I finally took ownership of my ABP, 6sp, HPT, Navi. The car i must say, if i could use one word, is awsome. Now I have never been a car guy, so I am sure that it does not mean as much coming from me. I owned a Ford 350 pick up, and a Jeep Wrangler. Vehicles that are not known for their performance, haha.

But when I first started seeing TL's on the road, the 04 that is, I was very impressed by the exterior looks of the car. At that time I had no idea about the interior qualities. Once I started reading up on the car, I realized that I had to have one. So as many of you know, in June, I ordered my TL and yesterday, I took ownership of it.

It took a while for me to get use to the clutch as my Jeep's clutch was 110% different. Now that I have it down though, the car is smooth as butter while shifting. I love using the 6th gear just to cruise. I am very anxious for my breakin period to end so I can really see what the car has. After leaving the dealership yesterday, I did take the car a little over 100mph with ease.

So to wrap this up, my early impressions are basically "WOW!" The exterior of the car looks amazing. Seems like the more I see it the more I like it. The interior has been a lot of fun trying to figure out how everything works. The Navi, the little I have used it, seems very accurate and nice. The styling of the interior is just top notch. I especially love the car at dark, the lights (exterior stand out) and the glow that the bright gauges and Navi give off in the interior looks stunning.

I will write a more detailed review once I have had the chance to really drive the car.

My question is, could someone please direct me to car care sections of this site, or another site. I mean, I used to take care of my trucks nowhere near as much as I want to keep this car nice. I guess I would like to know which products you guys are using and the processes you are following on washing your car. What you are using for your wheels, tires, body, and so fourth.

Just driving the car last night really, I noticed I have a billion bugs plastered onto the front of my car, that is going to suck. Any tricks with that, and I really do not like bras.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening.

 

Glad to hear that things worked out for you! Enjoy the 6MT but expect some period of getting used to the clutch and drive by wire.

Regarding cleaning your TL, consider giving the Mr Clean Spotless car wash a try. While there have been some negative comments, for me and my R Red, the perfomance has been excellent.

 

I am not surprised to hear that you are totally impressed with your TL. Congratulations on your extremely intelligent purpose, and may you have many safe and happy miles.

You can go to the Wash & Wax forum for more info on car care

 

The time is approaching fast......

When I will have a 2004 TL in my driveway!!!

Any advice of what to do FIRST when we have the car? Should we wash it right away, zaino it right away, or what?

carcar

 

Okay, I'm back (so soon?)

Is there any list of ALL the problems people have had with their TL that they took it in for service for (or took care of themselves)

The reason I ask is that I want the dealer to check EVERYTHING that might have a problem, right away, so I don't have to go there in 4 weeks because I have a problem.

ANY LIST??!!? Engine problems, what are good VIN numbers, what's up with the auto tranny recal, those kinds of things?!?!?

thanks to everyone who contributes to this questions' answer!

carcar

 

In addition to this, I should have said you can go to Section 7, Car Care, in the 3G Garage, and you can also do a search on "Zaino" and "Wash" and get lots of good info.

There should be no problems with your late production car which require checking. These new production cars have mostly eliminated previously reported problems. Don't look for things to go wrong, just drive and enjoy the car.