Bye, bye Acura - welcome BMW 3 series.
11-12-2012, 06:38 AM
#1
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Bye, bye Acura - welcome BMW 3 series.
So I finally decided I have had enough with Acura. As much as I loved the Acura cars, there was always something wrong with them... some rattles, some weird noises, vibrations at 75mph. Every time I went to a dealer and expressed my concerns they could never duplicate the issues... yeah, I'm sure you have heard this before.
In past decade I have been a proud owner of 3 Acura cars: CL Type S, 2005 TL and recently 2009 SHAWD TL. I really did enjoy my SHAWD Acura but with all the problems i have finally decided to move away from Honda brand.
My 2013 BMW 328i xdrive has no issues so far, no weird noises coming out of AWD, no rattles, no vibrations over 75mph... great nimble car.
I really hope Acura improves quality of their products and service departments. I would love to come back to Acura in the near future once they can prove to me they can truly compete in the luxury car market.
So, has anyone of you been in the same boat, decided to abandon Acura till things get better? If so, what car have you decided on and are you thinking of coming back or not at all?
In past decade I have been a proud owner of 3 Acura cars: CL Type S, 2005 TL and recently 2009 SHAWD TL. I really did enjoy my SHAWD Acura but with all the problems i have finally decided to move away from Honda brand.
My 2013 BMW 328i xdrive has no issues so far, no weird noises coming out of AWD, no rattles, no vibrations over 75mph... great nimble car.
I really hope Acura improves quality of their products and service departments. I would love to come back to Acura in the near future once they can prove to me they can truly compete in the luxury car market.
So, has anyone of you been in the same boat, decided to abandon Acura till things get better? If so, what car have you decided on and are you thinking of coming back or not at all?
11-12-2012, 07:51 AM
#2
2010 TL SH-AWD was 2rd Acura in a row with severe rattle issues. The 2005 right from new (dealer took care of them but took 12 visits in 1st year for different rattles). The 2010 at about 3500 miles. Went to Genesis 4.6. Am looking at next gen Acura with great hope based on new Acoord.
11-12-2012, 11:18 AM
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Rattles enabled me to buy my lemon law 2010 on the cheap, so I suppose I'm a beneficiary of someone else having this issue. I haven't noticed any rattles since I bought it last month, other than an occasional rattle or creak when hitting really big bumps. Of course, I'm typically playing the ELS stereo too loud to notice! I considered a used 3-series or A4 as well, but the value just wasn't there in my mind.
11-12-2012, 12:02 PM
#5
an adult perspective
11-12-2012, 04:10 PM
#6
Racer
congrats on your new car.
my biggest gripe only has been the 3rd gear issue that is supposedly easily fixed with ACDelco Synchromesh.
The dealership, of course, hasn't been able to duplicate it and they always sounds like they're hearing of that issue for the first time ever (Davis Acura in Langhorne, PA (philly suburb))
my biggest gripe only has been the 3rd gear issue that is supposedly easily fixed with ACDelco Synchromesh.
The dealership, of course, hasn't been able to duplicate it and they always sounds like they're hearing of that issue for the first time ever (Davis Acura in Langhorne, PA (philly suburb))
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11-12-2012, 05:32 PM
#9
Cruisin'
Best of luck with your new Bimmer! I was honestly chuckling to myself as I dropped my BMW to get my 2012 TL because of constant issues. BMW's are not known for being very reliable. But I am happy for you anyway.
11-12-2012, 06:15 PM
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2 more years and 11 months left on the 328i Xdrive lease... who knows maybe I'll be back to Acura, i really did like this 2009 TL SHAWD...
11-12-2012, 06:55 PM
#11
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My last Accura also
I am sorry I have to agree, this is my last Acura. The service at the dealership is really bad (Acura 2000 in Brampton). Can't wait to get out of this lease I went to lease buster to get rid of my 2009 and gave them another chance but I'm done with Acura 2000 and Accura.
11-12-2012, 07:12 PM
#12
I am on the fence too about what to do with this TL. It appears it has a personality. Sometimes an angel and sometimes a devil. I have started looking at alternatives... and those G35's are beginning to look good in my eyes.
Congrats about the Bimmer!!! Good move to lease it. It is a very well designed car. Someone here wrote before (can't remember who): you buy Japanese, you lease German. Once the warranty runs out, expect big expenses on small parts if they break down. No kidding, a friend of mine had to replace the door actuator on his 5-series for $220, and that was just the part!
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
Congrats about the Bimmer!!! Good move to lease it. It is a very well designed car. Someone here wrote before (can't remember who): you buy Japanese, you lease German. Once the warranty runs out, expect big expenses on small parts if they break down. No kidding, a friend of mine had to replace the door actuator on his 5-series for $220, and that was just the part!
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
11-12-2012, 07:38 PM
#13
Congrats on the new car. I've had 4 BMW's in the last 10 years and just switched back to Acura (2nd new acura). Just my experience, I have not been super impressed with the newer models. Their E46 models were built much better. I had my E93 for just under 12 months, and got rid of it due to electrical issues, rattles, and vibrations from behind the dash.
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Rocket_man (11-13-2012)
11-12-2012, 08:02 PM
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Congrats about the Bimmer!!! Good move to lease it. It is a very well designed car.
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
I keep it on the down low and most of the colleagues at work don't even know I drive one... It's usually better that way. I really enjoy driving it and love the sexy curves of this car... I have waxed it 3 times already since I got it few weeks ago... and I always loved German cars being brought up in Europe as a kid.
11-12-2012, 09:12 PM
#17
Thank you guys, this is why I only decided to go with 36 months lease instead of buying so I can decide how things go. My other family car is X5 so far no issues after 12 months. Before the current X5 we had another one, this thing survived 2 accidents, it's build like a tank... but around 4 years into owning the car things starting to break... mostly because incompetence of the service department. That's the thing with BMW, don't want to keep them much past the warranty.
2 more years and 11 months left on the 328i Xdrive lease... who knows maybe I'll be back to Acura, i really did like this 2009 TL SHAWD...
2 more years and 11 months left on the 328i Xdrive lease... who knows maybe I'll be back to Acura, i really did like this 2009 TL SHAWD...
11-13-2012, 05:45 AM
#18
Summer is Coming
If you haven't owned a BMW before then great, enjoy the car and the ride. I miss that in my old E46. Just be sure to get rid of it before the 4 yr maintemance period is out. That car was fun to drive but the worse of all my cars in terms of service.
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JnC (11-13-2012)
11-13-2012, 08:58 AM
#21
I am on the fence too about what to do with this TL. It appears it has a personality. Sometimes an angel and sometimes a devil. I have started looking at alternatives... and those G35's are beginning to look good in my eyes.
Congrats about the Bimmer!!! Good move to lease it. It is a very well designed car. Someone here wrote before (can't remember who): you buy Japanese, you lease German. Once the warranty runs out, expect big expenses on small parts if they break down. No kidding, a friend of mine had to replace the door actuator on his 5-series for $220, and that was just the part!
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
Congrats about the Bimmer!!! Good move to lease it. It is a very well designed car. Someone here wrote before (can't remember who): you buy Japanese, you lease German. Once the warranty runs out, expect big expenses on small parts if they break down. No kidding, a friend of mine had to replace the door actuator on his 5-series for $220, and that was just the part!
Personally, I hate bimmers. Not because of the technology, but because of every guy I have met who drives one has a HUGE fake ego (present company excluded, of course). Its almost like BMW has managed to capture a market segment that they themselves as German engineers, while obsessed with perfection, have clients who are total airheads.
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BEAR-AvHistory (11-13-2012)
11-13-2012, 10:46 AM
#23
Burning Brakes
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pics? what color did you go with?
3 series is too cramped for me, otherwise a nice looking car.
Sorry for you folks who've had bad luck with the TL - I absolutely love mine and have no complaints. Maybe you just got stuck with one built on a Friday
3 series is too cramped for me, otherwise a nice looking car.
Sorry for you folks who've had bad luck with the TL - I absolutely love mine and have no complaints. Maybe you just got stuck with one built on a Friday
11-13-2012, 11:12 AM
#24
Or a Monday. 
Most of the work force is hung over.
Most of the work force is hung over.
11-13-2012, 08:25 PM
#26
I too jumped ship to German after a few too many issues with a couple Acuras in a row, but I will definitely look at coming home to the brand once they've sorted things out. I'm curious to see the 5th gen... Congrats on the BMW. Glad to hear you are enjoying it.
11-14-2012, 06:10 AM
#27
To me it wasn't really about any major issues, just a bunch of minor ones. I was never worried about being stranded in the Acura. But it is not a luxury car. Everybody is ahead of Acura at this point. Lexus is light years ahead; from the gs350
To the ls460 and the ISF. Same with Infiniti; they have the v8 option and the sporty coupe option. Even Hyundai is ahead of Acura at this point. Acura really needs to find itself. At this point I really don't see a need for the entire brand. It really is not different enough from Honda to warrant an entire new division IMO
To the ls460 and the ISF. Same with Infiniti; they have the v8 option and the sporty coupe option. Even Hyundai is ahead of Acura at this point. Acura really needs to find itself. At this point I really don't see a need for the entire brand. It really is not different enough from Honda to warrant an entire new division IMO
11-14-2012, 10:40 AM
#28
Pro
I am surprised when I see the occasional posts about someone leaving the TL because of rattles or noises. From the day we bought our 2000 TL to the day we sold it 12 years later, never a single objectionable rattle/noise (okay, there was a slight rattle in the sunroof mechanism that was taken care of). As solid and trouble free as our 2000 was, our 2012 feels even more solid and well put together.
11-14-2012, 11:05 AM
#29
$$$$$$ BMW is a fine product. A bit overpriced IMHO.
What? Have you driven a Hyundai?
Eh-um, NO.
To me it wasn't really about any major issues, just a bunch of minor ones. I was never worried about being stranded in the Acura. But it is not a luxury car. Everybody is ahead of Acura at this point. Lexus is light years ahead; from the gs350
To the ls460 and the ISF. Same with Infiniti; they have the v8 option and the sporty coupe option. Even Hyundai is ahead of Acura at this point. Acura really needs to find itself. At this point I really don't see a need for the entire brand. It really is not different enough from Honda to warrant an entire new division IMO
To the ls460 and the ISF. Same with Infiniti; they have the v8 option and the sporty coupe option. Even Hyundai is ahead of Acura at this point. Acura really needs to find itself. At this point I really don't see a need for the entire brand. It really is not different enough from Honda to warrant an entire new division IMO
Eh-um, NO.
Last edited by Steven Bell; 11-14-2012 at 10:54 PM. Reason: Merged Posts
11-14-2012, 11:13 AM
#30
Yup. Have you driven one in the past year or so? Anything you know of Hyundai that is over ~2 yrs old forget it. They make much better cars now. The sonata, optima, genesis are all great cars. The genesis has a great v8 with a beautiful 8 Spd auto. The Genesis coupe is a beautiful car. The Equus is extremely luxurious and is more luxurious than anything that Acura makes. Acura has definitely lost its way IMO (ILX really?). Hopefully it finds its way soon
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BEAR-AvHistory (11-14-2012)
11-14-2012, 12:16 PM
#32
Stand For Something
Just jumped ship as well. Not because of the rattles or odd noises (although I did have MANY), just because the car was boring as hell and I am disgusted with where Acura is going.
Hello IS-F
Hello IS-F
11-14-2012, 01:12 PM
#33
2005 Hyundai (still in family) - no rattles, no issues, no nothing
2012 Genesis - 16 months old - - great tech that Acura may never have, no rattles, no issues, no nothing
Hyundai builds super solid and reliable cars. Time to let the late 90's early 2000's thing go. Their issue is this -
“Culture is against the company. Korea arrived late to the motorized age, and the automobile still serves the role of a bland appliance there. To change that, Hyundai-Kia needs infrastructure, starting with a better test track. The small circuit at its U.S. proving ground in California’s Mojave Desert is mostly flat, with no camber changes and a bunch of dull, constant-radius turns linking short straights. It produces copious tire squeal but teaches nothing about body stability over pitching pavement or behavior in fast transitions.”
http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/...hyundai-column
2012 Genesis - 16 months old - - great tech that Acura may never have, no rattles, no issues, no nothing
Hyundai builds super solid and reliable cars. Time to let the late 90's early 2000's thing go. Their issue is this -
“Culture is against the company. Korea arrived late to the motorized age, and the automobile still serves the role of a bland appliance there. To change that, Hyundai-Kia needs infrastructure, starting with a better test track. The small circuit at its U.S. proving ground in California’s Mojave Desert is mostly flat, with no camber changes and a bunch of dull, constant-radius turns linking short straights. It produces copious tire squeal but teaches nothing about body stability over pitching pavement or behavior in fast transitions.”
http://www.caranddriver.com/columns/...hyundai-column
11-14-2012, 01:26 PM
#34
Burning Brakes
Had one rattle, which the dealer fixed promptly last week. Other than that, the car is solid. I think most of the rattles are on the SH-AWD models. Their stiff suspension translates a lot more vibration into the cabin. This is a common occurrence on firmer suspension cars. I find that Acura offers a lot of value. Find me another AWD, manual transmission, 300+ hp car, with all of the tech features, for $36k, and we will talk.
11-14-2012, 01:33 PM
#35
I have a 2010 tl and im pretty happy with it, but im thinking about switching to the new 3-series, or the Honda accord next year
I was really happy about driving the 3-series it seems like a solid car and they've definitely improved on it since last years model
I was really happy about driving the 3-series it seems like a solid car and they've definitely improved on it since last years model
11-14-2012, 02:39 PM
#37
Yup. Have you driven one in the past year or so? Anything you know of Hyundai that is over ~2 yrs old forget it. They make much better cars now. The sonata, optima, genesis are all great cars. The genesis has a great v8 with a beautiful 8 Spd auto. The Genesis coupe is a beautiful car. The Equus is extremely luxurious and is more luxurious than anything that Acura makes. Acura has definitely lost its way IMO (ILX really?). Hopefully it finds its way soon
I do agree that Acura has yet to live up to it's luxury nameplate. That is in fact why many people have moved on to Audi and BMW. There is not that much difference between the new Accord and a FWD 4g TL.
Some buyers are really in the market for exclusivity. Paying $50k for a sports sedan in my neighborhood is rare. There was only one on the block and that belonged to a guy who's home was foreclosed on by his lender. The vehicle of choice where I live is the MDX. Lots of MILF around here.
11-14-2012, 05:08 PM
#39
Senior Moderator
So I finally decided I have had enough with Acura. As much as I loved the Acura cars, there was always something wrong with them... some rattles, some weird noises, vibrations at 75mph. Every time I went to a dealer and expressed my concerns they could never duplicate the issues... yeah, I'm sure you have heard this before.
In past decade I have been a proud owner of 3 Acura cars: CL Type S, 2005 TL and recently 2009 SHAWD TL. I really did enjoy my SHAWD Acura but with all the problems i have finally decided to move away from Honda brand.
My 2013 BMW 328i xdrive has no issues so far, no weird noises coming out of AWD, no rattles, no vibrations over 75mph... great nimble car.
I really hope Acura improves quality of their products and service departments. I would love to come back to Acura in the near future once they can prove to me they can truly compete in the luxury car market.
So, has anyone of you been in the same boat, decided to abandon Acura till things get better? If so, what car have you decided on and are you thinking of coming back or not at all?
In past decade I have been a proud owner of 3 Acura cars: CL Type S, 2005 TL and recently 2009 SHAWD TL. I really did enjoy my SHAWD Acura but with all the problems i have finally decided to move away from Honda brand.
My 2013 BMW 328i xdrive has no issues so far, no weird noises coming out of AWD, no rattles, no vibrations over 75mph... great nimble car.
I really hope Acura improves quality of their products and service departments. I would love to come back to Acura in the near future once they can prove to me they can truly compete in the luxury car market.
So, has anyone of you been in the same boat, decided to abandon Acura till things get better? If so, what car have you decided on and are you thinking of coming back or not at all?
But, never say never.
11-14-2012, 05:41 PM
#40
Drifting
I have had great luck with my TL, I absolutely love it, especially the stereo. I dont find any rattles but as someone said earlier in this thread, the stereo drowns out those noises. That said, I just received the recall notice for the software upgrade for the "Judder" as they call it. I have noticed this for a while and I expect my torque converter likely will need replacing as well. Having this done this Friday.