Very disappointed by Acura TL
08-06-2011, 03:03 PM
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Very disappointed by Acura TL
Hi,
Recently purchased Acura Tl, 2004, 6 speed, abt 50k miles and have been very disappointed after a week of driving the car.
Areas of disappointment:
1. Light, over boosted steering. Loosing touch with road.
2. Dashboard started cracking on several spots.
3. Tires spinning like crazy if quick take off is needed
4. Huge blind spots
5. Tire noise after tire rotation
6. XXXX large turning radius
7. Unreliable vehicle: for the past 3k of ownership changed leaking master cylinder, slave cylinder, alarm hood connector due to alarm setting off every 2 mins, noise modulator.Do not know what else is coming.
8. Missing torque when taking off. Why sparing that. Torque in low rpm is always good.
Also what is up with the engine sound? I always liked how engine sang on my bimmer and used to drive with radio off just to enjoy the nice sound, hoping it will be same here. My friend has automatic tl same year and when taking off there is that sweet sound coming from the engine bay as if turbo is spinning. Very quite on mine although my friend liked it and I liked his.
Exhaust sound. Same thing. Bass growling on his car and baritone on mine. To compare no upgrades on either car. Both stock, but sounds are different.
Can anyone point out to me something positive abt the car, cause only disappointments till now.
Recently purchased Acura Tl, 2004, 6 speed, abt 50k miles and have been very disappointed after a week of driving the car.
Areas of disappointment:
1. Light, over boosted steering. Loosing touch with road.
2. Dashboard started cracking on several spots.
3. Tires spinning like crazy if quick take off is needed
4. Huge blind spots
5. Tire noise after tire rotation
6. XXXX large turning radius
7. Unreliable vehicle: for the past 3k of ownership changed leaking master cylinder, slave cylinder, alarm hood connector due to alarm setting off every 2 mins, noise modulator.Do not know what else is coming.
8. Missing torque when taking off. Why sparing that. Torque in low rpm is always good.
Also what is up with the engine sound? I always liked how engine sang on my bimmer and used to drive with radio off just to enjoy the nice sound, hoping it will be same here. My friend has automatic tl same year and when taking off there is that sweet sound coming from the engine bay as if turbo is spinning. Very quite on mine although my friend liked it and I liked his.
Exhaust sound. Same thing. Bass growling on his car and baritone on mine. To compare no upgrades on either car. Both stock, but sounds are different.
Can anyone point out to me something positive abt the car, cause only disappointments till now.
08-06-2011, 03:26 PM
#3
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1, 3, 5 sound like resolvable tire and alignment problems specific to your vehicle.
The alarm/hood pin issue is aftermarket.
Sorry to hear about your issues; maybe the 3G TL is not the right car for you.
[As to the intrinsic design issues, anyway.]
The alarm/hood pin issue is aftermarket.
Sorry to hear about your issues; maybe the 3G TL is not the right car for you.
[As to the intrinsic design issues, anyway.]
08-06-2011, 03:37 PM
#4
Racer
Hi,
Recently purchased Acura Tl, 2004, 6 speed, abt 50k miles and have been very disappointed after a week of driving the car.
Areas of disappointment:
1. Light, over boosted steering. Loosing touch with road.
2. Dashboard started cracking on several spots.
3. Tires spinning like crazy if quick take off is needed
4. Huge blind spots
5. Tire noise after tire rotation
6. XXXX large turning radius
7. Unreliable vehicle: for the past 3k of ownership changed leaking master cylinder, slave cylinder, alarm hood connector due to alarm setting off every 2 mins, noise modulator.Do not know what else is coming.
8. Missing torque when taking off. Why sparing that. Torque in low rpm is always good.
Also what is up with the engine sound? I always liked how engine sang on my bimmer and used to drive with radio off just to enjoy the nice sound, hoping it will be same here. My friend has automatic tl same year and when taking off there is that sweet sound coming from the engine bay as if turbo is spinning. Very quite on mine although my friend liked it and I liked his.
Exhaust sound. Same thing. Bass growling on his car and baritone on mine. To compare no upgrades on either car. Both stock, but sounds are different.
Can anyone point out to me something positive abt the car, cause only disappointments till now.
Recently purchased Acura Tl, 2004, 6 speed, abt 50k miles and have been very disappointed after a week of driving the car.
Areas of disappointment:
1. Light, over boosted steering. Loosing touch with road.
2. Dashboard started cracking on several spots.
3. Tires spinning like crazy if quick take off is needed
4. Huge blind spots
5. Tire noise after tire rotation
6. XXXX large turning radius
7. Unreliable vehicle: for the past 3k of ownership changed leaking master cylinder, slave cylinder, alarm hood connector due to alarm setting off every 2 mins, noise modulator.Do not know what else is coming.
8. Missing torque when taking off. Why sparing that. Torque in low rpm is always good.
Also what is up with the engine sound? I always liked how engine sang on my bimmer and used to drive with radio off just to enjoy the nice sound, hoping it will be same here. My friend has automatic tl same year and when taking off there is that sweet sound coming from the engine bay as if turbo is spinning. Very quite on mine although my friend liked it and I liked his.
Exhaust sound. Same thing. Bass growling on his car and baritone on mine. To compare no upgrades on either car. Both stock, but sounds are different.
Can anyone point out to me something positive abt the car, cause only disappointments till now.
1, 3, 5 sound like bad tires, 3 and 8 contradict themselves (which is it, do you have too much torque or not enough?), 4 = these cars don't have huge blind spots (thats also what your neck and the other mirrors are there for, to help with), 6.....its a full sized sedan, 2 and 7 are just unlucky and you should have had the car checked out before purchasing it. Did you NOT test drive this car? Honestly, I have no sympathy for these type of posts......good luck.
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TLtrigirl (08-06-2011)
08-06-2011, 04:13 PM
#7
Regarding #4: Learn how to properly set your side mirrors
http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/tech/mirrors/
http://www.linquist.net/motorsports/tech/mirrors/
Trending Topics
08-06-2011, 04:29 PM
#9
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Bladehopper82 (08-06-2011)
08-06-2011, 04:30 PM
#10
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Ummmm ok, most of your complaints aren't even the cars fault. Tire spin?!? I have a 6mt type s and sure the tires spin if you nail it, but seriously what do you do launch your car at every light?
Tire noise..... How this is the cars fault?
Blind spots.... What are you 3ft tall? Never once thought the TL has bad blind spots.
Turning radius... Even if it's not the best who cares. How often do you really turn till the wheel stops? I sure don't often.
Lack of torque.....ummmmm, soooo you were complaining about too much tire spin, now your complaining of lack of torque. If that isn't confusing I don't know what is.
Dunno what to tell you man. I sure dig my 6mt type S.
Tire noise..... How this is the cars fault?
Blind spots.... What are you 3ft tall? Never once thought the TL has bad blind spots.
Turning radius... Even if it's not the best who cares. How often do you really turn till the wheel stops? I sure don't often.
Lack of torque.....ummmmm, soooo you were complaining about too much tire spin, now your complaining of lack of torque. If that isn't confusing I don't know what is.
Dunno what to tell you man. I sure dig my 6mt type S.
Last edited by JTS97Z28; 08-06-2011 at 04:35 PM.
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08-06-2011, 04:58 PM
#11
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Ummmm ok, most of your complaints aren't even the cars fault. Tire spin?!? I have a 6mt type s and sure the tires spin if you nail it, but seriously what do you do launch your car at every light?
Tire noise..... How this is the cars fault?
Blind spots.... What are you 3ft tall? Never once thought the TL has bad blind spots.
Turning radius... Even if it's not the best who cares. How often do you really turn till the wheel stops? I sure don't often.
Lack of torque.....ummmmm, soooo you were complaining about too much tire spin, now your complaining of lack of torque. If that isn't confusing I don't know what is.
Dunno what to tell you man. I sure dig my 6mt type S.
Tire noise..... How this is the cars fault?
Blind spots.... What are you 3ft tall? Never once thought the TL has bad blind spots.
Turning radius... Even if it's not the best who cares. How often do you really turn till the wheel stops? I sure don't often.
Lack of torque.....ummmmm, soooo you were complaining about too much tire spin, now your complaining of lack of torque. If that isn't confusing I don't know what is.
Dunno what to tell you man. I sure dig my 6mt type S.
08-06-2011, 05:38 PM
#12
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1, 3, 5 sound like bad tires, 3 and 8 contradict themselves (which is it, do you have too much torque or not enough?), 4 = these cars don't have huge blind spots (thats also what your neck and the other mirrors are there for, to help with), 6.....its a full sized sedan, 2 and 7 are just unlucky and you should have had the car checked out before purchasing it. Did you NOT test drive this car? Honestly, I have no sympathy for these type of posts......good luck.
you bought a used car...even when mine was new i hated the OEM tires b/c i spun them without even trying in the rain when pulling away from lights. i was thrilled when i upgraded the rims and tires a yr later, no more tire issues until that set wore.
sorry for the bad run of luck with the car, but really...what were your looking for out of the TL?
08-06-2011, 06:44 PM
#14
Racer
1, 3, 5 sound like bad tires, 3 and 8 contradict themselves (which is it, do you have too much torque or not enough?), 4 = these cars don't have huge blind spots (thats also what your neck and the other mirrors are there for, to help with), 6.....its a full sized sedan, 2 and 7 are just unlucky and you should have had the car checked out before purchasing it. Did you NOT test drive this car? Honestly, I have no sympathy for these type of posts......good luck.
I agree completely!! If you think the TL has bad blind spots try driving a new Camaro convertible. If you really want to complain about how unreliable your car is just trade it in for a Ford and then I'll listen to your whining.
08-06-2011, 07:40 PM
#16
the overexplainer
I've had my TL since feb and put on 10k miles (bought at 51k). Only had to replace some tires and get an alignment. Bled and replaced pads and rotors, changed some fluids, but that's consumable stuff anyway.
Compared to other cars I was considering buying, I have absolutely no regrets. What other car in 2004 had standard goodies including HID projectors, HFL, tilting mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated seats, the list goes on.
Compared to other cars I was considering buying, I have absolutely no regrets. What other car in 2004 had standard goodies including HID projectors, HFL, tilting mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated seats, the list goes on.
Last edited by ez12a; 08-06-2011 at 07:46 PM.
08-06-2011, 08:05 PM
#17
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1, 4 & 6 - should've test drove the car before purchase.
08-06-2011, 08:56 PM
#19
2017 TLX TECH V6
This sounds like you never drove this car until you bought it. You sound like this is you first time in it. 80% of your complaints would have be noted in a test drive and the rest by a mechanic. Sounds like you bought this car sight unseen.
08-06-2011, 09:48 PM
#20
damn stop the nagging
get new tires
drive a camaro and then compare blind spots
DID YOU NOT CHECK ANYTHING OUT BEFORE YOU PURCHASED THE VEHICLE?
all these problems that you are stating are from your car only
the previous owner probably did not maintain it at all
All base exhausts will sound the same unless one has a hole in it or leak or something
the 2004 model is NOTORIOUS for having the dash cracking issue... was it already cracking when you purchased it?
get new tires
drive a camaro and then compare blind spots
DID YOU NOT CHECK ANYTHING OUT BEFORE YOU PURCHASED THE VEHICLE?
all these problems that you are stating are from your car only
the previous owner probably did not maintain it at all
All base exhausts will sound the same unless one has a hole in it or leak or something
the 2004 model is NOTORIOUS for having the dash cracking issue... was it already cracking when you purchased it?
08-06-2011, 10:02 PM
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Thanks to all of you for the input.
Well, I test drove the car. Steering felt OK in the test drive, but then later started bothering. At least thought at high speed (65-70 mph) will become stiffer.
Dashboard cracked when the heat wave passed although always place sunshades. It is in process to be replaced under warranty.
After further talk with my friend with the auto tl it was cleared he has winter tires and summer tires and that was reason his tires do not spin at all and I test drove his car a lot thinking that the manual will be spinning slightly. If I decide to keep the car will do same to get rid of tire spin at least. Weird though, drove my bimmer one winter with summer tires and did not get wheel spin on dry pavement.
In my bimmer never I needed to turn and look over my shoulder. Always used only mirrors and no blind spots . Do not know how other cars are. Throughout my car "career" always had bimmers. This is the first different make I drive. Some of you may say no wonder I'm disappointed since bmw is the benchmark for handling.
The rival 540i does not have large turning radius although she is a large sedan. Did not have opportunity to test the tight turning radius till one was needed.
Car is CPO and when test drove her was in perfect condition. Anyway, did not pull a dime from my pocket for all repairs and also got loaners.
In regards to torque. Tl is fast, but missing that torque push. Probably got used to 540i snapping my neck all the time.
No any idea abt the engine and exhaust sound difference between auto and manual?
Well, I test drove the car. Steering felt OK in the test drive, but then later started bothering. At least thought at high speed (65-70 mph) will become stiffer.
Dashboard cracked when the heat wave passed although always place sunshades. It is in process to be replaced under warranty.
After further talk with my friend with the auto tl it was cleared he has winter tires and summer tires and that was reason his tires do not spin at all and I test drove his car a lot thinking that the manual will be spinning slightly. If I decide to keep the car will do same to get rid of tire spin at least. Weird though, drove my bimmer one winter with summer tires and did not get wheel spin on dry pavement.
In my bimmer never I needed to turn and look over my shoulder. Always used only mirrors and no blind spots . Do not know how other cars are. Throughout my car "career" always had bimmers. This is the first different make I drive. Some of you may say no wonder I'm disappointed since bmw is the benchmark for handling.
The rival 540i does not have large turning radius although she is a large sedan. Did not have opportunity to test the tight turning radius till one was needed.
Car is CPO and when test drove her was in perfect condition. Anyway, did not pull a dime from my pocket for all repairs and also got loaners.
In regards to torque. Tl is fast, but missing that torque push. Probably got used to 540i snapping my neck all the time.
No any idea abt the engine and exhaust sound difference between auto and manual?
08-06-2011, 10:22 PM
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damn stop the nagging
get new tires
DID YOU NOT CHECK ANYTHING OUT BEFORE YOU PURCHASED THE VEHICLE?
all these problems that you are stating are from your car only
the previous owner probably did not maintain it at all
All base exhausts will sound the same unless one has a hole in it or leak or something
the 2004 model is NOTORIOUS for having the dash cracking issue... was it already cracking when you purchased it?
get new tires
DID YOU NOT CHECK ANYTHING OUT BEFORE YOU PURCHASED THE VEHICLE?
all these problems that you are stating are from your car only
the previous owner probably did not maintain it at all
All base exhausts will sound the same unless one has a hole in it or leak or something
the 2004 model is NOTORIOUS for having the dash cracking issue... was it already cracking when you purchased it?
Vehilce was already serviced and checked. Most of the things started after abt 3k miles.
Again, that is CPO car with warranty and also got 2 services with no charge. One was oil change the other was b1 I think.
I was shown all the records from car new to 49xxx miles. She was dealer maintained from Florida, guy moved to Illinois and needed awd after first winter with his tl. I will probably need winter tires too regardless this is front wheel drive and all the tire spin I get on dry pavement during summer. Can picture what is in the winter.
08-06-2011, 10:33 PM
#26
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Out of curiosity- why did you get rid of your BMW?
08-06-2011, 10:52 PM
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She was nearing 100k + changed my job and now requires to be report to work with no delays. Needed a reliable car and have been listening for the past 6 years how on my friend's auto tl the only thing changed was brake rotors and usual oils and liquids.
To ez12a:
330i is 6 cyl , less hp and tq, same weight compared to tl, but lots of low rpm torque. All may change if I get winter tires and next summer performance tires. 3 more years of CPO. I can live with large turning radius at the theater parking lot.
Perhaps steering can be retrofitted to tighter one. Anyone with such experience?
I got 9)Although this could be one of the best manual transmission I have ever shifted, there is no spring to return it to neutral. I am so used to tapping the shifter out of gear and spring takes care to return to neutral.
To ez12a:
330i is 6 cyl , less hp and tq, same weight compared to tl, but lots of low rpm torque. All may change if I get winter tires and next summer performance tires. 3 more years of CPO. I can live with large turning radius at the theater parking lot.
Perhaps steering can be retrofitted to tighter one. Anyone with such experience?
I got 9)Although this could be one of the best manual transmission I have ever shifted, there is no spring to return it to neutral. I am so used to tapping the shifter out of gear and spring takes care to return to neutral.
08-06-2011, 10:56 PM
#32
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08-06-2011, 10:59 PM
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I'm talking abt the manual shifter that has spring to return it to neutral if you tap it out of any gear, strongest return from reverse.
08-06-2011, 11:30 PM
#34
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08-06-2011, 11:49 PM
#35
takin care of Business in
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OP i just think you are having buyers remorse....
you found the hood cracking and what the previous owner had done and you just practically starting disliking everything about the car....
it is a stunning looking car....i have an 05 an have it since 07 (4 years+) and everytime i see my car the smile on my face keeps growing...people turn around and check my car out....i love how she (yes, i treat her as my girl) drives....i love how reliable she is....i love the low maintenance cost....i love the fuel economy....
i mean i practically love every aspect of the car....
maybe you got a bad apple....maybe your just tooo hard to please...maybe if you stop nagging and give the car a chance, maybe you will fall for her....
you found the hood cracking and what the previous owner had done and you just practically starting disliking everything about the car....
it is a stunning looking car....i have an 05 an have it since 07 (4 years+) and everytime i see my car the smile on my face keeps growing...people turn around and check my car out....i love how she (yes, i treat her as my girl) drives....i love how reliable she is....i love the low maintenance cost....i love the fuel economy....
i mean i practically love every aspect of the car....
maybe you got a bad apple....maybe your just tooo hard to please...maybe if you stop nagging and give the car a chance, maybe you will fall for her....
08-07-2011, 06:52 AM
#37
You sound like a BMW/audi person so just stick to those.
08-07-2011, 08:10 AM
#38
3G TL/2G MDX Owner
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to OP-
you're complaining over stuff you didn't have to pay to fix (the mechanical, under the hood stuff). really? you had us all thinking you had to cough up extra money to get this stuff fixed. your dealer took care of you and that's good. stop complaining.
the wheel spin seems to bug you the most. GET NEW TIRES. OEM tires are known to be the crappiest tires on the TL except maybe the summer tires (the optional ones). even the current TL (2012) the OEM tires on an AT, i have gotten those to scritch and spin a touch stepping on the gas...so, acura seemingly puts conservative overpriced michelins on their cars which are decent, but not good enough for those that are performance oriented.
i have a 6MT. every set of tires since replacing the OEM tires...NO TIRE SPIN. not sure where you live (sounds like a place where it snows), you can either get a set a all seasons (conti DWS or comparable) which will competentnly get you through the snowy months, or have dedicated snow and summer tires/wheels. your torque comment...FWD vs RWD....the TL is known for torque steer which can be felt if you mash the gas everytime you get going esp with the 6MT. so like i said before, the TL and the beemer....similar category of vehicle, but different animals in how they drive and handle.
the dash...that's just bad luck and the car lived in FL prior to your ownership, but again your dealer is fixing it (at no cost from what you have mentioned) so why complain?
yeah i had issues with my MDX when i bought it but i didn't come on here ranting about it b/c my dealer took care of me and the issues i had with it.
just get the car fixed to your liking and enjoy it. if you can't stand it....well...you can always go back to your previous likings.
you're complaining over stuff you didn't have to pay to fix (the mechanical, under the hood stuff). really? you had us all thinking you had to cough up extra money to get this stuff fixed. your dealer took care of you and that's good. stop complaining.
the wheel spin seems to bug you the most. GET NEW TIRES. OEM tires are known to be the crappiest tires on the TL except maybe the summer tires (the optional ones). even the current TL (2012) the OEM tires on an AT, i have gotten those to scritch and spin a touch stepping on the gas...so, acura seemingly puts conservative overpriced michelins on their cars which are decent, but not good enough for those that are performance oriented.
i have a 6MT. every set of tires since replacing the OEM tires...NO TIRE SPIN. not sure where you live (sounds like a place where it snows), you can either get a set a all seasons (conti DWS or comparable) which will competentnly get you through the snowy months, or have dedicated snow and summer tires/wheels. your torque comment...FWD vs RWD....the TL is known for torque steer which can be felt if you mash the gas everytime you get going esp with the 6MT. so like i said before, the TL and the beemer....similar category of vehicle, but different animals in how they drive and handle.
the dash...that's just bad luck and the car lived in FL prior to your ownership, but again your dealer is fixing it (at no cost from what you have mentioned) so why complain?
yeah i had issues with my MDX when i bought it but i didn't come on here ranting about it b/c my dealer took care of me and the issues i had with it.
just get the car fixed to your liking and enjoy it. if you can't stand it....well...you can always go back to your previous likings.
08-07-2011, 11:27 AM
#40
I'm Craig
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Did you even test drive the car? And unreliable vehicle...you've got to be kidding. There isn't a more reliable luxury brand.
The turning radius does suck, that's the only thing I can relate to.
The turning radius does suck, that's the only thing I can relate to.