Honda Car Forum

Hey all,

Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
problems.

(I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )

Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
'04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
Edmunds.com

I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
on the new look of the Maxima's.

I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?

-Jeff
jkuhn@wilburstreet.com

The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the new
TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets better
gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima. Also,
nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
stereo, leather, etc.

Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a 6-speed
manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to 270,
and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few inches
taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is now
standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the '03 TL
Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.

The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late September,
so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's. Do
yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll thank
yourself.


"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com...
> Hey all,
>
> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
> problems.
>
> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
>
> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
> Edmunds.com
>
> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
> on the new look of the Maxima's.
>
> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
>
> -Jeff
> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
>

I did test drive the Maxima today for the first time, and thats a
helluva change from the 1998 model. The pickup and the suspension to
handle the power is now there. Not as tight as my VW, but I was
prepared for that.

I will test drive the O4 TL-S when it comes out. I'm just suprised
Acura doesn't have any more information on the '04 TL-S, if it's
coming out later this month. Nothing on the website (that I can find)
hints at anything about the '04 model.

I like the 2" increase in tire width. I had 17" on my VW, and the
Maxima I drove has 18". (I'll need to get an auto w/ the tiptronic,
although I love the availabity of the 6 speed manual. I live in the
NYC suburbs of Long Island, and I've dealt with a stick shift here,
and I'm just not in the mood for that anymore.

I plan on making a decision before Thanksgiving. Hopefully the '04
TL-S will be out soon.

The only downside to the Maxima, (that I can see so far w/o anything
to compare it to) is the price. Fully loaded (without that 2 rear
bucket seat nonsense) is pushing $34,000, Too much, IMHO.

Thanks for the info on the 04 TL-S. I will wait and see.

-Jeff

On Mon, 1 Sep 2003 13:20:56 -0400, "FusionGuy" <sbearusa at yahoo dot
com> wrote:

>The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the new
>TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets better
>gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima. Also,
>nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
>stereo, leather, etc.
>
>Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a 6-speed
>manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to 270,
>and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few inches
>taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is now
>standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
>tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the '03 TL
>Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.
>
>The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late September,
>so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
>figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's. Do
>yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll thank
>yourself.
>
>
>"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
>news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com.. .
>> Hey all,
>>
>> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
>> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
>> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
>> problems.
>>
>> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
>>
>> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
>> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
>> Edmunds.com
>>
>> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
>> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
>> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
>> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
>> on the new look of the Maxima's.
>>
>> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
>> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
>> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
>>
>> -Jeff
>> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
>>
>

Go with the TL. I believe it goes on sale in the US on October 6. It's
more car for the money, more luxurious, more prestigeous and will have
better resale potential than the Maxima. Styling on both takes some
getting used to, especially the Maxima's, which is plain fugly, imo.
There's also a lot of comment, even in the automotive press, about the
inferior quality of interior materials used on all Nissan vehicles these
days. Expect to pay around $33K for a stock (but still loaded) TL. The
main competitor for the TL is the Lexus ES330 so you might want to check
that one out as well. Also, remember that most of Nissan is now owned
and controlled by Renault of France. That alone should keep any loyal
American from buying a Nissan!

Jeff,

I've been seriously shopping in the same car market that you have
(I'm considering the TL-S, Infiniti GL, Passat, Maxima....?). I
too have been eagerly awaiting info and pics of the new 2004 Acura TL.
I suspect they were holding off to avoid poisoining sales of the 2003
Acura TL.

Anyway, I checked Acura's site tonight and whoa, they have 2004 Acura
TL info. I really like the car's appearance. I don't like the styling
of the 2003 Accords (sedan or coupe), so I was wondering what the TL
would be like. A few more horsepower. All kinds of neat stuff.

One thing I am unhappy with is that it appears that the 2004 TL
audio system still does not appear to have MP3 capability. I don't
know that for sure, but I looked all over and saw no mention of MP3.
It really sours the experience of considering buying a new car (a
rather expensive one) that in all other respects is near top notch only
to be stuck with an audio system that is already totally obsolete.
And don't for one second suggest an FM radio interface - Bleah!

The 2004 Acura TL stuff is in a Flash type of thing so I can't provide
a direct link. Just go to http://www.acura.com/index.asp and look for
"THE ALL-NEW 2004 TL".

Scott

Jeff <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message news:<fiealv8ulj6rp65msbjha8fdqt1jf3apv4@4ax.com>. ..
>
> I will test drive the O4 TL-S when it comes out. I'm just suprised
> Acura doesn't have any more information on the '04 TL-S, if it's
> coming out later this month. Nothing on the website (that I can find)
> hints at anything about the '04 model.
>
> I like the 2" increase in tire width. I had 17" on my VW, and the
> Maxima I drove has 18". (I'll need to get an auto w/ the tiptronic,
> although I love the availabity of the 6 speed manual. I live in the
> NYC suburbs of Long Island, and I've dealt with a stick shift here,
> and I'm just not in the mood for that anymore.
>
> I plan on making a decision before Thanksgiving. Hopefully the '04
> TL-S will be out soon.
>
> The only downside to the Maxima, (that I can see so far w/o anything
> to compare it to) is the price. Fully loaded (without that 2 rear
> bucket seat nonsense) is pushing $34,000, Too much, IMHO.
>
> Thanks for the info on the 04 TL-S. I will wait and see.
>
> -Jeff
>
> On Mon, 1 Sep 2003 13:20:56 -0400, "FusionGuy" <sbearusa at yahoo dot
> com> wrote:
>
> >The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the new
> >TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets better
> >gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima. Also,
> >nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
> >stereo, leather, etc.
> >
> >Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a 6-speed
> >manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to 270,
> >and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few inches
> >taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is now
> >standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
> >tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the '03 TL
> >Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.
> >
> >The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late September,
> >so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
> >figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's. Do
> >yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll thank
> >yourself.
> >
> >
> >"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
> >news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com.. .
> >> Hey all,
> >>
> >> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
> >> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
> >> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
> >> problems.
> >>
> >> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
> >>
> >> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
> >> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
> >> Edmunds.com
> >>
> >> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
> >> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
> >> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
> >> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
> >> on the new look of the Maxima's.
> >>
> >> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
> >> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
> >> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
> >>
> >> -Jeff
> >> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
> >>
> >

"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
news:fiealv8ulj6rp65msbjha8fdqt1jf3apv4@4ax.com...
>
> I did test drive the Maxima today for the first time, and thats a
> helluva change from the 1998 model. The pickup and the suspension to
> handle the power is now there. Not as tight as my VW, but I was
> prepared for that.
>
> I will test drive the O4 TL-S when it comes out. I'm just suprised
> Acura doesn't have any more information on the '04 TL-S, if it's
> coming out later this month. Nothing on the website (that I can find)
> hints at anything about the '04 model.
>
> I like the 2" increase in tire width. I had 17" on my VW, and the
> Maxima I drove has 18". (I'll need to get an auto w/ the tiptronic,
> although I love the availabity of the 6 speed manual. I live in the
> NYC suburbs of Long Island, and I've dealt with a stick shift here,
> and I'm just not in the mood for that anymore.
>
> I plan on making a decision before Thanksgiving. Hopefully the '04
> TL-S will be out soon.
>
> The only downside to the Maxima, (that I can see so far w/o anything
> to compare it to) is the price. Fully loaded (without that 2 rear
> bucket seat nonsense) is pushing $34,000, Too much, IMHO.
>
> Thanks for the info on the 04 TL-S. I will wait and see.
>
> -Jeff
>
> On Mon, 1 Sep 2003 13:20:56 -0400, "FusionGuy" <sbearusa at yahoo dot
> com> wrote:
>
> >The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the
new
> >TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets
better
> >gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima.
Also,
> >nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
> >stereo, leather, etc.
> >
> >Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a
6-speed
> >manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to 270,
> >and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few
inches
> >taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is now
> >standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
> >tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the '03
TL
> >Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.
> >
> >The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late
September,
> >so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
> >figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's. Do
> >yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll
thank
> >yourself.
> >
> >
> >"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
> >news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com.. .
> >> Hey all,
> >>
> >> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
> >> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
> >> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
> >> problems.
> >>
> >> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
> >>
> >> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
> >> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
> >> Edmunds.com
> >>
> >> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
> >> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
> >> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
> >> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
> >> on the new look of the Maxima's.
> >>
> >> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
> >> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
> >> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
> >>
> >> -Jeff
> >> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
> >>
> >
>

There is no TL-S. Just TL now. Not that it is a bad thing, as the new TL has
more power and goodies than the previous TL-S. Acura isn't saying whether or
not they will introduce a TL-S at all.
By the way, there are lots of pictures as well as a lot of info at
www.vtec.net

Stephen

i thought you researched this car.
it comes standard with XM and dolby digital.
besides, you still have your tape player. buy an adapter if you wanna
play your FM quality mp3s


"Don't Spam Me" <dontspam@beer.me.iastate.edu> wrote in message
news:62fc203.0309022125.54eb5f46@posting.google.co m...
> Jeff,
>
> I've been seriously shopping in the same car market that you have
> (I'm considering the TL-S, Infiniti GL, Passat, Maxima....?). I
> too have been eagerly awaiting info and pics of the new 2004 Acura TL.
> I suspect they were holding off to avoid poisoining sales of the 2003
> Acura TL.
>
> Anyway, I checked Acura's site tonight and whoa, they have 2004 Acura
> TL info. I really like the car's appearance. I don't like the styling
> of the 2003 Accords (sedan or coupe), so I was wondering what the TL
> would be like. A few more horsepower. All kinds of neat stuff.
>
> One thing I am unhappy with is that it appears that the 2004 TL
> audio system still does not appear to have MP3 capability. I don't
> know that for sure, but I looked all over and saw no mention of MP3.
> It really sours the experience of considering buying a new car (a
> rather expensive one) that in all other respects is near top notch only
> to be stuck with an audio system that is already totally obsolete.
> And don't for one second suggest an FM radio interface - Bleah!
>
> The 2004 Acura TL stuff is in a Flash type of thing so I can't provide
> a direct link. Just go to http://www.acura.com/index.asp and look for
> "THE ALL-NEW 2004 TL".
>
> Scott
>
> Jeff <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
news:<fiealv8ulj6rp65msbjha8fdqt1jf3apv4@4ax.com>. ..
> >
> > I will test drive the O4 TL-S when it comes out. I'm just suprised
> > Acura doesn't have any more information on the '04 TL-S, if it's
> > coming out later this month. Nothing on the website (that I can find)
> > hints at anything about the '04 model.
> >
> > I like the 2" increase in tire width. I had 17" on my VW, and the
> > Maxima I drove has 18". (I'll need to get an auto w/ the tiptronic,
> > although I love the availabity of the 6 speed manual. I live in the
> > NYC suburbs of Long Island, and I've dealt with a stick shift here,
> > and I'm just not in the mood for that anymore.
> >
> > I plan on making a decision before Thanksgiving. Hopefully the '04
> > TL-S will be out soon.
> >
> > The only downside to the Maxima, (that I can see so far w/o anything
> > to compare it to) is the price. Fully loaded (without that 2 rear
> > bucket seat nonsense) is pushing $34,000, Too much, IMHO.
> >
> > Thanks for the info on the 04 TL-S. I will wait and see.
> >
> > -Jeff
> >
> > On Mon, 1 Sep 2003 13:20:56 -0400, "FusionGuy" <sbearusa at yahoo dot
> > com> wrote:
> >
> > >The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the
new
> > >TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets
better
> > >gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima.
Also,
> > >nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
> > >stereo, leather, etc.
> > >
> > >Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a
6-speed
> > >manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to
270,
> > >and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few
inches
> > >taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is
now
> > >standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
> > >tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the
'03 TL
> > >Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.
> > >
> > >The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late
September,
> > >so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
> > >figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's.
Do
> > >yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll
thank
> > >yourself.
> > >
> > >
> > >"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
> > >news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com.. .
> > >> Hey all,
> > >>
> > >> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
> > >> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
> > >> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
> > >> problems.
> > >>
> > >> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
> > >>
> > >> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of
the
> > >> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
> > >> Edmunds.com
> > >>
> > >> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
> > >> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
> > >> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
> > >> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
> > >> on the new look of the Maxima's.
> > >>
> > >> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
> > >> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down?
We
> > >> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
> > >>
> > >> -Jeff
> > >> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
> > >>
> > >

Yes, I did research the car. The question is, did you stop to think about
my post before responding.

Are you planning to repurchase all your CDs in DVD-Audio format just so
you can take advantage of the surround sound? I definitely won't.
I've never been impressed with adding "stadium" effect or whatever
to a 2 channel stero recording. So that renders the surround sound
useless from my perspective.

A friend of mine purchased an XM radio for his car, and I got bored with
it almost immediately. It's strictly a matter of taste, but I did not
find any of the stations that match my music tastes. Sure, I could flip
around and find one song I like, then flip around and find another, but
why do that when I can carry my own music and play what I want when I
want.

I don't play FM quality MP3 files, I only play CD quality MP3 files.
Perhaps you need to do the research on MP3. You would realize that the
perceived quality issues with MP3 stem from people such as yourself
that don't know how to use the technology properly.

Scott

"tomk" <tomk@nomail.com> wrote in message news:<PZy5b.43505$xf.25193@lakeread06>...
> i thought you researched this car.
> it comes standard with XM and dolby digital.
> besides, you still have your tape player. buy an adapter if you wanna
> play your FM quality mp3s
>
>

ha ha. i did a 15 minute presentation on mp3s in 1997 for my algorithms and
data structures class. before you heard of mp3s. so i did my research
already.

CD quality mp3 ARE CDs so why not burn to CD wav. unless you're gonna
claim that 192k is CD quality...maybe through your speakers. but Acura seems
to have a competent new system where you'll appreciate the difference unless
all you listen to is the BOOMS.

anyway, as i said before one needs only the tape adapter to play mp3s,
unless
you don't already have an mp3 player, but that'd be absurd.

btw, XMSR is up more than 600% since november. if you don't get the service
at least get the stock. they're doing something right.




"Scott Miller" <smillersmiller@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:d5020713.0309040741.23f2fd06@posting.google.c om...
> Yes, I did research the car. The question is, did you stop to think about
> my post before responding.
>
> Are you planning to repurchase all your CDs in DVD-Audio format just so
> you can take advantage of the surround sound? I definitely won't.
> I've never been impressed with adding "stadium" effect or whatever
> to a 2 channel stero recording. So that renders the surround sound
> useless from my perspective.
>
> A friend of mine purchased an XM radio for his car, and I got bored with
> it almost immediately. It's strictly a matter of taste, but I did not
> find any of the stations that match my music tastes. Sure, I could flip
> around and find one song I like, then flip around and find another, but
> why do that when I can carry my own music and play what I want when I
> want.
>
> I don't play FM quality MP3 files, I only play CD quality MP3 files.
> Perhaps you need to do the research on MP3. You would realize that the
> perceived quality issues with MP3 stem from people such as yourself
> that don't know how to use the technology properly.
>
> Scott
>
> "tomk" <tomk@nomail.com> wrote in message
news:<PZy5b.43505$xf.25193@lakeread06>...
> > i thought you researched this car.
> > it comes standard with XM and dolby digital.
> > besides, you still have your tape player. buy an adapter if you wanna
> > play your FM quality mp3s
> >
> >

Yep, looks like the website is all ready to go.

As far as MP3 is concerned, an email I got about the TL had an
interview in it with one of the designers. They said MP3-playing
capability wasnt included because it didn't fit with the "high
quality" design of the sound system - it would down-grade the system,
and they diudnt want to give it that appeal.

Jeff

On 2 Sep 2003 22:25:04 -0700, dontspam@beer.me.iastate.edu (Don't Spam
Me) wrote:

>Jeff,
>
>I've been seriously shopping in the same car market that you have
>(I'm considering the TL-S, Infiniti GL, Passat, Maxima....?). I
>too have been eagerly awaiting info and pics of the new 2004 Acura TL.
>I suspect they were holding off to avoid poisoining sales of the 2003
>Acura TL.
>
>Anyway, I checked Acura's site tonight and whoa, they have 2004 Acura
>TL info. I really like the car's appearance. I don't like the styling
>of the 2003 Accords (sedan or coupe), so I was wondering what the TL
>would be like. A few more horsepower. All kinds of neat stuff.
>
>One thing I am unhappy with is that it appears that the 2004 TL
>audio system still does not appear to have MP3 capability. I don't
>know that for sure, but I looked all over and saw no mention of MP3.
>It really sours the experience of considering buying a new car (a
>rather expensive one) that in all other respects is near top notch only
>to be stuck with an audio system that is already totally obsolete.
>And don't for one second suggest an FM radio interface - Bleah!
>
>The 2004 Acura TL stuff is in a Flash type of thing so I can't provide
>a direct link. Just go to http://www.acura.com/index.asp and look for
>"THE ALL-NEW 2004 TL".
>
>Scott
>
>Jeff <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message news:<fiealv8ulj6rp65msbjha8fdqt1jf3apv4@4ax.com>. ..
>>
>> I will test drive the O4 TL-S when it comes out. I'm just suprised
>> Acura doesn't have any more information on the '04 TL-S, if it's
>> coming out later this month. Nothing on the website (that I can find)
>> hints at anything about the '04 model.
>>
>> I like the 2" increase in tire width. I had 17" on my VW, and the
>> Maxima I drove has 18". (I'll need to get an auto w/ the tiptronic,
>> although I love the availabity of the 6 speed manual. I live in the
>> NYC suburbs of Long Island, and I've dealt with a stick shift here,
>> and I'm just not in the mood for that anymore.
>>
>> I plan on making a decision before Thanksgiving. Hopefully the '04
>> TL-S will be out soon.
>>
>> The only downside to the Maxima, (that I can see so far w/o anything
>> to compare it to) is the price. Fully loaded (without that 2 rear
>> bucket seat nonsense) is pushing $34,000, Too much, IMHO.
>>
>> Thanks for the info on the 04 TL-S. I will wait and see.
>>
>> -Jeff
>>
>> On Mon, 1 Sep 2003 13:20:56 -0400, "FusionGuy" <sbearusa at yahoo dot
>> com> wrote:
>>
>> >The Maxima is a nice car, but it's relatively low tech compared to the new
>> >TL. The new TL produces more horsepower from a smaller engine, gets better
>> >gas mileage, outbrakes, outruns, and handles better than the Maxima. Also,
>> >nearly everything comes standard on the TL, including XM radio, DVD 5.1
>> >stereo, leather, etc.
>> >
>> >Probably the biggest change for the new TL is the availability of a 6-speed
>> >manual transmission. (finally!!) Horsepower has been bumped up to 270,
>> >and torque has been bumped to 234 lb-ft. They've made the car a few inches
>> >taller, wider, and shorter in lenght. Also, a limited slip diff. is now
>> >standard. With the manual transmission comes the choice of performance
>> >tires, which incidentally are nearly 2 inches wider than those on the '03 TL
>> >Type-S. This will greatly improve roadhandling.
>> >
>> >The word I hear is that the new TL will be out sometime in late September,
>> >so you've got about a month to wait. With the specs. you've given, I'd
>> >figure you'd be looking at a lease price somewhere in the high 300's. Do
>> >yourself a favor and test drive the TL before buying a Maxima. You'll thank
>> >yourself.
>> >
>> >
>> >"Jeff" <jkuhn@wilburstreet.com> wrote in message
>> >news:7qt6lv8qtc0kkqm4s9nie1q5di3rut8nri@4ax.com.. .
>> >> Hey all,
>> >>
>> >> Currently, I'm the owner of an '01 VW Jetta. Car has had some
>> >> problems, all covered under warantee. I'm just looking for a change,
>> >> and I remember the days of Japanese cars having zero mechanical
>> >> problems.
>> >>
>> >> (I also own an 1998 Maxima. Never had a problem. )
>> >>
>> >> Anyway, I have liked the TL-S model, and I really like the look of the
>> >> '04 TL-S, from the pictures floating around on the net / and at
>> >> Edmunds.com
>> >>
>> >> I'd like to make a decision somewhat soon - really want to get rid of
>> >> the VW. When are the '04 TL's due out? What will be the major
>> >> changes (besides styling) from the '03 model? If they aren't coming
>> >> out for a bit, I'm going to have to go to Nissan, but I'm not "sold"
>> >> on the new look of the Maxima's.
>> >>
>> >> I'd be looking to lease as well. What would the TL-S lease go
>> >> for/month? Fiogure 42 month lease, 15,000 miles year, $2000 down? We
>> >> talking mid $300's here, or over $400 month?
>> >>
>> >> -Jeff
>> >> jkuhn@wilburstreet.com
>> >>
>> >