I am seriously considering trading in my 350Z (Touring, 6MT) for the '04 TL. Many reasons for the decision but mainly the need for a car that I can drive in the winter and still have some speed/fun. This is a very tough decision for me having waited 9 months for the car. Very early vin # (137)
What can you tell me about torque steer regarding the 6MT? Car and Driver really pounded the car over that issue. Also, how's the handling in the winter, I live in NY.
Any constructive help/advice would be appreciated.

 

First you must realize that it will be a completely different ride. Secondly as for torque steer, it'll be there... BUT how often do you accelerate from a dead stop with greater than say 75% throttle application? And even then, Honda general does a very good job trying to reduce it as much as possible.

The one thing I don't like about most car reviews is that it is mostly performance centric and not much "real life" if you will.

The other thing is... if torque steer is the only thing keeping you from buying the car, then I would honestly say, don't worry about it. For something that you may experience once a week to keep you from a great car would be a shame.

I can't provide input regarding winter driving... I live in Houston. But ANY FWD will be better than RWD in the snow or ice.

-S

 

Thanks, I also noticed there were a lot of early model problems listed in another forum. Have you experienced any?
I have a few with the 350Z too.

 

The Z and TL are worlds apart. If there's anything about your Z you like (other than keeping you dry) then you'll hate the TL.
To even consiser the TL you must want/ need:
four doors
comfort, both creature and driving
space for four with luggage
good foul weather handling
the standard features
secure, sporty handling (at reasonable speeds)
to own an Acura

If those things aren't on the very top of your list (12 months of the time) you'll regret getting one.
Personally I have a 5AT for the above reasons, and a Z28 for a few months of summer fun.

 

I had a car with severe torque steer experienced in first gear with heavy throttle while engaging the clutch and while whacking a shift into second gear at red line +++. Big deal; it was always easy to control with a little steering input, and it never put me into a dangerous situation. It wouldn't keep me from buying a 2004 TL; even the rumored TL-S.

 

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

I can't speak to your cold weather question living in the sunshine state , but the C&R review was biased because they can't accept FWD. They are RWD and BMW biased in all their reviews. I for one have a high performance Corvette, and while I love it, I also really like my TL, FWD and all:lol2: I have not had any problems with the "torque steer problem", it is just something different that you adjust to. If I were racing on a coned course I might feel a little more comfortable with RWD, but I didn't by my TL to go racing with (that is what the Vette is for )

 

I will address the winter driving, Pices, in two words: FWD rocks. When the FWD is combined with the traction control, this car has been a very good winter companion. I have had no problems starting out on slick roadways or in light snow. The stock tires are OK in light snow but, thank God, there are better options. Someone in the forum insisted on a tire change as part of their purchase; you would do well to request the same. I recommend Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or Dunlop SP Sport 5000.

Torque steer....I've owned only FWD cars and while the TL has some, it is well-controlled and, frankly, not a bother at all.

The TL is no Z, but if you want some fun, the TL will give you some. It is fast as heck and handles nicely, except for some body roll in steep curves. If you want better engine control, get the 6MT rather than a 5AT.

In short, the TL is what it is--the best compromise on the market between sport and luxury.

3600 miles, almost 3 months, and still enjoying the ride.

 

regarding pre-production issues: There's no doubt there appears to be some... but remember, not all TL owners are on this forum and not everyone on this forum that has a 04 TL has an issue. Typically people only post when they have an issue and are trying to find resolutions to it. Given that, it would appear that the issues might be more wide spread than it might actually be.

It seems that the current productions seems to be better? It seems that a lot of problems where reported on earlier cars.

If you can hold off for a month, even two, even three, then it might be a good idea.

 

Thanks for the input it has eased some of my concerns. The torque steer in my wife's '04 Maxima is quite pronounced on hard acceleration from a dead stop. The 6MT is definitely the way I will be going once I have wrestled a little longer with giving up my 350Z. Those of you who waited a long time for a car will undoubtedly understand. Are there any must have options I should be considering? I do want to get some subtle add ons.
Thanks again.

 

Man that Z looks hot. Hope you get a decent deal on your TL if ans when u do get one. The only options on the car other than navigation are appearance upgrades like spoiler, A-spec etc.

 

It is a hot car but I need more room and a safer winter ride, a junker is not an option for me. I'm hoping for between $25-26,000 as trade in towards the TL.