Greetings. Tomorrow I'll be test driving the TL-S to get a first hand view of what to expect when my TL-S arrives at the end of this month.

There are four Acura dealers in my general area, and like everyone else, I'm trying to get the lowest price, and have checked around with the other dealers to get their "lowest" price. All of the dealers in my area are sticking to MSRP. I've informed my dealer (that has my reserved TL-S) that I'll go with whoever gives me the lowest price. Anyway, a different dealer has a demo TL-S in, and I'll be test driving it tomorrow morning. I'll update everyone on my findings (please continue reading below).

Since I'm in the new car buying mode, today I test drove the Volvo S60 (2.4T) and the Volvo S60 (T5). The dealer was very nice and gave me the keys and basically said "Enjoy." Well, I've never driven a Volvo before, and was quite surprised of how nice the car was. The S60 T5 definitely has more low end torque and horsepower than the 2.4T. Both of them were well made and solid. My major issue with both of them was that the engine noise at idle was very loud and noticable from inside the car. The 2.4T has simulated wood interior trim, while the T5 has metallic interior trim. The turbo in the T5 was nice, and very responsive. The Navi system is an $2500 option, pops up from the top of the dash, and is controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. I'm not sure if you can control it via touch screen. The price for the base model (without heated mirrors, seats, Navi, and etc.) is higher than the TL-S and TL. My complaint with the Navi is that it is difficult to read in bright light due to its' location by the windshield and sun glare. Overall, not a bad car, but much more expensive than an TL-S or TL, and with a smaller (2.4 liter, four cylinder) engine.

Next, I went across the street to test drive a BMW 330i with sport package and leather seats, but no heated seats or mirrors. This car was "the bomb." It totally blew away the Volvo and had awesome performance. The engine was extremely responsive, the handling was incredible, and the car was rock solid. Of course, it is priced much higher than the TL-S, and getting Navi with it would cost much more (than the TL-S/TLs Navi), and it would take 10 weeks for the car to arrive (since 330i with Navi is a "rare" car, according to the dealer). Even worse, was the lack of rear leg room in the car. My wife noted this right away, and was not a "happy camper" (she wanted to sit and the back seat).

In closing, when I mentioned the TL-S to both the Volvo and BMW dealers, I could see them shudder, and retreat. The TL-S definitely is going to take some of their U.S. market share. There just doesn't seem to be anything else out there with more bang for the buck.

I'll let you know how my TL-S test drive goes tomorrow.

 

For those of us up in Toronto where there is no TLS in sight for another month to test drive, I look forward to your commentary.

Be specific as you can on the feel of the "ride".

 

Test drove a WDP TL-S (non-Navi) this morning. The test drive was great! I only got to drive it for about 15 minutes, and here are my findings:
1. Solid construction and craftsmanship.
2. Very little interior cabin noise when driving (however, not as quiet as the Lexus IS300 (see my other test drive below)).
3. Steering wheel response is very good. However, it could be a little tighter for me (I'm currently own a 92 Prelude Si). It's possible that it may tighten up as it gets some more mileage.
4. Engine is extremely responsive and very willing to "go." No lag, just a lot of "get up and go now!!" Going up a hill, I floored the gas pedal, and the engine just took the car to another level. :-) Very comparable to the IS300.
5. Suspension is excellent, not too soft, and not too hard. I took a 50mph curve at about 65mph, and it was awesome! The VSA and tighter suspension definitely made a difference, as the car took the curve as though it was on rails, with no noticeable body roll.
6. The TL-S looks much better in person, and the quality of interior is extremely nice. I really don't know what the complaints are about it.
7. Braking is superb.
8. Awesome all-around visibility when driving the TL-S.
9. The driver's and passenger's side mirrors are great, and provides for great visability when driving.
10. Handled rough roads very well, and the suspension is not too hard.
11. Comfortable seats.
12. Wheel gap is noticeable, and will look much better when the car is lowered.

I also test drove an Lexus IS300 today, for about 30 minutes. Overall, I must say that I was very impressed. The engine is extremely responsive, silky smooth, and powerful. The IS300 is so quiet that you forget that it's actually running. I must admit that if it wasn't for the lack of rear leg room, and not being able to get the Navi option, I would have a very tough time deciding between the TL-S and IS300. I personally prefer the E-shifter location, integrated on the steering wheel (executed by using your thumbs and index fingers, i.e. Formula One car) than between the driver and passenger seats.

The IS300 is very fast and smooth. To me, it's actually a little smoother, and a little more quieter than the TL-S.

Overall, I give the TL-S an 8.5 (on a scale of 1 - 10), and am looking forward to acquiring mine in a few weeks.

 

Forgot to mention one more thing. The IS 300 handles much like the BMW 330i in every aspect, and in my opinion, is better for the money. However, Lexus definitely should offer Navi as an option on the IS 300.

 

eeeee... I drove the IS a couple of weeks ago. I came away from the test drive in love with the responsiveness and the silhouette - very cute car.... the lexus sales guy was cracking up at how fast i was driving

reasons I'm choosing the Acura over the IS:

1. the IS should be a manual - they are competing with the BMW 3 series and a younger audience (IS available in manual next yr)I will miss the manual tranny but the tl-s shifts very nicely
2. the chrome shifter and pedals are cheesy (reminds me of the little chrome feet that my friends would put on their Novas in the 70s)
3. the acura has a bigger back seat and trunk and is still faster
4. need i say it? price

Leslie

 

TL S is quite fast and handles well.
The IS 300 is impressive and drives like it's on rails. Too small though for my 6'1" 210lb frame.