Josh Cochran

I just test drove a black on tan 2010 TL. It's only the base model, so there's no Navigation, and it's the standard sound system.

Those are my only gripes...the sound system and lack of Navigation. Honestly, how important are these items to those of you that have the NAV and the upgraded sound? Is the upgraded sound THAT much better than what I heard in the TL base? Is the navigation much better than what I can have on my phone?

How upgradable is the TL regarding sound systems? Could I easily have a nice aftermarket system installed that would be better than the Acura-upgraded system?

Thanks in advance for your guidance!

ffiallo

Not the same car - at all, besides you're still missing:
1.- push button start, which allows you also to not have to operate the keys to access the car
2.- upgraded leather
3.- and more - cant remember from the top of my head.
When I was in the market, coming from an 08' non navi, I immediately noticed the base 09' it wasnt an option.
Granted I got the tech package, but the 17" minivan wheels on the base would have been a deal breaker.

Don1

4. Backup camera.
5. Upscale sound system.
Don't even think about trying to upgrade it. Cost would be way out of line. IMO

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

the cost of the car is $13500?

Mr Marco

^13,500 miles. What you really want is SH-AWD. Without the AWD, you might as well be driving a Maxima.

under9hell

depends on what you need to justify the extra $3-$4k for tech package.
I only listen to NPR in the car, so premium sound is a waste. NAV is nice but I probably just need it for out of town trip, 2-3 times a year.
The only thing I wanted is push start... but paying more than $3k just for that... nope!

If you listen to music then tech package worth it.

Edward'TLS

Josh, why don't you also go and test drive another 2010 TL with navi and premium sound ?

Try experiencing the differences yourself, because other people's taste may not be your own cup of tea.

Josh Cochran

I'd love to do that, but for the life of me, I cannot find one with a Tech package anywhere near me! :/

That's why I was hoping someone could tell me the major differences. I don't particularly care much about the push-button start. I feel that's just another component to screw up down the road. The usefulness and quality of the NAV, as well as the sound system are my only concerns.

industrial

My premium sound system has been a nightmare. The nav is ok. If you decide to pick up a TL with the tech package, make sure you give the sound system a good workout before you drive home. I've had to go back to the dealership 3 times now (in the 2 weeks I've owned the car) for rattling speakers. I love my music and this drives me absolutely insane on my 3 hours of driving a day. I bought a used 09 CPO tech. I wish I never had at this point.

gibbyisgibby

swap those cheap panasonic speakers out for some higher end speakers. Even when the panasonic ones work they dont sound the best.

Josh Cochran

Would doing this also make a big difference in the base sound system as well? Base system just doesn't seem like it gets very loud at all.

I currently have a 2002 RL with Bose system, and the base model 2010 TL sound system doesn't even come close to sounding as good.

LawnPro

Can you swing the awd w/tech model tl? the ELS system thats in mine is a great stock system imho. The awd is excellent in winter conditions. If you get the tl the way you want it, no buyers remorse.

Josh Cochran

I really wish I could swing the AWD tech TL, but I can't seem to find any in my area that are black on black or black on tan/white:/ Just my luck.

Mr Marco

Sometimes you need to drive a little to find exactly what you want.
We drove to Seattle (175 miles) to get the exact car we wanted for the right price.

ZCL

I would not buy a TL without the navigation and better stereo, period. Just my opinion. (I wouldn't buy any car without all of its features)

Don1

I agree fully and it would cost a lot less than trying to add the missing features. That's what makes the car. As to the AWD that is a nice upgrade if you need it. I am quite happy with the FWD and especially the smoother ride it provides.

gibbyisgibby

The amplifier in the base model is less powerful and I dont believe it has the same quality of audio processing.

You could always go aftermarket with an amp too. If you shop around online you could pick a 4ch up for $200 and it would be better than the premium ELS system. You probably would want a monoblock amp for the sub too and it would start adding up quick

overtime

I have 09 tl base. I love the car, for the price $18,670 out the door W/ 68,000 miles. I just can't complain, but I will. I'm into techy stuff and everyday I wish my car was the sh-awd tech. Push start, nav, back up camera, upgraded sound, awd all that good stuff.
I love my tl, but every time I'm in it, I just feel like something's missing. Can't beat the price though.

Mr Marco

The reason we started looking at the 4G TL as our next vehicle in 2009 was because we got a FWD 4G loaner. It was an impressive machine. But the BEST part about the 4G is the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system(SH-AWD). If you haven't tapped the accelerator in a quick turn and felt the rear wheel move you around the corner, then you will not get it.

Josh, if you don't want/need AWD, the RWD Lexus IS-350 offers better luxury without sacrificing sport and can be found used for about the same price.



Food for thought.

LawnPro

It does pay to look around, i found my tl at acura of seattle at southcenter - wdp/taupe. I had it shipped to me on a covered truck, it took a few days but im happy. Although i cant recommend buying sight unseen, it is a bit of a risk. I just had such a small list of 6mt tl"s to choose from, that i bought it unseen. The dealer did offer to pay for a one way plane ticket to fly out to seattle - from WI. I ended up not having time off from work to drive it 1500 miles home, so they said they could pay for half the shipping cost. I actually wanted a 6mt with the color combo wdp/black - but there were only wdp/taupe. I now do like the taupe interior. Cant always get excactly the car we want.

boss2k

Lexus IS-350 does drive good but the leg space at the rear is horrible, 2 adults cannot sit comfortably .. so you cannot compare it to a TL

TL is more of a family sedan and the lexus 350 a sports sedan

Mr Marco

^yep, I concede, you are right. Both the wife and I thought the exact same thing when we looked at it.

"Most compact sport sedans aren't generous with rear-seat legroom, and this is particularly true of the IS 350. Adults or even large children may not be happy in the rear seat on long road trips -- especially with a taller driver up front. Don't let the IS 350's four doors fool you; in terms of interior space, it's more akin to a luxury coupe."

-Edmonds
http://www.edmunds.com/lexus/is-350/2009/

gibbyisgibby

I wouldnt really call the TL roomy though. Its enough, but the trunk space is much less useful in the AWD

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

I just went through this decision process and there is really only one way that you are going to be happy, get the car you want and don't settle. If you settle you are always going to wish you had gotten the car you want.
The TL Tech is much more feature rich, I love it! Of course, I also got the SH-AWD...

Devil Dog 21

Couldn't agree more. Life is way too short to settle!

john94si

Ill sell you my tech 18 ... in florida. free shipping to you

ncelk

If the price is right, I see no problem with the Base car. Portable nav is fine.

As a matter of fact, I may look for a Base AWD next year this time because I believe I could get a good price on a base car since everyone wants to the tech. The base car is not exactly a stripped out price leader when you look at what it has standard.

Cap'n Preshoot

Only my sometimes not-so-humble opinion, but "settling for" versus getting what you really wanted will be a never ending vexation. Also the fact that the car is steeply discounted should be a red flag that it's not only difficult for the dealer to sell now, but will be equally hard for you to sell later on (else take a bath on the trade-in). I can't believe a dealer would have ordered-in a bare-bones TL when the TL-Tech and AWD (and MT) models literally fly off the lot. Possibly the original owner ordered it that way or the prior owner bought it then later came to hate is as you likely will. As bad as you might want a TL, I sure can't recommend getting this one.

englishtony2002

Agreed 100% - all the rest is frills, the AWD takes the prize - every time !