Hello, I'm new to this forum even though I have been lurking for a couple of weeks now. I'm graduating this week with a BS in Computer Science and already have a job lined up. Because I now have a salary for the first time in my life, I am considering leasing a 2007 CBP Acura TL Type S (Automatic). Seeing as how I'm young but will be working in a professional environment, I feel as though the Acura will offer me the best of both worlds (sporty and luxury).

Currently, I drive a 2002 Subaru WRX and am a little worried about facing Chicago's winters in a FWD car after being accustomed to AWD. Obviously, I would get the car with the all-seasons rather than the summer performance tire option.

I'm looking for some input as to how these cars handle and perform in bad weather conditions (namely heavy rain and snow). Seeing as how I will be test driving the car shortly, I will not have an opportunity to drive it in snow, which is why I'm posting this topic.

Thank you!

 

Haven't driven mine in snow just as yet, but in the rain the car handles fine with the all season tires. Regarding your concern with snow, here in the northeast snow isn't that bad so when it does come down hard, you just drive a bit slower and you're fine. If snow is a major concern of yours, just get winter tires and you'll be fine.

If you really think AWD is a must, I'd suggest going with a G35x or something of that nature

 

Well we didn't have that much snow this year here in NJ. But the little we did have showed me that car did pretty well in the snow. Not a SUV, but if you take it easy it's OK. Would think that a subie with 4wd would be better though.

Dave

 

I'm a computer science graduate too (a few years ago though)!

I imagine it will do just fine as long as you keep it at the stock height and make sure you have decent tires. The stock tires are probably fine. If you put summer tires or lower it then I would raise it back up and put all season tires back on.

It will still be a lot better than a RWD though.

 

Havent drivin my TL much in the snow. Didnt get much this year.

Just wanted to congratulate on your graduation!!!!! Im a CIS grad and a MBA in IT grad, im glad you have a job lined up already. It took me a while to get a job, since i got my MBA a year after my BS. Over qualified and not enough experience...LOL

Again Congratz.

 

I have had my 04 TL for three winters. I've never had a problem in snow, even with the EL 42's. I have had the stability control come on a few times on some sharp turns onto my street but the car straightened out right away. I almost got stuck in the drive once but I turned off the traction control to get a little wheel slip and went right up the drive. All in all drive for the the conditions and you will be fine. Never had any problems driving in the rain. Good luck in your new career and buying that new TL

 

Thanks for all the replies and congratulations on my graduation, I really appreciate it!

I have no interest in lowering the car so that shouldn't be an issue and I'm glad nobody has reported any horror stories about getting stuck; helps puts my mind at ease. Obviously, driving for the conditions plays a big part of it and I just wanted to make sure the car would still be able to get me around.

To my surprise, I had no problems getting a job. I went to my school's job fair and got plenty of interviews and offers. I don't know exactly what the lease will end up costing me for 3 years, 15k miles but seeing as how I don't have any other costs besides for insurance and rent, I should be good to go. My girlfriend's dad works for Edward Jones so he will be helping me with the financial aspect of my life, it's important to save now while I'm young.

Another quick question I had was regarding test drives. Does Acura offer extended test drives where I could have the car for 24 hours or a weekend, or do they just offer the typical 15-30 minute cruise?

 

As far as I know, they don't do extended test drives like some of the american companies...

 

As far as performance, the Michelin's suck. Period. I am in WI, so winters are roughly the same. Buy the TL, get some wheels, ditch the stock tires, and get some blizzaks on the stock wheels.

As for the test drives, depends on where you go and how friendly your dealership is.

I know one salesman at a Chicago Dealership which will remain un-named. He sold me my car, and many of my friends cars when he was working at acura here in Wi, if you want his info, PM me and I will pass it along to you. Awesome guy, no pressure, very laid back.

 

I just came from a Passt AWD to a TL and all I did was put cheap winters on it and it was fine in the snow and we got a lot .. I also live on a mountain ..

I'm 4 blocks from town as the crow flies .. 16 blocks of switchbacks to get there.

 

NOT too bad. I have an 07 TL-S and live 40 minutes north of Chicago. This winter we got some decent snow storms and my car was ok but not great in the snow. But I got around when I had to. I just allowed MORE time when snow was involved. Rain is NO problem with Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 tires. BUT if you do alot of driving in the city in the winter, BUY a set of top rated snow tires/wheels at TireRack. You can get a winter pkg. Snow tires/steel wheels and NO snow problems even with FWD 07 TL-S. Go read reviews @ Tirerack. For $700 your set.

 

Wow, nice picture Jesstzn! If the TL can make it through that then I shouldn't have any problem driving "normal" major roads around the Chicago suburbs.

It won't allow me to PM anyone, do I need to enable an option or reach a number of posts first?

 

oh yeah, you need to reach a certain # of posts.

Maybe I can send it to you, otherwise I can email it to you.....

I'll send it to you in a PM, if you dont have anything, let me know.....

 

OK, nevermind then. I can't send it to you either.

Email me johnnys2k@ yahoo.com

 

congrats. comp sci here too.

I just went through my first Chicago winter w/Michelins and never had an issue. I live in the city where snow removal is aggressive though, so YMMV depending on location.

cheers

 

06, with stock mich mx4x tires, and they were terrible, we had snow ranging from 1-5inches.

Anything over 1inch, the traction went to zero. You had to change to SS, start in gear 2, and hope for traction.

So if you do get a ton of snow, get some better all season tires or snow tires.