Older Acura TLs

ruski · October 2003

They finally added the Auto-ON feature? Haleluia!!!

ruski · October 2003

hmmmm... My Chrysler 300M had folding rear seatbacks and handled VERY well.

The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has folding rear seatbacks and the GTP Comp-G version is a great handling car.

b4z · October 2003

Do you think a TL would be a good alternative to a 5 series?
Friend of mine is looking at a 5 for his wife.
This will replace their '98 5 series.
Looked at the '04 and it was 52K.
I told him to consider the TL since it has been completely revamped with noticeably more power than the 5 series.

b4z · October 2003

Comp G is a hard riding vehicle. And the body structure is not there to keep the car solid over the miles.

GM seems to have problems with too much jounce on their shocks, leading to impact harshness.

Something the Asian and European sourced designs figured out in the 70's.

bodble2 · October 2003

Increased flex will cause other problems over time -- more squeaks and rattles, panel gaps, or maybe even the difference between injury or death in a violent crash. Ask Dany Heatley.

b4z · October 2003

Actually the Impala and Grand prix have a one piece body side stamping that is very strong.
Impala scores very well on crash tests and I am sure GP will also.

jchan2 · October 2003

good choice on the quartz. I'm a fan of tan interiors, and the quartz looks better than the camel or parchment. That says a lot, since I really like parchment interiors.

soulunder · October 2003

Test drove abyss blue with camel interior today. Beautiful car all around. Was impressed with interior look, fit and finish. (Camel color leather seats and soft leather wrapped steering wheel really got my attention). Thought the ride was a bit rough and could feel a bit of feedback in the steering at 70+ mph. Is this normal for a performance vehicle? Similar maybe to the TL-S type?

gbriank · October 2003

Decided to drop by the dealer and saw the new 04 TL's. I asked about a testdrive and had one in a matter of minutes. The interior is a VAST improvement over the previous generation. The dash looks great and the nav is worth the extra $$$. Engine feels the same as the 03 but the transmission no longer has the shift lag when in manual mode. I exited off the highway (via one of those hair pin exits here in Texas) at 70 mph, per the salesman's request, and it held firmly. 235/45R17 Turanza's held well.

I am now invited to a gala event at the dealer sometime at the end of the month. Acura reps will be there to answer questions and showcase the '04s. My only concern is, will this TL be plagued with the same transmission problems as previous generations?

soulunder · October 2003

Seriously considering purchase of 04' TL. Does Acura dealerships provide loaner vehicles when car is left for covered maintainance?

chuckvair · October 2003

I'm picking up my Antracite/Ebony TL on Monday evening. I re-tested the G35 and CTS just to make sure I was making the right decision. The G35 just doesn't have the interior and engine refinement, and doesn't look as good as the new TL. I really liked the CTS except for the interior and price relative to the new TL.

A friend that has a 2002 TL-S also drove the new TL, and claims the handling and brakes are much improved.

Now I just need a bluetooth phone...

jiminthehills · October 2003

OK - I've just caught up with all these posts and believe that the 2004 TL will be my next car.

Thanks to all of you for the great info, ideas, and good-reading fun.

Question - Where can I view the scanned brochure?

I am still driving my 1991 Honda Accord EX 5 speed (bought new back in 1991) and it has just turned over 230K miles. Best car I have ever owned. I enjoy driving this car more than our 2000 4-Runner. Seems the more cars I drive, the better I like Honda's.

I also signed in with acura.com for a TL brochure, but haven't received it yet.

uncledavid · October 2003

In theory, Acura dealerships do provide loaner cars for warranty work. Practically, the actual availability of loaners varies from dealer to dealer.

As an Acura owner, I can tell you that Acura dealers are not as consumer oriented as Lexus or Infiniti. Infiniti dealers provide loaners under most circumstances, at least while the car is under warranty. Acura dealers are less consistent and I've generally found them to be no easier to deal with than Honda dealers.

soulunder · October 2003

Thanks for the feedback on the loaners. Never owned a Acura, but heard thru friends about Lexus and Infinity programs. My sales guy was probably overstating their willingness to provide loaners. Still think the 04' will be my next vehicle..

jchan2 · October 2003

highly doubt it. Honda does little fleet sales to protect resale. Unlike Toyota who went and sold a bunch of leftover Corollas/Camrys/4Runners to Enterprise Rent A Car.

jchan2 · October 2003

maybe. I've heard from my neighbor (she drives a brand new MDX) that the dealer service is very nice. Then again, that isn't her first car from them. She bought an Intergra in 1990 and drove it until it got totaled in a fender bender.

dulnev · October 2003

I've had my car in for service at DC area Acura dealer two times. Both times I was provided with a nice loaner. If they run out of loaners, they get additional cars (at no charge to customer) from a nearby Hertz rent-a-car.

s852 · October 2003

I have heard people say they took in their TL or MDX for service and got an RSX loaner or they got a Neon or Focus from a rental place or the dealer ran out of cars that day and had nothing.
Apparently they do not keep as many loaners available per customer as a Lexus or Mercedes dealer would.

exb0 · October 2003

Which DC area dealer are you referring to? Have you had any experience with Pohanka in Chantilly?

s852 · October 2003

http://a1028.g.akamaitech.net/7/1028/998/200391871359/www.progres- sive.com/video/02JagXtypeHSF.mpg

Would you want to be sitting in the back seat of that car?

uncledavid · October 2003

There are lots of cars that have folding rear seats and 1) Do very well in the crash tests, 2) Have a very rigid body structure, 3) handle extremely well. SOme examples include the Audi A4, Acura TSX, BMW 3-series, Nissan Maxima, Madza M6, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan ALtima, and VW Passat. I believe the seat folds in the G35 Coupe as well.

To me, this is not a deal breaker at all. Its a feature, that for one reason or another, is not found on many upscale cars. The assumption is that, in a car with nice leather seats, you're not going to do a whole lot of hauling of long bulky objects. I've been glad to have the fold down seats on a lot of my cars, but don't use it that much and can live without it if I had to.

However, I don't believe that having a rear seat that doesn't fold is a "feature" that was build in to enchance handling or safety. It is basically a cost saving measure.

automophile · October 2003

Drove a Black / Black today. I must say that the car is MUCH better looking in person than in the photos. It it simply gorgeous, inside and out. The black has blue highlights to it - very attractive. The seats were much more supportive, especially in thigh support, than any other Japanese car I have driven.

The drive was fabulous. The car is quick, nimble handling, and very quiet. I found little road or engine noise, just the rumble from the twin rear pipes. There was a LOT of headroom!

The 5.1 DTS sound system was excellent (I brought my own DVD-A to test with). The XM radio was also very good, but I was quite dissapointed at the poor choice of sample channels that you get (until you subscribe). Not a good basis for reviewing the XM system. I was pleased to find that that still had the cassette player for my books on tape.

The car is equipped with simply everything I could imagine, plus more! For example, inside the large, tilt-out side pockets are soft rubber compartments for your sunglasses! The dual compartment arm rest even slides fore and aft to suit the driver. Side mirrors are heated. The keyless entry sets the seats, temperature and mirrors for each driver automatically. The engine compartment is almost complete covered and enclosed, except for the few things that you can manually check.

In short, this seems to be a fantastic car that, like the TSX, is an extreme bargain at $32,650. In answer to the post above - this is SERIOUS competition to the much higher priced 5 series BMW. As far as I'm concerned, there is no competition, especially given the incredible reliability of the Acura cars.

As usual, the sales staff at Sierra Acura in Alhambra was attentive and informed, and completely non-pushy. I would have driven one home today, but they don't have the leasing info until tomorrow from Honda, so they couldn't give me a rate. It's a relief that my car shopping is now done - just have to make the decision between the silver and anthracite gray!

ruski · October 2003

when my TL-S' tranny blew, my dealer hooked me up with a rental Dodge Stratus from Enterprise across the street.

ruski · October 2003

a lot of these features are present on the current TL/TL-S

dulnev · October 2003

Yes, I've been referring to Pohanka in Chantilly. I've bought my 2003 TL-S there and serviced both this car and my previous 2000 TL there. Great dealership compared to some other ones in the area.

dulnev · October 2003

When I was buying my 2003 TL-S, I was faced with the same choice of colors. I LOVED the way antracite looked, BUT given how dark it was, I knew that it would be a very high maintenance color. This means much more frequent car washes and VERY noticeable dings and scratches. In the end, I decided to go with silver and I'm very happy that I did.

uncledavid · October 2003

I have a Meteor Silver TSX. It is a light blue/silver combinantion that really stands out on the road. And, because it is not dark, it doesn't get all that hot or do swirls show.

I hope they add that color to the line next year.

automophile · October 2003

Thanks for the input, dulnev. I have never owned a Silver car - they are very common here in L.A. I have owned 3 Audis and a Lexus that were colored close to the Anthracite. It IS more maintenance. However, since I have been using Zaino car polish the last 3 years, this is much less of an issue. Our dark gray TSX always looks clean and shiny with the Zaino finish.

However, I am more concerned about the temperature issues. My current car is pearl white, and even on the hottest days, the body is cool enough to touch, while dark cars could cook eggs. Sure, I always tint the windows and the Japanese A/C is great, but it is an issue for me. Thanks for your input. The new TL looks great in either color!

BTW - One real dissapointment in the TL is that it does not have the mirror-mounted turn signal LEDs that our TSX has. My wife reports that she seems to get a lot better response to the turn signals from other drivers since driving the TSX. They really do stand out. Too Bad! Not a deal-breaker, tho!

automophile · October 2003

Noted your comments. I had not looked at the earlier TL. Acura gives a lot for the $$$.

Regarding your tranny: 2 separate dealers told me that the problems were confined to a single manufacturing lot. Did they tell you this also?

soulunder · October 2003

The pearl white on Caddies is the best I've seen (especially the Escalade). Is Acura's pearl white similar? Is it the same as the current RL?

mgur · October 2003

Anybody's opinion regarding possible 2004 TL's headlights theft in NYC area? I've heard that it's a real problem for Acura's owners in North-East.

tturedraider · October 2003

I agree about the lack of mirror turn signal lights on the new TL. I think though it is because it has the European-style side-marker lights on the fenders. Still, I like the mirror lights better. Looks kinda classy. For some reason, to me they look really cool on the convertible VW Beetle.

btw - saw a TL here with ground effects and such added (don't care for that) and it had body-colored side moldings, too.

uncledavid · October 2003

will not be all that likely to get swiped. The old TL had lights that were very easy to remove, and they could then be mounted in any Accord. With 450,000 Accords being added to the road each year, the HIDS had a huge aftermarket value. The HIDs in the TSX and TL are harder to remove, and harder to use in other cars.

mmm17 · October 2003

I purchased a 2004 Abyss blue TL/camel interior with navigation. A bit concerned because I only saw the blue with the quartz interior & I am worried how the blu & camel will look together. I heard from one dealer that it is a striking combination, hope I like it when the car is delivered in early November. My dealer has told me that the nav are very popular, in fact he had an unsold tl on the show room floor without the nav. Wanted the green or black but I would have to wait until mid December for that car. I noticed that the car has no chrome trim around the windows, I think the car would be much better looking with a bit of sparkle, even the 5 series adds a bit of window chrome. Also, this is my 3rd Acura and it is a struggle to get a loaner out of any of the Boston area Acura dealers. When I do get one, its usually a 4 door Integra or now a RSX. In contrast with my wife's Lexus, they have a line of loaners available every morning when you go to drop off the car for service.

toucanet · October 2003

I'm 6 feet, 4 inches tall (mostly in legs). What is the probability that I wil be comfortable in the 2004 TL?

I test-drove the new Maxima and was pleased with the legroom. However, I did not care for the torque steering.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

fwatson · October 2003

I think the ones of you who knock the '04 TL as nothing but an Accord should take a look at page 63 of the Nov '03 Popular Mechanics.

Just two short quotes:

"And because it's an Acura, body gaps have been reduced, side glass thickened and more acoustic insulation applied, all of which contribute to a quieter car."

"Inside, the TL exudes quality and rivals--or possibly surpasses--Audi and Lexus for texture and quality of leather, plastic and switchgear. And the TL comes stocked with the latest electronics."

Sounds pretty impressive to me.

stickguy · October 2003

From my sitting and driving, you shouldn't have any problem. Plus, head room is generous, which is not something you could say about the previous model.

kedar2 · October 2003

looking at the new TL I was struck on how the craftsmenship of the car was,from the doors closing solid to the almost no gaps between the panels it also looked alot heavier then the old. I know its only 50 lbs but believe me you will see a difference right away it was like looking at a vigor to a 03 TL,that's how out dated the 03 looked to the 04, Now the resell it's still good so my question is should a person wait or jump on the idea of selling it back to the dealer,cars can only loss it's value not gain as the months go by

dulnev · October 2003

"should a person wait or jump on the idea of selling it back to the dealer,cars can only loss it's value not gain as the months go by"

If you wait another year, you will enjoy your car's services during this year AND see a significant drop in 2004 TL's price from the current MSRP to something like a $600-$1,000 over invoice. Your current car is not going to depriciate enough to make you loose out by waiting.

dulnev · October 2003

Impressive? YES! Worth extra $5,000 over the 2003 TL-S? NO WAY! I went to the dealership to look at the new TL today and it was a bit of a let-down. Yes, I liked the materials and all that, but I do NOT see enough difference from the 2003 TL-S to justify paying extra $2,000, let alone $5,000.
Just my opinion...

P.S. In case you're wondering what "$5,000" I'm talking about: the 2004 TL will sell for $33,150 for the next several months, while the 2003 TL-S is selling for $28,000 or less since there's a $1,500 dealer incentive on the car now.

s852 · October 2003

The $1500 incentive is just a temporary thing to clear them off the lots. In a short time, all 2003 TLs will be gone and the 2004s will eventually be discounted.

The 2003 TL is an outdated design that doesn't really have much to offer over an even less expensive 2004 Accord EXV6 with more power and side curtain airbags.
I'm sure the current new TL will also have incentives when it reaches the end of it's time.

uncledavid · October 2003

If he has a 2003 TL, it is probably loosing value pretty steeply. So, it would make sense to trade it in earlier.

Another reason to wait is that the selection will be greater later, and Acura will also get the bugs out. Also, insurance is always a bit cheaper after the results of government crash tests come out.

kedar2 - I'm not a tall guy (I am like 5'11"). But, I have a tall torso, and I sit bolt upright and close to the steering wheel. I have headroom problems in many cars. I could not fit into the old TL, for example, and had problems in the G35 and Accord Coupe. But, I have zero headroom problems in my TSX. I think it will be a similar situation in the TL. Acura seems to have been real sensitive to headroom complaints about the old TL.

stickyman · October 2003

Finally went by and sat in the new 04. Beautiful car in and outside. My concern is the smaller trunk space (12.5 cu.ft.) and how the rear wheel well extends into the rear doors. With the front seat back, the rear entree is harder than the 03TL-S. The interior is really nice and I love the new Nav. system and sound system. The enclosed engine compartment has to make a quiet car quieter. Not upset with purchasing my 03 TLS.

kedar2 · October 2003

I have a 02 TL-s and in the middle of the 30 k check where I need to get the rotors resurfaced so the amount I'm looking at could be about $600. The dealer said the value of the TL-s 02 is 20k giving me a 10k on the new TL 04 I know the TL will be a little improved and could get a few upgrades hopefully nothing major. I remember getting the integra Ls 90 in 89 and seeing later that the windows became powered so I was stuck with manuel so I know what it feel like but in this case I only see the improvement coming in the next 2 yrs when they come out with the s type. the refinements seems pleasing and should still give the other car companies a run for their money

gkearns56 · October 2003

I am thinking about buying a new 2004 Acura TL without the nav system (I wouldn't use it). I have a G35 Infiniti that I enjoy but I'm thinking about selling it. (The orange instrument cluster is hard to see in the daylight and annoys me). I've never owned an Acura and really like the looks of the new one. Just wanted a few thoughts about the new Acura TL 2004s vs G35 Infiniti.

bodble2 · October 2003

don't worry about what upgrades, or even new model, will be coming down the pipe. If what is currently available meets your requirements, then go for it. Afterall, there will ALWAYS be new stuff and new models. You can't wait it out forever.

uncledavid · October 2003

A type S is not coming down the pike, so don't bother waiting. Acura is already offering the "A Spec" package in liu of the Type S.

Type S was always more of a marketing gimic anyway, designed to revive excitement for the model line a few years into the product cycle.

kedar2 · October 2003

yea you guys are right it looks like I will be upgrading my car from the 02 TLs to 04 just hope the bank gives the approval on my loan. the insurance didnt go down from the two years I had my TL and with the improve features such as the curtain airbags etc. it might just make the price for insurance the same as previous,I doubt it OOH by the way has anybody figured out on what will be the case for fogs or are the main headlights as powerful as the BMW or Lexus I didnt check it out when looking it over

iwse · October 2003

Looking at the Acura website, it suggests just that, but I wonder if some TL's are made in the US and some in Japan. Anyone know the facts? I ask because some people believe in the greater reliability of vehicles that are assembled in Japan versus the US. A Toyota car dealer, in particular, recently got me thinking about the importance of manufacturing point of origin. What does this group think about the matter as it relates to Acura's as a make, and TL's in particular?

colinz · October 2003

when i checked last week, the 2004 accords were more money than the 03TL base that i bought. the accords don't have any rebates or incentives because it's a new model. even the 03 accord prices didn't go down when the 04 accord came out, instead they just bumped up the price of the 2004 accord. check carsdirect.com for the 03 accord price and the 04 accord price. the 2003 TL for 25,013 is a great deal over the accords. i just don't think hondas should be worth over $25,000. but a acura for 25,013.....great deal for a acura(a entry level luxury car)

Older Acura TLs

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