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Comments
You test drove the TL and you mentioned you did'nt like the transmission/engine.All I am asking is what don't you like about it?
What I have noticed on this board is that a lot people are joining the bad transmission band wagon and they don't even own the car.
As for styling, the Caddy is clearly the loser here, in about 4 to 5 years when age sets in, you will see what I mean.
Just be careful out there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My 2002 TL-S has been doing hickups like this since new when it had the original transmission and then after the tranny was replaced. It is strange how it does it, especially when I cruise on a perfectly straight, flat road, at a steady speed.
I don't think it is a sign of failing transmission.
Some speculate that it is ABS testing itself, other people say that it is some fuel-saving measure that causes the torque converter to lock/unlock, some other people think that it is the tranny's grade logic kicking in (on a flat surface???)
To me it feels like the engine just lost power (as if there is no more gas left or as if the fuel line is clogged).
It probably has something to do with the drivetrain computer. Must be a piece of doo-doo of a computer.
Driving in D4 helps somewhat but hickups still occur once in a while.
Once I had a triple hickup that totally felt like the engine was going to stall. I had to pump the gas pedal to keep it going.
Another time I had a scary hickup - at 80 mph on a highway.
this hickup could be related. Maybe the computer for some reason thinks that you are revving too much for the given speed and position of throttle and cuts the power.
Maybe you need some boulevard cruiser that does 0-60 in 10 seconds. Try Mazda Millenia (not the S version, that would be too powerful for you) - those take off nice and slowly.
But wait, do they have hand-operated parking brake?
Having said that, I concur that TL's transmission sucks.
Here is an example of a good transmission: Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. The engine puts out 280 lbs*ft torque. The tranny is rated for 280 lbs*ft of torque. It handles all that power smartly and smoothly. It always knows what gear to be in for the situation. Driving a GTP is "point and shoot" - you see an open spot and you jump into it without hesitation. It is not always like this with the Acura - if it is in a good mood it will jump, if it has a bad day it won't.
As for a good tranny on the pontiac I don't know. It may be fine but it is still on a GM car. Enough said, anyone who even considers a GM over a Acura has not done their homework.
You're probably experiencing the torque converter engage/disengage. Don't worry too much about it, especially since it is a brand new car. If you think too much about something, you may try to feel something that doesn't exist. Kinda like ghost stories.
If you put the two cars side by side and ask an individual who knows nothing about cars to choose which is more stylish, I GARAUNTEE that person would go for the Acura.
I think they will mistake your car for a spaceship
getting ready for a take off:).
I am not looking forward to having a fight with you and I feel that this message board isn't made for bets or fights or guarantee's unless the guarantee is for helping someone to find a car. I am sorry... but I will not visit this board anymore if all people want to do with me is fight.
The new TL on the other hand looks great. Can't wait to test drive the 6 speed!
I am going to say one more thing:
The 2004 TL will probably look better than the current one, and probably could be closer to doing a comparison then.. but not now...
We are only discussing cars here-sheet metal with four rubber tires.
You have to be able to handle the opinions/jokes that comes with car talk.
People talk about the TL as been bland but you don't see me crying or getting upset about it, on the other hand I get tons of complements from people all over.
Just for the record- I don't hate Caddies, I am considering the XLT as a second means of transport in about a year or so.This decision was based on me been a homeowner who has to struggle in my wifes car with ply boards and sheet racks etc etc whenever I go to Home Depot or any other home improvement store.
Ok ok- the CTS is alright but in my opinion the TLS wins.
Are you down with the crowd again.
You want to take harsh words billyperks.
Fine with me.
The TL sucks in every way. So does the whole acura. honda's pilot, odyssey, civic, and accord look bland.. they suck so does the s2000. they all suck.
lets just say that all of honda and acura sucks. it all sucks, the whole concept. Even the concept vehicle of the next-gen TL. too bland, still. i hate everything about acura. lexus and toyota are better. even infiniti is better. no wonder lexus and infiniti sell better than acura. because ACURA sucks!
If you want to take harsh words... I'm not crying and neither are you.... i don't care what you say from this point on...
I did'nt know my words were so powerful, I hope I don't make you go out and wreak your Caddy because of these enlighten discussions.
Please enjoy your car and have a good life.
Helpful hint: If you don't like Acura (or Honda) in general, you're probably in the wrong discussion. If you need assistance finding appropriate discussions, please e-mail me or use the search tools to the left. Thanks.
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I switched to a TL-S - bang, 6,100 miles later the Acura tranny crapped out.
In Chrysler' case, I think it was doubly unfortunate in that they had some great styling designs marred by subpar execution.
I now have two quotes for a new 2003 TL Type-S (no NAV) for $28,500. (Invoice is $29,052) One price includes 'mud guards' and 'wheel locks'. Should I try for lower? it can't hurt to ask, right?? one dealer has 18 Type-S cars (42 total TL) in stock and the other has 14 Type-S cars in stock. What do you think is the absolute bottom line for these guys? How desperate should they be to get rid of them for the incoming 2004's??
I paid $200.00 over invoice back on 12/30/02.
The only suggestion I would make is for you to revist the dealer on 29-30th of this month and suggest to them to knock off another $200.00 or so.
They want to fill monthly quotas so month end is the best time to deal.
Go late afternoon.
About Chrysler, Ford, or GM they have gotten alot better in reliability/quality area since 1998.
About the TL's trans yeah it hasn't been that great. I hope Honda does not rush the new TL out just to sell it. Honda did that with the 03 Accord and that resulted numerous complaints about a lot rattling.
About the Domestic's having problems Ford had 11 rcalls with the Focus, the Ford Escape starting/stalling problems when the Escape first debut(Jaque Nasser era Ford was terrible.) The mid to late 90's Caravan had Tranny problems. So yeah Honda's problems do stick out like a sore thumb.
About Chrysler they do have great exterior designs and I do believe they have their quality sharightened out.
Color combos for the 04TL:
Desert Mist Metallic-Ebony or Parchment
Nighthawk Black Pearl-Quartz or Ebony or Camel or Parchment
Abyss Blue Pearl-Quartz or Camel
Anthracite Metallic-Ebony or camel or Quartz
Deep Green Pearl-Camel or Parchment
Redondo Red Pearl-Ebony or Camel or Parchment
White Diamond Pearl-Quartz or Parchment
Satin Silver Metallic-Quartz or Ebony
Of course navi is an option. Satellite radio and bluetooth standard. I think curtain bags are standard too.
3.2 liter V6, 270 HP, 238 lb.-ft.
5-sp Sport Shift Auto or 6-sp manual
Limited Slip Differential is standard w/6-sp
Also standard is 8-speaker 225W DVD-audio, Bluetooth, and XM Radio (first three months paid).
Thanks, from Chicago