All - I have a new 04 anthracite/ebony with NAVI TL due to come in this week and I have read numerous postings on the web (except under edmunds site) from owners about paint chipping or bubbling problems - especially in the anthracite color. Also I have read about rattles and tire problems. My main concern is the paint issues (Acura with thin paint). I realize this is a new design for 04 and its bound to have some quirks but thin paint? Can anyone do me a kindness and shed some light (should i reconsider buying). Lastly I read that some owners are installling clear bras - to protect the paint ? Thanks

 

I have the Anthracite and have absolutely no problems with paint. Having worked in an automotive plant before, I fail to see how a paint's color would affect the thickness of application. They are all painted by the same robots.

I do feel slight flatspotting in the morning (about 30 seconds worth). But honestly if I hadn't read about here 100 times, I probably wouldn't be hyper-sensitive to it - it's really not a big deal.

As far as deciding, go see that car when it comes in. Sit in it. Drive it. The fit and finish is outstanding. The 270 horses are great. Then comes the navi and the sound system...

I could go on, but it is your decision. Just don't let a few bad apples cast a shadow on an otherwise terrific vehicle.

 

What you need to understand is most of the people on this board are real sensitive when it comes to their TL's..almost anal,I guess none of them have ever owned a chevy :lol2: I love our TL,its a great car,you should not worry your self to much.

 

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

I also have an Anthracite and have not experienced any problems. However, it isn't just the TL's paint that is "thin" these days. Just go to the G35 websites, and you will see them scream about all the road rash they have.

The problem is in the current paint processes across the board because of environmental concerns. That is the reason you had new cars coming off of the line with an orange peel look in the 90's, and why it is so vulnerable to chipping today. The new environmentally friendly paint process may be good for planet earth, but it is not good for the paints durability.

As to the clear bra's, I couldn't really tell you anything, but I can advise you not to stay behind other vehicles on the highway, thereby avoiding a major source of paint chips. The TL was meant to be out in front anyway.
Why do you think they put all those extra ponies in it in the first place.

 

Most models of cars have sites devoted to them similar to acura-tl.com. Just go to google and search on a make/model you would consider buying and you'll find at least one site with a forum. Spend a little time viewing the posts on that site and I guarantee you that there will be rumblings about problems and defects with the cars. The reason - all cars have a certain number of issues and people post about the problems they have had. Rarely do you ever see someone post - "I had 1000 trouble free miles last month" even though that is what most people are experiencing.

Get the TL. You be happy you did.