... actually, it was not dotted at all I can't believe I did it. Strange, I feel excited but also soooo guilty for spending so much money on a car ... I am now driving an old 4 cylinder 5 speed Contour and this purchase is a major upgrade for me.

I ordered a silver/ebony, 6 speed with navi for $33800 and that price includes a different set of four installed tires - the Falken ZIEX 512 instead of the Turanzas. Thank you dunlev and others, who shared their experience with these tires. I plan to use them in upstate NY all year long. Is this a good deal for a woman? Now I have to make it sound and sane till the end of May Any survival tips?

Before I signed, I test drove a similar car with a manual without the navi. Its VIN was in 15xxx and it had the infamous Vibrazas. Finally, I had a chance to feel the vibrations first hand. Gosh, they were so strong! I did not expect the vibrations to be this bad. They disappeared in about 5 minutes after the tires warmed
up. The temperature was in upper 30's and dry roads. With the Falkens, I expect this problem to be solved.

This car has so much power. Wow. Did I say wow? Before you know it, the car goes 80. I was very impressed with the car and the 6 speed transmission. The clutch picks up a little early for my taste, but this just a matter of getting used to. The shifting is sooo smoooth - click click in the gear effortlessly. It was a pure pleasure to play with the gears and rev the engine. I mean, I would be happy with a 5AT, but with the manual I am just happier I mostly took it easy, but felt a hint of the torque
steer about twice in the 2nd gear as I accelerated harder from a curve (or, was it the VSA kicking in?). I am looking forward to getting to know the car a little closer so that we can "both" adjust to get the best ride.

The audio is marvellous. Even a plain CD sounded better than my Aiwa system I have at home. I guess, I will be listenig to music in my garage now ... The DVD audio is absolutely breathtaking.

Anyway, I am really really excited and I hope the feeling of guilt will disappear with time. Gosh, what is wrong with me??

Congratulations!!! You will LOVE this car.
I have the ZIEX 512s on my TL, and they are very nice tires, especially when you consider the price. You should be very happy with them.
A girl and a 6 speed, I like that. Most women I know don't even know how to drive a manual.... good to see.
I think what you're feeling in 2nd coming out of a corner is the limited slip diff. doing its job.
Nothing wrong with you. If you have the $$, then enjoy it. If you were going to spend 30some thousand on a car, then you picked a damn good one to spend it on. ENJOY!!!

Congratulations i got the same setup as you. the car is just so much fun to drive. i agree that the 6 speed just adds that much more to the fun factor. can't wait till mine gets broken in and i get to take her closer to redline.

Congrats acugirl.

I have the same combo but sprayed in Anthracite.

Word of advice for not going crazy?

Don't: download the screensavers, wake up in the middle of the night and start thinking about the car, or visit dealerships--oh , let's say 10 times...

These are the mistakes I made.

Maybe your dealership will give you the TL info package now, so you can start the FAM (familiarization) process now.

I got my package the same day I bought my car: I knew more about the TL than the salesman.

NathanSilver
2004_Anthracite_Ebony_6MT_Navi_HPT_Z600_50%-Tint

Nice choice, I have just over 800 miles on my 6MT w/o Navi and just love it. I came from a Saturn, and as I dropped it off when lease was up, it felt like it had a tractor engine.

Cheers!

Don

Thanks all for your comments. I am from Europe and most people over there drive manual for some reason. I would say that the situation AT vs. MT is reversed there compared to the US. The manual just gives me more freedom and control. The sequential manual is not the same.

Yeah, I was originally going to spend no more than 30 but then did not really like anything in that price range. I was looking for a sporty family sedan and refused to drive the Camcordsan (Camry, Accord, Nissan). 99% of family sedans are Camcordsans. I also test drove the TSX and liked it but when compared to the TL, I think the TL is definitely worth the extra money. More space, more features, bigger engine that is much quieter on highway, cool styling.

Do you think the price is OK? $33.8k this includes delivery charge.

For a 6MT and a Navi, I think that's a fair price.

Congrats on the new car, by the way!!! I'm sure you'll love, if not already, the 6MT!!!

Wish you well, my TL friend!!

Which country are you from?

Yes. America - 85% auto, 15 manual, Europe - the other way around. They're limited in engine displacement etc., for tax reasons, so they opt for manuals to wring the best from the engines. Maybe they're more enthusiast drivers too. ???
Plus, over in Europe, 50+% are Diesels, again for tax reasons etc.
But don't let that fool ya, there are some kick-butt diesels over there. A lot of them will kick the gas engine equivilent's butt.
Camcordsan-cute, I like that. I agree. They're everywhere.
If you really want the TSX, then stay out of the TL. You won't want to go back. Bigger engine in TL, and hardly any mpg penalty in the highway epa. Kewl. And you don't need to rev the crap out of it either.
Some have paid less, some more. Don't worry about it. The extra $3.8k is worth it when you consider the fun and permagrin you'll have. C-Ya!! Have fun.

I am originally from the Czech Republic but lived in the US for 13 years by now. Yes, diesels are fairly common in Europe. I also agree that some of the turbo diesels are very powerful. And they are incredible torquesters at any revving. Also, Europe seems to be using a much higher octane gas. 93 for them is the lowest and worst anyone is using. 97-98 is their premium. Maybe it is a different octane rating, I do not know. Could be.

Chuck, I already ordered the TL. I have no dilemma TSX vs. TL.

Did you notice what a horrible effect 2004 TL has on people's vocabularies? It seems that the only word that they're capable of saying after a test drive is "WOW"!

Congrats, acugirl! I can't believe you have the patience to wait until May. I could barely live through a 2-week wait!

LOL This is a good one.

I am not sure if I can wait that long! That's why I asked for the survival tips. So far, I know this: no TL screensavers, no wallpapers, no dealer visits without a reason. What I cannot control though is commercials ... the technologically advanced Acura TL .... and stuff. Is it safe to read this forum, or should I abstine from it, too?

Get a TiVo and you don't have to see those. Since I got DishNetwork DVRs several years ago I see almost no commercials at all.

"I am now driving an old 4 cylinder 5 speed Contour and this purchase is a major upgrade for me."

I know the feeling. I also said "good riddance" to a Contour when I got my TL. I don't miss it! Congratulations!

Yes, it is a different octane rating. Actually, octane rating in this country is a bit of a misnomer because it doesn't follow any standard. The rating you see at the pumps is the average of he two major rating systems (Research Method and Motor Number). What we call 87 octane regular comes out to 91 by what used to be the standard method of rating octane in this country oh, 30 years ago <G>!

Regards,
<TED>

I thought I would give you an update on my buying experience.

I cancelled my order for a 6sp/navi silver/ebony, delivery date beginning of June after I negotiated a much better deal over the phone with a different dealer. They offered $33.3k for the same car delivered on April 28 (this is $400 less). The previous dealer would not even try to swap or e-swap the car for me

This is a much more manageable wait 37 days to go ...

i would have done the same, 33.3K is a great deal for the car you are getting. don't worry 37 days will pass by quicker than you think(maybe not). but its worth the wait.

too late a couple more days though (sigh)

acugirl... which dealer did you purchase your vehicle from?

Acura of Ramsey. I dealt with Lloyd. 201 934 8200 Overall, I was treated in a more professional manner than in Turnersville.