General Acura TL FAQ (2004 - 2008 models) - new folks please read!

[autoxCLS]

Q: What is the TL?
A: The TL is Acura's midsize Luxury Sedan. The current generation began sales in 2004.

Q: What trim levels does the TL have?
A: As of 3-7-2007, there are two trim levels: Type-S, which gets the 286 hp, 256 lb-ft 3.5L VTEC V-6, along with a set of body modifications, tuned suspension, and brembo brakes. The "base" model TL gets the 258-hp, 233 lb-ft 3.2L VTEC V-6.

Q: What are some of the advanced features of the new TL?
A: The new TL is really a technological marvel. It comes standard with a bluetooth handsfree system that allows your bluetooth-capable mobile phone to "pair" with it and use a microphone embedded into the cabin instead of holding the phone to your ear. This same system utilizes the "MID" or Multi-Information Display, to show the caller ID info, battery life and signal strength of compatible phones. It also allows you to use the voice activated features of your phone, all without picking the phone up or moving your hands from the steering wheel. The MID has tons of great information from oil change intervals to outside temperature to tire pressure. The new TL also has one of the most acclaimed and advanced satellite navigation units available as an option. This navigation unit integrates seamlessly with other car functions, so it's as easy to look for a gas station as it is to turn the driver side temperature down.

Q: What are the competetors to the TL?
A: The Infinity G35 sedan, Honda Accord sedan, Nissan Maxima, Lexus ES, Audi A4 3.0, BMW 3-series, and Toyota Camry are all in the same general class of sedans. Of those, the Lexus, Infinity, Audi and BMW compare closest.

Q: What is the proper break-in procedure for my new TL?
A: There are a myriad of opinions on the "proper" break-in procedure. Some suggest changing the oil every 500 miles, but follow your owner's manual or any more frequent schedule that you are comfortable with. Acura engines are very durable. Use your best judgment.

Q: Should I use synthetic or standard oil?
A: This is an almost religious issue. Synthetic oil will certainly do nothing but good for your engine, but it's really up to you to decide on using synthetic or standard oil. As long as you change the oil and filter on recommended intervals and use the proper weight oil, Acura will maintain your warranty - unless you do something really stupid.

We will be adding to this thread as we go along.

[First Man]

the Honda accord, and Camry are not in the same class as the TL. those are regular mid-priced, mid-sized sedans(except the new Accord is officially a Large Car). the TL is a luxury mid-size car, as you said. some other competitors are the Cadillac CTS, the Chrysler 300C, the (going on a limb here) Mercedes-Benz C-class/E-class, as well as the Saab 9-5, the Mazda6, and the Subaru Legacy(?)

the proper break-in procedure? i doubt there really is one, ive heard tales of TLs having really low fuel economy until the 1000-mile mark or so, and i thimk that is where the TL performs best.

[dodgeyaussie]

Originally Posted by First Man

the Honda accord, and Camry are not in the same class as the TL. those are regular mid-priced, mid-sized sedans(except the new Accord is officially a Large Car). the TL is a luxury mid-size car, as you said. some other competitors are the Cadillac CTS, the Chrysler 300C, the (going on a limb here) Mercedes-Benz C-class/E-class, as well as the Saab 9-5, the Mazda6, and the Subaru Legacy(?)

the proper break-in procedure? i doubt there really is one, ive heard tales of TLs having really low fuel economy until the 1000-mile mark or so, and i thimk that is where the TL performs best.

The Accord and TL are built on the same platform.

[OneOfOne]

the lexus es series is in no way a competitor to the tl. the IS is a competitor and a better car in every way except for voice command.

[Gwave_70]

You have got to be kidding. First the IS-250 is more equivalent to the TSX in power and size, but with a price tag closer to the TL. Second the only IS that is even close to the TL/TL-S is the IS-350, but by the time you add the options that are included on the TL you end up with a price tag that is that is easily 10-15k more then the TL.

I looked at both the IS-250 AWD and the IS-350 before my purchase of my TL-S. And I would make that choice any day of the week.

[OneOfOne]

Originally Posted by Gwave_70

You have got to be kidding. First the IS-250 is more equivalent to the TSX in power and size, but with a price tag closer to the TL. Second the only IS that is even close to the TL/TL-S is the IS-350, but by the time you add the options that are included on the TL you end up with a price tag that is that is easily 10-15k more then the TL.

I looked at both the IS-250 AWD and the IS-350 before my purchase of my TL-S. And I would make that choice any day of the week.

good for you. my IS 350 is faster quicker and more comfortable than your tl-s. yes its more expensive but its also rwd.

[petroxg]

I have tested drove IS, yea IS has smoother drive than TL and IS 350 is faster than TL-S. But I have to agree with Gwave_70, I will buy TL-S over IS 350 anyday cuz the extra 10-15k u have to pay for IS 350 with equivalent features of TL-S is not worth it for me. Waste of money for a marginal faster car and marginal smoother drive. If IS 350 is only 1-2k more expensive, then I will consider IS 350 but 10-15k does not justify it for me.

As for comfort, I rode on IS both as front and rear passenger b4 cuz my friend got one, IS is not comfortable at all, particularly for long road trip. It is a torture..I mean is seriously a torture, not enough leg rooms nor comfort to move around. TL/TL-S is more comfortable since I travel on long distance a lot.

Don't get me wrong though, IS 350 is a fun car to drive, just not my type of car for the kind driving I have to do, and I don't see the extra 10-15k justification to buy that car unless I m filty rich.

[Gwave_70]

Originally Posted by OneOfOne

good for you. my IS 350 is faster quicker and more comfortable than your tl-s. yes its more expensive but its also rwd.

I don't know how you can say that the IS 350 is more comfortable then the TL-S. That is unless you are less than 5'10" and have the shoulders of a little girl. The IS is a cramped car the size of the TSX. Sure, it has 20 more HP but at what cost. Less room and less options and any options added mean big $$$ to the price. But, if you like that is all that matters. I didn't care for it though.

[OneOfOne]

Originally Posted by Gwave_70

I don't know how you can say that the IS 350 is more comfortable then the TL-S. That is unless you are less than 5'10" and have the shoulders of a little girl. The IS is a cramped car the size of the TSX. Sure, it has 20 more HP but at what cost. Less room and less options and any options added mean big $$$ to the price. But, if you like that is all that matters. I didn't care for it though.

theres a big difference between a 'test' drive and living with one. I didnt get the sport version which had a ride didnt like and I know that even the base TL doesnt ride as well as an IS so dont lie as say the S version rides well. I lift and wear XXL shirts so I am pretty sure my shoulders are at least [heh] as big as yours. the new TSX may approach the size of an IS only because it was enlarged at the insistence of the euro honda people. and yes it has a cramped rear seat but then its NOT based on a main stream family sedan like the TL which is as we all know a rebodied american accord. did it list for more than 40k? yep. am I happier with this than I was with the TL? yep, except for the nav which is only adequate and voice command which the TL is far better at.

[amd4me]

Originally Posted by dodgeyaussie

The Accord and TL are built on the same platform.

No they are not.

[OneOfOne]

they are built in the same plant in ohio. which you would know if you had ever ordered one and had your salesman tell you.

[The General]

Originally Posted by amd4me

No they are not.

Really? I think you better investigate further.

[amd4me]

google the cross section or a picture of the chassis. they may be related,however they are not the same