross. I think the american car makers deserve a second chance, their cars have become competitive again (the two cars i mentioned are prime examples of this), and their reliability seem to be gotten much better and even exceeding the japanese in some cases.
You should go look at the new Buick La Crosse before you buy either of these hogs.
I've test driven both the TH SH AWD (and subsequently bought it) and the SHO. Frankly, for me, the Acura felt every bit as fast, if not a bit faster. But, we're not talking significant differences.
I've never driven a Magnum. So, can't help you there.
Biggest difference between the SHO and the Acura is in the handling. The SHO feels "lumbering" in comparison to the Acura. Ride is firmer and controlled in the Acura too (something I prefer).
Bottom line, all these cars are fast. Maybe not muscle car fast, but more than fast enough for anything other than stop light to stoplight wars.
One other big difference between the SHO and TL SH AWD that I found when test driving, was the braking. The SHO was pretty wimpy with regards to brakes. The TL far outshined it. The SHO is just too big and heavy for the brakes Ford put on it. I understand that you can get the performance package which should alleviate some of the braking problem. But, you have to get that package with "summer only" tires. That would be a handful for anyone who drives in the rain, or snowy areas in winter.
Even with "all season" tires, the Acura is a much better handling car than the SHO.
Then, there's the warranty. Ford is 3/36. Acura is 4/50. And, I'm betting that resale on the Acura (which has always been near the top) is going to be much better down the line, too.
All that said, buy what you like.
I have two Acura vehicles. One '07 Type S and the other is an '09 MDX. I love them both because they have great seats and very little body roll. I think it was said that Acura makes the best seats in the market; Nav system isn't too shabby either.
I looked at the Taurus SHO and I really like it. Granted $45 is quite an asking price for a Ford but this is not your every day Ford. This car has 365 Horsepower from twin turbos and runs the 1/4 in 13.7; you'll even beat some Mustangs with this baby.
There are several places to go to even get more performance out of it. One place does sell some tuning items like a chip for about $400 that will give you an extra 40HP and 70 foot pounds of torque that will get you in the low 13s.
Doug Hennesey makes a $3450 kit which will give you 100HP (look both up on you tube) This will get you in the high 12s making your family Ford be able to eat up any Mopar with the SRT and all Mustangs.
Bottom line is Acura is a great sports luxury car with great residual value and great build quality. The Taurus SHO is a family hot rod with plenty of goodies and even though Ford is getting a good part of the market share, they're not better than Acura.
So, if you like a car that's quick and handles great you get the TL. If 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are all that matter to you, than the SHO is for you.
Hope that helps and good luck with your decision.
More idiocy from Ford.
But if you're of the boy racer mentality then the Ford is your game. If wintertime driving stability is your thing then the Acura SH-AWD system.
Good Luck!!!
I did end up purchasing the SHO and I really love it except it is having some problems and I am now taking it in the shop for the second time for the same problem.
I will keep you posted.
But I completely get your comparison. I'll likely be in the market for the same type of vehicle in a few months and will definitely have both of those on my list (along with the CTS 4, G37, maybe a Volvo T6, and a couple others). I drive an A3 and need a larger family-friendly car that Dad (me) can enjoy tossing around a little when the wife and kiddies aren't onboard. Plus I have a latent patriotic streak that vaguely likes the idea of buying American.
I don't get all the vitriol and 'rolled eyes' about mentioning the 2 in the same sentence. The differences between brands aren't nearly as pronounced as they used to be. Lots of BS auto elitism in here. I hope your Ford experience improves.... and take comfort, if you can, knowing that you'd likely be in the same boat if you bought an Audi (take it from me).
What that means to you insofar as wintertime moderate traction conditions is that you will have a lot of trouble keeping the TC from continuously activating.
That is unless the car has a TC "off" function is which case you will need to learn how to feather the throttle "just so" starting off initially on a bit of slippery stuff.
Some earlier FWD and F/awd vehicles would automatically "derate" the throttle responsiveness to the gas pedal position in lower gear ranges for a short period of time once an initial level of wheelspin/slip was detected.
It was love at first sight with my SHO. The car was fast, comfortable and loaded with tech! I enjoyed every minute driving this car, that is until I reached 120,000 Km and then it was all down hill. In short, I had to replace both turbos, rebuild a transmission, replace a catalytic converter, and coils. This car is a money pit. Great to own while still under warranty, but if you plan on keeping it stay far away!
I have only had the TLX for a couple of weeks, but in short it is a fun car to drive and the SH-AWD is awesome! The Tech in this car exceeds anything else in the market in its category. I don't have any long term history with Acura but based on my previous experience with Honda, I am confident maintenance will be minimal and reliability will be exceptional. Unfortunately, my history with GM and Ford has been terrible and I will never purchase a vehicle from them again. The Ford Service centers in my area (3 within a few km) were all dreadful.