HELP ME!! I'm trying to decide on a new vehicle and I've narrowed my choices own to either a new volvo s602.4T or an acura tls. Ive looked at several reviews from edmunds and other sites and they commend the acura on its ability to be both sporty and luxurious but still not sure because of all the problems that I'm seeing coming from the acuras. Please assure me that these problems are really that common because i dont want to regret my buy. Please help me compare if you know anything about the volvos.
Thanks

 

I don't know what to tell you, review is right that Acura TL/CL offers both luxary and sporty performance. Actually, it is a very good buy for the amount of money you pay. What else can you get for $29-30K that has the same value? You can get fully loaded maxima GLE, or Infinity G35( will cost you more if you have it fully loaded ).

If transmissions issue is fixed in 2003(Acura claims that it's fixed, but only time will be a proof), then it is probably the best car I could think of.
Are you OK with little rattles here and there? If that does not bother you, I'd say get TL/CL...

If you think Acura has problems, look at Nissan or Toyta, you will see people *****... it's just our nature to *****.... but I don't think Acura has more problems than Nissan or Toyota.... probably the same share of luck....

 

Are the shakes and rattles more than any other normal car or truck would put out. I mean are they really that bad and that noticeable?What vehicle would be a better pick for the same price or cheaper than has decent aftermarket support?Im still leaning towards the 03 tls but am keeping my options open.
thanx

 

I would wait for the 2004 TL.
Read this:
http://acura-tl.com/forum/showthread...hlight=choices

 

dude,
back in 1999 - I narrowed my choices to a BMW 328 and a Acura TL.40K miles later - I am still happy with my purchase. You have the luxury of choosing the TL-S.

Go for the TL-S - you'll enjoy it. about problems all cars come with them. A lot of the minor problems can be avoided by reading your manual and taking care of your engine and knowing when to ease off the pedal....

And if you decide to modify your car in the future - it will only enhance your TL experience...

Hope that helps...
Oh, (knock on wood) no tranny problems. I am religious with the maintenance schedule.

 

No, shakes and rattles are not more than an average car. Perhaps similar to all american made cars.... It's just that people have high expectations of Acura and think it will have zero rattles just like BMW 325 or something like that. Well, it's not....
Another car I have in my Family, is Maxima SE 2003, it seems to rattle little less than my Acura CL 2001. But again, this could be unfare test cause Nissan is still pretty new....
Rattles are not that bad really.... are YOU type of the person who likes to turn off music and listen for sounds while driving ? If you are obsessed like that, I'd say only BMW will make you happy - you will get tight, bullet proof ride. Besides, there are some soultions to fix some of the rattles.... so you might eliminate some....

I'd say make your priorities list of things that you want in car the most.... then you can narrow down your choices.

 

Get TLS...volvo's suck..

 

Why buy a Car that is going to be redesigned and have a new engine and everything, its just stupid.. Well at least wait for the 2004 TL to see that you wont regret getting the 2003 Model..

 

volvo?
not exactly an enthusiast's car. If you even consider a volvo, I'd say go for a volvo.....

 

YOU SO CONFUSED THE $HIT OUT OF ME!

 

So if there is going to be a new revised edition of the tl where can i find out about it. I don't know if I can wait. Any other suggestions other than the acura?
Thanx

 

You post everywhere that you are waiting for the 04. Thats fine but for those of us that like the current design of the TL I wouldn't call stupid . How would you have felt if you were in the market for a 4 door Accord EX V6 last year and you waited for the 03??? Its ugly. What you have to remember is not everyone is into mods and racing, some people are content with 260hp and 24 mpg. I myself read there would be an 04 redesign and still purchesed the 03. I am far from stupid! I like my car and that is all that matters.

Just my .02

 

Well its anybodies guess as to when a new TL will be out.
You can be sure it will be 6 months or more before any new TL shows itself. If you can wait that long or longer & wan't to have a car in its 1st model year than I would wait. But somepeople do not like a car its 1st year out.

 

yeah, waiting is stupid..... you can wait your hole life... new models come up every year, and not only Acura, some other brand can make something that you will like more than Acura.....
Its life, you always get whats currently on the market....

 

No I was just saying at least consider the 2004 Model.. Just wait.. Its coming to the auto shows in January thats 2 months away.. if you wait that long and see if the 2004 TL will be interesting than you should wait.. but if your in a hurry to get a car than get the 03 model

 

TL-S BABY

 

tttt..please!!...more response, ideas, and opinions...!!?
thanks

 

I chose the TL-S vs the Volvo and ES300 based on costs as well as looks. The Volvo is the safest car in the market based on crash tests, so if safety is your number one priority if you have kids then go for that. The ES-300 is luxury and it feels like your driving from your couch. Very comfortable. The Acura looks better (sporty) and the costs is less. Honda's are one of the most reliable cars too. Never buy American.

 

TL-S TL-S TL-S TL-S

 

I've had my 02 TLS for 8 months and 10,000 miles... NO RATTLES WHATSOEVER! I keep hearing all of the rattle problems, and the tranny problems... but so far, my tranny has been solid and I have NO RATTLES. I usually drive with the stereo turned up so that I wouldn't really notice minor rattles anyway... but the other day I was driving around with some friends talking... and the car was as solid as the day I bought it. EVEN OVER RAILROAD TRACKS... NO RATTLES... just that nice solid thump, thump sound and feel.

I could see where the car could develop rattles over time more than cars like the ES300... simply because it does ride firmer and harder... and that can eventually lead to rattles. Maybe a lot of the complaints of people with TLS rattles are due to the car being lowered and stiffened and made even rougher riding??? OR PERHAPS I JUST GO LUCKY SO FAR???

In any case, I CAN'T STOP DRIVING THE CAR! I commute in L.A. traffic 25 miles each way everyday, and I still find excuses to take the car back out at night just for a spin! It feels that good to drive...

TLS WINS!