dsteinbronn

I am considering an Acura TL. One problem I have is that there is no local Acura dealer. The closest one is close to 2 hours drive. There is a Honda dealer. I am concerned about service convenience and quality with no local Acura dealer. Has anyone bought an Acura without a local dealer and have any experience with obtaining service? I called Acura and they said usually the local Honda dealer can provide the service but that I would have to pay for it and then later be reimbursed. Also, for warranty items I would have to petition Acura to allow me to obtain service locally. This sounds like a big hassle potentially and one that may actually sway me from purchasing an Acura. Any input is appreciated.

jdone

Probably should talk to someone else. Any Honda dealer can do your service. In fact, if you have the service work done according to the owners manual, and keep proof, Acura is required to honor your warranty no matter where it was done, at least in this state.

KrgTL04

I wouldn't worry about it...

It's a Honda, so you won't be visiting the dealer often anyway.

DoubleV69

yea if u get a bmw u;ll be there AL OT

GaleForce

w00t another vs thread.

¿GotJazz?

I agree. That is, if I read DoubleV69's posting properly. I think I can possibly translate it to English:

"Yeah. If you get a BMW, you'll be there a lot!"

My experience with a BMW 323 convertible (2.5L engine): 13 visits to the BMW Service department in less than one year. My 04TL replaced the BMW 323, and it was a serious upgrade - the 323 wasn't even close in overall performance.

My experience with my 04TL: Only 1 visit to the Acura Service department so far for a minor occassional rattle. I could have put it off for awhile. When I get my oil changed, I'll be get other minor stuff looked at, but no hurry.

Aegir

I love my Acura, but I have to say that not having a local dealer within two hours would be a big strike against any manufacturer. If it were me, I would probably get a comparable car from a manufacturer with a local dealer. BMW's are certainly comparable or better, depending on how much you spend, and could be a better choice for you if local dealer service and support is available.

gsrthomas

I'll go with the BMW.

In the next month I will be getting a 330i with the peformance package. Looks awesome inside and out.

Thomas

GaleForce

TL owns you.

gsrthomas

Maybe the TL is faster this car was my first pick. I love how it looks. Right now I own a Integra gsr, and i was going to stay in the Acura family. But after hearing all the tranny issues the previous generation TL had. That changed my mind. Lots of owners replaced their trannys 3+ times. Thats crazy and unexpectable. Also I dont like how the TL is built in the US. I think the reliability and qauilty of Acura has gotten worse in the past years by building there cars in the US.

Plus im looking for a RWD car. I've always wanted a bmw. There is no comparison btw a bmw and acura. The bmw is a solid car, handles like a dream. Even when you open and close the door in the bmw, its nothing like any other car.

GaleForce

TL owns you.

gsrthomas

bmw owns you

GaleForce

OMFG BLASPHEMY!!1one!

DoubleV69

bmw's 10,000 dollar symbol infront of the car doesnt own shiot

GaleForce

We have a 5-series. I like the TL more.

KrgTL04

is it the new '04 5 Series?

If it is, I think I like the TL more, and if it's the older style...then I STILL like the TL more

It's close though

GaleForce

My mom has an 02 5 I believe. I LOVE the new front of the 5 series, but I want to drive a TL more. I guess because of my age. /shrug

KrgTL04

The 330i looks like shit inside and out...

The exterior is classic, but BLAND and outdated...the interior is just a joke...couldn't they have made it at least a little stylish?

have fun with it, I know it's a great car that's won numerous awards, I just hate the way it looks.

GaleForce

I see way too many Bimmers around here.

gsrthomas

I just like the performance package alot. It has the M3 style front bumper and different rear bumper. The interior is different with suede material and M3 style steering wheel. 18' stock wheels and handles great.

GaleForce

M3 is hot get that.

KrgTL04

Sweet...sounds like a blast to drive anyway

TLGator

OK, wait a minute. The original poster titled his thread "Acura vs. BMW" but nowhere in his post does he actually mention BMW. Are we sure he's considering a BMW? Which one? What other dealers are local? If there's an Infiniti dealer or Lexus dealer, why not consider those cars?

I have to agree with Aegir. I love my TL but I would never have bought it if the nearest Acura dealer was two hours away. Too much hassle if you do have problems. If there's nothing local but Honda, I'd get a loaded Accord.

Spiceman

I did a fairly serious evaluation of 4 vehicles before choosing the TL. The BMW 3 Series (325i) was on that list. Its an excellent car but the TL presented far more value for the dollar and has the size I want for business and pleasure use. To get a 325i equipped to the same level as a TL adds about $8,000 to the price of the TL. Even leather seating is an upgrade at BMW. I found the interior of the 325i to be too small to accomodate my business clients. Also, living in Canada and with winter driving the 3 Series RWD presents some extra challenges and costs. Most 3 Series cars here have a complete 2nd set of wheels and rubber for the winter months.

The 3 Series is a great car - just not practical for me personal needs. It finished 3rd in my list of four. The Volvo S60 T5 finished 2nd. I was very surprised by this car. Feature for feature it was about $10,000 more than the TL. Monthly cash flow wise it was similar given their high residual values and very low lease rates.

I am extremely happy with my choice in a TL. Its great for the purpose I have for a car. BMW 3 Series just didn't hit it for me.

GaleForce

The Germans nickle and dime you for everything in their cars.

webby

After driving Acura/Honda cars and motorcycles since 1975 ( I still have 3 other hondas ) and testing most cars I purchased the 330i two weeks ago. This is the first car since my 1987 Legend that I can not find anything wrong with it ! I forgot what a joy it is to drive a RWD car and how it handles vs the FWD.
When I test drove the TL I found at least 6 items that were faulty already.

Sorry TL ...you are not in the same league as the 330 i..!!!!!!!
You will not regret the 330i

KrgTL04

I strongly disagree

Swat Dude

You are correct. You couldn't touch a 330i comparable equipped with the TL 's standard features for any where near the price of the TL.

GaleForce

Zing!

jdriver

For something like $10,000-$15,000 more I certainly hope you get more car. If you're talking best value for the dollar you're right about one thing: the BMW is definitely not in the same league!

If you're happy with your purchase, good for you! The 330i is a fine car, though it's debatable if the performance package is worth the extra bucks.

TLud

I'm walking out the door on my new 330Ci with performance package, leather, moonroof, xenons, and bluetooth (added by dealer upon delivery) for $41k.

The A-Spec TL that I walked away from (does my $1,000 lost deposit count against the price of the Bimmer?) was gonna cost me around $39k out the door. The TL needs the A-Spec to even begin to compete with the handling of the 330, at which point it's only a couple of thousand dollars less. Even without the A-Spec package, it would have been about $6,000 less.

Yeah the Acura is a much better value and BMW can kiss my a$$ for their nickel and dime routine, but $10k - $15k more? I don't think so.

takuyaah

i am shopping for a car....i am around 35K budget...330Ci is base around 35K cheapest and with all the options u said its about +6K...so..around 41K...but..what about tax and stuff?...your grand total will come to around 45K at least....u can get a TL out of the door around 35K...so...i dun think 10K more is that much of a stretch...and...i dunno about you...since u can afford a bimmer...but for many of us.....i can't poop out 10K everyday...

TLud

No, I'm not saying that $10k isn't a lot of money, or even $6k, I was just asking the previous poster not to exagerate. Just because I chose to spend more money doesn't mean I didn't take the decision seriously.

I got a special deal on my car thanks to some connections, but the 330i (the sedan) is more than $2,000 cheaper than the coupe, and many people have walked out the door with options similar to mine at $41k (lets not compare MSRP on the BMW to bargaining price on the TL).

Anyways, I don't want to start a big debate (hopefully not too late). I agree that the TL is a better value; I just wanted to clarify the differential is not as big as some would have you believe (if it were that significant, I'd be in a TL right now).

Good luck with your car search. It's a fun time to be car hunting with all the great choices out there.

takuyaah

most definitely man....i was just hella curious cuz you said that you got that configuration on a 330Ci for 41K...i was like..."damn..i would totally get it for 41K" so ya...i don't think anyone can get that good of a deal on a 330Ci with your configuration..so...lets just assume that you mean 330i but not 330Ci?...since i never heard BMW sell invoice prices...they would never have to..unless you own BMW...then..i dunno...and no...that would be totally silly to compare MSRP of one..and bargain of another..i am just saying WHAT I CAN GET....and..i tried BMW and no way i could get 330Ci with your configuration under 45K...thats what i am wondering about....i would go for a german car anytime with a good deal....TL is nice and all..but..they can't make steel like the germans...yet...

TLud

Yeah, I can't wait to see what the Japanese automakers come out with in the next 5 years...should be some good stuff.

What cars have you been checking out? I went through a procession of cars in the near luxury category before settling on the 330. I was this close to sealing the deal on the TL and only changed my mind because of a bad experience at the Acura dealership, which allowed me to reevaluate what I was looking for in a car.

A long time friend of the family's owns a BMW dealership heard I was looking at a new car. Since I was planning on a vacation after I take the bar exam and before I start working, he recommended that I look at doing European delivery (you save around $4,000). It's an unbelievable experience and completely hassle free. The price savings more than pay for your vacation. He also knocked some more off the price (almost no dealer profit), so I was sold.

If I discover that my new BMW is unreliable as the day is long, I'll be coming back to Acura. Hopefully by then they'll have a rwd option for us enthusiasts. Looks like they might be heading that way already with the new awd RL.

MADCAT

Hey guys, here is some information from a guy I know who used to work for Audi in Germany. He moved to Canada and now works for a big bank like me.

He said, the Japanese carmakers have better in quality parts to the Germans. In fact, they use the Toyota Camry as there benchmark for quality purposes. The still cannot match the Camry for quality. If they did, The Audi A4 would be $60k (cdn) instead of around $45k (cdn). They used the LEXUS LS430 as their benchmark for the A8L.

In terms of performance, yeh, most Germans cars are better. But only there. In terms of ergonomics, quality, workmanship, etc. The Japanese are hands down winners. However you’ll never see a German carmaker admit it. Actually when he was working in there, they were forbidden to compare the Audi’s to the Toyota’s or even talk about to the outside world. The use lesser quality parts so that they can leverage their name to mark up the price of these cars. He said the A4 is actually worth less than the TL. From what he was told me it is worth $30K (Cdn) brand new for the base model. They use a lot of Jetta and Passat parts for the electrical, drive train, etc.

TLGator

Since you just bought a new Bimmer loaded up with all those nickel and dime options, I'd say the ass-kissing is occurring in the opposite direction.

TLud

:banghead:

funny, the fiance said the same thing (she wanted me to get the TL). she thinks the 3-series are for kids with rich parents (no flames please).

yeah, i'm a big proponent of the "vote with your money not your mouth" school of thought, so i initially didn't even look at a bmw on sheer principle.

then i got weak and sold out...it didn't help that I knew the dealership owner and that the salesman was a genuinely nice guy, not some arrogant prick who acted like he was doing me the world's biggest favor selling me the car.

webby

Here is my logic why I got the 330i and not the TL.
I would think that most if not all would purchase the 330i over the TL if the cost was the same with similar options ???
In Canada the 330i is listed approx $56,000.00 vs the 41,700.00 TL.

My 3 yr prepaid lease came out within $1,000.00 for either car.
The reason is the residual on the TL is 21,600k vs 31,500 K for the 330i.
The interest rate for the TL is 7.1% vs 3.0% for the 330i , therefore the net cost to me was the same. Acura refused to negotiate when I gave them a chance to counteroffer.
I compared the following:
Warranty...330i 4yrs/80 km bumper to bumper....TL 3yrs/60km bumper to bumper.
330i complete maintenance coverage for 3 yrs or 60,000 km including oil changes, brakes, wipers....everything.
1 free car wash per week for 3 yrs.
BMW also gave me a choice of tires.
Drove both cars and the decision was a no brainer !
Last time I enjoyed a car so much was the 1967 mustang.
Again......sorry TL you are not in the same league as the 330i!

KrgTL04

Well, i'll be the first to disagree...

I can honestly say that I, without question, would take a TL over the 330i any day of the week...

The 330i does absolutely nothing for me...it's a small, dated looking, overpriced car in desperate need of a redesign.

no thanks...