Good-Bye TL SH-AWD..
06-23-2010 | 07:53 AM
#81
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
23K on my '09 TL SH-AWD, I'm having a blast with mine. If one thing I've notice is how she performs better after her break in period. Other than a cat climbing up near the radiator no odd noises. Test drove the RL, nice...the cooled seats and blind spot sensors were tight, however IMO the TL supplants it...I believe that's why the model line is in a precarious position to this date. A friend of mine wants an one for his retirement, but he's holding off to see what the next RL will be...he test drove the new TL's and said he saw why the RL was left on the lot.
06-23-2010 | 09:11 AM
#82
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 583
Likes: 181
Keith....good point. That's one of the first things that struck me about the TL when I first test drove the 4G...how rock solid, tight, and well built it was. Nothing against the RL, but the TL to me was clearly meant to be the performer and build quality beacon of the Acura line up.
06-23-2010 | 06:34 PM
#84
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
You know I have been spoiled and missing out, my last few cars I had swapped out of by 12K miles, I ntoiced that somewhere in the last few K miles my AWD is really awesome perfromer as well, I suspect it started happaning aroudn 15K miles, the engine is super smooth the MPG climbed about .5 MPG on average and the sucker just has some nice low end pull, sure the AWD power train loss sucks a lot of that up off the line, but still sweet. I just re-test drove a G37 this past weekend as well as the new M37 and I can say while the G is a accleration rocket, the AWD TL had both cars beat on the low end and for handling (neither was a sport package though).
06-25-2010 | 11:46 PM
#87
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 2
From: Chicago suburb, IL
But as I mentioned before in my earlier posts, I lease all my cars through my business for tax purposes and everything is pretty much written off.
06-26-2010 | 12:36 AM
#89
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,821
Likes: 165
From: WA
06-26-2010 | 05:49 AM
#90
Cruisin'
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Congratulations!
As someone who also leases high value and high tech cars (I am leasing my TL) and has owned a 550i Sport (previous car was leased 2008 550i) - I understand your reasoning and fully agree with what you did.
Congratulations and enjoy that car!!
Congratulations and enjoy that car!!
06-28-2010 | 07:16 PM
#91
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Well it seems I too have come to bid farewell. I finally pulled the trigger ona 2011 M37 Sport Touring. True not as nice as Pete's 550i, but a fine machine indeed. I only have 25 mile son it and have barely got familiar with the basics in the car, but it is the closet thing for the money to the ride of my SH-AWD TL. I loved my TL, it was one of the best built cars I have ever owned. The ride was second to none and the seats were perfect. But in the end the damn styling never grew on me enough to make me happy. Between the muted colors of the 4G to the god awful beak that just never did it for me. I will visit here from time to time as I found this forum one of the best most active forums that had a great group of people. Maybe Acura will get their styling right at MMC or the 5G and I will return, but the time was right for me to shoot my load on this. I don't think the M37 will ever be as rock solid as my TL, but then it is a lease and I never keep anything more than 2 years so I guess it will be fine for that time. I will try and post pics over the holiday weekend.
06-28-2010 | 10:24 PM
#93
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Well it seems I too have come to bid farewell. I finally pulled the trigger ona 2011 M37 Sport Touring. True not as nice as Pete's 550i, but a fine machine indeed. I only have 25 mile son it and have barely got familiar with the basics in the car, but it is the closet thing for the money to the ride of my SH-AWD TL. I loved my TL, it was one of the best built cars I have ever owned. The ride was second to none and the seats were perfect. But in the end the damn styling never grew on me enough to make me happy. Between the muted colors of the 4G to the god awful beak that just never did it for me. I will visit here from time to time as I found this forum one of the best most active forums that had a great group of people. Maybe Acura will get their styling right at MMC or the 5G and I will return, but the time was right for me to shoot my load on this. I don't think the M37 will ever be as rock solid as my TL, but then it is a lease and I never keep anything more than 2 years so I guess it will be fine for that time. I will try and post pics over the holiday weekend.
06-28-2010 | 11:02 PM
#94
Thread Starter
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 2
From: Chicago suburb, IL
Well it seems I too have come to bid farewell. I finally pulled the trigger ona 2011 M37 Sport Touring. True not as nice as Pete's 550i, but a fine machine indeed. I only have 25 mile son it and have barely got familiar with the basics in the car, but it is the closet thing for the money to the ride of my SH-AWD TL. I loved my TL, it was one of the best built cars I have ever owned. The ride was second to none and the seats were perfect. But in the end the damn styling never grew on me enough to make me happy. Between the muted colors of the 4G to the god awful beak that just never did it for me. I will visit here from time to time as I found this forum one of the best most active forums that had a great group of people. Maybe Acura will get their styling right at MMC or the 5G and I will return, but the time was right for me to shoot my load on this. I don't think the M37 will ever be as rock solid as my TL, but then it is a lease and I never keep anything more than 2 years so I guess it will be fine for that time. I will try and post pics over the holiday weekend.
Haha.....I knew that itch needed to be scratched sooner or later!...In my head, I was betting sooner and lo and behold, I was right!
Congrats Keith!
From what I've read, I thought you were eyeing that G37 but the M's definately a step up. Happy trails, Keith!.....hopefully one day, our paths will meet up again in one of these forums.
06-28-2010 | 11:49 PM
#95
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
Pardon my negativity but it seems like growing number of TL owners are dumping their 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
06-29-2010 | 05:48 AM
#96
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
06-29-2010 | 05:53 AM
#97
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Haha.....I knew that itch needed to be scratched sooner or later!...In my head, I was betting sooner and lo and behold, I was right!
Congrats Keith!
From what I've read, I thought you were eyeing that G37 but the M's definately a step up. Happy trails, Keith!.....hopefully one day, our paths will meet up again in one of these forums.
Congrats Keith!
From what I've read, I thought you were eyeing that G37 but the M's definately a step up. Happy trails, Keith!.....hopefully one day, our paths will meet up again in one of these forums.
06-29-2010 | 05:58 AM
#98
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Pardon my negativity but it seems like growing number of TL owners are dumping their 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
06-29-2010 | 08:58 AM
#99
COTM Coordinator
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 15
From: Apple Valley, Ca
Pardon my negativity but it seems like growing number of TL owners are dumping their 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
Your negativity is spread all over this 4G section of the forum and you do not own one. I dont care if you borrow your moms, your friends, or your moms friends to base your personal experience. Your comments are like bacteria, no one likes them but without them we wouldnt have balance.
06-29-2010 | 09:31 AM
#100
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
Growing Number? Care to elaborate? If you mean growing from none to less than 5 then yes you are right its growing, but I wouldnt call that a "fair portion" of people who arent fully pleased. I think you are basing your comments solely on the members of the forum and not the other percentage of TL owners who dont care about forums. Grandmas love these cars, and so do mid aged asian women lol.
Your negativity is spread all over this 4G section of the forum and you do not own one. I dont care if you borrow your moms, your friends, or your moms friends to base your personal experience. Your comments are like bacteria, no one likes them but without them we wouldnt have balance.
Your negativity is spread all over this 4G section of the forum and you do not own one. I dont care if you borrow your moms, your friends, or your moms friends to base your personal experience. Your comments are like bacteria, no one likes them but without them we wouldnt have balance.
The cars that folks are moving "up" to are substainsally higher in cost and in a different class. Moving from a $35,000.00 vehicle to one $72,000.00 is a BIG move. So is the M37 in a different class...it would be like me moving to a Panamera, Cayman, or Cayenne.
I've seen 5 series and A-4's and MB's on the used car lot here in Augusta all trade-ins for the TL SH-AWD or TL. What does that say? Folks have different taste.
I may use forums and reviews to get a feel for a car but the overall satisfaction found with a decision rest with me. There are those who give into peer pressure or, oh I can't find the word, but it's when you let other's affect how you view your choices or views about a purchase you made. Either way, the numbers are small and it is not like a landslide of owners changing their minds.
06-29-2010 | 09:48 AM
#102
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 86
From: Boston Metro
Pardon my negativity but it seems like growing number of TL owners are dumping their 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
Going to happen sooner or later but it seems like a fair portion of them weren't fully pleased with it.
Too bad, but it reassures me for not pulling the trigger on a 4G.
06-29-2010 | 10:02 AM
#104
COTM Coordinator
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 15
From: Apple Valley, Ca
Looks play a major role in a car as well as the interior design and ergonomics.
06-29-2010 | 10:28 AM
#105
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Agreed, yes Pete and I both "UP"graded, but part of the point I was making is the TL left me less than satisfied from the styling, I would have gladly UPgraded with Acura, but they have nothing the RL is useless. Look at my tag, I was in no rush to leave Acura or the TL, this was their decision to release a polarizing style car with IMO crappy color choices. Again I am not flaming anyone that loves their TL, hell people don't like the M for various reasons as well.
06-29-2010 | 10:31 AM
#106
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Fully Agee to a point. If I cared that much about the outside I woudl have been in somthing else after my 3G sicne the 4G never appealed to my styling preferences, but I also like looking at my car. All my 3G TLs I woudl get out of the car at work every day and turn back and look at the car and think about how much I loved the car. The 4G I never looked back at it, I did love driving it, but when you drop this kind of $$$ I was getting tired of the nose of the car and to some degree the tail. The side profile was great, but the lowered hood and edgey front just never did it for me. One never knows in the MMC if there is a nice Type-S where they do like a RJ grill I may be back.
06-29-2010 | 10:50 AM
#108
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
Growing Number? Care to elaborate? If you mean growing from none to less than 5 then yes you are right its growing, but I wouldnt call that a "fair portion" of people who arent fully pleased. I think you are basing your comments solely on the members of the forum and not the other percentage of TL owners who dont care about forums. Grandmas love these cars, and so do mid aged asian women lol.
The rest of that personal garbage I could have done without, thank you.
06-29-2010 | 11:17 AM
#109
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
Agreed, yes Pete and I both "UP"graded, but part of the point I was making is the TL left me less than satisfied from the styling, I would have gladly UPgraded with Acura, but they have nothing the RL is useless. Look at my tag, I was in no rush to leave Acura or the TL, this was their decision to release a polarizing style car with IMO crappy color choices. Again I am not flaming anyone that loves their TL, hell people don't like the M for various reasons as well.
I get what Murky is saying too...the appearance is with a few folks trading the TL's early some want to say that it's a trend. You'd have to do some serious research to prove that. And if you do, then you are seriously caught up on slamming the TL and don't have anything else to gratify you in life, MO.
Last edited by compewterbleu; 06-29-2010 at 11:21 AM.
06-29-2010 | 11:21 AM
#110
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
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I hear you, my point is you pulled the trigger when you weren't sure of your choice. Heck I look back at my car when I walk away from it feeling exhilarated and liberated by the drive and the look...it was your decision to buy it, you seem like you had a lot of buyers remorse even before you left the car lot. I like the color selection as well. Now I wasn't satisfied with the Taurus SHO...as much as I wanted to try a Ford again, but it left me confused. So I passed.
06-29-2010 | 11:28 AM
#111
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
06-29-2010 | 11:31 AM
#112
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
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I liked everything about the car other than its sheer size. If it had something like the TL's handling I might have overlooked that detail but with both of those minuses I couldn't swallow the 45 thou.
And so a man waits for either a Tesla or a Buick. WTF ....
06-29-2010 | 11:40 AM
#113
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
Really? It felt taut enough for me. Taste difference I suppose.
I liked everything about the car other than its sheer size. If it had something like the TL's handling I might have overlooked that detail but with both of those minuses I couldn't swallow the 45 thou.
And so a man waits for either a Tesla or a Buick. WTF ....
I liked everything about the car other than its sheer size. If it had something like the TL's handling I might have overlooked that detail but with both of those minuses I couldn't swallow the 45 thou.
And so a man waits for either a Tesla or a Buick. WTF ....
Tesla, 230 million in loses, scary. Buick, I'll have to give them a few years before I'd test those waters.
$45k...I suppose. Got mine for a little over $35K. The dealerships here wanted $44k for the SHO...didn't want to budge.
06-29-2010 | 11:45 AM
#114
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
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I know Buick is an oddball choice but their products haven't been unreliable, just duller than....what, a Buick? But the new ones have been a world a difference and with the sportiness of the new GS model that's the one I'm gunning for. Hopefully it has more than 255 horsepower though.
And Ford wouldn't budge on SHOs here either. Of course I also ready an article that said sales of them are really strong. My personal sightings on the road confirm this as well, good for a low volume model anyway.
06-29-2010 | 11:56 AM
#115
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Not true I agonized for 2 weeks without a car as I decided back then, what put me in the 4G TL was the G37 could not compete with the technology or the ride and was a little cramped inside. I looked at an A4 and BMW 3, G37 and the Audi was hard to get with features I wanted, BMW was impossible to get way I wanted and I felt their Nav sucked and the car is cramped, great driving car, but that was it. I was not toally hating the styling and honestly it did grow on me a bit, but when the M37 came out I said OMG what a beautiful car and wanted to check it out. I drove the BAse Premium and it rode OK, but was not enough to get me out of the TL. I drove a Sport and realized it was a ride that wodul keep me happy. Ultimately I know I will miss the TL, the ride, build quality, technology and the seats! I suspect the M37 will not live up to some of those standards, but then by that time I'll be 18 months in and we'll see what the 4G MMC has to offer or even the new G37 due then. I have no regrets about owning the TL AWD, I just grew tired of it and without the looks it grew boring.
06-29-2010 | 11:59 AM
#116
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
So,
I went into my local BMW dealer today to finalize my order for a 2011 535iX (choosing color, options, etc.) to take delivery in the fall. Well right there in the lot was a fully decked-out, super shiny 2011 550i. I was very curious about it so I requested a test-drive....20 minutes later: DAMN IT, I was SMITTEN! Needless to say, I came home tonight with a 550i!
So my 2+ year love affair with my 4G TL came to an end.
I came home late tonight from the dealership so I couldn't take any pictures.....however, I will post some pics tomorrow in the daylight.
Here's a few quick tidbits about it:
-exterior: graphite (dark gray)
-interior: Oyster (ivory)
-drivetrain: 8 cyl. 400 hp/450 ft-lb
-8-sp sport automatic
-Sports package: 19" wheels/per. tires/sport steering wheel/sport seats/paddle shifters
-Cold Weather Package: heated steering wheel, heated F/R seats, headlight washers
-Navigation w/40G hard drive and I-Pod adapter
-premium surround sound system--awesome!
-Dynamic Handling Package: adjustable dampers (Normal/Comfort/Sport/Sport+)
-Rear-View, Top View, Side View Cameras
-HUD display
-ventilated seats
-rear/side sun shades
Sticker price: $71K
My sales agent gave me a $3K discount for being long-time customer.
My lease is $925/month for 36 months
My short driving impression so far:
This car is a FRICKIN DREAM!
--Takes off like a Lear Jet, rides like a Bentley, corners like it's velcro'ed to the road!
--This is my 6th BMW in the last 12 years and it's hands-down the best!!
I went into my local BMW dealer today to finalize my order for a 2011 535iX (choosing color, options, etc.) to take delivery in the fall. Well right there in the lot was a fully decked-out, super shiny 2011 550i. I was very curious about it so I requested a test-drive....20 minutes later: DAMN IT, I was SMITTEN! Needless to say, I came home tonight with a 550i!
So my 2+ year love affair with my 4G TL came to an end.
I came home late tonight from the dealership so I couldn't take any pictures.....however, I will post some pics tomorrow in the daylight.
Here's a few quick tidbits about it:
-exterior: graphite (dark gray)
-interior: Oyster (ivory)
-drivetrain: 8 cyl. 400 hp/450 ft-lb
-8-sp sport automatic
-Sports package: 19" wheels/per. tires/sport steering wheel/sport seats/paddle shifters
-Cold Weather Package: heated steering wheel, heated F/R seats, headlight washers
-Navigation w/40G hard drive and I-Pod adapter
-premium surround sound system--awesome!
-Dynamic Handling Package: adjustable dampers (Normal/Comfort/Sport/Sport+)
-Rear-View, Top View, Side View Cameras
-HUD display
-ventilated seats
-rear/side sun shades
Sticker price: $71K
My sales agent gave me a $3K discount for being long-time customer.
My lease is $925/month for 36 months
My short driving impression so far:
This car is a FRICKIN DREAM!
--Takes off like a Lear Jet, rides like a Bentley, corners like it's velcro'ed to the road!
--This is my 6th BMW in the last 12 years and it's hands-down the best!!
06-29-2010 | 01:11 PM
#117
Mademoiselle Chanel!!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,129
Likes: 43
From: GA
Not true I agonized for 2 weeks without a car as I decided back then, what put me in the 4G TL was the G37 could not compete with the technology or the ride and was a little cramped inside. I looked at an A4 and BMW 3, G37 and the Audi was hard to get with features I wanted, BMW was impossible to get way I wanted and I felt their Nav sucked and the car is cramped, great driving car, but that was it. I was not toally hating the styling and honestly it did grow on me a bit, but when the M37 came out I said OMG what a beautiful car and wanted to check it out. I drove the BAse Premium and it rode OK, but was not enough to get me out of the TL. I drove a Sport and realized it was a ride that wodul keep me happy. Ultimately I know I will miss the TL, the ride, build quality, technology and the seats! I suspect the M37 will not live up to some of those standards, but then by that time I'll be 18 months in and we'll see what the 4G MMC has to offer or even the new G37 due then. I have no regrets about owning the TL AWD, I just grew tired of it and without the looks it grew boring.
If you say so. To me the M37 looks like a stretched G37... IMO the TL is more masculine to the M37 being too feminine...to each his/her own.
06-29-2010 | 01:46 PM
#118
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,172
Likes: 740
From: Atlanta, GA
Exactly, a grown up G37 and I love the G37 lines, very sexy looking lines, I agree the TL is more masculine looking, more in your face muscle.
06-29-2010 | 02:07 PM
#119
COTM Coordinator
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,211
Likes: 15
From: Apple Valley, Ca
Going back to my comment, which seems to have stumped you, can you elaborate more on your post..... specifically of course
Oh and you base your personal experience of the 4G TL how?
Trolls belong under bridges, and trolling is done by fisherman.
06-29-2010 | 02:59 PM
#120
Registered Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
To each his own in terms of styling.
Obviously it wasn't that obvious, especially when you make a generalized comment. Perhaps being a little more specific in your posts would help us better understand you point of view.
Going back to my comment, which seems to have stumped you, can you elaborate more on your post..... specifically of course
Oh and you base your personal experience of the 4G TL how?
Trolls belong under bridges, and trolling is done by fisherman.
Going back to my comment, which seems to have stumped you, can you elaborate more on your post..... specifically of course
Oh and you base your personal experience of the 4G TL how?
Trolls belong under bridges, and trolling is done by fisherman.
I'm sorry you didn't get that.Based on my personal experience of driving three separate TLs of the 4G variety, which I've already discussed prior in other threads. The only model I haven't driven is the manual.
You're calling me a troll? Please, spare me.
Again, you can leave the personal matters at the door.