oldsnwbrdr

Hi guys, noob here...

I owned a 1998 CL, a 2000 TL, then after two trouble-free experiences I left the Acura family and got a Mazda RX-8 (after years of practical cars that were somewhat sporty, I decided it was time for a sporty car that was somewhat practical).

The RX-8 was fun, but tiresome with its limited passenger & luggage space, manual transmission, horrible gas mileage, and well-known quirks (having to add oil between oil changes, flooding problems in cold weather, etc.). But boy, was it fun on an off ramp!

I was locked into a 4.5 year lease and managed to get out of it surprisingly early on Dec 23 when Lindsay Acura in Columbus OH gave me $3,000 more than the KBB trade-in value said it was worth. I'd also driven the new Infiniti G35 and Lexus IS250 AWD. Despite it's performance and space challenges, the Lexus was my favorite... but there is no way I could have got the same deal on that car. I'd driven the third generation TL a couple of times, and I really liked the changes for 2007... the new light gray interior color with the more subdued wood trim color, the auxilliary audio input jack, and the new wheels. I negotiated for free inclusion of the iPod music link, which fortunately was not available at the time of purchase. I've read a lot of nasty things about it on this forum already and have decided just to use the aux input jack. Note that I picked up a red/gray non-nav model as I have a portable Garmin GPS that I use when I need one, especially when I'm traveling.

There is much to love about the car, especially the power, interior styling, audio system, gas mileage, and luxury features. I prefer the feel of RWD, but honestly this car has less torque steer than any FWD I've ever driven.

"Opportunities for improvement", I really would like keyless entry & pushbutton start. The giant key hangs in just the wrong spot and is always brushing against my knee. A fold-down rear seat would be nice to store my snowboard. Aux input is hard to get at in the center console (note... the console is not climate controlled, and my iPod literally froze up on a cold drive one morning). Are the side mirrors that tilt down when I put the car in reverse really necessary? I have noticed the minor driveline vibration that other owners have also noticed (but no squeaks or rattles). And a self-washing system as the poor car has been continuously filthy in this messy Cleveland weather.

Tonywp75

Congratz and Welcome back!

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

welcome back

Will Y.

Welcome to Acurazine!

The RX-8 was fun to drive and on my short list until I started reading about the poor gas mileage and ECU reflashes.

gomezine

congrates, post some pics.

LKLD

I turned off the sideview mirrors. Daytime was ok, but nighttime had me wondering too much. I would rather have the option of having them tilt backwards when backing up and not worrying clipping the garage wall.

Oh yeah.....Welcome back!!!

trancemission

Welcome back, its great to have ya

TL1999

Welcome back, don't know why you left in the 1st place

mark 3M bra man

Welcome back.

I understand your excitement about the RX8 on-ramp adventures. My brother just bought RX-8 MT and it is sure a fun car, but... I will stay with my TL.

muranojo

Congrats!
Re. the side mirrors, my dealer told us they could 'adjust' that for us (as in a shop adjustment), but after actually reading the manual, I discovered when you adjust the mirrors from the interior and leave the nob in the middle, they won't adjust down when you put it in reverse. Or, if the nob is to the right or left, the mirror will adjust down on that side. Was also something else to get used to for me.

One of these days, I'm going to send my salesman a list of corrections to what he told me (i.e., back seats don't warm up--but they do on the driver's side!).

And after a little more experience in my new car, I'll also post a list of likes/dislikes. So far, love it.