I think you made a good choice, Treblig. The MMC TL looks MUCH better than the Power Phlegm Power Rangers Transformers Edition 2009-11 TL. I like it! I'm personally more partial to the TSX wagon but the MMC TL I'd look at.

 

If this was meant for me, if I go with the 2012 TL I will either trade or sell the RL.

 

I actually like the new TL. It would be the ideal to keep my RL and get the TL too, but having just bought my wife a 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour I wouldn't want take on that big of an additional debt. As far as what I would be gaining, I guess nothing more than satisfying my new car itch and some new tech to play with.

 

Well, I did it. Traded the RL for a 2012 Bellanova White Pearl/Ebony SH-AWD Advance which came in today. Haven't brought her home yet as there are still some add-ons to be taken care of (body side mouldings, door edge film, splash guards and tire swap). This should all be done by Tuesday.

http://img23.imageshack.us/i/img00022201104021457.jpg/
http://img402.imageshack.us/i/img00021201104021457.jpg/

You guys have been great with your info and advice during my RL ownership days. Gonna miss the RL. Hope you don't mind me peeking in on you all every now and then.

 

congrats on the new car. First thing on the list, get rid of those tips and put the old SH-AWD tips on...

 

Thanks on the Congrats. Already looked into the exhaust finishers. They are welded on The only way to change them is the cut them off and weld on the dual tips or buy two new mufflers. That's as good as no choice!

 

at least now you have something to install Takeda SRI on.

transforms your tiger into a train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftDl-zZWT30

 

Just wanted to share with you, my long time RL brethren. This is delivery day after the body side mouldings, splash guards and door edge film was added.

 

pure sex right there. nice upgrade. is there a aspec lipkit for it?

 

There is but I'm not a fan of the rear lip so I've decided to pass on it.

 

congrats bro the 4g has grown on me quite a bit

 

Thanks. It continues to grow on me with every new mile

 

Congrats. This is the TL that should have been released in the first place.....or better yet just a tweaking of the 3G TL, but that's JMHO.

Now drive the heck out of that SH-AWD beast!

 

Thanks. I agree. This probably should have been the natural progression, IMHO. This front end treatment is much more true to the 3G's. The '09 - '11 was too much of a departure, again IMHO.

As soon as I am through the break-in period I intend to have a little fun with it

 

how cooled seats treating u?

 

Actually they work pretty well and they work pretty fast too. The fan can be kinda loud on the high setting though.

 

um...I've never actually heard it. have you tried sitting down on it

 

Test drove a Genesis 4.6 today.

Definitely felt like a downgrade over the '06 RL in terms of ride, interior, and feel.

I imagine (would hope) the 5.0 will be quicker but I don't see that doing much for the interior and ride quality.

 

The Tech Package has cooled seats?

I thought you had to get the Advance Package for cooled seats. Hmmm ...

 

It is part of the Advance Package. I do have the Advance Package.

 

Trebling-

If you have time, it would be fun to read your thoughts on the aspec Rl VS the new TL in terms of various aspects,of driving, handling, luxury, features...

Now that you've had time in both...what do you like about the TL that was lacking on the RL, and what do you miss from the RL.

Your RL was aspec equipped...correct? So if anyone with an RL was considering upgrading wheels, tires, suspension....to get their rl like yours.... Another option would be to save that money and apply it toward a new TL SHAWD..... which you did....



Your observations might help ...I've considered the new TL, but haven't driven one. I want to fix up my RL 2 with bigger wheels lowered suspension....but the new TL might just be a better way to make the entire car sportier....but is there enough luxury?.

Your thoughts would be appreciated?

 

I see, missed the post on buying see you got the Advance.

By the way, car looks awesome with the upgrades.

I want to see it again with some tint on the windows

 

Fair questions.

First, I've only had the TL for about a week and driven it only 3 times, but I can tell you that it handles a bit "crisper" than the RL and the 6sp auto really adds to the fun and excitement. I guess that is to be expected since their missions in life are/were different.

What I like about the TL is that I think it better suits my needs/wants for a sport luxury sedan as oppose to a luxury sport sedan. That is what I tried to achieve with the A-Spec kit (body and suspension), 19 inch wheels and beefier rear stabilizer bar on my RL. I also like the updated technology, particulary the BSIS, heated and ventilated seats, Navi and audio system. It's great to be able to play my iPod music and not have to carry CDs around!

What I miss about the RL are the little detail and quality features like the AFS, the power tilt steering wheel and the ambient lighting (which was more complete in the RL) and any immaculate paint job. But other than that, they are closely matched in size and in features.

If you've not driven the new TL I would suggest that you do. You will get a sense for the differences in the cars dynamics and ride and drive feel.

In my short time of ownership I can tell you that I am really enjoying the TL. Not sure how much of that is the newness factor, but check with me in a month or so.

 

phishfood,

Here she is with her new "shades" on.

 

TL looks nice. Bet that 6 speed tranny is a good addition. I hate the 5 speed I got and without the paddle shifters I would have sold this car long time ago.

On the bright side, it looks like the RL is a mustang gt "killer". Maxed out 3rd gear from 70 and my car was a bit quicker than an older Mustang GT....twice.

On a serious note, that guy needs to go fix his Mustang

on an even more serious note, look into the Takeda SRI intake. Huge thread on it in the 4G section and the customers are happy with the sound...and maybe there's even some gain in there somewhere.

 

The TL doesn't have a power steering wheel tilt function?!? Even Legend #1 had that!

 

No, the tilt and telescoping function is manual.

 

dare I ask what top of the line TL's are going for now? $$$

 

Window sticker showed $45,085.

 

carsdirect.com for 2012 SH-AWD TL w/ Advanced sez:

MSRP PRICING:$45,945
INVOICE PRICING:$42,685

 

the question was, what did you pay, if a person drives an RL they can figure out retail and invoice pricing

 

I'd ,iss the power tilt and telescope! I love when I turn my car off how the steering wheel gets out of the way...

How do you think handing is on the new tl VS your aspec rl? You think they are very close or is it a night and day difference?

 

Not quite night and day, but the TL is a bit "crisper" handling.

 

Was your rl stock and then you did aspec? Was THAT a nig and day change? Going from oem to 19"s with aspec?

Do you think the tl feels a lot faster in terms of raw power and torque, or is it mainly just more responsive? My one gripe with the rl is that is slow to respond to throttle input...you gas it and sometimes it hesitates before it engages power.... It's the way they programmed it. My wife's MDX is much more responsive... Gas it and it goes..no delay.

I assume the tl is more responsive...which would be nice.

 

My RL was A-Spec'd the day I drove it off of the lot. My only recollection of the stock RL ride was my test drive weeks before. I added the 19 inch wheels several weeks later. The A-Spec additions made quite a difference in the ride and drive of the car. Took out the float and flattened the cornering. You do feel road imperfection more but the ride is not really harsh or brutal, just more "deliberate" if you will. For example, cruising down highway, the ride is smooth and quiet. Throw some curves into the equation and the car tackles them with ease and composure.

The TL does feel a bit faster and more responsive as well. If I'm not mistaken, my RL was rated at 290 HP while the current TL is rated at 305 HP (not sure what the torque specs were). And the new 6sp Auto adds to the more sporty feeling and responsiveness.

You really need to drive the TL SH-AWD to get a feeling for the car and some perspective of what the RL A-Spec would feel like. My RL is on the dealer's lot if you're close to Indiana at all.

 

nice car, WDP was the most popular color on the 3rd gen's and it looks great here, too. congrats!

 

Treblig, do you know what the bolt pattern is for your wheels? Since you have the advance package and SH-AWD, those are 19" x 8" right? That's what reviews are saying they should be, but I can't find the bolt pattern anywhere. I was next to a new TL on I-35 the other day and got to thinking about trying to put those wheels on the RL. 19"s would be pretty sweet IMHO.

 

Congrats on the new car. I think the new MMC TL looks pretty nice. I agree with Bob - it's what this gen TL should have been all along. I've thought about a TL, but it's missing a few features that I really like on the RL. The more I think about it the more I think my next car will be an RL (unless Acura really screws it up) or an MDX.

 

Yes the Advance Package wheel is a 19" x 8" and I believe the bolt pattern is 5x120 which is the same as the 2nd Gen RL.

 

And so, the search begins! Thanks Treblig!