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Acura TL 2009 +

2001 messages,  Last post on Oct 22, 2012 at 10:07 AM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Sedan

Messages Page 188 of 201

#1865 of 2001 Re: Is the new Acura TL a magnet for accidents? [marco25] by rlonn1

Jul 02, 2010 (9:21 am)

Replying to: marco25 (Jul 02, 2010 8:31 am)
Sorry to hear about this unfortunate situation. My 2010 TL is only 4 months old, and due to the superior breaking and steering control, I have been able to avoid 2 near miss accidents to date. I would not attribute this to the size of the car. One could argue that the car is so DAM attractive, that folks are looking at your car, not at the road.
 
We all try and drive defensively, breaking WELL IN ADVANCE of the traffic ahead slowing down on the freeways here in San Diego.
 
I drove my 1995 Nissan Quest for 143,000 miles and not a single nick in the windshield. Got my 2005 Honda Pilot and in the first 3,000 miles got two Bad Chips in the glass window! I think it is just the luck of the draw, nothing to do with you or your car, just being at the wrong place at the wrong time...
 
I will say that when I park my car, I do look around for a space that gives me as much clearance as possible, so I park between two small cars, not between two large SUV's or trucks, even if I have to walk further...

#1868 of 2001 Re: Is the new Acura TL a magnet for accidents? [rlonn1] by marco25

Jul 03, 2010 (6:59 am)

Replying to: rlonn1 (Jul 02, 2010 9:21 am)
Sweendogy, thanks for your encouraging reply concerning the two accidents with my 2009 TL. I really do LIKE this new TL model, unfortunately I will have to replace this car soon. It's not the same after the repairs. The collision repair people literally had to cut out the entire rear bumper system and replace it along with impact bar,exhaust systems and repairs to the rear door wells. The car just isn't the same as the cabin is no longer supper quiet and it rides like a truck now. There is definitely something wrong with the suspension. The adjuster never authorized a mechanical analysis or alignment in which I requested in written documentation. I am now being told I have to take the vehicle to the Dealership for these services.
 
Although I used the collision repair company that is part of my Acura Dealership, be very careful with collision repair shops as they will only do what is required by the adjuster. The consumer thinks a thorough check will be completed to many other ares of the vehicle after a collision which I found not true. If it wasn't for the second accident I would have tried to settle the Diminished Value of this auto and replace this wounded TL with a new one this 4th of July weekend.
 
Speaking of Diminished Value, the car was 12 months and 10 days old with 11,859 miles on the day of the first accident. Do any of you have experience with how Diminished Value is determined and what to watch out for with these tricky insurance people?
 
Things happen for a reason so maybe its time for me to step up from the Base Model to the TL SH-AWD 2010.

#1870 of 2001 2,000 miles in by marcus216

Jul 06, 2010 (8:11 am)

Just hit the 2,000 mark in my new TL SH-AWD. Overall impressions:
1. Excellent power. No problem merging on crowded freeways
2. Handles quite well. I do think the suspension is a bit stiff for my taste, but in no way is it harsh. We have very bumpy roads here in Northeast Ohio and you do feel bad pavement to some extent.
3. Very comfortable seating, both front and rear. Much better than competing models I shopped.
4. Looks that draw gazes. I love the sleek unusual look even though it did take some getting used to. Have put 4 coats of Zaino on and the car just shines.
5. Gas mileage is decent so far, will probably improve a bit over time. Getting about 19.5 miles per gallon in 50-50 city/interstate driving
6. Transmission can be a bit jerky, especially when starting from a near stop, but I have learned to control that.
7. I don't care for the stock Michelin Pilot tires. The treadware is only 300 which means that they will wear out quickly. Also, they are not good in Winter weather compared to other M+S tires. I realize they are there for the handling aspect of the car, but I would rather have better tread life and Winter handling vs better skidpad numbers. We will see how they are next winter. I will consider replacing if winter traction sucks.
8. Seat heater buttons are very easy to accidently turn on. Not a big deal, but a minor inconvenience.
 
Overall, I am quite pleased with the car. I think I made the right choice for my needs. No car is perfect, including the TL, but it is a fine automobile and a very reasonable price.

#1871 of 2001 Re: 2,000 miles in [marcus216] by rlonn1

Jul 06, 2010 (8:37 am)

Replying to: marcus216 (Jul 06, 2010 8:11 am)
great report. Mine has 4300 miles, 2010 SH-AWD... If this is like my wife 2009 TSX, the suspension will soften out over time as it breaks in, my wife TSX sure has after 17,000 miles. Recent trip from San Diego to las Vegas showed an average speed of 64 MPH and I got 25.6 MPG on the trip, so that is good... Do watch your Oil Consumption. Some recent reports of oil usage during the first 4-5K miles as the rings break in. I used 1/2 Qt after 4K miles. I agree with the seat heater switches.. Never heard of Zaino, but I will check it out, I have several coats of wax so i am Ok for now.

#1872 of 2001 Re: 2,000 miles in [rlonn1] by billyperks2

Jul 06, 2010 (11:06 am)

Replying to: rlonn1 (Jul 06, 2010 8:37 am)
I guess I am not driving mine as much as you guys are. I bought mine last August and I have approximately 5K miles on it-well I guess I need to take it out more often.
Without a doubt, Zaino is the best polymer out there for car care. I got introduced to it back in 2000 and I have never gone back to the over the counter waxes.
I got to admit, it looks better on my wife's Carbon Grey Pearl than on my White Diamond Pearl-overall, good stuff and it last for a season.

#1873 of 2001 Re: 2,000 miles in [billyperks2] by rlonn1

Jul 06, 2010 (12:47 pm)

Replying to: billyperks2 (Jul 06, 2010 11:06 am)
Does ZAINO give your car that Glass Finish Look? Something you see on cars at antique car shows where the paint looks like it is under a inch of Glass!

#1874 of 2001 Re: 2,000 miles in [rlonn1] by marcus216

Jul 06, 2010 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: rlonn1 (Jul 06, 2010 8:37 am)
Thanks for the alert about possible oil usage. I will keep an eye on it. Does the TL let you know if the oil level is low or do you need to do it the old fashioned way under the hood? Some cars will alert you to low oil level.
 
I would definitely recommend Zaino. http://www.zainostore.com/
Not a wax but a polymer and you can layer it. With normal wax, you take off the old layer when you put a new layer on. The more layers you put on, the better the shine. You can't believe how it shines! I have used it for about 10 years.

Messages Page 188 of 201

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