Older Acura TLs

danny1878 · April 2004

Bodble2 good to hear that yours is finally coming :-)

03oddity · April 2004

Check out www.hondanews.com for info on today's debut of the 2005 RL. Of note, its nav system features real-time traffic info!! Likely to be the same system alluded to in recent post on the Acura TL Navigation System board.

I'm in the market for a TL, not an RL, but this is big news.

Here in L.A. we suffer daily due to too many cars, plus idiots flipping SUVs over in traffic lanes. I too *want this* before I plunk down my money for a TL Nav. Any info, rumors, etc. re: Acura's plans to migrate this to the TL platform??

kph · April 2004

Mine took 11 days from production to my picking it up. It was seven days by train from Ohio to Minnesota, then a weekend sit before moving to the dealer on Monday and my pickup on Tuesday. Train delivery can be variable depending on how many switchyards have to be traversed- the dissassembly/reassembly of trains can add some time.

jfgobraves · April 2004

I just heard from the dealer again today and the build date will be pushed back to next week (april 16). But hopefully sense I live in IN the shipping will be quicker.

sftroy · April 2004

The Navi system w/integrated traffic sounds GREAT! Here is more info from XM on the system:

http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/pr_2004_04_07_2.html

BTW - the TL currently offers audio real-time traffic info from XM - LA Traffic & Weather is on channel 222. You should be able to get similar info from 511 in LA - in the Bay Area we now get estimated drive times . . .

Now go buy the TL - you will love it!! :-)

mdhauke · April 2004

I just received news that I might be moving to Europe - job related. Specifically Germany. I just bought my TL a couple months ago. I have a few questions.

1. Can the Acura NAV system be programmed with European Navigation?

2. How hard would it be to get service on the TL in Europe?

3. Do they have bluetooth in Europe?

4. What about the XM radio? Do they have service over in Europe?

kahunah · April 2004

There is no Acura service (except for Honda) in Europe because it's a North American brand (i.e. Division of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.). XM Radio is a US only satellite service. Otherwise, it would have also been available in Canada. Bluetooth is available in Europe but cell phone communication protocols are different.

Then there's the issue of fuel economy, exhaust, and safety standards that must be met which may require costly modifications -- not to mention import duty tariffs, shipping & handling, temporary storage (if required) and freight insurance.

Save yourself the hassle. Sell the TL and get a Bimmer when you get there.

kph · April 2004

On the other hand, Bluetooth is really taking off in Europe. The reason that almost all the BT cell phone are GSM is that they work over there, where GSM is the standard.

mdhauke · April 2004

I am military so I am allowed to ship one vehicle at no cost to me. Also import duty tariffs do not apply. My main worry is will me navigation system be rendered useless over there and what the heck will I do for service?

You may be right, if I do go I may be forced to sell it right away. What is the best way to sell a few month old new car to try to get the maximum value back for it?

burry · April 2004

Has anyone purchased the FALKEN ZIEX ZE-512 tires ?
They are supposedly rated #1 by a leading consumer magazine for whatever that is worth. They seem to be priced fairly low ($129 at DiscountTireDirect).

richardgold · April 2004

I purchased the TL when it first came out. Did not like tires from the beginning. I did purchase the Falken tire for my Honda Accord EX V6. Love it on the car - rides like a dream and good in snow! My wife even noticed a difference. I do feel the Continental Conti Extreme is more of a performance tire and put this on the TL. To be truthful, the dealer did not sell the Falken and said for the TL the Continental would be a better choice. Sales pitch. Have to say I am very happy with both choices. The TL ride is different from the Accord to start with. The Continental was great in the snow and smoothed out the bumps somewhat. You need to remember the TL is more of a sports suspension. Either choice is good. I paid $160 per for the Continental. Some past posts from "Dunlev" (I think this is the spelling) discusses the Falken. I have not followed his experiences since purchasing the Continental. Read the reviews on tirerack or tires.com. When I replaced the Continentals I needed an alignment. My dealer could not do this since they still did not have the specifications for the new TL. My own mechanic used the Accord EX V6 specs to do the alignment. I would say this was a 98% fix. I would not change any tire at this point until Acura dealers have the ability to align the car properly after a tire change. As of a few weeks ago, my dealer did not and they are located in New York City.

richardgold · April 2004

Sorry, that is Dulnev.

msf2 · April 2004

I bought the Falken's from edgeracing.com at $88 per tire. I had the dealer take the EL's off before I took delivery. I love the 512's....they are smooth, quiet, and have a great grip. I HIGHLY recommend them.
Edgeracing.com is a great place to look if you think you might purchase these tires. The people there were very helpful and the tires arrived quickly. They are a great value.

paul_philly · April 2004

I own a TL with Navi that I purchased as soon as it hit the lot. However, I've heard that Navi systems are very difficult to get. Does anyone know what percentage of TL's are currently equipped with Navi? ALso, what's Acura's plan in terms of % of TL's to have Navi in the future?

habitat1 · April 2004

I don't have actual statistics, but anecsdotally I have heard from 2 dealers that Acura is incresing its production of navigation systems to meet higher than expected demand. The numbers one indicated was going from an initial 20% to 30-40%.

Also, for what it's worth, I have it on good authority that the incremental manufacturing cost to Acura of their navigation system is about $600. That's not to say they didn't spend a fair amount in research and development, but now that they have the technology, it is a big moneymaker for them as long as buyers are willing to pay the $2,000 incremental price.

chris19006 · April 2004

Hi Everyone!
I was just wondering if any TL owners would care to comment on the TL feature that lets you open the windows and sunroof with the remote. Does it also let you close them with the remote? I always wished a manufacturer would equip their cars with a feature like this. I know I am pretty lazy but it would be convenient if I could step out of the car and close everything as well as lock the doors by pushing one button.

kahunah · April 2004

The answer is no. You have to use the key in the door lock and turn it, to close all the windows and sunroof. The reason for this is safety. You must be adjacent to, or inside the car in order to close everything. If you were able to close everything remotely and your line of sight was obstructed, it may pose a hazard to a child or dog, for example.

bodble2 · April 2004

That's a good point. I never thought about it from a safety angle 'cause I too had wished you could close the windows with the remote. But can you just close the windows but leave the moonroof tilted up (for ventilation), or does it close everything?

akirby · April 2004

Lincoln LS works exactly the same way, for the same reason. It's especially useful when it's hot - you can open the windows and let the hot air out before you get there. I've never really had the need to close all the windows remotely.

cjs2002 · April 2004

Mercedes let you open and close all windows with the remote.. its really nice when you leave them open by accident and it begins to rain and you just sit on the portch to roll them up.... so if mercedes can do it why can't anyone else... plus as far as safty goes if any little kids has their heads or hands out the window they deserve to lose them... (thats my evil side talking)

bodble2 · April 2004

I guess your point is valid too! Afterall, if minivans can close those big heavy doors via remote, moonroofs and windows should be no problem.

cjs2002 · April 2004

yea... I also wanted to know I'm going to tint the windows on my car mainly cause it helps to reduce heat in the summer... yet on some cars its tricky because it can mess with some auto climate controlls or rain sensing winshield wipers... if I tint the windows on the TL will it mess with anything (mind you I don't have the nav syster either)

akirby · April 2004

I believe you need sensors in all the windows and the sunroof to reverse it if something is in the way before you could do the remote close. MB probably already has this feature. It's the same thing you need for an auto-up feature on the windows. Don't believe the LS or Acura has that capability, thus you need the key.

hoyahenry · April 2004

The TL has autoreversing front and moonroof windows. The rear windows can only be controlled manually - no auto function whatsoever.

By omission in the fine manual, I would conclude then that the rear windows do not have an obstruction sensing capability - which is rather odd when you consider that might be where it is needed most.

Then again, the rear windows can only be controlled manually, so the window would not be operating while the button is not actively engaged - as opposed to an auto window where the operation might have been selected and released, making the intervention to stop the operation much more time consuming.

That said, I see much more value in the remote opening function than the remote closing one.

scott31 · April 2004

My parents had a 1987 Legend that they were able to get service (warranty service too) when they were transferred to Germany. The local Honda shop in Worms did a great job too.

statenstunt · April 2004

Does/or did anyone have a headliner squeak/creak right next to the driver's side B-pillar, next to the back of the sunroof, seeminlgy right above the driver's head. This sound gets extremely annoying and occurs over various road surfaces. I took it to one dealer and they said they couldn't replicate it or some other nonsense. I've read countless incidents of it on vtec.net and acura-tl.com, but I'm wondering if anyone here might have had it resolved.
Thanks.

foxnhound · April 2004

I've searched all the chat rooms and haven't found any feedback on the TL body side molding & splash guards...the few options I'm interested in. Can anyone give me their thoughts on practicality versus appearance on these? Observing cars on the road, I'd say 98% of them have some form of body side molding and maybe 50% have splash guards. I'm concerned about looks but I don't want to regret not getting these options from a practical standpoint. Appreciate any experiences/opinions. Thx.

bodble2 · April 2004

skip the body side moulding. Splash guards look OK but not overly effective. Still, better than no protection.

95gt · April 2004

Seems to really mess up the lines of the TL. Too many things going on on the doors on cars with it. Opinion of course.

My main gripe is that since the moldings are painted the same as the car what is the point in them? They ding and get chipped just like the door? Just seem worthless to me.

kahunah · April 2004

"Seems to really mess up the lines of the TL"

I disagree. I have the Silver/Ebony TL and the side moulding looks just fine. Better safe than sorry IMO.

armand · April 2004

I think they look fine and if they get hit are a lot less expensive to repair or replace then a door.

kenm8 · April 2004

I agree with posts 5690 and 5691. My wife had the mouldings put on her silver TL at delivery last Fall. The physical placement is by factory spec and not arbitrary by installer. After awhile, you don't notice them unless you have a mindset to look specifically at the doors rather than the entire profile of the car. I would guess that most car owners would probably be fixated more by the parking lot dings on the doors than by well designed mouldings.

habitat1 · April 2004

I have a tentative deal done on an Acura TL 6-speed w/ Navigation. In order to get my color choice, I am foregoing a maroon/black one in stock with HPT package in favor of an anthracite/black without the high performance tire package due to arrive at the dealership in two weeks.

I had thought I would grin and bear the standard tires and replace them in a year or two with upgraded ones. However, according to tire rack, the standard tires (Bridgestone Turenza EL42) have VERY poor customer survey ratings. The HPT tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE030) have a better consumer survey rating, but a very low treadwear rating (140). That treadwear rating is the same as the S02 Pole Positions on my S2000 which are ready to be replaced at 17,000 miles. The best choice appears to be Bridgestone Potenza S03 Pole Positions which have both a significantly better handling and traction rating than the HPT tires (AA vs. A) AND a treadwear rating of 220, which is much more respectable and should last 25k+/- miles with proper rotation.

Has anyone else looked into this and what are your opinions? Interestingly, at Tire Rack, all three tires are within $20 of each other - the non-HPT standard tires are $165 each, the HPT tires are $185 each and the top of the line S03 Pole Positions are $182 each.

nowakj66 · April 2004

For what it is worth, there was an item on autospies that the Acura TL and TSX may get an option for SH-AWD a la RL in 2005.

http://www.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=2825&cat- - - egoryId=10

igiban · April 2004

The queston to ask first is if the molding really protects much of the door anyway, and weigh that against the cost and look factor. The other thing is most cars that have molding as desgined put moldings along groove lines already on the door, while TL simply sticks the moldings on flat doors. On the look some would say it makes it too busy since there's a profile along the door handle already. That may be true but BMW has long been doing that on their sedans and I've not heard much of the same complaint.

kahunah · April 2004

Actually, the S03 Pole Positions are jumping up a class and are considered maximum performance summer tires (overkill IMO). If you stick with ultra performance summer tires (more than adequate for the TL), the Bridgestone Potenza RE750s are a better choice as they have a much higher tread wear rating (340 vs. 220), and cost much less ($152 vs. $182).

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&- tireModel=Potenza+RE750

kyfdx · April 2004

IMO... I would take delivery with the standard tires and take my chances. I know they get bad ratings, but most of the complaints seem to be for flat-spotting overnight, which to me is a minor defect. I have the Turanza ER30 on my BMW and these get abysmal ratings on tirerack, and also have a 140 treadwear rating. After 8300 miles before the winter tires went on, I'm estimating at least 25K miles if I rotate. Also, the tires handle well, are quiet and ride great. Unless the dealer is swapping tires for free, I can't see changing ahead of time... Just my $.02.

regards,
kyfdx

P.S.: I know from your previous posts that you are a performance oriented driver, but S-03s might be overkill on the TL and might not be the best choice overall.

habitat1 · April 2004

Thanks for your input. Upon further review, the RE750's do look like a good alternative. They're still rated higher than the Acura offered HPT tire (RE030) for handling and traction, with an even better treadwear rating than the S03's. I probably prematurely fixated on the S03's based upon one of the Tire Rack consultants that I spoke with regarding my S2000. He indicated that the S03 Pole Position is an "exceptional" performance tire and comaparable to anything made by Michelin or Pirelli. However, on a FWD Acura TL, the "very good" handling and even longer tread life of the RE750 is probably a better trade off.

For the record, the standard Turenza non-HPT tire on the TL has a treadwear rating of 260, not 140. Sorry if my previous post was misleading. And I agree that, unless I get a better deal than the $400 offered by my local tire shop to swap them out, I'll probably wear them out before replacing them with the RE750's. I've heard about the "flat spotting" problem, but I have also been advised that they are actually worde than the HPT "summer" tire in wet traction.

Thanks again for the input.

mdhauke · April 2004

I haven't had any of the problems people mentioned on here with the tires. So if you want to stick with these tires I don't think it will be a big deal, go for it.

kahunah · April 2004

The only other tire I would consider for replacing my RE030s when they wear out is the Falken Azenis ST-115. This is the summer tire version of the highly rated ultra performance all season tire, Falken Ziex ZE-512 (rated No.1 by Consumer Reports).

kenm8 · April 2004

Post 5695 brings up another point.

Has anyone at one time or another left their car in a good spot in a parking lot only to come back and find an old or jacked up pickup next to it and parked so close that you can barely open your door(s)? Good luck if you are in a part of our country that dislikes furrin brand cars. Do you check for a ding? Mouldings are useless against the characters who drive these vehicles.

bodble2 · April 2004

FWIW, most, if not all, of the door dings that I've suffered over the years on various cars have all come from trucks and SUVs (especially rear doors of SUVs) and the dings have been high on my doors where the side moulding offers absolutely no protection.

foxnhound · April 2004

What looks and works best silver/quartz or silver/ebony. I've heard a disadvantage with the ebony is that it heats up from the sun too much. But I've also heard that the quartz doesn't provide enough contrast to the silver. Opinions please.

pmf13 · April 2004

I find that at most cruising speeds the transmission settles into a gear that causes the engine to rev in the 1500 to 2000 range. As a result the engine "chugs" a little and has trouble picking up speed without downshifting. I don't know if this is how the tranny is programmed to maximize fuel economy or whether mine needs some adjustment. Are the rest of you with the AT finding the same behaviour?

jfgobraves · April 2004

I was told before on this board that in the trunk there are rca inputs for the xm radio, but I can't seem to find them any hints on where they are located?
Also on a side not has anyone remove the non navi factory radio? And if you have do you have any tips to offer.

bodble2 · April 2004

I think it's programmed that way. I find my CL-S also cruises at a very low rpm. I think perhaps the torque converter is programmed to lock too early. I suppose it is good for fuel economy, but it makes the tranny quite "busy" in that the slightest change in throttle opening will cause the torque converter to unlock and/or the tranny to downshift.

habitat1 · April 2004

foxnhound,

I strongly prefer the look of the ebony interior on the TL. But it is a personal preference and highly subjective. I'm not worried about the black interior heating the car up too much, but I don't live in a Florida or Southwest climate. If I did, I would be more worried about having a black car than an ebony interior. With silver, you shouldn't have a problem.

pmf13,

The auto transmissions in most cars tends to shift to the highest gear earlier than I would, resulting in the need to downshift 1-2 gears to get any acceleration or even maintain speed on a hill. The exceptions are some of the "driver adaptive" transmissions in the AMG and BMW lines which will hold their gears longer. I noticed from the TL brochure quotes about the engine achieving 90% of it's torque at 2,500 rpm. The curve below that is pretty steep (i.e. lower torque at lower rpm). With a 6-speed manual, I probably wouldn't be shifting into 6th until I was cruising at a speed that allowed at least 2,200-2,500 rpm. Although with a manual, I can easily drop down 2-3 gears if need be without going through the herky jerky. If your transmission is constantly shifting, I would take it back to the dealership. A friend of mine with a 2002 TL had this problem and there was an adjustment (although he ultimately had to have the transmission replaced for other reasons.)

igiban · April 2004

Don't need to park next to an SUV or truck. Just park two TL side by side, and open the rear door of one against the other, and you can see how high the other's door can get a ding. Bound to happen, even with side molding!

pmf13 · April 2004

Thanks for the replies. The transmission isn't hunting for gears, which is why I don't suspect that it's malfunctioning. It just settles into an uncomfortably low gear for cruising. I'll speak to my service manager about it and see if there are any adjustments he can perform or whether I am destined to live with good gas milage. I've taken to using the tiptronic a lot more to overcome this cruising when I know I'll need to accelerate and that works just fine.

vinceb81 · April 2004

Statenstunt,

I always hear a rattle right above my left ear. Never been able to determine where it was coming from. Dealers have been little to no help. I have gotten use to the various rattles and keep the music up loud.

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