Older Acura TLs

akirby · May 2004

Sounds like an urban legend to me. Maybe if it was lying loose in the trunk, but not if it's properly stowed.

It's weight and cost savings, pure and simple.

wstevec · May 2004

Hi, can anyone tell me if Acura will be offering AWD (all wheel drive) in the TL anytime soon? Thanks

mdhauke · May 2004

They do not offer full size spare as standard because that would make the trunk space smaller. So instead of saying the trunk has 10 cubic feet of space (with a full size spare that comes standard), they can say the trunk has 12 cubic feet of space, unless you want to get the full size spare option then it's 10.

igiban · May 2004

Some sales persons are just better than the others, to sell!

1violinist · May 2004

I don't think safety is the issue here, because some of the high-end luxury cars include a full-size spare, and the manual suggests including it into tire rotation (called 5-tire rotation). So, every time you do tire rotation the spare replaces one of the originals, which becomes the spare, and so on -- so the 5 wear out evenly.

kyfdx · May 2004

My car has a full-size spare.. I don't cringe and watch the rear-view mirror when I apply the brakes.

saugatak · May 2004

He explained that with the semi-small wheel/tire/donut that comes with the Accord will actually flip up into the trunk and not enter into the cabin with a rear end collision. The dealership actually would not sell a customer the full size rim/tire when they take delivery of a new vehicle

There is ABSOLUTELY no way this can be true.

If this were true, the ambulance chasers would have gone after the car industry full force for a design defect of this magnitude. Look how much publicity, money and judgments they won against Ford and Firestone for the exploding tire fiasco on the Explorers.

I've never seen any newspapers or read any articles about something like this. I just can't believe that the predatory legal industry would let this slide.

habitat1 · May 2004

turn the TL board into a full size vs. donut spare tire debate. But, since we are on it, the full size spare does NOT detract from trunk room in a sedan. The spare compartment just gets a bit larger in diameter and deeper. Hell, if BMW could fit an 18" 255ZR40 tire in the back of a 540i with a perfectly flat trunk, Acura could have too. And BMW put it on a rim that cost $450 a pop. Now trying to fit a full size spare in my Honda S2000 would be another matter. But check it out - almost all of the true premium sedans have full size spares.

If anyone who does not sell cars for a living claims it's anything but cost cutting, I've got some valuable swampland to sell you. As for those that sell cars, well....

Back to the TL, could I get some progress reports from 6-speed owners regarding how they feel about the handling of the car? I need to make a final decision this weekend. Thanks.

bodble2 · May 2004

I could be wrong (though rarely

) but does the G35 sedan not have reduced trunk volume if you opt for a full-size spare?

habitat1 · May 2004

Good question. I may be looking at out a G35 6-speed sedan this afternoon and I'll check. However, I think my point still would be valid that the extra 1-2" of depth and diameter needed in a wheel well to hold a full size spare can easily be designed into a sedan, if that was the manufacturer's intent.

I'm still looking for handling / general satisfaction feedback from 6-speed TL owners, please.

delval79 · May 2004

All - I have a new 04 anthracite/ebony with NAVI TL due to come in this week and I have read numerous postings on the web from owners about paint chipping or bubbling problems - especially in the anthracite colr. Also I have read about rattles and tire problems. My main concern is the paint issues (Acura with thin paint. I realize this is a new design for 04 and its bound to have some quirks but thin paint? Can anyone do me a kindness and shed some light (shooul i reconsider buying). Lastly I read that some owners are installling clear bras - to protect the paint ? Thanks

mdhauke · May 2004

I have the exact same trim and have had no problems what so ever with the paint. The anthracite looks absolutely great, especially after I Zaino'd it. I think the incidents you are talking about concerning the bubbling or chipping are very isolated and probably Representative of any new car of every kind, you're always going to have a few where something went wrong in a small area during the painting. Any way it's a warranty item that can be taken care of. Also I haven't have any problems with rattles or with the Tunzras tires. The only problem I had was with the handsfreelink that went out. The had to replace the buttons on the steering wheel and now it works fine, again warranty work. Don't worry, you will be impressed with the car, and so will everybody else especially if you shine up the anthracite exterior.

risenate21 · May 2004

Picking up my anthracite AT w/nav this Friday, replacing my '99 blk/blk TL. Sold on Zaino, so I can't wait to get the '04 in service! Bought the 3M Stone Guard based on pitting experience on the '99, although it wan't that bad. Hope it was a good decision.

rexp · May 2004

Does anyone have information re: changes planned for the 2005 TL? I'd love to see a lighter blue or red.
Thanks

wstevec · May 2004

Does anyone know if AWD will be available for the 2005 TL? Thanks.

boiko · May 2004

Like many people I've been wrestling with the decision as to which TL color combo to get. I've thought about many of the color combo's. But living up in New Hampshire (lots of road salt in Winter) and owning a Townhouse without a garage I've been leaning on a easy to keep clear color combo. The best in that area seems to be Silver, White, and Gold. Now I've seen a million silver cars around here, and I love the white but an now leaning toward the gold. Question: If I were to get Gold with the Parchment interior...just how tough is this interior to keep clean. I'm a single guy, so no kids..it also comes in a black/ebony interior color. But from the outside it doesn't seem to show off the car as well.

Any thoughts in this area..

Thanks,
-mike-

1violinist · May 2004

Have you thought about the Anthracite/Quartz combo? The exterior doesn't show dirt/dust, and the gray interior goes well with the black dash, aluminum trim and carbon-fiber wood. Good luck!

surfgeb · May 2004

I love my TL and of course I am now sorry I didn't spring for Navigation. Can Navigation be added? If not, is there an after-market equivalent?

habitat1 · May 2004

Unfortunately, no and no.

The Acura TL navigation system, with it's full 8" screen is THE best on the market. The 7" MDX is probably second followed by Lexus and everybody else a distant fourth. The small after market GPS systems are crap, IMO. You'd be better off buying a Delorme GPS unit to plug into a small laptop computer and putting it on the passenger seat than spending any money for an aftermarket auto system with a 4-5" screen.

I've negotiated a price on a TL with Nav at $1,000 over invoice, which is $2,800 more than the best deal I could get on a non-Nav and I'm still going to spring for it, assuming I get the TL.

03oddity · May 2004

"I've negotiated a price on a TL with Nav at $1,000 over invoice"

That is an awesome price! Where are you located, pray tell? I may look into a plane ticket, since L.A. dealers are not playing ball.

oddity

307web · May 2004

So, if $1000 over invoice for a 2004 TL with navi is $2800 more than the best deal on a non-navi TL, then you are saying you could get a non-navi for $200 over invoice?

gkoff · May 2004

How does the '04 TL compare to the '03 ride. Stiffer, quieter, highway, city handling?

argelius · May 2004

I currently have a BMW330 and when my lease is up next summer, I'm seriously thinking of getting a TL.
One feature I have in my BMW that I've grown quite dependent on is an AUX Jack that allows me to plug my iPOD directly into the stereo system, resulting in great sound (as opposed to using those awful-sounding FM modulator gadgets).

Does the TL have an AUX jack, or does anyone know if one can be retrofitted (or of there are future plans for Acura to add one)?

Thanks for your help!

307web · May 2004

There is no AUX adaptor. You use XM instead an iPod. They want you to subscribe to the service instead of using your own portable music players.
There is a cassette deck you could use as an adaptor instead of FM modulators.

igiban · May 2004

It seems that these 'protection accessories' are talked a great deal esp. on TL, compared with other luxury sedans. I am wondering why? Most luxury and even non-luxury sedans nowadys don't come with splash guards or truck tray. I recently pay more attention to all these MB/BMW/Lexus sedans on the street and almost none got splash guards. They might offer it but few opt for it. Why is it so popular on TL? If it's not thrown in/free would you still get it? I think while TL splash guards don't look as intrusive as others it still looks more luxurious w/o it.

kyfdx · May 2004

The reason is: What else is there to talk about? Every TL comes with the same engine.. The only option from the factory is Navigation. Except for auto/manual, and color, thats it...

And the dealers use them as bargaining tools when they start to reach a price stalemate... It is in their training.

regards,
kyfdx

markcincinnati · May 2004

I do not know, but my wife and I are keen to find out, any info?

Beuhler, Beuhler, anyone, anyone?

automophile · May 2004

The XM receiver is in the trunk, with RCA type connectors for the line-level outputs.

Some TL owners have fitted a switch to allow other devices to be switched in here, including an iPod. I plan to add a second CD player there for MP3s, etc.

kyfdx · May 2004

I saw a dark blue (Abyss?) with camel interior today.. looks very nice.

1) I would skip the wing spoiler. To me, it ruins the nice lines of the car.

2) If you get the dark blue, don't get the graphite (grey) colored wheels. In theory, they should look good, but I think I would save them for silver, black and gray cars.

regards,
kyfdx

markcincinnati · May 2004

I don't remember the name of the spies network that claims 99.999% that the RL will be getting the SH AWD system (as an option) -- but, thought you might like to know that that "unsubstantiated" rumor IS "out there!"

What I want to know is if the RL with AWD will still offer a stick shift.

1violinist · May 2004

"What I want to know is if the RL with AWD will still offer a stick shift..."

The RL has always come with only Auto tranny, and I think Acura will continue it this way.

dtate99 · May 2004

Please clarify what you mean by "don't get the graphite (grey) colored wheels." There are no choices in that matter as far as I know.

markcincinnati · May 2004

Oooo my bad, I mean the TL with the auto spies rumor of an AWD system -- any intelligence that says you can have it with either stick or auto.

Sorry.

kyfdx · May 2004

They are a dealer accessory. The TL I saw this morning had them. They are factory Acura wheels. They looked great on the black TSX I saw them on at the dealer, and I'm sure they look great on grey or silver as well. They did NOT look good on the dark blue.

regards,
kyfdx

dtate99 · May 2004

Thanks for the clarification. I checked Acura.com and I assume you're referring to the 18" alloy wheels that are indeed an option, but at a stiff price.

kyfdx · May 2004

I think they are also available in 17". I know the ones for the TSX are 17" and I think that is what was on that TL today. In my experience, all accessory wheels from the dealer are expensive.

regards,
kyfdx

hals120 · May 2004

I have an abyss blue with camel interior. It is a great combination, and I've received many compliments on the selection.

jpiatchek · May 2004

www.autospies.com is the site.

markcincinnati · May 2004

I knew that, but in the past the HOST's seem keen to disallow the posting of web sites that have or may have similar content to edmunds -- so I try to keep other URL's off their cyber-boards and off my blogs.

There is considerable information available "out there" but you'll just have to use your favorite canine search engine to locate the inside information, if you get my meaning (arf arf).

pat · May 2004

What may and may not be posted here is very clearly explained in our "Rules of the Road" - see the link at the top of the page. No need to guess.

tsx4me · May 2004

I'm surprised that the 04 TL has one of the most advanced audio systems and there isn't a forum to discuss this. None of us have really experienced sounds this good in any other vehicle to date. Does anyone have links to DVD-AUDIO web pages, or a good source to purchase these unique cd's.

Kelsey

surfgeb · May 2004

Anyone have experiences to share in getting comfortable with the clutch on the 6 speed. I find that I get better acceleration when I actually ride the clutch and let it out slower than trying to pop it which generally gives me jerkier starts.

When I got into another MT I couldn't believe how much travel other clutches have.

terpfan · May 2004

In regard to the clutch takeup on the 6spd, you're not alone. The car likes to be smoothly fed and will bite you if you let the clutch out too quickly. It definitely takes some practice. I mastered it by putting down the windows, turning off the radio and listening to exactly what the motor was doing. I think half the problem is that the motor is so damn quiet. At least the clutch is smooth. But my salesman told me to always be gentle because it costs $1800 to replace.

cjs2002 · May 2004

Holy crap.... I was thinking about getting a many with the TL but if the clutch costs that mutch to replace then I might be better off with the automatic... also I just learned how to drive stick.. maybe I will get the auto instead

habitat1 · May 2004

I just came back from a second test drive of the 6-speed. The combination of the touchy clutch and drive by wire throttle does take some getting used to. I also pushed the car a little harder this time and the power below 4,000 rpm wasn't that impressive. After 4,000 rpm it kicks, but then the redline is only 6,800 rpm. Too bad Acura couldn't get it up to about 7,500 - 8,000 (guess I'm spoiled by my 9,000 rpm S2000). If I had to guess, the 2004 TL is no more than 1/2 second quicker 0-60 than my 1995 Maxima SE 5-speed (190 horsepower, 205 ft lbs, but only 3000 lb curb weight). Also, the short throw 6-speed wasn't as short of a throw as I thought I had remembered.

Nonetheless, I am still impressed with the car and will probably go ahead with my planned purchase. It's not an M5, but it's $40k less!

P.S. I am concerned about the $1,800 clutch price. My Maxima is on it's original clutch at 153k miles and a replacement is only $400. The S2000 is approximately $1,000. There is no way the TL should be an $1,800 clutch. Anyone know what the Brembo brakes cost to replace??

jpiatchek · May 2004

Don't wimp out. Get the 6speed. Life is too short to worry about the clutch going out at some point way down the line. The same thing could happen to the auto, and it ain't cheap either.

kyfdx · May 2004

My guess is that most dealer clutch jobs are over $1K, on any car. I would check with the service department before you took that as gospel. Parts prices for TL clutches will be extremely high right now, because who needs a clutch already? Replacement prices will come down over time, but of course, dealer hourly rates will remain insanely high.

regards,
kyfdx

cjs2002 · May 2004

yes but I've just learned how to drive stick and I don't drive it well to boot... I don't know... depends on what my dealor has in stock... if they have a stick...I might just go ahead and get the stick... I'm gonna be leasing it so I don't really think it will be a problem

kyfdx · May 2004

If you don't drive a stick well, doing it on a 270 HP car is not going to be fun. You can wear out a clutch in under 100 miles, if you aren't doing it correctly... I love driving a stick, but I think I'd get an auto in the TL.

regards,
kyfdx

dtate99 · May 2004

I think wearing out a clutch in under 100 miles may be a BIT of an exaggeration, but it would be nice to get comfortable using a MT before just hopping in the 270 hp TL.

CJS, if I was 20 yo like you, I'd have gone for the MT in a heartbeat. I loved zipping around in my Accord MT all those years until I moved up to the Acura, but it just wasn't as good a choice for me at this point.

Older Acura TLs

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