Took Delivery!
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Took Delivery!
Last night, I took delivery of my '09 TL with Tech package. Basque Red Pearl exterior with Ebony Interior. I just love the color!....it's stunning in sunlight and I chose it because it's different than all the boring black, silver and grey colored cars out there. I was initially going to wait and maybe get the SH-AWD version, but in the end, I didn't want to spend over $40K, and what I got out of the test drive of the base car was good enough for me. (Besides, the SH-AWD is 200-300 heavier than the regular TL, so the performance benefit isn't going to be all that much). Anyways, bottom line is this is one SWEET car! Initially, I wasn't too crazy about the design from looking at the photos, but once I got to see it in person and test drive it a few days ago, I was sold! I absoutely love the interior---I love that Acura throws in all the cool toys and gadgets in one package.......I esp. love the state-of-the-art NAV system....awesome....big screen, crisp display, and the traffic/weather feature is way too cool. The ELSA surround sound system is also terrific!....the demo DVD-A disc that comes with it is just mind-blowing!....the crispness and spaciousness of the sound is unreal! (I owned cars before with Mark Levinson sound system--Lexus, and Logic 7 surround system--BMW.....but this system in the TL is every bit as good, or maybe even better!). So far, I have only 20 miles on the car, so I can't really test it's performance, but from what I got out of the demo test drive (as far as acceleration, handling and braking is concerned) was good enough for me. Make no mistake, I didn't buy this car to race BMW's or what not.....this is not that type of car. Initially, I shopped around for a BMW 335i, Infiniti G35xS, and the new Audi A4. The 335i of course had awesome performance, but the interior was dated and to get the same equipment as on the TL, you have to spend close to $50K. I loved the G35xS (great performance, good price), but the sales department of my local dealer was terrible and that left a bad feeling in me towards the G. The new Audi A4 is a sweet looking car but to get the same level of equipment as on the TL, you have to spend close to $45K!....and that's just the 4 -cyl. In the end, I chose the TL for it's bold styling, decent performance, tons of cool gadgets, and a fair price. (I would love to post some pics if someone could tell me how to).
#4
Trending Topics
#8
Advanced
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fresno
Age: 41
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Despite the 200-300 pounds of additional weight on the SH-AWD, I think that it would have been worth it to wait and see how that performed. Heavier, yes, but if the car handles better, the weight is secondary. Awesome for you though. I haven't seen the new ones down here in Fresno at our Acura dealer yet. I will definitely have to see this thing in person before I can attempt to even appreciate it. The pictures are just turning me off more and more every time I see it.
Get those pics up man, we want to see the owner's pictures!
Get those pics up man, we want to see the owner's pictures!
#11
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Congrats Pete!!
#12
200,000 mile club
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 49
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes
on
15 Posts
Congrats, I also saw this car in person and was blown away by the nav setup. The color you chose is the best imo. Please send some pics so we can see it. I am dying to see it in this color combo. The AWD might have been better for the nothern folks.
#14
congratulations!!!
Let us know if you hear anything (rattles, squeaks, etc.) and how your family members, friends & others react to your new ride when they finally see it in person.
One more question, how's the sound system?
Let us know if you hear anything (rattles, squeaks, etc.) and how your family members, friends & others react to your new ride when they finally see it in person.
One more question, how's the sound system?
#15
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Pete, you can be the first to post in this thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2009-2014-123/4g-tl-owners-sign-689080/
#16
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
OK guys, here are the links to the pics of my '09 TL! Enjoy!
http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0004jt1.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0005jt2.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0006hu6.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0007bd4.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0008yp1.jpg
http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0004jt1.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0005jt2.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0006hu6.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0007bd4.jpg
http://img530.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0008yp1.jpg
#17
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
#18
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Initially, I wanted to wait for the SH-AWD version but my budget was to not go over $40K. Besides, I think the traction of the FWD model is more than adequate for winter (and you can always get snow tires to improve traction). Also, for stop-and-go city driving (which is mostly what I do), I think the SH-AWD would be a waste.
#19
Senior Moderator
Congrats on being the first on AZ to take delivery of the 4G TL!
Happy driving!
Happy driving!
#20
Team Owner
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Posts: 36,545
Received 6,470 Likes
on
5,162 Posts
Congrats Pete...as you drive the car this weekend, please give us your views and insight of the car.
#22
DAFRANCHISE69
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Manassas,VA
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Last night, I took delivery of my '09 TL with Tech package. Basque Red Pearl exterior with Ebony Interior. I just love the color!....it's stunning in sunlight and I chose it because it's different than all the boring black, silver and grey colored cars out there. I was initially going to wait and maybe get the SH-AWD version, but in the end, I didn't want to spend over $40K, and what I got out of the test drive of the base car was good enough for me. (Besides, the SH-AWD is 200-300 heavier than the regular TL, so the performance benefit isn't going to be all that much). Anyways, bottom line is this is one SWEET car! Initially, I wasn't too crazy about the design from looking at the photos, but once I got to see it in person and test drive it a few days ago, I was sold! I absoutely love the interior---I love that Acura throws in all the cool toys and gadgets in one package.......I esp. love the state-of-the-art NAV system....awesome....big screen, crisp display, and the traffic/weather feature is way too cool. The ELSA surround sound system is also terrific!....the demo DVD-A disc that comes with it is just mind-blowing!....the crispness and spaciousness of the sound is unreal! (I owned cars before with Mark Levinson sound system--Lexus, and Logic 7 surround system--BMW.....but this system in the TL is every bit as good, or maybe even better!). So far, I have only 20 miles on the car, so I can't really test it's performance, but from what I got out of the demo test drive (as far as acceleration, handling and braking is concerned) was good enough for me. Make no mistake, I didn't buy this car to race BMW's or what not.....this is not that type of car. Initially, I shopped around for a BMW 335i, Infiniti G35xS, and the new Audi A4. The 335i of course had awesome performance, but the interior was dated and to get the same equipment as on the TL, you have to spend close to $50K. I loved the G35xS (great performance, good price), but the sales department of my local dealer was terrible and that left a bad feeling in me towards the G. The new Audi A4 is a sweet looking car but to get the same level of equipment as on the TL, you have to spend close to $45K!....and that's just the 4 -cyl. In the end, I chose the TL for it's bold styling, decent performance, tons of cool gadgets, and a fair price. (I would love to post some pics if someone could tell me how to).
#25
Congrats on being the first! BTW i love that color. I also like that new brown looking leather interior they have tho. Ill probably end up getting WDP like always tho!
#27
Congrats Pete. I like the color on the car. I hope you have fun with it and it'll be trouble-free for you!
#32
Racer
I got to test drive one yesterday and I must say seeing it in person it looks better. How did you like the electronic steering? That is the only part I didn't like. Beautiful car though, congrats.
#33
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I sold my '04 TL a couple years ago for a 5 series. As I look back and compare, the '09 definately is more roomier, more quiet, more refined, and generally performs better.....which is to be expected for a car 4 years newer.
#34
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I wish I had the money right now to swap wheels. Maybe next summer. I might look into aftermarket wheels/tires (i.e. Tirerack) since Acura is charging so much for their upgrade. However, right now, I can't really complain about the 17's other than the looks......the car rides very well and handles pretty decent with them.
#35
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Thanks. Personally, I have no problems with the steering. Sure, it would've been great if the feel was like BMW's, but for real-world city driving, it's good.
#37
Three Wheelin'
Congrats and thanks for the pics. It's a beautiful car. I know everyone is looking forward to hearing about your ownership experience in the days ahead.
#38
Intermediate
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NC
Age: 45
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congrats...
Interior looks good, exterior doesn't inspire any happy thoughts.
How complicated are the NAV controls? Not sure how I feel about not having a touchscreen any more.
Interior looks good, exterior doesn't inspire any happy thoughts.
How complicated are the NAV controls? Not sure how I feel about not having a touchscreen any more.
#39
Advanced
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fresno
Age: 41
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, like I said, congrats. But after seeing those pictures from an actual buyer...I hate this monstrosity even more! I think that this is hands down the ugliest thing that Acura has ever produced. What were they thinking? The front and back is dismal at best. Those great side profile lines have disappeared and now this thing just looks obtuse from the side. The interior isn't bad, but are we sitting in an RL? I don't know...I just don't know what happened from 3G to 4G...awful! I hope this thing drives nice and treats you well from the inside...the place we spend the most of the time anyways! Guess that is the upside to the ugly exterior!
#40
Burning Brakes
Do you still have the 5 Series? I was just wondering your thoughts on how they compare.
Enjoy the drive!