Acura TL vs Honda Accord

Replying to: bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 8:21 am)

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• bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 9:46 am)

Replying to: bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 8:21 am)

I would have to respectfully disagree regarding the TL styling. I think the current TL may go down as one of Honda's best style jobs, if not the best! To me, it still looks as fresh today as it did when it came out in '04. In fact, I prefer the older ones than the '07-'08 with their "freshening touches", ie. tail lights.
 
Usually, I get tired of a car after about 2 - 3 years, but I've been reluctant to trade in my '04 TL 'cause it still looks so good, despite my yearning for a BMW!

Replies to this message:
• bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 9:50 am)
• laurasdada (Nov 01, 2007 12:34 pm)
  • bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 1:34 pm)
    • laurasdada (Nov 02, 2007 8:59 am)

Replying to: jamese777 (Nov 01, 2007 8:56 am)

Accord stereo: Here is what I find is "wrong" with the 270 watt stereo in the 08 Accords:
 
1) At anything more than low to mid volumes, the mid frequencies seem to disappear. The stereo has ok treble and good low-bass, but the mid frequencies just don't appear. The problem is exacerbated by the lack of adequate frequency control / equalization on the audio system. A stereo with 7 speakers and 270 watts deserves a true equalizer -- not simply a base and treble control (with an added subwoofer control).
 
2) The subwoofer seems to be nothing more than an "add on" with a separate 100 watt amp. Many systems with a separate sub use cross-over frequency limiters so that the regular speakers are not trying to produce the low-end frequencies that can be handled by the sub. I don't know if these cross-overs are used on the Accord or not -- but if they are, they aren't doing their job! The regular speakers are trying to pump out lots of bass. This might not be a problem if they could handle it -- but they can't! The regular speakers are either 1) inadequate to handle bass at volumes, or 2) are underpowered and do not have the wattage reserve necessary to produce crisp/clean bass (bad speakers sound bad as do good speakers which are under-powered). You might say, "well then just turn down the bass on the stereo" -- great idea, but the "bass" control affects about 1/2 the audio range. So, if you turn down the bass, you are loosing way more than just the low-end bass that is also being produced by the sub.
 
3) The sound simply is not well-rounded. There is ample high frequency and great very low frequency. But, everything in-between suffers at mid-high or higher volumes. The subwoofer clearly is frequency limited and does not even attempt to produce anything other than low-bass sound. The regular speakers are then left to take up that slack and, as mentioned above, they just can't get it done at mid-high volumes. The mid-range and low-high range are very weak. I assume this is a problem with the speakers, themselves. But, it could also relate to a number of other things including speaker position (since the higher the frequency, the more direct path it needs to have to the ear.)
 
4) The stereo simply does not do a great job of sound imaging. I listened carefully to the upgraded 400+ watt system in the Toyota Camry. It does a great job of sound imaging (and sounds WAY better all-around). The sound imaging /balance issue is particularly hideous if you sit in the back seat of an Accord. The entire Accord sound experience is limited to the front seats. I'm not necessarily knocking Honda for this since it is very common in all budget-minded sedans. But, the new Accord's system should be more balanced given the fact that it is now a big passenger car, clearly intended to seat 4, not 2, passengers.
 
With regard to the LX audio systems, I am very confident when I say that the stereo in my 98 LX Accord was considerably better sounding than that offered in the new LX models. My 98 Stereo was underpowered and would not perform at volumes, but at least it sounded very balanced, with great bass, at lower volumes.
 
Having said all this, I think the upgraded stereo in the 08 Accords will be acceptable to most drivers. It does produce impressive bass! I am confident that the 400+ watt system in the Camry is much better, but I didn't purchase an Accord for its stereo system.

Replying to: bodble2 (Nov 01, 2007 9:27 am)

bodble2 -- yea, didn't mean to imply that the TL looks bad . . I just about bought one before I decided on the Accord.

Replying to: bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 8:21 am)

Thanks for the responses, all very helpful in my (typical) over-analysis.
 

With regard to the TL, I don't think there will be huge price gap between it and a nicely equipped Accord (particularly if you are willing to wait a few more months). I found some 07 TL's still for sale in Boulder, Colorado and they were eager to get rid of them. I was able to get an initial telephone offer of $30,200 for a base level TL. Of course, there likely are no 07's remaining - but the 08 isn't much different, is it? At the end of its model run and with new competition from the Accord and other manufacturers, I think there will be smoke'n great deals on TLs in the next couple of months (and certainly within the next year).

 
Excellent point. While I fully understand why and how TLs hold their value, I find the current resale values of 2006s and 2007s to not make a lot of sense in the $27k and $29k ranges respectively. Some 07s were going for $30k brand new from dealers unloading them in the last 60 days - makes it hard for me to understand why anyone would pay $29 or $30k for one with 10k miles or $27k for one with 25k miles. I see dealers listing used 07s with 10k miles for $35k - wtf.
 
Fortunately for me, I can live with my 95 accord for a while longer and I think this is one of those cases where "wait and see what happens" is in order over the next 10 months or so. I have a feeling the 08 TLs will eventually get discounted, very likely more than the 07s were due to the 09 new style on its heels. Hopefully with that will be an adjustment in 1-2 year old vehicles as well if/when it happens.
 
At least it sounds like a good theory for now

Replies to this message:
• mchalmers (Nov 02, 2007 9:17 am)
  • laurasdada (Nov 02, 2007 7:29 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (Nov 01, 2007 9:27 am)

Yeah, what Bodble2 said.
 
Except my yearning is for a Jag XK. Or Audi A/S5... Sorry, I'm superficial, a fool for a pretty face.

Replies to this message:
• bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 1:34 pm)
  • laurasdada (Nov 02, 2007 8:59 am)

Replying to: laurasdada (Nov 01, 2007 12:34 pm)

Whew!!! I'm a fool for a pretty face too. . . .that new Jag XK looks fantastic!!!! However, its what's on the inside that counts . . did you look at the pictures of the Lincoln-esque interior on that Jag? It would have to be Bentley-like quality to make me like such a conservative look!

Replies to this message:
• laurasdada (Nov 02, 2007 8:59 am)

Replying to: bug4 (Nov 01, 2007 1:34 pm)

I spent a bit of time in an XK coupe at last year's Auto Show (and will again later this month!). Nice interior, conservatievly styled with nice materials. Lincoln interiors are just terrible in both design and materials from what I've seen, e.g. the LS.
 
For about the 3000th drawing in a row, I've not won the lottery. No Jag for me...

Replying to: wolveseatsheep (Nov 01, 2007 11:13 am)

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• laurasdada (Nov 02, 2007 7:29 pm)

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• bug4 (Nov 02, 2007 11:41 am)
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