This is my first post here at these forums, and I'm going to use it to say hello to the board and thank you to every other member posting on these boards.. This board is fantastic and the community here is absolutely stunning compared to what I've seen on other boards.. I've been browsing these forums since I heard Acura was producing a new platform for the TL series, and have become a bit more informed and familiar with the car than I had expected.. Still haven't test drove one, but I plan on getting that out of the way in early '04..

I currently own a Lexus IS300 (E-Shift) and absolutely love the car.. My initial plan was to go forced induction, but my budget is not going to cover the kind of set-up I had hoped for.. The biggest advantage to my car would be the RWD, I love the feeling and I told myself for years that I wouldn't ever go back to FWD.. The new TL might be the car to change my whole out look on cars and driving though..

Now to my question.. Has anybody on this board (who owns a new TL obviously), bought the car over the IS300.. Or even better, traded and/or sold an IS300 to purchase the TL.. I like the big difference in horse power, but wasn't sure how much effect the FWD had putting that much TQ/HP to the ground..

Oh yah, and just curious as to what the top (governed) speed is on the car while I'm here posting..

 

I drove an IS-300 for 3 years, and then traded up to the TL ...

Factors that won me over were:

1) 270 HP.
2) XM Radio, DVD Audio Stereo, Handsfree Phone
3) The interior. TL seats 4 adults very comfortably.

What else would you like to know / discuss?

 

I also was curious to know what the top (governed) speed was for the car.. My IS tops at about 143, with still a bit of gear left.. Now Don't get me wrong, I'm not flying around las vegas at 100+ speeds, but would like to know just for arguement sake I guess.. Also, how smooth is the ride after 100-110mph? I travel quite a bit from LV to LA..

(Sorry to everyone if these have been asked before, I did try searching but actually got WAY too much info)

And to RavenHawk:

Have you at all regreted going from the IS to the TL? I'm sure you don't miss the lack of horsepower, but is there honestly anything you really liked about the IS that you don't get with the TL..? Like RWD? (which is soley personal prefereance)..

 

I own an '03 TL-S and have recently traded it for an '04 TL. It should be in within a few days. Although I've never owned a Lexus, the IS300 was on my short list (TL-S, IS-300 and BMW3) before I finally settled on the '03 TL-S. Although the IS-300 is a nice car, I felt I got more for my dollar with the TL-S. I wanted the sporty feeling and handling of the Acura rather than the more luxurious Lexus feeling. In addition, the Lexus -- if equiped the same as my TL-S would have cost a few thousand more.

To each their own, but I'm more than happy with the TL-S and expect I'll be even more pleased with the new '04 when it arrives.

 

Let me start by saying thanks to RavenHawk and lflorack for the quick replies.. I usually refresh my browser page looking for replies, only to find about 3-5 of them totally flaming me for not using a search function, or what have you.. So thanks guys

The 3-Series was also on my list.. But it got a bit pricey with all the options, and they didn't seem to hold together to well judging from what I've heard from other owners.. The E46's are beasts though, thats for sure..
The new TL is most likely going to be my next purchase, I just hope I don't miss the RWD too much.. This site has been quite informative, and the members here seem a lot more mature and helpful than that of other boards I spend time on..

Guess I'll ask these too while I'm here posting,
Has anyone attempted to install an in-dash DVD player AND flip out screen in the middle dash? It doesn't look like it would fit snug, plus factory controls look soo damn good to begin with.. Or how good do things like movies show up on the Navi screen.. Cuz I kno wmy navi screen in my Lex isn't clear enough to watch detailed movies on..
Also, is there enough space in the TL's wheel-wells to fit 20" wheels, assuming the offset was correct?

Sorry for the long post guys.. Thanks for any replies

 

First of all, hello, and welcome to the forum.

In answer to your question, I looked at the IS300, and like the car. You really can't go wrong with a Lexus, Infiniti, or Acura. The G35 is also a nice car, but in the end, I chose the new TL for a variety of reasons.

The simple and short answer is the value of the car compared to the others. I find that you get more standard features for the money, plus a few things the others do not have. Having owned an Acura before, I also like their reliability. My previous TL had 100k+ on it without any problems that required service except a seatbelt issue, and a door lock servo, so that is another big reason. Sure it is a FWD, but it is very smooth steering once you get use to it under heavy acceleration.

The bottom line is that you must test drive it, and get a feel for what most of us describe as a great driving experience.

I hope to read that you join us as a new TL owner in the near future.

 

Thanks Z Factor.. And everyone else for the welcome..

I plan on checking out the lots here in the valley this weekend.. I'm sure I'll be in here for some second-party advice before I go buying the beast, so I'll be back and forth in the forums..

But thanks again everyone.. I'm sure questions will come up periodically during my purchase seeing as I'm dealing with two pretty expensive cars here (expensive for me anyway)..

More replies welcome, and if anyone can answer my othe question regarding the limited speed of the car, I'd appreciate it..

 

<Bump>



anyone know where the TL tops out at? Top limited speed?

 

Fixion_1

Car & Driver (January '04 issue) lists the TL top speed (which by the way is governor limited) at 152 mph.

FYI...I'm expecting my Anthracite/Quartz 6-speed TL to be delivered the first week of January. I shopped it against the Audi A4 3.0 quattro and BMW 325Xi.

 

Thanks Cstls..

152mph is more than enough for me in a car like the TL.. Looking back, I'm not sure if I've even hit the limiter on my IS since I got it.. Are there any known mods out yet to remove the speed limiter for the '04 TL?, just for kicks? Performance chips? (again, sorry if this has been covered)

And to RavenHawk:

You mentioned owning the IS300 for 3 years.. Is there anything YOU miss about the IS?
-RWD?
-The Inline-6 engine?
-The handling and ride quality?

Just curious to know how a previous IS owner feels about the switch.. The inline-6 is known for it's smooth ride quality, how does the TL's ride compare?
I know I should get out and test drive the damn thing, trust me I can't wait to get my hands on one.. But I'm looking for feedback from someone who has had both cars for daily driving, some things you just can't pick up in a test drive..