After listening to a persistent rattle coming from my steering column for almost two weeks now, I took my TSX with ~3000 miles on it in to have the rattle diagnosed and serviced. Turns out it was the airbag connector--a problem that others on this forum have had, apparently--and ordering a new part will take about a week, because the part contains pyrotechnics and must be shipped ground. At least, that's what the service guy said.

I got a TL loaner to drive during the day while they had the TSX (this is from Champion Acura in Houston), and found the experience to be fascinating. This was my first time behind the wheel of a TL, which I'd ignored during my purchasing phase because it was out my price range. I was expecting a larger and more powerful TSX, but the car was totally different. The extra horses were definitely nice, of course, but the car itself felt a lot more boat-like--a lot more like a traditional "luxury car"--than I was expecting. The steering was quite soft, brake feel was poor, and after spending the past two months driving a TSX, felt very isolated from the road.

It didn't help that the TL also rattled in at least three different places, either. That's forgivable for a loaner car, of course, and the entire interior was pretty trashed anyway (discoloration of the dash from being left in the sun, heavy smell of cigarettes, and general dirtiness). Still, in spite of the ample power, the experience of the loaner TL was less than stunning. I was grateful to pick my TSX up back at the end of the day.

Driving the loaner TL was a fun distraction, but the differences between the two vehicles highlighted that the TSX is the right vehicle for me. I appreciate the crispness of the steering, the connection I feel with the road, and the simpler interior. I'll have fun with it again next week, when the airbag assy is in and I have to drop my TSX back off, but I'll be glad to come back to my car when the work is done.

 

The TL was a consideration for me, but I was always leaning more towards the TSX due to size... However your analysis is correct. Compared to the TSX, the TL feels quite soft and more disconnected, from... well... everything. It is a bigger heavier car, and while it is no slouch in the grand scheme of things, it isn't the most graceful thing on 4 wheels.

It is a roomy car though, and I really like the side profile. Perhaps someday when I mellow out a bit, the TL might be more to my liking.

 

Here we go again

 

Didn't mean to stir anything up. It's certainly a nice enough car, and I understand the appeal of owning one. Just wanted to talk about the perceived differences from a TSX owner's perspective.

 

never ending!!!!

 

I actually had an opposite reaction. I got the TL and I fell in love with it. Im thinking about trading in the TSX now.

 

nothing wrong with someone speaking their mind/opinions

 

i liked the TL also and wanted to get it but the size of it turned me to the TSX. i don't really like driving "big" cars. the handling of the TSX is awesome i agree. i am also happy that i stuck with the TSX.

 

im having this same rattle in my stearing column, ill have to take it in and get it checked out this week

 

I was also provided a loaner 2006 TL and I loved the power and the elegant interior. While I loved the TSX interior, the TL's is plusher with more techy toys inside. Regarding the TL, I reckon an aftermarket coilover kit, summer performance tires and thicker swaybar will transform the boat into a handler. I have a feeling that I will be driving and owning a TL one of these days soon..a manual with navi variant.

 

I'm sure the TL's suspension could be vastly improved with TEIN Coilovers + Rear Sway Bar upgrade.

 

:ibTriniboysayshowmuchbettertheTLis:

 

Probably true, but it won't cure its excess weight problem. Weight = the enemy to handling.

 

I agree with Black_6spd.

 

I decided to remove that jab last minute. Didn't think anyone read it, though.

 

<-- All knowing, all seeing

 

I had similar impressions after a test drive, willith.

 

Awww I wanna know what you said.....

 

Yeah 2007 TL is where its at...

 

NO....2007 TL TypeS is where its really at. That shit won't handle like a boat.

 

Yeah, but I doubt they'll give one out for a loaner.

 

Made in Japan vs Made in Ohio, 'nough said.

 

As I discovered with my TSX when it was brand new, the country of origin doesn't mean a whole lot.

 

Then you haven't driven a TL for two weeks, I had the same experience as the OP, it is a terrible rattle box.

 

Rattles? Psshhttt...

I only wish rattles were the extent of the problems I had But I had those as well, and continue to have them.

How many TLs out there have had a broken fuel pump and bad brake booster within the first few weeks of life? Add to that a couple door panel rattles, a creaking and loose driver seat, etc. Now that the car is nearing 6 months of age a few new things have gone onto that list, but they are minor and I can look past them until the next dealer visit.

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". Sorry if I sound bitter, but I had a pretty negative experience as a first time Acura owner. However since the TSX is such an amazing car, I stayed with it and I'm glad I did.

 

I knew a guy who bought a brand new TL and within the first week it shit it's transmission all over the highway. Then the wheels fell off and headlights exploded.

ok that may be a little stretched.

 

I know of a guy who bought a brand new TSX, almost immediately had trouble with his transmission, dealer couldn't fix it in three tries, and now is going to sue Acura pursuant to the lemon law. He even posted a thread on it.

Point being that you can't just assume the TL will fall apart any more than that the TSX will. I think Consumer Reports gives the TL some fairly high reliability scores.

 

No, but you can test drive them, and if your lucky enough to have 3 or 4 acura dealerships in your area, you can get a good idea.

And its still boatlike

 

Damn if you guys think the 3rd Gen TL is boat like drive the 2nd Gen TL its bigger.

 

sorry I forgot to use the red color. I was just pointing out that rare occurences shouldn't effect the few on the whole car since both tl and tsx seem to show the majority a high level of quality.

my bad.,

 

Anyone know if Lexus' rattle as much as honda/acura's? Is it a japanese thing? How 'bout say BMW or Audi?

 

My IS350 doesn't rattle yet. One of the quietest cars I've ever owned.

 

my mom's bmw & my gf's bmw have no rattle at all, not even one. 335i coupe is pretty quiet. Get the coupe. It looks so much better than the sedan..

 

my mom's bmw & my gf's bmw have no rattle at all, not even one.

 

My 2000 TL doesnt have 1 rattle in it.

 

Have an 04 TSX...based on extensive time in a loaner TL(B-pillar rattle in TSX), I too find the smoother (disconect) and less noise on interstate or plush roads in the TL......this is to make the car a good long range driver....However on the hilly twisty roads I drive daily the TL corners better than the TSX...you can enter and exit at higher speeds with less body roll....The skip pad numbers in all the mags back this up...TSX 80/TL 88-89

I also notice that the 06 TSX loaners have less noise and feel a little less harsh than my 04...dealer said thay have put more sound abating into the later TSXs...still like the overall feel of the TSX, especially the smooth engine....

 

I have an 06 I bought last November, and I haven't had a single rattle. I've known a few people with lexuses and not only do they rarely have rattles, but seem to be impressively reliable. That's only personal experience. I don't know the worldwide numbers.

 

btw..ARGH! Please don't thread highjack. This belongs in off topic car talk. Good question, but not here.

 

Ironically I have the exact opposite experience. My TSX handles better in every measurable way than my friend's TL Type-S.

 

In that case,