Hello everybody,

This is my first post here. I'm looking into replacing my wife's 2002 Jetta with the new 2004 TL. We went and test drove the automatic one yesterday and we both liked it. I just have some questions that I hope you can help me answer:

Do you think the Nav is worth it?

Do you recommend six speed or automatic?

What's the deal with the Brembo brakes? is that an option?

Any OEM wheel choices other than the standard 17's?

what color do you recommend (Interior/Exterior)?

Do you recommend any dealers in the bay area?

was anybody able to get it below MSRP or is a MSRP a good price for it?

Sorry for all the questions.

Thanks,

 

Hi moonlight, I used to live in Foster City....my parents are still there. In the Bay Area, you can try Mike Harvey Acura or Hopkins Acura. I've bought my TL and MDX at Mike Harvey and they treated me well there.

Navi is worth it if you are going to do alot of driving that needs a map. But, if you have $2000 to spare, it is a fun toy.

6 speed is more powerful but as you already know, Bay Area traffic sucks so it is really your call.

Brembo brake I heard is an option with 18 rims/tires.

You can always pick different OEM wheels, but of course, dealer will charge you for it. It would be better if you just go buy some aftermarket wheels.

Color is so subjective. Silver or black exterior and black interior always look classy.

By the way, welcome to the board and good luck.

 

Welcome to HAN I'll answer the question that ATL didn't get...

The Brembo brakes are standard on the 6-speed but on the front wheels only. They are not available on the automatic. On the A-SPEC package, upgraded front brake pads are standard.

The only other OEM wheel choice is the 18" A-SPEC wheel. This can be purchased individually or alongside the A-SPEC package. Go to the News and Rumors forum for more info on the A-SPEC package or go to acura.com to price out a TL and choose the 18" wheels as optional accessories.

For color, go to Acura.com. 4 different interior colors are offered. I really do not like any of the colors on the TL aside from black, silver and white. The red and blue are too dark and plain looking. I'd probably go with a black interior. I love black interiors h:

Feel free to post any other q's you have!

Chris

PS - If you can get a TL for any more than a few hundredunder MSRP, you're a very good negotiator. Very high demand on them until next spring. I doubt you'll get anything south of MSRP on a 6-speed, as they're limited.

PSS - As far as 6 speed vs automatic, keep in mind the 6-speed is quite a bit faster and handles quite a bit better due to a slightly stiffer suspension (faster rate springs, other suspension modifications). There are three suspension levels for the new TL. From "softest" to "hardest", it goes Automatic-->6-Speed-->A-SPEC

 

The navigation system on the TL also does cool things like control the audio and climate control system. The 6MT also adds a Limited Slip Differential and is a much smoother gearbox than found on the 2003 CL-S.

TLs are hot right now, particularly Navi ones, however you might be able to do slightly under MSRP.

I work for an Acura dealer in the Bay Area so feel free to ask me any questions you have.

 

Just curious, which dealership do you work out of? You can PM me if you want if you don't want to post it here.

 

Hello everybody,

This is my first post here. I'm looking into replacing my wife's 2002 Jetta with the new 2004 TL. We went and test drove the automatic one yesterday and we both liked it. I just have some questions that I hope you can help me answer:

Do you think the Nav is worth it?
yes it's the best system there is, plus you get a calculator

Do you recommend six speed or automatic?
it all depends on what you prefer, the six speed is easy to drive but to enjoy it you must turn off the VSA

What's the deal with the Brembo brakes? is that an option?
they come standard w/ a 6 speed manual

Any OEM wheel choices other than the standard 17's?
yes 18" wheels are available for around $1500 including tax.
get rubber from tirerack.com

what color do you recommend (Interior/Exterior)?
deep green pearl w/ quartz. 2nd best is blue w/ camel

Do you recommend any dealers in the bay area?
no but i recommend metro acura in philly

was anybody able to get it below MSRP or is a MSRP a good price for it?

if you getting a NAVI or 6speed expect to pay MSRP. which isn't bad considering no other car can touch it when it comes to price

 

whats the VSA?

 

I believe it stands for Vehicle Stability Assist, some form of tracting control.

 

VSA works with the ABS to apply brakes to the wheel that is losing traction. Mainly used to control understeer and oversteer. It can be disabled if desired.

 

To add to this, I wouldn't recommend turning off VSA until you fully understand how to probe your car's outer limits. It is not very intrusive at all.