It's probably a good idea to give a report after experiencing the first 1000 miles on our new TL. During our test drive when comparing the TL to a Lexus 330, my wife complained about the "not so soft" suspension (she basically hated the TL's ride). However, after I compared the TL's features with the 330, she allowed me to buy "her" TL. Now, it seems that everytime she comes home after a drive, she says stuff like this: "Dang, that thing really goes, doesn't it?" - or - "I love that car" - or - "This thing drives like a dream!". Getting down to specifics, the car handles like it looks - awesome. The engine fits the car perfectly - plenty of power, although a speeding ticket may be in my future if I'm not more careful - I was cruising at 90 mph this morning on I-81 - felt good! Fit and finish are excellent with maybe 2 small imperfections in the paint under the clearcoat - not serious enough to worry about. The navigation system is absolutely wonderful - we were visiting the memorial at Shanksville last Friday and were hungry. I didn't have a map - so, I selected restaurants and it directed me perfectly to an "Eatin' Place" in Somerset. That, btw, impressed my wife immensley - DO NOT ORDER A TL WITHOUT THE NAVI SYSTEM! Anyway, although I hesitate to be so damn positive, this car is everything I thought it would be and more. We absolutely love it.

 

Glad to hear of your positive experience.

With 850 miles on my car I have the same level of satisfaction that you do, and yes, the navigation system is fantastic. I also found a restaurant with it during a day trip to an unfamiliar location. I also like the touch screen for the sound system and the voice commands.

Regards,

 

Glad to hear you love the car. I have 1,600 miles on my TL and throughly enjoy it. Have not had any problems to date, except for a flat tire. BTW, I don't have the Navi and don't miss it one bit since I know were I'm going 99% of the time. The dealer wanted more than $3k for Navi vs. Non-Navi which is definitely a steep premium. With $3k in my pocket, I went out and purchased a couple of maps. To each his own.

 

Yeah, 90 is kinda quick...but you almost HAVE to go that fast so the 18-wheelers don't flatten ya! I was doing the Roanoke-Winchester (VA) stretch on 81 last weekend.....those guys were FLYING!

 

I agree that an additional $3K for the NAVI model is a bit steep - especially when the suggested markup is 'only' 2K. In our situation, we are both retired and plan many, many trips into unfamiliar territory in the upcoming years. Although I also believe in maps, there is absolutely NO COMPARISION to a map vs a good GPS system. Maps do not identify locations from telephone numbers as does the NAVI system. Maps do not show detour re-routing while you're driving with voice instructions as you drive. (I could go on and on....) And, to tell the truth, I had no idea the NAVI was half as good as it is - maybe even a tenth as good. (I could sell these things!) I regularly use a GPS on my motorcycle, but, the NAVI system is about 10 light years ahead of the Garmin unit I use on the bike. Believe me, if you plan on traveling into unfamilair areas, the NAVI is well worth the 2K - but, that's just MY opinion (and now, my penny-pinching wife's, too ).....

 

T&D, glad you are enjoying your new TL. I got the NAVI also, but for me it is a safety issue. I will gladly pay 2 or 3K so I don't have to fumble with knobs and buttons much. (I have had a couple of accidents due to tuning the radio, and such) After 7 months and 10K miles, I can say that this is a great car. I have learned most of the voice commands so that if I need to adjust the AC, change a CD, or find a resturant, I just use my voice commands. And with the bluetooth I don't have to take my hands off the wheel to make a call.
I am still amazed at the advanced technology of this automobile.

 

Nice review, T&D. I think there are more navi owners on this site than non-navi owners. I myself was a navi nay-sayer until I decided to jump ship from my 2G TL. Please continue to make regular reports so we have an idea of reliability. Oh, by the way, you got rep points!