I have my TSX in for a 30K mile service and I was able to get an '04 TL loaner car. That thing is sweet! I just wanted to mention it so all you Chicago peeps can go get yourself similar royal treatment over at Continental Acura.

Anyone else getting an '04 TL loaner from their dealer? I wonder how common it is to get one.

 

How about a mini-review?

 

I said "that thing is sweet!" didn't I?

OK. The car has serious power. It's been a lot of fun merging on the freeway and generally showing off. I didn't think I missed the power of my CL-S but this has been fun. But I know it's just a mirage, because having the power will get old after a while because of the rest that comes with it (more to follow).

The first thing I did when I got inside was to pair my phone with the Bluetooth Handsfree System. I am quite impressed with how easy it is to use. There are a lot of thoughtful touches to the system, and it is definitely something I'll be looking for on my next car. The only thing that really annoys me about the system is that if you dial from the phone and press talk, the car doesn't automatically pick up the call. I have a feeling I can remedy this but without the owner's manual (and the short duration with the car) I don't think I'm gonna get it done.

The handling on the car is pretty decent, but it's no TSX. Having an automatic transmission blows too. Gas mileage is just ok but my driving may be part of the problem. Finally, I can't live without the navigation system. That changes everything about a car to me. If you offered me a fully loaded M3 without a nav system I wouldn't want it over my TSX. I'm not kidding.

That's all for now, I gotta run.

 

Slight off-topic, but how much was your 30k service?

 

$220 less $50 for customer loyalty.

After getting my car back a curious thing happened: I realized I like the TSX more than the TL.

 

See, I have been getting this comment lately, and I think some members here have said this as well.

 

What's that?

 

Being that they preferred the TSX to the TL. In general because of the tighter handling on the TSX.

 

smaller size, more tossability, and better handling yes. But the TL WAS an auto w/o nav.

 

Jason,

so you're of the opinion that the TSX really handles better than the TL? I would have figured that the TL, given its price point, would be the better overall performer, power and handling.

I test drove a TL before I bought my TSX, but it's been so long I can't really compare the two with regards to handling. I just remember the TL was a really nice car.

That's cool. I'm kinda waiting for the Hondata reflash so I can pump up the ponies on the TSX!

 

yeah, also waiting for hondata...can't have less hp then the '05 rsx

 

Sweet...you get a discount!! I might have to explore my options when its time to get my car serviced.. I believe my dealership has 04 TLs for loaners as well...

 

$220? even with a $50 discount, my 30K service was less...much less. I paid $131.50 @ 30,100 miles. I think you got ripped off...

 

you know what? I forgot something important about why my service was less...I replaced my own pollen filter...bought the filter at cost ($33.34, I found that price online and went to my service department and said, "I'd rather give YOU guys the business, so sell it to me at cost and we have a deal") and put it in myself. I told the service manager NOT to replace the filter during the 30K service. Guess what? Doing it myself saved me $$ just in LABOR. So add in what they WOULD have charged me for the filter (roughly $40) and the labor involved in installing it, and my price is similar to yours, Jason BEFORE the discount you received... So perhaps you didn't get ripped off, but got a good deal! I stand corrected!

 

Not necessarily. He was probably servicing on the Severe duty schedule, while you're doing the Mild duty schedule.

Edit to add: you just found the explanation as I was typing this...

 

Those cabin filters are bitch to get at. One thing I have seen in general with Honda's - they don't make it easy to get to any of the places/things that need regular servicing.

 

The TL's a bigger, heavier car. It's definitely POSSIBLE to make it handle better than a TSX. But it would take a LOT of work.

 

I know. And then you have to ask yourself if it's worth it or not.

 

Exactly.

 

I thought the nav was standard on '04 TLs. Is it the only factory option like the TSX?

 

Yep it's an option on TSX and TL. Will be standard in the new RL.

 

Guess this means that you won't be trading in your TSX for a TL anytime soon. (I recall that you were contemplating that when the TL first came out).

I was planning on buying your car when you did. I guess I never bothered to tell you that, did I? (truth be told, it was one of many possible car buying scenarios that had been swirling around in my brain for the last couple years).

My frazzled brain mired in a 2 year indecision rut --->

 

Hey make me an offer on my car. I have 32,000 miles and it's in perfect condition.

 

haha reminds me of RSX Type-s owner saying about the TSX-auto....

 

After you take it to a wash of course

 

Hey I wash it every month!