I've been thinking about getting a new 6 speed TL, and I've just been wondering how everyone who owns one has enjoyed theirs. I know they are great cars, but basically I was just checking to see if there was anything you don't like about it. And, some nice surprises if you had any.

 

those tl's are nice... i wouldnt mind having one but i cant afford it

 

I have an '04 TL, took delivery on Oct 21, '04. It's a great car, and I do like the 6-speed. Very low torque, however at low revs, so you've got to gently feather in the clutch when moving from a dead stop. (You can easily stall out until you've got it right). Otherwise:
3rd gear is a blast! You're going like 30 and you punch it and watch what happens. VSA (Vehicle stability assist) makes torque steer disappear.
4th gear is great fun, too. You'll discover tremendous power above 3500 RPMs.
Downshift from 6th to 5th and pass with assurity. You've got someone in front of you on a two-lane highway doing a dead 55. Quickly shift down from 6 to 5, press the accelerator and you'll pass them in like four seconds, tops and be back in your lane!. For many cars, it can be more like seven or eight seconds. Scary for those who take too long, but not in your TL!

Stereo, driver seat comfort, navigation system, all excellent. Front passenger seat could use movement in more than just forward/back and seat back tilt. Heater for passenger is ONLY on the seat bottom, not the seat back. On cold winter days, the ladies do like a totally warm seat.

Ride: super quiet, amazingly so. 70 mph is quietly gliding down road. Yes, in some cars a slight vibration is heard at 62 mph. Most don't hear it, I do, and it is not really intrusive. Low music on the stereo and it's gone.

I am now hearing my front door gaskets squeak a bit on bumpy roads. Sounds like a little silicon will probably fix that, but I am concerned about body stability. Door gaskets should never make any noise in a $35,000 car. I will see the dealer about this.

Summer A/C and climate control work really well. The interior cools quickly and the system has good "balance" (no unevenly cooled areas nor overheated zones inside). The automatic climate control works wonderfully. (I rented an upscale Fiat once in Europe: the climate control was TERRIBLE. The system never got things right in that Fiat.)

Take a test drive, I think you'll like it. My BMW driver friends were impressed. The TL isn't a BMW and doesn't ride like one. It's a cross between BMW sportiness and Lexus comfort, but still has quite the sporty feel. There is a blind spot in the '05-'05 TL, so keep that in mind. Older drivers who cannot turn their heads before a lane change--beware! Two friends of mine who swear by their Audi 4 (one has 4S) were also impressed...they felt the TL had a solid, heavy feel, relatively nimble, and authoritative. Not as nimble as theirs, and remember Audis with Quattro (AWD) do have an advantage in rain and snow. They agreed the TL's ride was a touch more luxurious, especially on "noisy" roads with rough surfaces, where they agreed their Audis were "jiggly".

Is this enough for you?

 

Thanks for the post! That really does help out.

I drove a sportshift auto (dealer didn't have a 6 speed in stock), and really like it - but I will still buy the stick, no autos for me.

I bought my Prelude brand new in 2000 and have 129,000 trouble free miles, so I am certainly going to stick with Honda products.

Question - When VTEC engages, is it a sudden thrust, or is it smoother? I know the 3.2 in the TL does not have i-VTEC, so it still engages at a preset RPM. I was just wondering if you really notice it in the TL (you sure do in the Prelude).

 

Leaving the high mileage Honda club so soon? I'm geared up to hit 185k this week, but I need new front wheel bearings and a new cat

When I drove the 6 speed TL I really didn't like it, compared to my AV6 it just felt big and heavy...I can't imagine how much more so it would feel compared to your Prelude. The TSX was much more to my liking. Anyway, the VTEC is noticeable but only if you're privvy to it and listen closely. It's about the same as my engine before I put on my SRI. You can barely hear it and feel it, but you get a nice rush of power past the engagement point.

 

When I was 22, a 2 seat coupe with a pocket big enough for 1 suitcase was all I needed.......

Things have changed a bit in 6 years

 

Are you selling your Prelude? I've been pondering picking one up between now and the time I finish college h:

 

Almost. When my pending lawsuit is settled, I can get a new car (shouldn't be too much longer).