tcwhite

First off, I would like to thank everyone for your help and advice over the past 5 months. I had been looking for a sh-awd TL for awhile now. I wanted to wait until the TLX came out to make my decision. I test drove the TLX last week. The car was ok. I really loved all the new technology stuff that is available on it, but the car seemed small on the inside. The ride was ok. I ended up going to Charlotte last week and picking up a 2012 Silver Moon Sh-Awd for $27k. It is a one owner. Apparently whoever had it took really good care of it. The inside and outside is perfect with no dents or dings. It had 35k miles on her.

I just bought some synthetic oil from Amsoil. I also bought transmission, differential and oil filters from Bernardi parts. The air filter looked good last night when I checked, but the cabin air was filthy. I am not sure if the mechanic knew where to look. It took me awhile myself. I like to knock these services out so I know that the fluid is done correctly.

I am coming from an 08' 6-6 Accord coupe. I was looking to see where the power steering is located under the engine. Most Honda's are typically on the passenger side with the windshield washer fluid, but I could not find it. I have had a few TL's in the past and glad to be back in the Acura family.

potmilkz

hahaha nice pick up.


wait till the issues come up.. you wont be a happy TL owner after that.

potmilkz

also electronic steering = no power steering fluid needed..


alot of people dont know that.. i myself questioned it as well when i first got the car

tcwhite

What issues are you referring to? I've had two TL's in the past and was pleased with them. Other than the constant rattles which this one does not have. I'm planning on keeping this TL for a few years.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the TL is generally trouble free just like your accord.

Yumcha

Congrats on the purchase!

tcwhite

Thanks justnspace! That's what I thought. I never had one problem out of my Accord, just wanted something bigger. All of the cars I have bought in my lifetime I always seemed to have problems with new cars. I never have had any problems with used cars.

potmilkz

just look at the problem section..

most of the major issues pertain to the sh-awd model..

mechanically the fwd has no issues.. mine didnt.. i had paint issues but nothing mechanically wrong. SH-AWD however is a different story.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

^^^ I think those problems are the exception, not the norm.

hddnav

Instead of speaking in vague terms, why don't you be specific? I've read about:

- A torque-converter whine that may require replacement to fix in 2012 models and before.

- Engine oil consumption (1 quart every 10000 miles) issue that is possible in all Acura 3.7L engines.

What other issues are there?

lift3d_

wow, what a terrible way to respond to someone who just made an enormous investment....at least be specific man. I've seen you post in threads, specifically replying to me, listing it out - why not here?

messages like that give people potentially unecessary buyers remorse - if you provide specifics, they can make their own opinion. if you won't be thorough, don't bother.

C8N

Only thing I can think of is the TC.

Oil consumption IMO is general problem across all makes/models but for Honda's I think it pertains to some of the V6 engines and not specific to the J37.

There are a few of us with external transmission filter issues but I think that is a 12+ TL's overall and not specific to SHAWD.

Can't really think of anything else.

SinCity-TL

TC, first congrats on doing your homework. Don't worry about any potential problems just enjoy your new ride.
Almost any car will have issues of some sort, at least the TL has fewer than most.

Justnspace, love your new avatar, how appropriate to bring back the crazy crab with Candlestick closing its doors.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

remember, ALL cars no matter what make and model will have their quirks.
we havent gotten to a point yet, where one could have his cake and eat it too. although we are very close!

it's still a machine that has moving parts!!

SinCity; I have no control over my avatar! thank the moderators. lol

Edward'TLS

Congrats on buying an AWD TL.

Keep an eye on the oil level, because many members have reported that the 3.7L-V6 engine would burn oil.

echodigital

Congrats. The only major issue is he prop shaft and TC. For 2009 version, there was an extension of warranty on TC.

potmilkz

i was looking for the post that i posted about it, but couldnt find it.. i listed a all the links i could find regarding issues with the 4g.. small list for fwd.. and a big list for sh-awd... but im sure you guys can inform him.

it is better for him to know NOW rather than for him to come back few months later and start a new thread asking the same thing everyone is asking.. atleast he is getting a heads up.

KarKraze

Congrats on your purchase,enjoy you car.

The issues are mainly:
Oil consumption
Propeller shaft
Torque converter,warranty has been extended to 7 years or 160 k Kms ( somewhat unsure about the mileage amt. but i could confirm if you really need to know)

However it should be noted that not everyone with the 3.7 have all or any of these issues,i had a slight vibration from the tranny which went away with the software update and fluid change.Other than that i have no other issues,granted i have low mileage, 23k Kms.

LawnPro

Congrats on your 2012, you will enjoy it!

types1fan

Congrats on your new TL, hey I've had a 2012 AWD, Tech, Advance since 2012 and not a single issue yet.

JT4

Enjoy your new TL, congrats....

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

congrat and post some pictures.

big10purdue

I bought a 2012 SH-AWD and was constantly frustrated by the poor MPG I got from driving in crazy Chicago traffic. After only 12k miles, I traded it in for a Lexus ES 300h thinking I was getting a similar car with an exceptional value on gas. Nonetheless, the Lexus only lasted 11k miles before I came back to a 2014 TL SH-AWD. The 4G is by far the best car I've owned... and anybody still driving this car and active in this forum can't be too frustrated with the car or they'd be posting in an Audi/Lexus/BMW forum...

Congrats on the purchase...

BSG1

Congrats. And whatever issue you MAY experience is well worth it for getting the SH-AWD rather than the FWD.

liquidneon

I've been checking my oil for past 4 months - all good
Propeller shaft - no idea wtf that is...
TC - dont think that affects 6MT?

AcuraIntegTL

Congratulations on the new car! I've had my 4G TL for roughly 5 months and for 2 of those months the TL was getting repainted under warranty for known paint defect issue. You purchased a 4G with a lighter color, so you shouldn't have any worries with paint since it only applies to darker paint colors.

Other than my paint issue my 4G sh-awd has been worry free and you'll really enjoy driving it, I know I do.

Thermoguy

Congrats on the new purchase. I saw my first TLX last night and I was not impressed.

I wanted to chime in on Potmilkz comments. I have a 2011 SHAWD with 60K miles. The only service that has been done on my car is standard stuff. I did have the warranty repair on the torque converter and a roof rattle that was repaired also under warranty. I never felt like there was any issue that required the recall, but it's all good. My car is rock solid. Gets good gas mileage when compared to other cars with similar engines and awd, and just looks great. As far as any rattles inside the car, I am convinced it is from listening to the radio too loud...

On another note, I recently purchased a new Chevy truck and it is in the shop for it's 4th warranty safety recall... Talk about quality - and buying that made the TL look cheap...

012TL-GLM

Gratz on the purchase. I'm sure she'll give you years of service. The issues mentioned are easily fixed, and won't leave you stranded. I would recommend checking with your local dealer and make sure you have the latest software for your transmission. It can make a world of difference. I've had my '12 TL SH-AWD since Oct 2011 and so far only had the propeller shaft fixed. The issue is an annoying sound from loose bearings, but I don't believe any of the SH-AWD issues have left anyone on the side of the road yet. I'm only at 32K miles, and plan to have her a long time.

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Congrats! I have a question, when at idle in D do you get excess vibration? Or is the engine almost silent?

Reason why I ask is all acuras I have ever had where dead quite and vibration free except my AWD TL.

taperk600

Congrat's on the addition to your stable. We are also new TL owners.... a month into "enjoying" our 2012 BWP TL SH-AWD Tech. Adding it to our 2005 TSX and 2010 TSX. Ours had just over 32K on it and so far we are loving it.

KarKraze

I have no oil issues so far either.The propeller shaft or drive shaft transfers engine torque via the transmission to the differential .You don't have a torque converter, that is for the auto only.

tcwhite

I will as soon as I figure out how to post pictures on here. I think I have to use photobucket. Hopefully I'll get to take some this weekend. Just got done detailing it.

hddnav

My 2013 TL SH-AWD 6AT has been completely trouble-free the first year. The publicized issues with the SH-AWD appear very minor to me, and by no means affect every SH-AWD owner.

If you're coming from a less sporty car, the TL will blow you away with how fast you can take freeway onramps and feel completely and utterly in control, without squeal or lean. My wife can't help but remark how much harder I can corner in the car without her feeling like "holy cr*p!!." Of course, I don't do it often (I like to think of myself as as responsible guy), but it's nice to know how high the capabilities are.

In my opinion, this is hand-down the best reliable daily driver sport sedan you can buy for the money. As long as you love the looks (which I do, and I really couldn't care less what the detractors have to say), you'll be very happy.

tcwhite

Thanks Hddnav,

I absolutely love this car. The looks are amazing to me. I love the handle the awd system has. I don't realize how fast I am going until I look down and say oh shyt! So far I cannot find anything wrong with it except the right bulb on the passenger seat warmer switch. Going to Acura in the morning and buying a bulb. Maybe one day next week I'll work up the courage to replace it.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats TC!

tcwhite

Thanks everyone! This car is amazing! I looked Nader the hood today looking for the fill plug on the transmission. Is the bolt underneath two black cables sort of near the air box? That's the best guess I have. I'm planning on changing all the fluids out next week. Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

5wheel

TCWhite,

Did you drive both the 4G FWD & AWD in your TL quest? If so, can you comment on the differences? (I'm undecided which one to get. I've driven the fwd and like it, but I have not driven the AWD yet. I don't care much about the initial cost difference, but I do like the mpg of the fwd).

Thanks,
5Wheel

tcwhite

Hey 5wheel,
I did drive both models. I can tell you the differences were night and day. The fwd was ok but the awd handles much better in straightaways and turns. God I love the speed this car has. It is so smooth. I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I just think the awd is more sporty. Do yourself a favor and go test drive the Awd. I'm glad I did. It took me about three months to find the one I wanted. Take your time and do your research. This is a great place to find information, but everyone is going to have their own opinions about everything. Just find what is best for you and fits your lifestyle.

ressling

Congrats on the pickup. Great car at a great price. Enjoy it!

liquidneon

Wooo good to hear - thanks!