TLEnthusiast

I currently own a 01CL-P. time to get a new car. 04tl is an option. i've test driven the followng cars: IS300, G35, C230. liked the c230 the best but just lacks power. g35 has power but lacks the lux ride. IS300 is just slow and interior features are so minimal. questions about this 04 tl. first, the tranny...is this still an issue like the 01-02 acuras and hondas? vibration at certain speeds...has this been repaired? how bad is torque steer? rattles like the previous acura models still present? seems the 04tl is the best bang for the buck but the tranny is really the only thing stopping me from getting it.

JoganJani

Nope the problem with tranny is not like 01-02. There is some minor recall on AT. Do the search and you'll find all the info about tranny, comparison to G35, c230 and IS300.

Mike_TX

You're all over the board with comparisons. The IS300 has like 215hp, and the C230 Kompressor has only something like 169hp. If performance is an issue, the G35 is the only other vehicle you've considered that's in the TL's class.

Only other thought is an '04 or '05 Maxima. It's a good bit cheaper, has 265hp, and is also FWD like the TL. Plus it has more room if that matters, and nice 18" wheels on the SE. Interior isn't as nice as the TL, but it's a good buy.

Mike

ryder1650

Many of these issues depend a lot on the person. Go test drive the TL and see if it fits your mold.

cpurick

I drove most of those, too, before choosing the TL. It's a lux brand for sure, though the fit/finish aren't as tight as BMW/Audi/MB. Personally, I think Lexus and Infiniti quality are just a little better, too, but no other car's content and value match the TL.

There's torque steer, but you get used to it -- and it's really only noticeable when you're laying into it. It feels very responsive on the gas pedal, but there's not as much torque as the Nissan/Inifiniti.

I would not buy the TL without driving the Accord V6 and the (and I know nobody's gonna like this, but have you driven one?) the Pontiac GTO. You don't have to buy either one, but I'd seriously give them both a drive before plunking down your $35K.

TLEnthusiast

seems we were looking for the same thing. engine performance without compromising luxury appeal. like i said i haven't tested the 04tl yet. will do this week. contemplating on the manual too but might not be practical here in VA, DC due to traffic and everyday congestion.

i liked the g35 but it just seemed to lack that luxury "thud"...don't how else to explain it. and the seating did not feel very comfortable. the benz definitely had that.

thanks by the way for your impressions, suggestions, and comments. much appreciated!!!

cpurick

Yeah, it's tough to beat the lux/performance/quality combo of the TL. It strikes a pretty good balance -- there are better cars in every area, but nothing puts as much car in reach for anywhere near this price.