Ask the Car People.SM


Older Acura TLs

9045 messages,  Last post on Jan 07, 2012 at 6:27 PM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Sedan

Messages Page 646 of 905

#6447 of 9045 Japanese seats by habitat1

Oct 22, 2004 (5:03 am)

My complaint on the TL isn't that the seats are too hard, but in spite of looking sporty, they are not as supportive and comfortable as any of the premium European brands. I would rate Volvo, BMW (sport seat option) and Mercedes (multi-contour option) as at least 2-3 rungs up the ladder from Acura.
 
It's not just an Acura TL complaint: I have yet to sit in ANY Japanese sedan (or SUV) that has as good of an ergonomic design and seat support/comfort of the Europeans mentioned above. My 1995 Maxima SE was guilty. And Lexus seats aren't any better, IMO. Perhaps it's just that they are attached to such "un-sporty" cars that their excessive padding and mushiness blends in with the Lexus driving experience. At least the 2004 Acura TL has taken the driving dynamics and handling up a few notches.
 
The only Japanese vehicles that I have ever owned that had superior seats were my 1984 Toyota Supra and my 2002 Honda S2000. And, in the case of the S2000, I believe the seats were designed by (and possibly made by) Recarro.
 
This is a serious conundrum. I wish the engineers that came up with the superior Acura navigation system would focus their talents on the seats.

#6448 of 9045 Re: bodble2, et al [habitat1] by nkeen

Oct 22, 2004 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: habitat1 (May 08, 2004 3:41 am)
Re handling, etc of the 6-speed.
 
Great long distance car. If you want European style chuckability and aliveness you're better off with the more fidgety TSX, but the TL has great grip if you apply power progressively through the turn. It's a big, fast luxury tourer, not a sport sedan. If the TSX is European in concept, the TL is definitely more American. The engine is fabulous, the transmission great, the clutch fierce -- it'll catch you out with its abrupt uptake after driving something else. It's a big, bad front driver and handles like one. I've always been a FWD believer (space, snow, rain) but note it'll plow. Steering is sensitive to road camber changes -- doesn't have a lot of caster -- reminds me a bit of a Series 2 XJ6 in feel. I'll replace the poor Bridgestones with Michelins or Contis when the OEM tires expire. XM is worth it to me for the BBC World Service alone and my 1940s Furtwangler CDs sound good on the DVD player. The longer I have the car the more I like it.

#6449 of 9045 Re: bodble2, et al [nkeen] by habitat1

Oct 23, 2004 (5:49 am)

Replying to: nkeen (Oct 22, 2004 5:03 pm)
Interesting that you would describe the TL as a "luxury tourer" rather than a sport sedan. I guess it's all "relative", but when I had my TL in for a "B" service yesterday, they had a new RL on display and for a brief test drive. I didn't get a chance to test its full capabilities, but after driving it for only about 4 miles, hopping back into my TL 6-speed felt like I was going into a small sport sedan from a large luxury car. Mostly the visual affect of the interior, but also the insulated driving feel of the RL. I have no doubt the RL's capabilities at the limits are impressive, but I doubt it would get my $49,000 over another $5-7,000+ for a 545i 6-speed.
 
FWIW, my service manager also recommended replacing my HPT summer tires with 245/45 series tires when the time comes. Apparantly the TL rims were sized for 245's and the standard 235's leave the rim edge very susceptable to curb scrapes (which I've already had a couple of). Fortunately, at 7,700 miles, my tires are still in very good shape, compared to some of the Potenza tires which are in need of replacement after as little as 12,000 - 15,000 miles.

#6450 of 9045 Re: does the oil [highender] by courtney11

Oct 23, 2004 (6:39 am)

Replying to: highender (Oct 20, 2004 10:45 am)
Personally I use full synthetic. If you have read the articles comparing them it states that synthetic does not brake down nearly as fast and does protect the engine much better. I live in Florida and the heat warrants the extra protection. Personally I would use it wherever I lived. Make sure to use full synthetic and no blends. Mobil 1 or Castrol are my favorites.
Goor Luck...

#6451 of 9045 Re: Various replies [habitat1] repost [neuronbob] by patentparadise

Oct 24, 2004 (12:27 pm)

Replying to: neuronbob (Oct 11, 2004 1:06 pm)
Neuronbob--
 
I saw that you recently drove from Cleveland to NYC. Is it safe to assume that you reside in C'town? If so, I'm curious to know how your TL handles during the wonderful wintertime here in Cleveland.

#6452 of 9045 Handling by dsanders

Oct 27, 2004 (8:23 am)

Hello, I am considering a TSX, TL, or Subaru WRX STi. I am looking for a car that is fun to drive, will last, and works as a daily driver. I am currently leaning towards the TL, but handling and driving fun are important to me, which is why the STi is in the mix. I know they are in different classes.
 
To those that own a 2004/2005 TL with 6 speed, how well does it handle? I know the fwd will hinder it, but I have been getting mixed reviews on how the 'sporty' the TL is.

#6453 of 9045 bodble, courtney by highender

Oct 27, 2004 (2:20 pm)

thanks for your info on the synthetics...
 
I think I will change over....

#6454 of 9045 Re: TL SEATS courtney , habitat by highender

Oct 27, 2004 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: courtney11 (Oct 21, 2004 2:16 pm)
I agree, the TL seats are not uncomfortable per se, but they are not the most comfortable and supportive that I have been in.
 
I have handmade custom leather seats in the suburban, but they are not as supportive as the TLs.
 
The most supportive and comfortable, without being over-stuffed, IMO, are the seats found in the sporty Volvo RS6 sedan....you feel completely soft yet supported in them.....better than any I have ever tried....better than even Porsche, BMW, or Mercedes, IMO.....
 
TL is not bad....I can live with them in a long trip....
 

#6455 of 9045 MY $.02 on '05 TL by sb55

Oct 27, 2004 (6:23 pm)

I got my 05 TL with Nav and 6 speed LAST WEEK and already have 1500 miles on it. Paid 33,250. Took a 400 mile each way trip to visit my daughter at college. About 26 mpg at close to 75-80 the whole way.
I thought the seats were hard 1st couple of days but they have "broken in" and are more comfortable already. XM is great on long trip and I will surely pay when the time comes.
FWD is ok. I find the steering a little isolated and "light". I may change tires in the spring, even though it came with Michelins.
Just my $.02.

#6456 of 9045 Re: does the oil [highender] by courtney11 by jjtuan

Oct 27, 2004 (9:09 pm)

acura uses 5w20 oil but mobil1 doesn't have that oil. what kind oil you use on mobil1. thanks

Messages Page 646 of 905

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement