I was very excited with the TL when I saw the '04 launch. The kind of excitement that is the clincher for me to decide to make my next purchase. Having had issues with 1st year models in the past (of various manufacturers) I decided to wait a year before deciding to purchase. From Mercedes to Kia, it seems that 1st year model owners are the 'Beta Testers'. My '98 Isuzu was flawed in its 1st model year. My '02 Isuzu has been trouble free and tighter then my neighbor's Benz M Class.

I've reached the point where my SUV days are to be put to pasture and ordered an 05 TL RRP / Parchment 5AT w/ Navi. It is being built next week and I expect to take delivery in early February (5th - 8th). I am excitied to be in a car again where I can drive, as apposed to my SUV where I ride.

I am thrilled to have found a car with handsome design, sporting handling, impressive technology and a premium brand name. Add on the value and supportive reviews and I was sold. I am not an overtly aggressive driver, and frankly would have been happy with a slightly less firm ride. But my hopes for Acura's reputation and engineering prevailed.

I have been reading much valuable, insightful and occaisionally unsettling info on these boards. Typical with early production models, the manufacturer is likely to learn (hopefully quickly) where wrinkles need to be ironed out. I would expect that from Acura and the Honda reputation. But alas, these are machines, none be perfect.

I am curious if many of the early model bugs have noticably declined by the current production, and if anyone inside to / privy to Acura's manufacture process, if they are being address as production is ongoing? I personally, am particular to rattles, vibrations and have never seemed to escape poor OEM tire performance with any new vehicle.

I am happy to see that my 05 5AT w/ Navi should be delivered with Michelins. I have have very good experience with Michelins in my other vehicles, and have always replaced OEM tires with Michelins. After researching Tire Rack, the Michelins were also the selected tire for smoother / quieter ride on the TL. For me, this would take precedence in a vehicle already offering performance well above my driving technique. I see less tire issues on the boards with TL equipped with Michelins. Perhaps this is the move Acura made in reponse to the OEM tire issues on the early models?

Is there any knowledge that Acura is actually addressing these rattle issues, implementing some of these posted fixes? The vehicle I test drove was smooth, vibration & rattle free. But, aren't all new cars. It would be nice to know Acura is actually building the TL today, better than a year ago. I saw mentions of TSBs, and hopefully this has translated into changes made on the assembly line?

I am anticipating the delivery of my TL to be a dramatic change from my current SUV driving (err, riding) days. I hope my wait was just and would appreciate any insight or credible knowledge of Acura's response to these duly noted production bugs.

I look forward to sharing my TL experiences with you all.

 

Congrats on your purchase. I, also have an RRP/parchment 5AT w/Navi and am very pleased with it. It is a late build 04 (Sept 04) and has no rattles, buzzes, or other unwanted auditory blemishes in 4200 miles of blissful driving. My only gripe is the Bridgestone tires, but you will probably escape that millstone. I don't find the ride to be firm at all; very cushy compared to my Saab. I am confident you will enjoy your ride.

 

Welcome to the forum


Congratulations for your new ride.

 

Congrats on the new ride. I bought my 05 NBP Black/Parchment right after Thanksgiving. Had the same idea that I'd wait a year until the bugs were worked out. So far, NO problems, and I love the TL. Best wishes for many great "drives!"

 

I've got a '04TL and don't have any problems..no rattles, no issues. It's a great car and I'm glad I purchased it. I test drove 3 cars before I decided to buy mine, and none of the cars I drove had any rattles. Welcome to the Acura forum!

 

I agree with you, I also loved the look and features/functions of the 3rd gen TL but have also been a little concerned over the quality of the initial 2004 TL's (from both on this forum and from some friends who've had vibration/rattles/creaks issues or no problems at all).

After alot of thought I too decided to wait until the 2005's came out and have put a deposit down for a NBP 6MT non-Nav which should be arriving early Feb.

I know alot of folks here have alot of options and feelings about Honda/Acura and recent quality but I've been driving and working on them since 83 and still believe in the products.

 

Thanks all for the Congrats and positive thoughts! As my enthusiam hightens, my patience for delivery is waning. At least I will get to "Practice" with a TL a week before my anticipated delivery. In order to protect the value of my trade (yuk..what an ugly process), I am turning in my Isuzu to the Acura Dealer end of the month. They offered me a loaner Acura (hopefully a TL) until my TL arrives. I give them a nod for that since they did better all my trade offers to earn my business.

Per the Acura Corp website, new 05 TLs with 5AT & Navi, the Michelins are now OEM. I expect them on my TL when delivered (it may be a tantrum if not! )


Legend2TL: It looks like both our TLs are being built same timeframe, possibly on the line together. Does that mean we are on now each other Holiday Card lists? I feel like a dad in the maternity ward, pointing and bragging about the kiddies with the other dads. Let's just hope my 5AT TL does not have some of your Carbon Fiber trim, and your 6MT TL does not have some of my wood interior trim! ( I saw a snaffu about that somewhere on the Board). Of course if I have your Brembo's, I ain't sayin' nuthin'. That's my story, & I'm sticking to it.

If anyone knows of Acura production changes made to address the early bugs, share on. It is enlightening for us making our purchase, and those still considering. So nice too, to hear from 04 & 05 owners trouble free. And good to see most with early bug issues are getting them resolved. Expectedly, we tend to share our problems more than our satisfaction, so it does add balance.

2 Weeks and counting. Did I see a Stork fly over? Cigar anyone!?

 

When this forum started several years back... people had nothing but praises for the design and performance. Over the past few years have people shared more of their problems and disappointments as well...

So I would disagree with people saying that when happy people say much less...

I will say this, more people seem more obsessed over the car than before...LOL

 

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum. You will love your new TL. I trust from your handle that you live in the Tampa/St Pete area. Care to share your dealership and experience with them so far? BTW - I bought my 04 WDP/parchment, 5AT non-navi from Ferman last March.

 

Oswald:

I visited both Ferman & Crown. Ferman (Tampa) first. The sales rep was very good, patient and I nearly bought a TL they had on the lot. Unfortunately the Sales Manager decided to treat me as uniformed / unintelligent with trade values, pricing and finance terms (I had done my homework). It was a big let down, as I expected a more upscale sales experience. I left, very interested in the TL, but I do not spend 35K of my hard earned money with someone who cannot respect my intelligence. I honestly was disappointed I could not give my business to that sales rep...a good guy.

I then went to Crown Acura (Clearwater) after contacting them via the website. The rep phoned me and I explained my interest with the TL but displeasure with my Ferman experience. They offered fair advice, particularly with my trade, and recommended I get an offer from CarMax which they would try to accomodate (no promises, just sincere & cooperative). I did so, and was pleased with the CarMax offer.

I then went to Crown. The sales rep, and Sales Manager were professional, concise and efficient about making a deal. They met all of my parameters with trade, down payment, finance terms. I am sure I could have haggled some, but I felt their approach was what I was seeking. Further, as mentioned in my earlier post, they offered me a loaner to fill the gap between my trade day and the delivery day of the TL I subsequently ordered. I give them a nod for that. Perhaps they were on 'good behavior' knowing I was not pleased with the other dealership, but they made the process painless and respectful. That earned my business. Otherwise, just my observation, the facility was more polished, clean and the atmosphere presented by the personnel was upscale. It worked for me, but maybe not for others.

Meanwhile, another Sales Manager from Ferman had called (several times) offering me 'special numbers'. After I had made the order with Crown, I took his call and simply explained I had already made my purchase.

I am happy with my decision.

 

Nice move! I also went from an SUV to an RRP w/ camel. I had been in SUVs for 10+ years and it's great to get back into something with some comfort and performance... Congratulations! You're gonna love it.

 

Thanks for relating your experience. Everybody's is different and guess it is a matter of timing sometimes. I didn't try Crown as they were a little farther than I wanted to drive. I went to Carmax (the one off Bears) to get an offer on my 2k TL that was coming off lease, but they couldn't cover the residual. However, all in all, I'm glad you are happy with everything and hope you will be just as happy with your car when you get it.

 

TampaMike: Thanks, I'm also anxiously awaiting my TL. Yeah it appears we'll be related through car build week (I was told my TL's build week is Jan 25-29). I spent a hour in the dealer parking lot comparing the NBP, DGP and AM exterior colors before finally deciding on the NBP. Hopefully my Brembo's will make it on! 2-3 weeks seems like a long time now.

 

Legend2TL: Yep, same build dates I got from my dealer. We're hatchin the same batch! I am supposed to get a delivery date update next week from the dealer...we can compare notes.

 

Congrats on your car. Acura has definitely improved on some of our "beta tester" complaints. Don't forget to write a review after you've taken delivery.

 

I find Honda/Acura has always been very tight lipped about plans/changes/problems. Basically we get what we get when we get it. But I think they have addressed some of the concerns,

My 05 Oct built TL is very close to perfect, no bad habits or noises after almost 3k miles. Hope to here about your good experience.

 

I have an 05' TL AT. Got about 4,400 miles on it right now... I am happy to say i have no problems and am very happy about my purchase.

The only thing is a paint scratch that i did 2 days ago with a shovel while cleaning the snow.

 

It makes sense for them to be that way. Honda makes a good product for the price point. You all go shopping and you all see the costs of things. The nearest competitor to the TL is the G35 and the 325. I do not have to say anything more if you have priced out those cars with the same options...

That said the other point is that any changes for 06 are usually kept quiet since they do not want to kill off their sales. Makers of all kinds of hardware have a tendency to not announce anything in advance for that reason. Now, if I was competing against honda and was not currently marketing a similar product, I'd announce months in advance to get people interested...

 

I have over 4,000 miles on my late built 04 and have had no rattles, etc. I do however have the optional butt prints and non matching bumpers. The mechanicals of the car have been bullet proof.

 

Well, per my dealer, my 05 RRP / Parchment 5AT w/ Navi should be on the assembly line right now. Can you believe I actually looked for a web cam?!

The waiting is killing me, as I have told no one (other than this board) about my TL purchase. Alas, when I turn in the Isuzu to the Acura Dealer on Monday, they will know something is up! At least I get a loaner until my delivery...my "Practice TL" <snicker>

Lengend2TL: Our sibling TLs should be done on Friday?

Cigar anyone?

 

At 4000 miles any car better be bullet proof. If you have major mechanical issues you are F&^%ed!

 

TampaMike: Yes, that's what I'm also told. Not sure why it takes 2 weeks to transport a vehicle from Ohio to Maryland or Florida but I guess some logistics are involved.

I'm also waiting semi-patiently. I've already informed my two children all the rules for riding in the TL (no food, drink, candy, pets, crayons, pens, markers, Justion Timberlake or Britney Spears CD's, ...).

 

Legend2TL:

If I hear that a Britney Spears CD is EVER played in your TL, I will personally drive up to Maryland and smack you. Not even the DVD-A system could make her not sound like she sings to dolphins!

Now, I do get to Baltimore on biz, periodically, but the drive may now be worth it.

I cleaned out the garage this past weekend. Put a fresh coat of paint on the garage floor. What's next, a mobile to hang above the TL?

I need help.

 

TampaMike: It's pretty messy weatherwise up here in MD so all I'm getting the new TL is the rubber Acura floormats and splashguards. I was looking at the black all season mats yesterday and they fit in pretty well on a black interior TL they were in the showroom floor.

Music-wise, I' m at least a little fortunate that my youngest daughter loves the Beatles and some Led Zeppelin (those she can play in the car!), however my older daughter well....that's another story

 

Legend2TL: The only accessories I ordered were the wheel locks and mud flaps, which I believe the dealer delivers with, regardless. Fortunately our fair weather promotes keeping my vehicles clean. Garaged at home and the office, so I may even forego window tint on the TL. I'm afraid our biggest enemy is the seasonal 'Love Bugs' with acid for guts. That bug season is brutal on car finishes here, and if you don't wash them off quickly, they eat away at your finish. I am not a fan of bras, so I get the cars waxed just before the invasion and use the pressure washer when I get home, even if just to remove the carcasses.

No kids for me here, but if I did, they would be expert car detailing elves!