lexpilot

Does anybody have experience with a type S Acura. I really like the Japanese dependability over the BMW and Audi equivalents. But, how much di you give up in handling and sportiness ?
IMO the Toyota line has better dependability but I would compromise for a little better handling.

Greg Fishman

What year? The second generation had a lot of issues (and I think a recal) with their automatic transmissions.

I have a third generation TL (2004) and it looks like Acura may be buying it back since a serious vibration issue can't be resolved. I will either replace it with a 2005 TL (where the vibration issue is fixed) or may choose a 2005 RL with AWD and 300hp.

lexpilot

Wow ! 41 views and one response.
Thanks for your response Greg. I was thinking about an 04 type S. It appears there are few supporters of Japanese over German here. We bought a new 1991 Legend in 91 and Mary kept that car until 1999. That is the longest she has kept a car. We have snow here so Front or All wheel drive really helps in winter. I was hoping for better feedback although I know this crowd favors speed over quiet or comfort.
Anybody else with late model TL exeperience ?

Rob 97 993c2

i dont know the acura line, but im amazed how much their sedan looks exactly like the 5 series bwm. Clearly they are going after the bmw/audi market.
im curious to know if it really compares, b/c the pricing is better

laurence '97 C4S

... over Toyota (or Audi or BMW or MB) is there are no dealers in Bend. Closest Acura dealer is Eugene (way too far for me).

STLPCA

We considered the TL-S as my wife's daily driver. We ended up w/an Audi A6 w/Quattro. IMO, the Audi was worth more than the price difference considering: build & material quality, layout, appearance, ride, handling over rough roads, rear seating comfort, all maintenance included, super warranty, etc. Overall, I found the Audi to be a more sophisticated package. Although my wife had a long standing fear of driving on slick roads (esp. snow), the Quattro system has inspired such confidence that her fear is virtually eliminated. Of course, none of that mattered because she never got past her dislike of the TL's prominent plastic "chrome" front end trim.
BTW, I really wanted to prefer the TL-S for her since I found it more fun (sportier) to drive.

Greg Fishman

The 04 TL has no Type S option. They are all equiped the same way, engine wise. There is an A-spec dealer installed option available that is basically a body kit, larger wheels/tires and a suspension kit. I bought the suspension seperately and it is recommended.

lowblow

I have a friend who is in the process of leasing an 04 TL right now. He tells me that it is impressive. 270 h.p. The A-spec packsge is about a 6K add. Too much for what you get.

I would agree with Greg. Get the car and upgrade the suspension yourself. I think the optional wheels are also much nicer.

Good Luck

Mike

lexpilot

laurence,
I've 3 Lexus LS 400 and a 1991 Acura Legend. I found the dealers in Salem and Eugene to be very accomodating. None of these 4 have been troublesome. Besides, i end up in Eugene, Portland and Salem anyway. Bend has the most actice PCA club in the region. How come we have not met ?

adsc4s

Wait for the RL. It will be a very impressive car.

Greg Fishman

Addison,
Have you seen on in person yet? Just curious as they are not out around here.

Jack's dad

I have a 2003 TL-S, the last year of the previous model. I use it as my daily driver, with my 96 993 as a Friday/weekend car. The TL is obviously nowhere near as exciting as the 993, or my previous M3, but it's an awfully good value and a very nice daily driver. It is well made, comfortable, reasonably quick and a great cruiser. It is not as exciting as my previous M or 5 series, but much less expensive and more relaible. I had an A4 along the way, and again the trade off was excitement for relaibility. If I could only have one car it would be German. My ideal compromise is a reliable Japaneese daily driver and a Porsche or other German car for fun. Just my two cents...

adsc4s

Greg,

They have one sitting in the lobby at American Honda headquarters in Torrance. It is a very good looking car.

Addison

andrew911

Acrua's would be a little more "boring" then a BMW, but you can't fault their reliability. My wife looked at the type S TL before they changed the body style- we like the car a lot, but she wanted a BMW for the longest time, so we bought a very low mileage used 325xi.

There are the odd problems mentioned above with most cars, but overall I think the "Ack" is a great car.

Andrew

D5LV

Can't speak about the TL, however currently have an 01' 325i as my daily driver. Have had since new, not too many issues with it over 3 years. Mostly annoying little things that I did not find happening in either of my two previous cars to that (97 prelude and 95 Acura Integra GS-R). All in all, have enjoyed the BMW, but reliability always on my mind, especially when it is my day-to-day transport.

I would probably choose the Acura as long as you have the 993.