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Acura TL 2009 -

1506 messages,  Last post on Nov 09, 2009 at 10:05 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Sedan


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#1141 of 1506
Re: Just An Observation [laurasdada] by jpdisarro
Oct 21, 2008 (11:16 am)
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Replying to: laurasdada (Oct 21, 2008 8:59 am)

The car would benefit if the large chrome piece on the front shrunk substantially. Even with the some of the quibbles with the styling, the TL will likely still be on my list when I am shopping for my next car due to the dearth of reasonably priced, desirable AWD cars.
#1142 of 1506
Mostly Negative by vaughn4
Oct 21, 2008 (2:23 pm)
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From reading all of these posts I think Acura may have a real issue with the polarizing styling of the 09 TL. I've also looked at a plethora of other sites and the consumer opinions on the styling of the new TL is down right pretty amazing - In a negative sense that is.
 
I have yet to see a real live 09 TL on the road so I don't think people are smitten with this new version IMHO. I travel throughout Florida from Miami to Jax, Orlando and Tampa so I would have expected to see at least one by now.
 
Acura better hope it at least turns out to be bullet proof with respect to reliability or they will definitely have a dud on their hands. Too many first year model problems coupled with the controversial styling will be the ultimate kiss of death.
 
Is Acura/Honda losing its appeal? I fear more and more signs are pointing to that possibility. I also note that a fully loaded 09 TL is closely approaching the entry level luxury of the BMW, Audi, and Mercedes types.
#1143 of 1506
Re: Mostly Negative [vaughn4] by bodble2
Oct 21, 2008 (2:55 pm)
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Replying to: vaughn4 (Oct 21, 2008 2:23 pm)

Well, when we dropped by our dealer a couple of weekends ago to have a look-see, there were about 5 or 6 '09 TL's sitting on the lot, but no one was looking other than us. In fact, there was very little showroom traffic overall. You would think a brand new model would garner significant interest, even if it is just mostly out of curiosity. I figure 3 possible factors at play --- the gloomy economic outlook, the Acura/Honda brand losing its appeal, as you said, and a lot of people striking the TL off of their lists, just based on styling and/or size.
#1144 of 1506
by gundersen
Oct 21, 2008 (3:02 pm)
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To dysutton. Your experience is absolutely, positively not typical. The only car company that has less problems as a whole than Honda/Acura is Toyota/Lexus. check it out.
#1145 of 1506
Re: Mostly Negative [bodble2] by go_mdx1
Oct 21, 2008 (4:33 pm)
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Replying to: bodble2 (Oct 21, 2008 2:55 pm)

With today's economy, dealer foot traffic is a very poor barometer of how well a car has been made or designed. Two months ago, Honda Civic's were flying out of the dealer showrooms. Now, at the local dealer, there is over 50 Civics in stock (including a bunch of hybrids). Honda dealer is nearly empty on Saturday's.
 
So, I vote for factor #1 "gloomy economic outlook" as the main reason this car is not selling well.
 
BTW: I own an 09 Maxima and have yet to see another 09 Maxima on the road in the two months since I purchased the car.
#1146 of 1506
Re: Mostly Negative [go_mdx1] by kennyg8
Oct 21, 2008 (5:00 pm)
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Replying to: go_mdx1 (Oct 21, 2008 4:33 pm)

I agree. The poor foot traffic is most likely due to gloomy economic outlook, and Acura showrooms are no different than showrooms of other (comparable) brands.
 
Surprisingly, there is no comparison of the 09 Acura v Maxima in Edmunds. With the more upscaled Maxima, it is moving closer to the TL, except that you can get a comparably equipped Maxima for a grand or two less. The SH-AWD TL costs $42k, which I think will cost Acura to lose a substantial number of potential customers, unless significant discounts are given.
#1147 of 1506
Re: Acura should call it quits. [dvsutton] by kennyg8
Oct 21, 2008 (5:12 pm)
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Replying to: dvsutton (Oct 20, 2008 11:04 pm)

Sorry to hear about your wife's Honda Odyssey. Like many posters have pointed out, however, your problems are atypical, as Honda and Acura (particularly Acura) do have a reputation of making cars that are rather reliable, especially when compared with other brands. Even Lexus, the perennial favorite of Consumer Reports, produces a few lemons. Yours might be a lemon ... sorry
#1148 of 1506
Re: [gundersen] by kennyg8
Oct 21, 2008 (5:21 pm)
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Replying to: gundersen (Oct 21, 2008 3:02 pm)

Your statement about Toyota/Lexus having less problems than Honda/Acura is generally true. However, based on this article that summarizes findings of Consumer Report, Honda/Acura and Subaru appeared to do even better than Toyota/Lexus, at least for now or in 2007. http://www.autospies.com/news/Consumer-Report-Removes-Toyota-and-Lexus-Models-Fr- om-Coveted-Recommend-List-21817/
#1149 of 1506
by fornov
Oct 21, 2008 (6:57 pm)
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My personal experience with the TL is hot and cold. I have had my '06 TL for almost 3 years now, and it has had zero mechanical problems through 50K miles. I have had the routine maintenance performed, put new tires on at 40K, and paid for gas. That's it. There are significant positives - looks nice, great highway mileage (usually 30-32 MPG), very comfortable, good size for me (6'2 185, with a wife and 2 little girls).
 
However, there are significant negatives, too, which I hope the '09 TL will address.
1. bad understeer and plowing into corners
2. torque steer
3. wheel spin with even moderate acceleration from a stop
4. squealing wheels any time a corner is driven anything but lightly
5. about the slowest car in its class
 
Most of these problems will hopefully be addressed by the stronger engine and SH-AWD system. I don't race my car, but sometimes I like to hit the back roads a little harder when I'm driving by myself. If the '09 TL can fix these problems and retain the parts of the previous generation that I like (mileage, comfort), I may have a good choice here. I also really like all the tech stuff Acura has added to the mix. Although it's not my favorite, I don't mind the styling, and it would be kind of cool to have a car no one else has and most people haven't even seen yet. The increased size is fine with me as long as the handling characteristics aren't lost. The interior is first-rate, truly outstanding.
 
I'm also strongly considering the new G37x sedan (when it arrives) - this is probably the frontrunner right now. I'd love to get an IS-F or CTS-V, but I need the AWD (or at least FWD). The IS250 has a joke for a powertrain, and the CTS AWD isn't what I'm looking for. Plus, do they all have a wood-accented steering wheel? I thought I'd like the Maxima, but it seems like the sucker's version of the G sedan. I drove an MKS - maybe when I'm 50. The 335xi is a real winner, except I can't stand the plain jane interior. It seems a little arrogant to ignore interior asthetics and ergonomics, plus it seems everyone and their mother-in-law has a BMW these days. What else is there? Mercedes doesn't have anything I'd like - maybe if they put an AWD setup in their AMG's. I haven't looked at Saab or Volvo much, but I'm skeptical about their lineups. The XF is cool, but also only RWD. What about Audi S4 - it's not bad, but isn't there a new model for '10? And with a smaller engine now? How about the 300C AWD - I haven't researched that much. GS350 AWD - again with the wood steering wheel? That might seem like a trivial point, but it's really a deal-breaker for me - those are cold and slick in the winter, and I don't like to drive with gloves on. The last 2 cars I've bought were the TL and the '03 G35 (back when I could live with RWD). It looks like those are the top 2 choices again.
#1150 of 1506
Re: [fornov] by jpdisarro
Oct 22, 2008 (6:26 am)
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Replying to: fornov (Oct 21, 2008 6:57 pm)

The G37x would also be the closest competitor with the TL for me. I would be interested in the G37x AWD coupe, but unfortunately, the closest Infiniti dealer is 130 miles away from where I will be moving next year. That leaves Subaru, Acura and BMW as the only options for AWD sedans, and I would not be willing to pay over $45k for a 335xi, so BMW is out as well. The 2010 Subaru Legacy GT sounds like it could be interesting. I may be willing to go FWD, but RWD is not an option.

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