Honda Car Forum

I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite radio
system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all. I
paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California, and
tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.

I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a very
nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT Cruiser,
and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the bunch.

I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system, but
it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
Playboy channel.

The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other functions
including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.

A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car is
parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also is
not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
expert) couldn't get it to work.

Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought it
was. It barely fits in the garage.

I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new TLs.

Regards,

- Russ in Santa Barbara

must be a small garage

"RLL" <rlombardo@cox.net> wrote in message
news:7Ynib.57606$vj2.17799@fed1read06...
> I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite radio
> system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all. I
> paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California,
and
> tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.
>
> I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
> bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a
very
> nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT Cruiser,
> and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the bunch.
>
> I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system,
but
> it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
> station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
> through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
> Playboy channel.
>
> The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
> sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
> recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
> understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other
functions
> including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
> stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.
>
> A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
> pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car
is
> parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also
is
> not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
> expert) couldn't get it to work.
>
> Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought
it
> was. It barely fits in the garage.
>
> I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new
TLs.
>
> Regards,
>
> - Russ in Santa Barbara
>
>

I believe it is about 6 inches shorter than the previous TL-S

"Beryl Lerner" <giantREMOVESPAM@bcpl.net> wrote in message
news:%2Gib.40$206.138398@news.abs.net...
> must be a small garage
>
> "RLL" <rlombardo@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:7Ynib.57606$vj2.17799@fed1read06...
> > I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite
radio
> > system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all.
I
> > paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California,
> and
> > tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.
> >
> > I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
> > bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a
> very
> > nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT
Cruiser,
> > and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the
bunch.
> >
> > I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system,
> but
> > it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
> > station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
> > through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
> > Playboy channel.
> >
> > The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
> > sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
> > recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
> > understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other
> functions
> > including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
> > stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.
> >
> > A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
> > pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car
> is
> > parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also
> is
> > not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
> > expert) couldn't get it to work.
> >
> > Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought
> it
> > was. It barely fits in the garage.
> >
> > I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new
> TLs.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > - Russ in Santa Barbara
> >
> >
>
>

I just got back from the Acura dealer this evening to put down a $1000
deposit on a TSX that was shipped from Japan on the 7th, and is still
on the boat. The original buyer backed out.

The dealer also would not haggle on the price. This car has the nav
option, which I really didn't want, but the colors were right. I
would have to wait until mid-Dec for the next available one.

Since I'm going to be stuck with the nav system (and be out a couple
grand), the salesman threw in wheel locks and the first oil
change/service.

Oh well, hopefully years after I forget about the extra money I'm
spending, I'll be happily talking to my voice activated
nav/radio/climate systems, and not getting lost anymore.

They said it will be in Oregon by late October, and here on the East
coast within a few days. They're holding out hope I'll have it by Nov
1st, but I didn't think they really believed it.

Congratulations! I am sure you will not regret getting the Nav. It is
awesome. The nav in TSX is the best in the market. It really worths the
extra $2000.
I own one as well and I don't think I will buy a car without the nav in the
future.

"DT" <tarnower@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:9bf19f33.0310131916.5ffa6898@posting.google.c om...
> I just got back from the Acura dealer this evening to put down a $1000
> deposit on a TSX that was shipped from Japan on the 7th, and is still
> on the boat. The original buyer backed out.
>
> The dealer also would not haggle on the price. This car has the nav
> option, which I really didn't want, but the colors were right. I
> would have to wait until mid-Dec for the next available one.
>
> Since I'm going to be stuck with the nav system (and be out a couple
> grand), the salesman threw in wheel locks and the first oil
> change/service.
>
> Oh well, hopefully years after I forget about the extra money I'm
> spending, I'll be happily talking to my voice activated
> nav/radio/climate systems, and not getting lost anymore.
>
> They said it will be in Oregon by late October, and here on the East
> coast within a few days. They're holding out hope I'll have it by Nov
> 1st, but I didn't think they really believed it.

I have the Nav in my 2003 TL-S and in my 2003 Mercedes C320. I think the Acura
versipon is better since it is DVD based and the Mercedes is CD based. I don't
think I will get another car without it. I hope you find it useful. If you
travel a lot as I do, I am sure you will. Even my spouse is a believer - she
drives the Acura.

Walt

>
>I just got back from the Acura dealer this evening to put down a $1000
>deposit on a TSX that was shipped from Japan on the 7th, and is still
>on the boat. The original buyer backed out.
>
>The dealer also would not haggle on the price. This car has the nav
>option, which I really didn't want, but the colors were right. I
>would have to wait until mid-Dec for the next available one.
>
>Since I'm going to be stuck with the nav system (and be out a couple
>grand), the salesman threw in wheel locks and the first oil
>change/service.
>
>Oh well, hopefully years after I forget about the extra money I'm
>spending, I'll be happily talking to my voice activated
>nav/radio/climate systems, and not getting lost anymore.
>
>They said it will be in Oregon by late October, and here on the East
>coast within a few days. They're holding out hope I'll have it by Nov
>1st, but I didn't think they really believed it.
>

Thanks for the feedback on the NAV system. I'm getting psyched for
it. I almost have to put it out of my mind, because the next 2-3
weeks are going to crawl. I just hope it's closer to 2 weeks, then 3.

Did you compare it to a BMW 3 series and if so, why the TL vs the BMW?


"RLL" <rlombardo@cox.net> wrote in message
news:7Ynib.57606$vj2.17799@fed1read06...
> I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite radio
> system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all. I
> paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California,
and
> tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.
>
> I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
> bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a
very
> nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT Cruiser,
> and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the bunch.
>
> I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system,
but
> it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
> station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
> through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
> Playboy channel.
>
> The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
> sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
> recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
> understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other
functions
> including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
> stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.
>
> A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
> pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car
is
> parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also
is
> not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
> expert) couldn't get it to work.
>
> Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought
it
> was. It barely fits in the garage.
>
> I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new
TLs.
>
> Regards,
>
> - Russ in Santa Barbara
>
>

I did look at the 3 and 5 series BMW. They are nice but far too expensive
for what you get. Our dealer in Santa Barbara never orders the navigation
system, nor a cassette. Those are two features that I wanted.

Also, the 3 series has a very small rear seat. It also lacks dual-zone
climate control, which is another feature we wanted. My wife is always
colder than I am. I am not sure whether BMW offers the satellite radio, but
that's another advantage. The BMW has 225 hp and the TL has 270, so that is
another advantage.

I just took a trip of about 300 miles and the gas mileage even stuck in LA
traffic was 27 mpg.

The Acura ads say the new TL was designed to compete with the 5 series BMW.
Of course, the new 5 series has the unsightly trunk. A friend just ordered
a new 545 and it costs $65,000. Far too much for what it is.

Good luck on your purchase.

- Russ


"ag" <ageissenospam@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:F33jb.443$5Y.225@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com.. .
> Did you compare it to a BMW 3 series and if so, why the TL vs the BMW?
>
>
> "RLL" <rlombardo@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:7Ynib.57606$vj2.17799@fed1read06...
> > I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite
radio
> > system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all.
I
> > paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California,
> and
> > tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.
> >
> > I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
> > bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a
> very
> > nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT
Cruiser,
> > and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the
bunch.
> >
> > I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system,
> but
> > it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
> > station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
> > through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
> > Playboy channel.
> >
> > The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
> > sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
> > recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
> > understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other
> functions
> > including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
> > stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.
> >
> > A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
> > pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car
> is
> > parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also
> is
> > not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
> > expert) couldn't get it to work.
> >
> > Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought
> it
> > was. It barely fits in the garage.
> >
> > I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new
> TLs.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > - Russ in Santa Barbara
> >
> >
>
>

I looked at the 3 and 5 series-- even got to drive the loaded 7 when I was
in Italy last month! Bottom line: I came home and bought the '04TL. It's a
superb car. Period. The ONLY complaint I have is that it's a little tough to
get to a comfortable driving position. The ELS sound blows away ANY other
stock system I've heard-- and I've heard a bunch. I'm a semi-musician (have
to have a REAL job, you know <g>) and I am simply blown away by every
feature of that NAVI and SOUND. I had an '03 TL-S which I also loved-- sold
it to my VERY happy 23 y/o son for $20K.......... and in THAT car I had
pulled the crappy Bose speakers, added a mid-bass, and a 1200 watt 6.1 amp.
THAT doesn't sound as good as the '04, stock.

If you're really serious about all the other reasons I went with the TL,
email me, so I don't bore all these other nice folks.
jrwilley@voicenetremovespam.com

John

"ag" <ageissenospam@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:F33jb.443$5Y.225@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com.. .
> Did you compare it to a BMW 3 series and if so, why the TL vs the BMW?
>
>
> "RLL" <rlombardo@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:7Ynib.57606$vj2.17799@fed1read06...
> > I just purchased a new Acura TL with the navigation and XM satellite
radio
> > system yesterday. Try as I might, I couldn't get any discount at all.
I
> > paid full list price plus $100 for the mud flaps. I live in California,
> and
> > tried several dealers, they were all asking full list price.
> >
> > I was going to wait to see if the prices would go down, but I decided to
> > bite the bullet and get the green metallic one left on the lot. It's a
> very
> > nice car. I also own an NSX, a Nissan Pathfinder, a Chrysler PT
Cruiser,
> > and a Honda Nighthawk motorcycle. This is by far the nicest of the
bunch.
> >
> > I didn't think I would like (or pay for) the XM satellite radio system,
> but
> > it is really great. It has old time radio programs all the time on one
> > station as well as about 100 other channels including music from the 40s
> > through the 90s in decade increments, country, news, weather, and even a
> > Playboy channel.
> >
> > The radio sounds very good and with the sound-proofed interior makes it
> > sound that much better. The navigation system has very good voice
> > recognition software as well. I have tried it several times and it
> > understood every command. The voice recognition also allows other
> functions
> > including climate control, finding the nearest restaurant, ATMs, filling
> > stations, as well as the nearest Acura dealer. It's also fun to use.
> >
> > A couple of advisories: Acura claimed that the rear seats have
> > pre-tensioners, but they do not. Also, it was claimed that when the car
> is
> > parked, that a DVD movie could be played. However, this apparently also
> is
> > not correct. I haven't tried it yet, but the salesman (admittedly no
> > expert) couldn't get it to work.
> >
> > Overall, I am very happy with the car. It's a bit larger than I thought
> it
> > was. It barely fits in the garage.
> >
> > I would be interested in hearing what other owners say about their new
> TLs.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > - Russ in Santa Barbara
> >
> >
>
>