Hi, I am a college student in the upper midwest (it gets really cold up here) and I am just curious how TLs handle cold weather. I will probably end up buying one at the end of the summer to replace my crappy old mazda. Any suggestions???? I am kind of thinking about a 96-97 2.5, I figure that would get better gas mileage as school is 400 miles from home. Any suggestions are very appreciated. Thanks much!

 

Was your mazda a v6? this TL does drink gas like water as well but if thats your issue, make sure you do get a 2.5 instead of the 3.2 TL. 2.5 is a 5 cylinder so that helps a bit. as for handling in cold weather, I have no clue b/c im in tx. all we get are floods and hurricanes

 

Whats up gjak. I'm from Fargo, and I've only been in snow a few times with my '97 3.2 TL (got it in March)...but I think it handles quite well. You might want better tires, but thats about it. This car is actually heavy enough to handle well, and the ABS works really well on the slippery crap. The only thing is, with the 3.2 I only get 300 miles TOPS per tank (14 gallons used by the time the light comes on). I think the 2.5's get way better milage though. I'd recommend it, i love it and I used to have a 2001 Bonneville and those are heavy, the TL is actually better in the snow, probably because of less torque. My Bonneville hated slippery crap on takeoffs, the torque slid the front end over right when i hit the gas, every time.

 

2.5TL:

City mpg: 20
Highway mpg: 25

actual mileage varies w/ options, driving habits, weather conditions etc.. its estimated that the 2.5 will achieve btw 17 and 23 mpg in the city and between. 21 and 29 mpg on the highway. comparing to other compact cars, they range from 11 to 40 mpg city and 16 to 49 mpg highway.

 

Funny about gas mileage, I have a 3.2 that consistently is getting 27 or 28 mpg. I know a guy with a 2.5 that only gets 22 mpg. Go figure. But i'd say overall, you are losing 1 mpg and gaining 24 horses. Its your call.

As for snow handling, the TL's are excellent. The 3.2 w/ premium package comes with a traction control system.

 

Ken, how in the world do you get that good of gas milage with your 3.2?
I had some exhaust issues I took car of, new fuel filter, flushed tranny and coolant system, balanced and rotated my tires, and put a K&N air filter in, and at best I get around 21 or 22, but most of my miles are town, and I drive it somewhat hard. Anyways, you get awesome gas milage...I'm going to get my timing belt replaced, and spark plugs/wires and see what happens. If I got 25 avg. I'd be happy!

 

There are a bunch of roads here with a speed limit of 45 mph, few stop lights. I do about 55 mph though That is our engine's peak efficiency. I get 29 mpg if I do nothing but that speed.

On the freeway I do about 75 or so. Sometimes 80. I get about 25 or 26 mpg at those speeds.

 

Lol, thats awesome. In town, I'm usually going 50ish if i can. and on the highway, our speed limits are 75, so i usually go 80 - 85. Either way, you get awesome milage man.

 

I get about 10.5L/100km in the city (22.4mpg), and on the highway using cruise control going at 95km/h (59mph), I got 6.4L/100km (36.75mpg). The speed limits here on the highway are 100km/h or 110km/h MAX. I have a 2.5 TL. And as for the car in the winter, it'll be just fine for the most part, but snow tires are a must. I would know, I live in Alberta, and it was snowing in March when I got mine. Another issue might be the starter. If it's old it may have to be replaced since it doesn't like starting in cold weather.