I've had my black on black navi TL for two weeks now. Recently I drove between SeaTac and Tacoma and the road noise about deafened me. I've owned SUV's for a long time and maybe noise is just due to low profile tires. I've also read how the stock tires are universally hated. Second complaint is leather in front seats does not remain tight in the seating area. I'm a big guy 6 foot and 200 pounds, but my wife is very small and her seat did the same thing. Should I let this bother me or just ignore the seats?
I like the bells and whistles this car has, I even purchased some dvd-a to check out the stereo. The xm radio is cool but it cuts out in the trees here in the northwest. I've learned about zaino from reading other owners threads, and I've ordered some to try. I find this forum a nice place to find information. Keep up the good work TL owners.

 

Hmm, where did you get your car? It seems the seat problem was fixed I believe in the later models. I am not sure where the "butt print" thread is, but I am sure some tenured members will tell you. The tires, look around for numbers like 2304 and that will tell you when car was made (first two indicates weeks of the year, in this case 2004). If you just recently got your car, it should be in the 04s. If you have 03, go to dealer and complain. If that doesnt work, call up bridgestone and they will most likely send you to a dealership. I think most people prefer the Pilot Sport, LS-Z, Falken 512 and try to get it with Hunter Road Force balanace. Hope that helps

-MasterTL

 

Are you kidding me? The butt print problem is fixed in the latest TLs?

 

I got mine last week. It doesnt happen to me. I drove to SD just yesterday.

 

I visited my favorite tire shop this morning. Its a northwest company, Les Schwab. The guys there said that bridgestones usually ride fairly soft. They suggested siping the tires with a machine they have. Its supposed to give more traction and soften the ride. I figured this is exacly what I am after. I'll have to drive it a while to decide how much of a difference it made.

 

I don't believe the butt problem on the seats has been solved. I got my car earlier this week (VIN# 46---) and I've already got a 'butt print'. On the other hand I find the car rides very quietly, I don't hear the tire noise you're hearing.

 

I just got mine and first long trip..butt print,I guess you have problems with all cars.

 

350 miles on mine. Quiet ride from the Bridgestones but the leather is pretty loose on the seat.

 

eh you dont see the butt print when you're sitting down. I just ignore it.

 

No problem with my leather seat....i'm 6' 4"....225 ibs.....took delivery April 3.....750 kms.

 

Got mine in February (Vin 27000) and don't have the seat problem. The tires vibrated a little when it was cold out but are fine now that it is hot out. The ride is much smoother than my 02 TL-S that it replaced.

 

This car is very quiet in my opinion.... You either are the most sensitve hearing person or have not been in very many cars. I have the HPTs and I would think that my tires would produce more noise than the 42s... maybe not...

Who cares about the butt print. Most all leather chairs or seats have butt prints in them unless they are thick leather. I would rather have comfort.

 

I agree. The butt print complaint may yet win the prize for the most ridiculous nit-picky nonsense complaint about the TL.

 

All you have to do is use leather conditioner. The higher quality leather the more you see a butt print. So I guess the complaint really is that they use too good leather. My previous GM leather didn't leave a print but that's most likely because they used road kill for the seats. Amazing.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I am not used to the tire noise because this is the first vehicle I have ever owned with low profile tires, and the noise is to be expected, especially on roads with a lot of texture. The leather in the seat is a little loose, but in the big scope of things this is a great car. Very powerful, nice to look at, and a great bargain too.

 

Tire noise can be reduced by switching tires. I know the Michelin Pilot A/S are popular here on this forum (and it is a great HPT/All season tire) it's not that quiet of a tire.

Some have found the P Zero's or Falken's are quieter than the stock EL-42's. I myself have BFG gForce KDWS and I find road noise to be about the same as the stock EL-42's.

As far as leather, I noticed the butt prints too at first. Conditioning will take care of it for the most part. I did find, however, that the seats were really thirsty the first time I conditioned. I used half a bottle of Z-10 the first time I conditioned (about 3 weeks after delivery.) Now, I've conditioned it twice more and still have over quarter of the bottle left.

 

They ARE thirsty seats, but I don't think a high-carb drink like Z-10 is the way to go. To really get your leather seats svelte, try low-cal stuff like Crystal Light or Fresca. And once in a while, treat 'em to a low-carb beer. Also don't fart on your seats, that really pisses them off. Come to think of it, try not to piss on them either.

 

 

Hey, I live in Bremerton also - still waiting to get an Acura, may wait to see the new 05 RL. If I get the TL we want the anthrocite/frost/NAV/6sd/HPT - maybe even A-Spec....

 

Well donc good luck with your Acura purchase. The new RL looks to be quite an impressive car. I know the 04 RL's were leaving Fife at a high rate of speed with the specials they had on them.