[lndsld17]

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but searching doesn't work for words less than 3 characters... so basically Acura and Type would have come up with about a zillion references to the Integra and RSX.
Anyway, I'm in the market for a new car in the coming months. I was considering the 3 series, the A4 and the G35 (would wait till the manual was out) when I came across Car and Driver's article on the CL Type S with the 6 speed. I think I want 4 doors, so the TL would be substituted, not that it matters much. Anyone driven/own one of these? I wasn't including it in the past due to a lack of manual and front wheel drive, but after C&D's comments, it seems the front wheel drive works rather well and the 6 speed is very nice. For several thousand less than the competition with more power and features, it seems like it should be the front runner on my list...

 

[Guest]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

I don't believe the TL Type S gets the 6-speed manual, though I could be wrong.
The last TL Type S I drove was an OK car, but no match for the 3-series/A4/IS300 crowd. It's FWD, and has a pronounced tendency to understeer. I also found that the five-speed auto felt kind of syrupy in its shifting. Kind of a shame too, IMO, because the rest of the car is a very nice package at an appealing price (though the fake smoked wood in the Type S is hideous).
Speaking of the IS300, have you added that to your shopping list? It's not perfect, but it's one sweet ride for the price.

 

[HarryC]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

Depending upon whom you ask, the TL's either the best-deal going in the entry-level luxury market, or a gussied-up Accord w/a $10K price hike.
You just can't deny the content: Everything that will option-up that Bimmer to $40K can be had *standard* on a 3.2TL for about $30K. Heated leather seats, auto/power-everything, 260hp engine, and a very intelligible telematics/navigation system that covers the whole US with only 1 DVD.
The basic complaint has been the Accord-derived platform and the lack of soul. The car's F/F, and has only come in automatic form (though it is a 5-speed now, with SportShift), and this is going to lose it points with the purist, F/R, give-me-a-stick-or-give-me-death crowd.
I don't remember hearing any comments that the TL Type-S was getting the CL's 6-speed option. Not saying it isn't true...just that I haven't heard that. If that does come to pass, Acura may be getting a closer look from me when it's time to retire the Jetta...

 

[[email protected]]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

Acura has already announced details and pricing of the 2003 TL, and unfortunately there is no six-speed tranny option.

 

[PhilHVW]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

The TL was the only car I've test driven so far, besides the 3-series. I drove a TL Type-S, and the power was great, but the throttle was touchy. You breathe on the gas pedal and the thing would lunge forward. They probably tune it that way so you think, "wow, this car is fast", but I would prefer a more linear power delivery. What really put me off was the handling. It was pretty flat, but it had a very strong FWD, nose-heavy feel to it.
I'm pretty much biding my time for one more year, then we're selling the Passat and getting a 325 to replace my wife's Passat. If we're going to spend $30k for a TL or G35, we may as well spend another $3k and get what we really want.

 

[lndsld17]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

Hmm... I hadn't realized that Acura wasn't going to have the 6-speed optional in the TL as well, I was just assuming that they would. I would say at this point that I would definitely eliminate it from my list based on that.
I might consider the CL, but I've never liked having to move front seats to allow the rear passengers out, which I realize is a seemingly small issue for some but annoys the crap out of me. If I'm going to go with a two door, I'd be all over the 350Z.
Thanks for the comments guys, keep them coming if anyone else has more to add.

 

[TabulaRasa]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

Just get an Audi A4 3.0 quattro.
3.0 V6--easy to drive at slow speeds, smoothly accelerates to 140mph when asked to.

6 speed manual
quattro AWD
No Compromises.

 

[A4Jetta]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

If you are looking for lots of features for the money, TL-S is probably the best buy in the segment. Although it handles relatively well for a high-powered FF, it stiff suffers from terrible understeer and body roll. This car definitely won't motivate your driving excitement due to its lack of soul.

 

[SailexGti.hk]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (A4Jetta)

quote:[HR][/HR]If you are looking for lots of features for the money, TL-S is probably the best buy in the segment. Although it handles relatively well for a high-powered FF, it stiff suffers from terrible understeer and body roll. This car definitely won't motivate your driving excitement due to its lack of soul.[HR][/HR]​

i still like the 93 acura legend GS 2dr with 6speed, 230hp http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[lndsld17]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (A4Jetta)

TabulaRasa, I think at this point I'm going to agree with you. That was the car I originally wanted anyway (Dolphin Grey), its just the recently announced models/changes got my attention (namely the G35 and the incorrect assumption of a TL with a 6 speed). Now I just have to convince myself whether or not this is the class of car I want to get, or should I consider something more sporty (WRX, 350Z, RX-8). Thanks guys.

 

[SpeedRicer]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

The TL is a great deal for the price. I prefer it over the CL-S because the CL has somewhat frumpy styling, and its handling is not sharp enough for me to give up the 4 doors of the TL.
One thing that is quite surprising are the brakes/tires. The tires need more grip, and the brakes aren't that strong. I don't know why, but recent Acura products like the RSX and CL seem to have the same problem. That's probably the only thing you might want to remedy in the aftermarket.

 

[what]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (SpeedRicerDX)

My main complaint with the car is that it just feels cheap. The quality of the materials, the intrusive trunk hinges

, the way the doors slam....


[Modified by what, 11:44 AM 2-11-2002]

 

[PhilHVW]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (TabulaRasa)

quote:[HR][/HR]Just get an Audi A4 3.0 quattro...No Compromises. [HR][/HR]​

The March R&T has a road test of a A4 3.0q 6-speed. The 0-60 time is 7.7 seconds, and I think the quarter mile is 15.9. Doesn't seem real quick. Quite a bit slower than a 325i, let alone a 330i. Yes, I'd like to see some times from some other magazines, but this isn't a good sign for Audi IMO. Yeah, I know a chipped 1.8T...

 

[Beltfed]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (PhilHVW)

The new A4 looks great, but its pig slow.....the TL Type-S is a very nice car, the 6spd option would have been nice but whatever- if you want sporty get the 6spd CL, its going to do 0-60 in approx 5.9sec. Both models look awesome in Aegean Blue pearl, great car for $30k ($32 with Nav).
I don't think my car looks frumpy....happen to get a good amount of compliments on it actually.

 

[SpeedRicer]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (Beltfed)

quote:[HR][/HR]
I don't think my car looks frumpy....happen to get a good amount of compliments on it actually.
[HR][/HR]​

Actually, I agree somewhat -- I was referring more to the refreshed one (with the manual, since that is what he's looking at) because it has a funny looking grille (it makes it look like there's a big hole in the front). I prefer the chrome surround one better.
The one thing I didn't like about the 2001-2002 CL was that the trunk looked too long from a side view, but the spoiler fixes that pretty well.

 

[Beltfed]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (SpeedRicerDX)

quote:[HR][/HR]
I don't think my car looks frumpy....happen to get a good amount of compliments on it actually.

Actually, I agree somewhat -- I was referring more to the refreshed one (with the manual, since that is what he's looking at) because it has a funny looking grille (it makes it look like there's a big hole in the front). I prefer the chrome surround one better.
The one thing I didn't like about the 2001-2002 CL was that the trunk looked too long from a side view, but the spoiler fixes that pretty well.

[HR][/HR]​

Agreed, not having a spoiler on a CL is like not having a spoiler on the 3rd gen RX-7, and last gen Supra....it's a must IMO.
The 2003 CL needs fog lights/running lights whatever, taking them out was stupid- hopefully they will be optional. Also think the 2001-02 wheels are much nicer, the 03 wheels do nothing for the car (they look like 16's).

 

[5speedv6]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (Beltfed)

IMO the 02 TL type-s is one badash looking sedan. Id like a black one with a 6 speed (if they ever release those)

 

[lndsld17]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (5speedv6)

Beltfed, I really like your car. Is that a factory spoiler? Its too bad I don't think that color is an option any more, I really like it a lot.

 

[A4Jetta]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (what)

No matter how you look, TL just lacks the Teutonic solidity of new A4. A4 has a solid trunk closing sound but TL sounds pretty flimsy in comparison. BTW, instrusive trunk hingles have been a common norm for Japanese manfacturers.

 

[Beltfed]

Re: Comments on TL Type S (lndsld17)

quote:[HR][/HR]Beltfed, I really like your car. Is that a factory spoiler? Its too bad I don't think that color is an option any more, I really like it a lot.[HR][/HR]​

Thanks dude, it is a factory spoiler (actually marked Acura underneath), they only made 900 of my color- was the launch color, then they discontinued it...looks just like the Saffron Metallic that Volvo offered on the C70 and the V70 R.