2010 TL SH-AWD vs 2010 ES 350
03-16-10, 11:59 AM
#31
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Arizona
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Thats a hard choice. The TL is a great car except for the exterior styling. I'm sure it handles well and has good reliability. Not too sure about the interior as I have not been in an acura since my TL-S. Changing this grill makes all the difference in the world
That being said, I used to like acura until I got a TL Type S and the transmission died at 800 miles and died again later. I'm sure they fixed the issue but no acura's for me anymore.
The currently updated ES looks pretty good in my opinion. The front bumper design looks way better than the previous version. I've driven my aunts 09 ES. It drives okay. Nothing spectacular. It has a pretty soft ride if thats what you are looking for. The interior is nice except for the area with the wood on the cupholder that looks out of place.
I'd go with the ES if it really is just between these two cars
That being said, I used to like acura until I got a TL Type S and the transmission died at 800 miles and died again later. I'm sure they fixed the issue but no acura's for me anymore.
The currently updated ES looks pretty good in my opinion. The front bumper design looks way better than the previous version. I've driven my aunts 09 ES. It drives okay. Nothing spectacular. It has a pretty soft ride if thats what you are looking for. The interior is nice except for the area with the wood on the cupholder that looks out of place.
I'd go with the ES if it really is just between these two cars
03-16-10, 02:48 PM
#32
Lexus Champion
The Acura grill doesn't bother or offend me like it apparently does a lot of people. The only thing that I dislike is the inanely pretentious name for it "power plenum." Having said that, that grill in the pic you posted is fantastic. I'd definitely replace the original with that one for sure.
03-16-10, 03:29 PM
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
A front grill should be added to accent the car, not b/c its so ugly it NEEDS a new grill. I've changed front grills all the time but for personal preference not b/c the car is ugly.
Even painted, look at the size and width of the painted beak surround and it looks like a Camry. Not to mention Acura is furious dealers are painting the grills and adding grills after being specifically told the beak is here to stay.
To me if you buy this car and you change the grill you have acknowledged its hideous. Acura went through all this beak trouble and its a slap in their face to change the grill.
Now how do you fix the sides and the back?
Other options
Since we are posting modded cars
With Work wheels
03-16-10, 06:22 PM
#36
Lexus Champion
Mike?
A front grill should be added to accent the car, not b/c its so ugly it NEEDS a new grill. I've changed front grills all the time but for personal preference not b/c the car is ugly.
Even painted, look at the size and width of the painted beak surround and it looks like a Camry. Not to mention Acura is furious dealers are painting the grills and adding grills after being specifically told the beak is here to stay.
A front grill should be added to accent the car, not b/c its so ugly it NEEDS a new grill. I've changed front grills all the time but for personal preference not b/c the car is ugly.
Even painted, look at the size and width of the painted beak surround and it looks like a Camry. Not to mention Acura is furious dealers are painting the grills and adding grills after being specifically told the beak is here to stay.
I still don't like the TL rear end, but either of the 2 Ronjon grills does wonders for the front. The other grills, well, not so much. IMO, the TL front end with a Ronjon grill actually looks better than the ES front end.
03-16-10, 06:39 PM
#38
Lexus Champion
03-16-10, 07:24 PM
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Not if you drive it halfway sensibly. First, public roads are not F1 courses, and Second, the ES is not designed to be a sports sedan. Even so, the somewhat stiffer-riding ES350 handles better than the ES330 which preceeded it.
03-16-10, 07:34 PM
#40
Lexus Fanatic
03-16-10, 07:43 PM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
03-16-10, 07:55 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
I have to agree with 1SICK, on this. There are safety features on board that will prevent this. Once the on board yaw sensor detects any kind of over/under steering situation it will straighten you out instantly. If you're driving an ES350 beyond the computers help, well.........God help you.
03-16-10, 07:58 PM
#43
Lexus Champion
03-16-10, 08:02 PM
#44
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Took an Acura Tl SH-AWD home for the night for a test drive. I noticed that a few things better than the ES. The overhead console and other buttons are lit up and clear to see. Even the map light buttons for the rear seats light up. The new Nav system is fantastic and clear to see, may beat Lexus. I do miss the push button screen, but the **** is very easy to use.
The car is quick, most of the power comes at higher RPMs. I do feel the bumps more than the ES (obviously). It is tight, it is responsive. It is sporty.
The ES has a power tilt wheel, puddle lamps, rear sunshade, parking sensors, and probably a few other nice options that I will miss.
I may actually sign the papers tomorrow.
By the way, I picked the new Bronze color with the Umber leather. Very rare, but either you love it or hate it. Still on the fence on the final color.
The car is quick, most of the power comes at higher RPMs. I do feel the bumps more than the ES (obviously). It is tight, it is responsive. It is sporty.
The ES has a power tilt wheel, puddle lamps, rear sunshade, parking sensors, and probably a few other nice options that I will miss.
I may actually sign the papers tomorrow.
By the way, I picked the new Bronze color with the Umber leather. Very rare, but either you love it or hate it. Still on the fence on the final color.
03-16-10, 08:09 PM
#45
Lexus Fanatic
True. No two owners are exactly alike.
I myself don't own an ES, but I immediately noticed the difference in ride stiffness when I first reviewed the 2006 model, though the car remained as library-quiet as the ES330 it replaced, and the drivetrain also remained silky-smooth. The 2010 model, in addition to its (needed) interior-trim upgrade, also seems, to me, to ride a little smoother once again, even though it did not get a major redesign....a major redesign is still forthcoming.
I myself don't own an ES, but I immediately noticed the difference in ride stiffness when I first reviewed the 2006 model, though the car remained as library-quiet as the ES330 it replaced, and the drivetrain also remained silky-smooth. The 2010 model, in addition to its (needed) interior-trim upgrade, also seems, to me, to ride a little smoother once again, even though it did not get a major redesign....a major redesign is still forthcoming.