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Luxury Performance Sedans

10338 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 3:12 PM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 430, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Infiniti M35, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Sedan

Messages Page 974 of 1034

#9731 of 10338 Why No Mention Of The 2009 Acura TL On These Boards? by draz2

Feb 24, 2009 (8:00 am)

I mention this because I believe the TL competes directly (and favorably) with many of the more presigious cars in this category (i.e. A6, 5 series, E-class) at a price savings of $17-20k. The Acura pricing strategy eliminates all the annoying "packages" you have to buy to get leather, nav, xenon headlights, seat memories, etc. Only two choices. Do you want awd or fwd? After that, do you want the tech package or the base car? The fwd car comes with a 280hp engine and can be had with the tech package for $35,500. The sh-awd version w/ tech (305hp) can be had for $40k.
 
Here's what you get in the tech cars: leather, keyless entry/start, xenon headlights, real time weather and traffic, a SOTA nav system with a nav screen that rivals HDTV, backup camera, seat memory, full ipod integration, a built-in hard drive that you can burn up to 400 hours of CD music directly onto, a restaurant guide with full Zagat ratings and descriptions, heated seats, dual zone climate control and bluetooth.
 
All in a package that's earned 5 start crash ratings. The cabin is amazingly roomy as you might expect in a car that's 74" wide (compare this to the G35/37 which is only 69" wide -- the differences in interior room and comfort are immediately apparent). The rear seat is particulary noteworthy for it's size and is comfortable for 6 foot adults.
 
I drove both the sh-awd and the fwd versions and settled on the fwd car because I live in NYC and I found the sh-awd car to ride too firmly for my tastes. It was jarring on bumps. The fwd car rode just perfectly. Firm, controlled but forgiving over road irregularities. Reminded me of Mercedes' suspensions which I've always regarded as class leading in this size/class of car. But if you live in an area with predominantly smooth roads, the sh-awd may be your car.
 
I realize it may sound heretical, but I honestly believe the 2009 TL competes successfully and directly against to other cars mentioned above.
 
And Acura reliability and build quality are second to none.
 
Any thoughts?

#9732 of 10338 Re: Looking for used Luxury Sedan [houdini1] by clarence10

Feb 24, 2009 (8:39 am)

Replying to: houdini1 (Feb 24, 2009 7:04 am)
Thanks for this info. I would love an LS, but trying to keep the price in the Low $20k range and also looking for All Wheel or Front Wheel Drive. Whenvever I look at a Lexus, they seem to be priced a good 20-25% higher then the Acura. I assume because of popularity.
 
Do they sell 2005 CPO Lexus?

#9733 of 10338 Re: Why No Mention Of The 2009 Acura TL On These Boards? [draz2] by qbrozen

Feb 24, 2009 (9:07 am)

Replying to: draz2 (Feb 24, 2009 8:00 am)
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and should enjoy your car, but to answer some of your points ...
 
Do you want awd or fwd?
 
Well, therein lies the problem for a good number of folks shopping in this class. FWD is typically attributed to a "lower class" car. And it is cheaper to manufacture, which leads to some of the cost savings you've pointed out.
 
The cabin is amazingly roomy as you might expect in a car that's 74" wide (compare this to the G35/37 which is only 69" wide -- the differences in interior room and comfort are immediately apparent). The rear seat is particulary noteworthy for it's size and is comfortable for 6 foot adults.
 
That's great if a large car is what you are after. Personally, I found my Accord too large. I do like having the room for those occassions I need it, but I don't like it when I want my vehicle to act more like a sportscar.
 
and that relation to the Accord doesn't help, either. If you notice in the list at the top of the page, the Lexus GS is listed, while the ES is overlooked. Kind of the same reasoning, I believe.

#9734 of 10338 Re: Looking for used Luxury Sedan [clarence10] by houdini1

Feb 24, 2009 (9:13 am)

Replying to: clarence10 (Feb 24, 2009 8:39 am)
Yes they do. I think they will cpo a car if it is not over 5 years old so you could go to the 2004 model year. Very few changes in the car from 04 to 06 so that is a good idea. I have seen a few older than 5 years that were certified. See what your local dealer has in stock. Some very good deals are out there.
 
Some say that a good set of snow tires (all 4 tires) for the winter months is a good alternative to front wheel/all wheel drive.

#9735 of 10338 Re: Why No Mention Of The 2009 Acura TL On These Boards? [qbrozen] by draz2

Feb 24, 2009 (9:23 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 24, 2009 9:07 am)
Interesting points. especially so in that I currently own a 2007 ES350. Great car, mind you, but a snooze to drive.
 
I know that most people associate fwd with "economy" which is why the TL offers the sh-awd (super handling - all wheel drive) option. As you may already know, this system is vastly superior to most awd systems out there in that it can vector the torque not only front/back, but between each individual wheel based on load and spin -- thus, the "sh" part of the equation. It blows the quatro system out of the water in both wet and dry handling.
 
As to the car's handling, I can assure you it's razor sharp. The steering, in particular deserves special mention as it's so precise you could put the car thru a space with 2" on each side without a problem. It has terrific weight and road feel, too. Mind you, it's no Porsche (but what is?) but it'll more than hold it's own against the other cars mentioned in straight ahead speed and slalom handling.
 
Sorry if I sound like an employee of Acura (I'm not, of course) but I really believe this vehicle doesn't get the recognition it deserves. Part of this may be due to previous generations of the TL which were bland, unrecognizable and, in many ways, mere conveyances rather that cars that stirred the soul. I think Acura has effectively rectified that with this current generation TL. I've owned Mercedes (1), BMW (1), Volvos (2), Audi (1) and Lexus' (3) over the years and I really do believe that in features, appointments, driving dynamics, room and sportiness this car competes on a more than even footing.

#9736 of 10338 Re: Looking for used Luxury Sedan [clarence10] by sanjaysdca

Feb 24, 2009 (9:23 am)

Replying to: clarence10 (Feb 24, 2009 8:39 am)
If you like infiniti M then you probably can get 2006 CPO M35x on low 20's.
 
I would NOT recommend Acura RL.
 
I have 2008 MDX and 00 Infiniti I30..
 
00 I30 has better build quality (Surprising but TRUE)
 
I30 has better software logic (for example headlight go out/turn on when keys are in ignition NOT when the door is opened - every time -you go back to car to get something head lights turn on and then off...There are other similar minor annoyances)
 
MDX has TOO much technology that takes pleasure of driving away...and is making me nervous about repair cost outside warranty.
 
The NAV (user interface) of MDX is not that great.
 
Backup camera in MDX is very deceptive.
 
Having said that SH-AWD is blast to drive.
 
OK lf I were you what would I consider?
In pre-owned
   Infiniti M, G
   Lexus GS, LS
Acura TL (2008 and older - not technology intensive)
I would also consider following new cars
   2008 TL (If you can find one)
   Nissan Altima/Maxima
   Accord
   Hyundai Azera/Genesis...doubt you can find genesis for <30K Also I would look at the cost of financing used 20K vs 0%APR and other incentives available for new car. (If you are paying cash for thecar then this is mute point)

#9737 of 10338 Re: Looking for used Luxury Sedan [clarence10] by lexusguy

Feb 24, 2009 (3:24 pm)

Replying to: clarence10 (Feb 24, 2009 5:04 am)
.What is the repair record like for these 2006 Audi A6 3.2? If you got one, would you only go with a CPO?
 
From what I've seen and heard, the latest A6 is supposed to be pretty good. There were a few minor issues with the initial '05s, mostly to do with MMI teething issues, but those were worked out by '06.
 
How long do you plan to keep the car? If it's more than two years, I would definitely either get a CPO, or talk to some Audi dealers and see if they can get you the factory extended warranty.
 
Both the RL and the Lexus GS300 AWD had poor reliability in their first year. Acura improved the RL quite a bit for year two, Lexus didn't. I would steer clear of the GS300 AWD. Normally a Lexus is a safe bet in terms of reliability, but for whatever reason Lexus totally blew it with the GS AWD.

#9738 of 10338 Re: Why No Mention Of The 2009 Acura TL On These Boards? [draz2] by lexusguy

Feb 24, 2009 (3:27 pm)

Replying to: draz2 (Feb 24, 2009 8:00 am)
Here's what you get in the tech cars: leather, keyless entry/start, xenon headlights, real time weather and traffic, a SOTA nav system with a nav screen that rivals HDTV, backup camera, seat memory, full ipod integration, a built-in hard drive that you can burn up to 400 hours of CD music directly onto, a restaurant guide with full Zagat ratings and descriptions, heated seats, dual zone climate control and bluetooth.
 
You also get one of the ugliest cars in recent memory, with an interior that's Honda quality, at best. Only Acura still thinks they can charge over $40K for plastic wood and plastic aluminum. No thanks.

#9739 of 10338 Re: Looking for used Luxury Sedan [houdini1] by lexusguy

Feb 24, 2009 (3:31 pm)

Replying to: houdini1 (Feb 24, 2009 9:13 am)
Some say that a good set of snow tires (all 4 tires) for the winter months is a good alternative to front wheel/all wheel drive.
 
Having had plenty of experience with an LS430 on Arctic Alpins and Blizzaks, I can report that the car is drivable with light snow and mostly plowed roads. That's as far as I'd go. If there's a lot of fresh snow or ice on the roads and the crews haven't gotten to it yet, forget about it. For those days I would take the wife's RX, and the LS would stay home.

#9740 of 10338 Re: Why No Mention Of The 2009 Acura TL On These Boards? [qbrozen] by lexusguy

Feb 24, 2009 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Feb 24, 2009 9:07 am)
If you notice in the list at the top of the page, the Lexus GS is listed, while the ES is overlooked. Kind of the same reasoning, I believe.
 
Actually it's because the TL, ES, G37, CTS, etc. don't compete in this class. Acura has increased the size and feature content of the TL (making the RL utterly irrelevant in the process) but it's still an entry-level car, one which competes with the ES/IS, G, CTS, C-class, A4, and all the rest. You'll find them all on the entry luxury forum.

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