boe_d

Hello,

My 2001 Acura TL still runs well but I'm thinking about getting a new TL (among other cars). I haven't test driven the current model, I think a 2008 was the last one I test drove.

How is the sound level? My 2001 TL is far too loud on the grooved LA highways. The Lexus I test drove a few years back was much quieter and I do a great deal of business on my cell phone while driving.

Any other thoughts in comparing the two?

Thanks

tmnhs81

I'd say test drive one or if someone on here is close to you can give you a through demo of the car and the tech package.

Bearcat94

I have an '02 and '07 and have driven as a dealre loaner an '09.

The interior of the '09 and tech gadgets (Navi, etc) are GREAT. Very comfortable and quiet. Stock OE radio is much better than the '07 and that was much better than the '02.

The 4G is an upgrade in virtually every way to the 2G. A BIG upgrade.

Go see if you can get an extended test drive (24 - 48 hours) with one of your dealer's loaners. Even a couple of hours, if they can't let you have one over-night.

23109VC

you can't even compare an 01 to a new TL....same letters on the emblem, but so much has improved/changed, it's a night and day difference.

just the fact that you'd be comparing an old/ high mileage car to a new one woudl mak ea big difference, then you add the increased power, better tech, better handling... you'll love it.

but to be fair - test drive other stuff. there are a lot of good cars out there - ALL of them you will like more than your 01....

if you are considering a new TL and want something in that price point - you could consider the Infinit, Lexus, and you migth want to look at nicer CPO cars like an Audi S4, 335i....

if I was going to drop $35kish on a new car, i'd give a CPO 335i a long hard look. very nice cars...but i'd never want one w/out a LONG warranty as repairs would be $$.

good luck!

PetesTL

You're not going to get a 335i under $40K unless it was used. No way. If your price range tops out at $40K, your main targets are the TL, G37, Maxima, Lexus ES350, Volvo S60, Saab 9-3, Buick Lacross, Lincoln MKS, or a lightly-optioned 328i or MB C300.


The 4G TL is a relatively quiet car, esp. the FWD model with the smaller 17" wheels/tires. However if you want "Library-quiet," then your best bets are the ES350 or a Buick Lacross.

N7Titan

i have both and i can say this:

everyone is right about interior quality, it's an upgrade in every way

handling is of course slightly less nimble, inevitable to the size difference
Power difference on the other hand is great, i remember normally getting my fwd TL 0-60 in 6.2 sec compared to the 7+ sec in the 01

and as a personal thought, i trust the phenomenal safety ratings in the 4G a lot more than the 2G's

boe_d

I think the cars I'm most interested in are the ES, TL and the upcoming 2011 S60. However if I'm willing to wait for the S60, I might as well see if the they put the touch interface back in the NAVI on the TL (which I believe the ES has) and remove the buck tooth.

Bearcat94

Don't hold your breath.

boe_d

I test drove both cars today twice each. I like certain things on both. I definitely prefer the tighter handling and more responsive acceleration of the TL. However I prefer the looks of the Lexus, the quieter rider and the navi over the TL. If only I could combine the two to make my ultimate automobile.

I think the deciding factor may be the hideous buck tooth in the front of the Acura.

Pseudomaniac

iTrader: (1)

I've had an 01 CL, an 03 CL-S-6, an 02 MDX, and now an 09 TL SH-AWD 3.7 Tech.

The rag on the new TL is it's slow. Well, drive it. It's big. The AWD makes acceleration deceptive. It's running to 60 in well under 6 seconds, and it has get up from 40-100 just fine. The shift logic seems to be more eco-based and performance based - and the trans tries to keep the tac under 2k. For expressway commuting it's a dream.

The hands free phone with a little tinkering, is easy to figure out, and paired up with my iphone in seconds. The bluetooth audio streaming also works fine for the iphone, so pandora, itunes, etc - all play through the car.

The car navigates turns, even agressively, maintaining a very level and stable stance (aka, no spilled coffee turning into the parking lot). The cup holders are genorously sized - something that has been a Honda / Acura weakness for years in my opinion.

Having owned several Acuras, I would have told you until yesterday that it didn't get any better with seating than the 01-03 Acura CL buckets - which are still very good, but the TL trumps them in comfort, support, appearance, etc. The power lumbar is long overdue.

The "cockpit" feel is awesome. You're surrounded by lights and gadgetry, including the subtle blue LED that project some ambient light from the ceiling into the cabin.

The headlights are excellent - very well designed HID system that illuminates for distance and a much better field of view than my CL.

The Radio is very good. I'm accustomed to a 12 in the trunk and components all around - this has a very clear and full ranged presence - better than any of the old Blowse stuff.

Ride quality is very good - not too cushy, but not too stiff. There is a bit of wind noise on the window tops, but it's very subdued. They also finally figured out to flute the sunroof opening mechanical pieces so that the wind didn't howl as it blew over them.

I compared it with the LS lexus, the Infinity G37, and The 08 TL. It destroys all of them in interior creature comforts. The Lexus was very Camry. The Infinity was very plain - but had much better acceleration.

Obviously I bought the TL. Test drive one and tinker with the gadgetry for 45 minutes in the parking lot - I was sold after doing so.

Pseudomaniac

iTrader: (1)

I HATE, HATE, HAAAAAAAAAATE the eagle beak grille. Check out the Ron Jon replacement. I expect to have mine ordered this week.

boe_d

I agree - one of the most absurd things Acura did which sadly might be a deciding factor for me. Is this what you are referring to?
http://ronjonwheels.com/4g-tl-grille.html If so it looks great. Do you know what is involved in fixing the original buck tooth and installing this?

pimpin-tl

First time I heard someone like the Toyota NAVI over the Honda's as they really suck. LOL

boe_d

I tried the Toyota one in a while back and would have agreed. However the current one is ahead of the acura one in my opinion which is odd because I always thought acura would have the best as my old TL was head and shoulders above the Lexus NAVI at the time. I guess Lexus got the memo and for some reason Acura didn't realize what they had (probably got dropped by the same person who thought the buck tooth was a good idea).

boe_d

After really really thinking about it a long time, and testing out the current TL I’ve decided I’ll wait until the redesign it and keep my current Acura. The front end is ugly, the navigation is not as good as the Lexus. Hopefully within the next couple of years they’ll fix those things and perhaps employ some hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption and make it a tad quieter in the cabin.

If they haven't fixed those things in a couple of years, I can just get the ES which I enjoyed as well.

pimpin-tl

I don't agree as we had a 07 Camry with the new Navi from Toyota, and test drove a ES350, it's Navi wasn't near as good as our 09 TL.

boe_d

And it is fine for you to disagree. I just found the Acura wasn't able to recognize my address requests as well as the Lexus. I'd prefer touch input like the Lexus has (it would be fine if they offered both knob and touch input but I would like the option of a touch screen). I also liked how easy it was to download addresses from your computer on the Lexus. The lexus also had the call for an address free for a year (I don't think I'd use that much) but it is still a nifty feature.

I don't like the fact that Lexus won't let you manually input an address while driving unless you hack the gps. Many times I don't think about going some place until I've already gotten on the road for a different location and I sure don't want to have to pull off the highway just to put in a new destination. You can call the service to have them put it in your GPS while driving but as I say I prefer not to use that service since it is only free the first year and would probably be slower than just inputing the info yourself.