Why Not A TL?
#1
Why Not A TL?
My family is trying to buy a car for my dad. Our budget is about $30k.
He's about 50 now, so we were thinking Acura TL, but I remember reading on here that some have test drove both TL and TSX.. then went for the TSX.
If anyone on here test drove both or considered both, why did you not choose TL?
He's about 50 now, so we were thinking Acura TL, but I remember reading on here that some have test drove both TL and TSX.. then went for the TSX.
If anyone on here test drove both or considered both, why did you not choose TL?
#2
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The TSX handles alil better and feels more nimble. TL is a nice ride also, but there is a lil torque steer. For your dad the TL would be a great choice. It is alil bigger, and nice city or highway cruiser.
#5
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here's the reasons:
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
#7
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
here's the reasons:
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
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#9
I've struggled between the two cars for awhile (test driven 6 speeds of both models) and have landed on the TSX for a couple reasons. I think the TSX handling is a little more nimble than the TL. I like the compactness of the TSX better. Though the TL has a more accommodating back seat, I will use it rarely if ever. Another thing that gets me, the TL lacks the folding rear seat, which I would use. It's a nice car, but I've got to live with it every day, and I can't see spending $30K+ on a car that provides me less utility than that which I have now. However, for a 50 year old man, I'd think the TL would be a better option, more a comfortable cruiser or something along those lines. To address a point made above, I think alot of people out there feel like if you don't live within 50 miles of either coast in this country, you're an illiterate inbred redneck hilljack who can't do anything well, let alone build a good car. My current Honda was built in East Liberty and has given me no problems. I guess my thing is, I might say "I would never buy model x, regardless of where it was built", but I would be doing so because I think it comes down to the manufacturer of model x not putting a high enough priority on quality and reliability. Would you buy a Mitsubishi over an Accord, Camry, TL, etc, because the Mitsubishi is built in Japan?
#10
At THAT age, RIGHT, the average age of a Porsche 911 buyer is 52 and the average age of a Harley-Davidson buyer is 46.
Dad should act more his age and buy an NSX.
Seriously, the TSX does everything I need a car to do and a little bit more. Under Bob Shiftright's Rule of Incrementalism if I don't draw the line somewhere, I'll be using a 911 (or a Harley) as a daily driver. And if I do that, I'll likely lose my driver's license, die, or both.
Dad should act more his age and buy an NSX.
Seriously, the TSX does everything I need a car to do and a little bit more. Under Bob Shiftright's Rule of Incrementalism if I don't draw the line somewhere, I'll be using a 911 (or a Harley) as a daily driver. And if I do that, I'll likely lose my driver's license, die, or both.
#11
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Originally Posted by kenji4861
My family is trying to buy a car for my dad. Our budget is about $30k.
He's about 50 now, so we were thinking Acura TL, but I remember reading on here that some have test drove both TL and TSX.. then went for the TSX.
If anyone on here test drove both or considered both, why did you not choose TL?
He's about 50 now, so we were thinking Acura TL, but I remember reading on here that some have test drove both TL and TSX.. then went for the TSX.
If anyone on here test drove both or considered both, why did you not choose TL?
The TL has an AMAZING sound system--it's very cool to hear specific instruments coming from specific speakers. The sound quality is unbelievable. The bluetooth enabled handsfree phone system has to be the ultimate in convenience. The real aluminum trim is cool to the touch...giving a feel of solidity. Supple leather covers every part you frequently touch.
My favorite part about the TL is that it provokes emotions. Never before has an Acura done that. The carefully sculpted lines and all the materials within the TL stir something within. But at the same time, it is able to be a sensible choice because it has Honda reliability. It's the best of both worlds. The TSX has some emotion...but just not as much as the TL.
Does your dad want more luxury than sport? Does your dad take friends out to dinner or go to events with friends? Is your dad a power junky? Is your dad a techno-wizard? Does your dad want the most features for the money? Go with the TL.
#12
Breaking down money for money, both the TSX and TL are equally at its efficient peak. Both are a great package, both are great cars, and most importantly, both are worth every penny.
The biggest difference would be only the engine.
So if my budget was 30k, I would get a TSX w/navi.
The biggest difference would be only the engine.
So if my budget was 30k, I would get a TSX w/navi.
#13
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To all you who think a fifty year old man can't handle a TSX; I am sixty-six and I can out drive and out love most of you young whippersnappers. And that is without Viagra, alcohol or any other drugs. I love my TSX and never considered the TL or RL. The only things I have stronger feelins for are my wife and kids. By the way, don't get up-tight over my tirade, I'm only pulling your chain. I really am sixty-six and am probably the oldest TSX owner but I feel twenty-six.
geonaz
geonaz
#14
If he can only afford the TSX go with the TSX. If he can spend a few thousand more, go with the TL. If he can afford a "few" more thousand than that, get the BMW 5-series.
In most cases....ahem....you get what you pay for.
Just my 2 cents.
In most cases....ahem....you get what you pay for.
Just my 2 cents.
#15
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Originally Posted by geonaz
To all you who think a fifty year old man can't handle a TSX; I am sixty-six and I can out drive and out love most of you young whippersnappers. And that is without Viagra, alcohol or any other drugs. I love my TSX and never considered the TL or RL. The only things I have stronger feelins for are my wife and kids. By the way, don't get up-tight over my tirade, I'm only pulling your chain. I really am sixty-six and am probably the oldest TSX owner but I feel twenty-six.
geonaz
geonaz
actually, i apologize for stereotyping. Test drive both and whichever your dad likes best is the car he should get.
#16
Originally Posted by TSXEuphoria
here's the reasons:
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
Second one is the major reason why I got TSX over TL.
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
Second one is the major reason why I got TSX over TL.
Being built in America means Acura can pack more into the car for less money, no import costs and considering Honda ranked above Acura in initial quality, American Honda manufacturing plants are obviously doing things better than or at the very least equal to the japanese plants. Haha, the Tl has torque steer cause it has a powerhouse engine, its more expensive cause it has more features, and the tl's handling against the tsx has never be tested nor proven. Tell him to buy the car he likes, its his car after all.
#17
Originally Posted by TSXEuphoria
here's the reasons:
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
Second one is the major reason why I got TSX over TL.
-the TL has bad FWD torque oversteer
-the TL is made in Ohio not made in Japan like the TSX
-the TL is about almost $7,000 more than a TSX
-the TL's handling isn't as great as the TSX
Second one is the major reason why I got TSX over TL.
Being built in America means Acura can pack more into the car for less money, no import costs and considering Honda ranked above Acura in initial quality, American Honda manufacturing plants are obviously doing things better than or at the very least equal to the japanese plants. Haha, the Tl has torque steer cause it has a powerhouse engine, its more expensive cause it has more features, and the tl's handling against the tsx has never be tested nor proven. Tell him to buy the car he likes, its his car after all.
#18
Originally Posted by tuan209
actually, i apologize for stereotyping. Test drive both and whichever your dad likes best is the car he should get.
OP might ask the original question over at the TL board.
http://www.acura-tl.com/
Interresting scanning the posts there on the TL board, the TL owners seem to have their own array of QC issues.
I have never needed Viagra nor alcohol to drive my TSX.
#19
I had an '04 TL (automatic) with 3000 miles on it as a loaner for almost a week.
At first, I really didn't like it. It felt really big and clumsy. Tons of rattles. Stereo, although more technical features, didn't sound as dynamic as my TSX.
But then, after about 3 days, it grew on me. The power was awesome. You get used to the size. Rattles could be fixed (why they don't fix them on loaners, I have NO IDEA???) XM radio was pretty cool.
The TL feels like a tank compared to the TSX. A very fast and competent tank.
It really comes down to what do you like. If you like high reving, light on feet feel, then go with the TSX. If you like power and solid stability, go with the TL.
At first, I really didn't like it. It felt really big and clumsy. Tons of rattles. Stereo, although more technical features, didn't sound as dynamic as my TSX.
But then, after about 3 days, it grew on me. The power was awesome. You get used to the size. Rattles could be fixed (why they don't fix them on loaners, I have NO IDEA???) XM radio was pretty cool.
The TL feels like a tank compared to the TSX. A very fast and competent tank.
It really comes down to what do you like. If you like high reving, light on feet feel, then go with the TSX. If you like power and solid stability, go with the TL.
#20
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
Being built in America means Acura can pack more into the car for less money, no import costs and considering Honda ranked above Acura in initial quality, American Honda manufacturing plants are obviously doing things better than or at the very least equal to the japanese plants. Haha, the Tl has torque steer cause it has a powerhouse engine, its more expensive cause it has more features, and the tl's handling against the tsx has never be tested nor proven. Tell him to buy the car he likes, its his car after all.
#21
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age should have nothing to do with your choice. your choice should reflect a balance between your needs and your wants.
i test drove both wanting to get the TL originally. i'm 25, but the TL was actually a little too powerful for me (i really can't afford any tickets with the insurance rates that i have to deal with); i'd be tempted to throttle it way to often. but the fact that the TSX was a "true" import and that production is limited sold it for me. my brother has a tl and it's a great car, but i wanted something more uncommon or rare. i thought i'd get something a little different and i liked the tsx just as much after the test drive.
the main thing is, have HIM test drive both and pick which one he likes best. of course, i really doubt he'd be disappointed with either of them.
i test drove both wanting to get the TL originally. i'm 25, but the TL was actually a little too powerful for me (i really can't afford any tickets with the insurance rates that i have to deal with); i'd be tempted to throttle it way to often. but the fact that the TSX was a "true" import and that production is limited sold it for me. my brother has a tl and it's a great car, but i wanted something more uncommon or rare. i thought i'd get something a little different and i liked the tsx just as much after the test drive.
the main thing is, have HIM test drive both and pick which one he likes best. of course, i really doubt he'd be disappointed with either of them.
#22
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
how come there are transmissions problems of the 99-03 TL's? They were the ones made in Ohio
#23
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i just always assumed that japanese workers have better quality workmanship, quality standards, and build quality in japanese made cars vs. USA made cars.
my aunt has a 91 prelude that is made in japan and is still working and going strong at 200K miles.
my aunt has a 91 prelude that is made in japan and is still working and going strong at 200K miles.
#24
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
i just always assumed that japanese workers have better quality workmanship, quality standards, and build quality in japanese made cars vs. USA made cars.
my aunt has a 91 prelude that is made in japan and is still working and going strong at 200K miles.
my aunt has a 91 prelude that is made in japan and is still working and going strong at 200K miles.
#27
Originally Posted by Saintor
OHIO cars are as reliable and lasting as from Japan.
TSX from Japan have rattles. My 80000 miles Accord from Ohio does not.
TSX from Japan have rattles. My 80000 miles Accord from Ohio does not.
Seriously though, it realy did rattle pretty bad. A little worse than my TSX. Both of which rattle more than most cars I have owned, one even being a convertible Mustang.
Talk about sad. My Convert. Stang has less rattles than Acura's. They really need to address this.....................
#30
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I really need to test drive the TL ... I get my speaker buzz fixed tomorrow so I think I am gonna bug my salesman pal to hook me up with some keys to a 6MT TL to run around in for a while as I wait
#31
Old fart
Originally Posted by provench
I really need to test drive the TL ... I get my speaker buzz fixed tomorrow so I think I am gonna bug my salesman pal to hook me up with some keys to a 6MT TL to run around in for a while as I wait
#33
Originally Posted by 04EuroAccordTsx
what yr is your stang? is it the GT or the cobra?
of course those stangs are made in good old blue collar detroit, michigan
of course those stangs are made in good old blue collar detroit, michigan
I have swore up and down to all my family that the imports are made so much better than the domestics, just to have to eat my words.
My 2002 GT Stang has never been back to the shop. Never. Not one problem or rattle, etc...
The TSX has now been back 3 major times in 6 months.
I still love the engineering in the TSX. Tight gaps, great balance, great seats, etc... but the initial build quality and reliability are now becomming suspect.