I posted three months ago about getting a new car, it was probably going to be a new Cadillac CTS.
Well, it finally happened on the 2nd. I didn't got the CTS tho. I got a new '04 Acura TL with navigation, big 4pot brakes and the 6speed tranny, of course. (The dumbXXXXX at GM decided not to give the 5-speed CTS more than the shXtty 225 motor and no other luxury option besides the 'nothing' option and the 'you're screwed' option, options I didn't like BTW.)
Anyways. The TL is a completely different car than the Z06 is. If somebody wants to ask me if it is better or worse, well, this is the best comparison I can think of:
Mazinger-Z vs. Inspector Gadget.
The TL drives nice, has bzillions of cool gadgets, very roomy, very quiet ride, it is a car to drive and to travel relaxed, though it might not be as comforable seating-wise as the Z06 is, IMHO. It handles very decently for what it is and has more than decent power too. I think the Z06 interior is more functional than the TL's interior is, but since the TL's interior has a wider variety of 'colors', it is a bit more 'pleasant to the eyes' than the Z06 is, if you will.
The navigation stuff is one of the best things of this car without any doubt. The DVD audio sound system is excellent for a stock stereo (made by Alpine, BTW).
The HID headlights are just awesome, and I mean it, awesome beyond belief. I just cannot describe how impressive they are. All I can say is that I'll be getting HIDs for the Z06 shortly. Halogens? What?
For the price it costs and what it gives I think it is an excellent bang for the buck. 30mpg, 270 hp, 6speed, Navi and 4 doors. It is not a bad deal, not when you consider this is the US and manual trannys are quite hard to come by for 4 door sedans (unless you order them from factory and wait)
It finally replaces my 11 year old self-destructing Mazda MX-6 as my daily driver.
It is not a GM car, I know, I wasn't personally interested on japanese luxocars either, but I must admint that this one got me right away after the moment I saw it.
Hope this helps anyone's decision if they are thinking about the new TLs.
Originally posted by MSiska TL is a very nice car. I sat in one at the DC autoshow and it was quite comfortable for this big boned boy!!
I'll second that, also being dimensionally challenged, and the gadgets are way cool. While I am not a fan of these things in a sports car, for a daily driver they are fun.
Originally posted by Manteuffel Thanks! I agree, its an Acura/Honda, but it is the 1st year production tho, we'll see how it goes.
G.
G,
I had the new model year of an Acura (1991 Legend). I can tell you that after 195K miles, I gave it to my brother-in-law since he needed a daily driver (his Chevy truck was killing him on gas). He's since put another 5K on it. The engine/trans are still original, as is the header pipe from the engine to the tail pipe (totally original exhaust). I had just taken it thru NJ inspection this past spring and it passed with flying colors.
Like I said, bullet-proof.
Don
Last edited by Don Benson : 01-04-2004 at 12:59 PM.
I've checked some TL forums and I've already seen some horror stories on these. Like 1st gear poping out of gear, rattles all over, steering wheel improperly aligned, electrical problems... Bad stuff.
Mine is already at the 612 miles mark, to finish the break in as quickly as possible. So far, I haven't had any problems. The same goes to the Vette too, with 6k miles.
Wierd stuff to read about some ppl modding those cars to beat those new G35s, Maximas or just any other car. C'mon, It is just a 4 door car! Why bother messing with it? Oh well.
Originally posted by Manteuffel Good to know, Don. Good to know.
I've checked some TL forums and I've already seen some horror stories on these. Like 1st gear poping out of gear, rattles all over, steering wheel improperly aligned, electrical problems... Bad stuff.
Mine is already at the 612 miles mark, to finish the break in as quickly as possible. So far, I haven't had any problems. The same goes to the Vette too, with 6k miles.
Wierd stuff to read about some ppl modding those cars to beat those new G35s, Maximas or just any other car. C'mon, It is just a 4 door car! Why bother messing with it? Oh well.
G.
G,
Just be careful on reading into the posts on a forum (whoops, I guess I'm posting on one.. ). Remember that some of these guys there are youngsters and might well be abusing the sh.. out of their cars.
Gee, popping out of gear, etc. Where have I heard that before?
Thanks, thanks. I am very happy with the car so far.
Before I got it, I was always waiting to drive the Vette, just to get out of the MX-6 P.O.S., but then I was refraining myself because I didn't want to put any extra miles on it.
Now, I don't have that irresistible need to take a decent car and drive it. The Vette is now officially the fun car. (and not the escape car from the POS car anymore.)
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