Are these gaps normal?
Are these gaps normal?
so i've noticed these gaps from the time i bought the car; just wondering if they're normal

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Probably just a problem of trying to exactly mold pieces to precisely fit. I guess if you wanted precision you needed to buy a German car--just kidding.
I will be picking up our TL this Saturday and will check out the fit and finish. By the way, in my opinion the only thing that looks worse than carbon fiber is faux carbon fiber! I wish Acura would have chosen something classier looking like satin aluminum.
Doug
I will be picking up our TL this Saturday and will check out the fit and finish. By the way, in my opinion the only thing that looks worse than carbon fiber is faux carbon fiber! I wish Acura would have chosen something classier looking like satin aluminum.
Doug
Mine does that too. It's not faux carbon fiber. It's a process that Acura themselves created where you lay a thin piece of plastic on top of a thin layer of metal.
Sorry haven't changed my avatar yet, I now have a 2010 TL SH-AWD 6mt.
Sorry haven't changed my avatar yet, I now have a 2010 TL SH-AWD 6mt.
are you saying you dont have those gaps? my car is mostly garage kept; and it's a 2012.. so i doubt this has anything to do with the sun
The description is a little bolixed up. It's aluminum deposited onto an underlying layer of plastic, made that way so it is less susceptible to denting. I like it. Looks a hell of a lot better than the MB I rode in at lunch today.
This metal "veneer" is better since it doesn't dent as easily and it actually weighs less, all while still being real metal in all places that you can see and touch.
My '12 TL-Tech doesn't have that problem. Also, I'll chime in as one who likes that metal/plastic trim. I've never thought that it was trying to look like carbon fiber--it's a different type of pattern altogether. I think it looks classy and modern, and is much more attractive than fake wood. Also, it feels cool to the touch, like metal, which I now understand thanks to the explanation as to how it's made.
Chacun a son gout, I suppose.
Chacun a son gout, I suppose.
My '12 TL-Tech doesn't have that problem. Also, I'll chime in as one who likes that metal/plastic trim. I've never thought that it was trying to look like carbon fiber--it's a different type of pattern altogether. I think it looks classy and modern, and is much more attractive than fake wood. Also, it feels cool to the touch, like metal, which I now understand thanks to the explanation as to how it's made.
Chacun a son gout, I suppose.
Chacun a son gout, I suppose.
You guys sure the 2012 is still the "metal on plastic" they used in 2009-2011? I remember reading about that special process of putting the metal on the plastic, but in the 2012, I thought they moved away from that to save some money. Would be neat if that new material was still the "metal on plastic". Anyone know for sure?
So when I received the car in March this year, I noticed the same gap on the driver side trim, and informed my dealer about it. They were kind enough to order a replacement trim and install it free of charge. However, even with the new trim, the gap is slightly visible. It's basically uneven with each trim (which is really bad QA) and as a result, it's a dice throw as to which batch of cars get a flush trim and which ones don't.
It irritated me for a bit after the re-install, but over time I got over it. I mean, with all the wonderful things you experience while driving a 6MT, you shouldn't be looking at a minute gap in an area that at best will only be glanced at while using your gps while driving.
It irritated me for a bit after the re-install, but over time I got over it. I mean, with all the wonderful things you experience while driving a 6MT, you shouldn't be looking at a minute gap in an area that at best will only be glanced at while using your gps while driving.
just to update; i went in for my A1 service and while there looked at a few different TL's and none had the significant gaps that i had. my drivers side visor has also started moving around quite a bit, so they ordered all new parts and i'm having them installed tomorrow.. so ya if you have those gaps; it's not normal. lets hope some of the rattles go away now
You guys sure the 2012 is still the "metal on plastic" they used in 2009-2011? I remember reading about that special process of putting the metal on the plastic, but in the 2012, I thought they moved away from that to save some money. Would be neat if that new material was still the "metal on plastic". Anyone know for sure? 

In the 2012 it is printed and you can barely feel it, in the 2009-2011 you can feel it so it is not just printed and more like an overlay.
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just to update; i went in for my A1 service and while there looked at a few different TL's and none had the significant gaps that i had. my drivers side visor has also started moving around quite a bit, so they ordered all new parts and i'm having them installed tomorrow.. so ya if you have those gaps; it's not normal. lets hope some of the rattles go away now
Good to hear. You wouldn't think that a new TL would be built like that...
Hmm I hope the appearance holds up with time. I really like the look much better than say satin aluminum.
just to update; i went in for my A1 service and while there looked at a few different TL's and none had the significant gaps that i had. my drivers side visor has also started moving around quite a bit, so they ordered all new parts and i'm having them installed tomorrow.. so ya if you have those gaps; it's not normal. lets hope some of the rattles go away now
I guess nothing comes perfect.. but i think a slight gap in your center console is the last thing you should be worried about..
thank god its not a rattle or a rear suspension squeak or a transmission problem..
thank god its not a rattle or a rear suspension squeak or a transmission problem..
I guess you have low expectations. I expect good fit and finish in a car in this price range. These things really bother me





