The2007TL

Rambling post warning. Wild opinions welcome.

I have had an 07 TL (Nav) for a bit less than a year now, and it is fantastic. Love it. Bought it with 80,000 miles in "like new" condition other than a scratch in the rear quarter panel. This TL looks like a showroom car on the inside.

So, I am looking at possibly adding another TL to the stable in the next year. Low mileage is vital. Pristine condition (especially the interior) is critical. Has to have Nav. As the 3G model ages, cars matching those criteria are harder -trending toward impossible- to come by.

I never considered a 4G when I was looking before, because of aesthetics as much as anything, but also for reasons of price and a general more negative vibe toward them. In fact, the person I purchased the 3G from held it so long because he "wanted another 'Acura TL' but definitely was not going to get the 4G". (He bought a TLX soon after release.) That vibe is out there.

Anyway, my question is, from the perspective of a 3G owner, for those who have driven a 4G, what do you NOT like about the 4G, other than aesthetics.

I ask the question to 3G owners, in this subforum particularly so I have a common frame of reference for the answer. If you are a happy 3G owner, I know where you are coming from and can therefore evaluate whether your 4G "gripe" is one that I will share or can dismiss.

Thanks, looking forward to your .

KJ TL-S

iTrader: (9)

So I think the 4G gets a lot of hate on this side, and its nearly entirely based on appearances. There's not much room for argument that the SH-AWD/6MT combo is anything but a better driving experience than what the 3G has to offer.

The looks have grown on me too, but not necessarily in stock form. With a painted beak, OEM lip kit, tint, and a slight drop, the car really transforms into a fantastic looking vehicle IMHO. Better than the 3G....well, that's for each person to decide.

I guess to answer your question, as the happy owner of a Type S with only 60K on it, and who test drove a SH-AWD/6MT as recently as two days ago, there was nothing I didn't like about driving the 4G. I think you would like it as well. Only way to know for sure is to go drive one though.

acupower

My wife has the 3g and I have a 4g SHAWD. We've had these cars for almost a year now. I like the 3g a LOT. It's light compared to the 4g and very smooth. The 4g on the other hand is a beast that requires a different way of handling. Being an AWD car it's great in the corners but in a weird way. You need to keep your foot on the gas thru the corner and let that torque vectoring system do its thing. The car is a lot of fun as well and I will recommend it to anyone.

Here is what I DONT like about the 4G:

1. Heavier
2. Less fuel efficient
3. Most people find the front design with the BEAK ugly...Ok ALL people find it ugly (but thankfully there are some things you could do)
4. No folding rear seats
5. Horrible navigation

In terms of reliability the 4G has some issues too:
1. Torque converter issues in the 2009-2011
2. Propeller shaft bearing
Thankfully, it has a more reliable auto tranny than the early 3g models.

truonghthe

my biggest problem with the 4g is there almost no upgrade EXCEPT for cooling seat, better navi resolution screen and ofcourse SH-AWD MT. Everything else is boring and you have to get the advance package to get cooling seat and yes it took Acura up to 2012 to put it in the TL meanwhile other car in its class already had it for years. The trunk entry is just awful compare to 3g TL.

TacoBello

Honestly, why in the world do you care what we think about your potential next car? Buy it for yourself, not us.

Will Y.

The 4G TL is not my cup of tea because of:
1) Length-- it's longer than the 3G TL, and the 3G TL is as large as I want to get. The 2G TL was too long as well.
2) Weight-- the 4G TL is heavier than the 3G TL.

I'm not fond of the dash and Navi stack design either, compared to the cleaner look of the 3G TL with touchscreen Navi, but could probably have lived with it if it was the only issue with the 4G TL.

triax37

iTrader: (1)

I'm mostly in this camp as well. If I break a car down into three categories, (i) exterior, (ii) interior, and (iii) driveability:

(i) The 4G's exterior can be improved with a few mods to look really good (still prefer the 3G)
(ii) I love the 3G's center stack, but the 4G's seats are better, and there were a few technology additions in the later 4G years that are nice. Also, no tape player in the center stack (like the 3G)...
(iii) 4G (sh-awd) is probably better

Otherwise, what accupower said is pretty spot on in terms of 4G downsides. Good luck!

dezymond

1. Aesthetics, yeah I had to say it.
2. Interior. I don't like the interior because it feels so cramped and "in your face". It feels smaller inside to me than the 3G (I don't know exact specs, but it just feels smaller).
3. Interior aesthetics. I hate the stacked dashboard that Honda has went for. It doesn't look good and doesn't have a consistent "flow" if you will. When I take the '13 Accord we have in the family that thing drives me nuts, but it does look alot better than in the 4G TL.
4. The steering feel. I haven't driven one for awhile but I recall it being fairly "numb". I don't like that feel, I like the heaviness of the 3G steering.
5. The size of the car. It feels huge except for the interior.

jblessing

I have an 06 now, that replaced an 03 TL. I have driven a 4G SH-AWD. A RWD IS350 will probably replace my 3G when it hits 200k. That being said:

Looks aside, the 4G just feels bigger and heavier. Sure it has more power, etc to help offset that, but how well that is achieved is subjective.

Mods can help the exterior looks, but that will take at least $2k last time I checked.

I haven't kept up with how reliability has improved/worsened with the next gen, but you should check that too.

The2007TL

I think you missed the point. But thanks for the opinion.

truonghthe

I am always scratching my head why the hell Acura didn't gave the 6spd AT to 07-08 Type S or Base TL?

GKinColo08TL

I just sold my 08 TL last month...I liked that car a lot. Best car I have ever owned. When shopping for a replacement I test drove several 4Gs, both 2wd and SH AWD and I didn't like them at all compared to my 3G. I felt as tho I was getting a downgraded car compared to the 3g in appearance, ride, handling, and performance. Needless to say I didn't buy one. I bought a BMW 335i. My

csmeance

4G doesn't have as nice as an interior as the 3G and the drive is slightly harsher than the 3G TL. The HID's aren't as nice as on the 3G TL but they still are pretty good. Other than that, it's as fast as a TL-S, it's comfortable for long drives, plenty of trunk space and it'll fit the bill better than your current 07.

IMO, the biggest improvement to me is in the Noise, harshness and vibration in the 4G over the 3G. The motor mounts seem to be of an improved design and so are the bushing for the front suspension. The 6spd auto is also pretty nice. IT seems a little quieter on the highway.

IMO, the best part about my 4G is the USB input, i'd say the worst part is worrying about the trans on my 3G. That's why I got a 2013, no trans recalls, etc.

Get the advance version either in FWD or SH-AWD, it's not worth it to get the Tech version when the advance is slightly more for a couple of great features. Plus you get an insurance discount from the blind spot monitoring system.

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

Because the 6AT was not in production until 2010.

truonghthe

^^^^but everyone else in the TL class already moved to the 6spd or above.

The2007TL

Thanks.

Usable trunk space on the 4G compares favorable to the 3G?

I love the 3G interior. Is it the material on the 4G that is sub par?

I have no noise or vibration (to my aged ears anyway). I did replace the front motor mount after purchase on my first fluid change.

acupower

It depends. If you buy the SHAWD (which is pretty much the only one I'd even consider) you would get reduced trunk space due to the diff being right under the trunk. Overall, the 3G is better in that department.

My 4G has a really harsh ride. I would go as far as stating that the 4G rides harsher and is noisier than my 04 3G base.

Interior - I would definitely give that one to the 4G. A lot of people complain about the number of buttons and knobs in the 4G. I don't mind them at all. I actually prefer to have a dedicated button for most important functions so that I don't have to scroll through menus.

Interior materials are also of decent quality in the 4G and overall I really like interior design.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Exterior styling aside, IMO the 4G interior, performance, technology (on newer advance package) is superior in everyway to the 3G. I currently drive an 07 TLS 6mt and LOVE it. I have had 4G SHAWD Advance loaners and its a great car that handles unbelievably. Take exterior styling into account and now things change. Even though the exterior did improve in the midcycle refreshed 2012+, its still just a big and bulky awkward looking car. Would I buy one? Ehh I dunno, if I did it would without a doubt be 2012+ Advance package SHAWD. Other than that absolutely no way would I get one over a mint 15K mile 6mt Type S. Its really just not that cool looking of a car.

AlanW

That first year or so of the 4G had that God-awful big beak, then they reduced it down to just an awful beak....
The 4G exterior angular styling is different for sure, but hard for me to warm up to, kind of weird, like they were going for a Batmobile look.
So with the new TLX, they replaced weird with bland-they just don't look very exciting.

I was looking at some the other day at the dealership. Look at the back seat area of a 2G TL, then a 3G TL, then a 4G, & then a TLX-it has hardly changed....maybe no reason the change it really, but after 15 years or so, you'd think the styling would change a little more back there.

And the salesmen, they are just in denial about how the 4G & now the TLX have not gone over real well with many long-time Acura fans.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Its funny because I was looking in a automotive magazine yesterday reading an article about the new TLX. They had a picture of the back seat and I could have sworn it was a pic of the 3G TL. Looked almost identical with exception of some door panel changes.
Yeah, as far as the TLX goes there is just nothing exciting about it. Seeing them on the street and you basically just don't think twice about it. The pre-production model that was shown at all the autoshows looked amazing!! Then they toned down the shit out of it and turned it into just a another whatever sedan. The only way I could EVER be interested in a TLX is if they brought back the aggressive styling of the pre-production model and turned it into a Type S with some pretty serious power.

The2007TL

When I picked up my TL, the gentleman selling it had his TLX there. It was the sort of graphite dark gray. Bear in mind I am an old geezer, but from about a 45 degree rear angle, in that color, the way the sun was setting in the background and the breeze was blowing ....I thought it looked really sharp. Fast. Even a little aggressive.

The more I look at it though, it does just look like a Mazda 6.

csmeance

The FWD model has quite a bit of trunk space! I think it's about a few inches deeper than the 3G TL. The 4G TL has a great interior and materials are pretty good, the dash and door panels esp. As far as design goes, I like the 3G TL interior over the 4G. It seems a bit more open and a bit more modern.

With that said, I'm still happy with the 4G. FYI The leather is $150 for the seat bottoms unlike $400 for 3G seats! Cheap replacements if it does wear, however acura smartened up on the stitching and now that area flexes!

erdoc48

I originally didn't like the 4G when it was first introduced. I love my 3G, but if I had to replace it, I would consider a 2012+ 4G as it has grown on me. Then again, I might go for a used Accord Touring or Mazda 6 (having a premium brand label on my car is no longer a priority).

As for the 4G, I did have one for a few days while my 06 was being worked on a few years ago (FWD model), and it drove very well, so I'd be good with it.

GKinColo08TL

One thing I will say about the 4G...the 2wd can be had pretty cheap right now. Decent '12 with low miles for $21K-$24K. I think a shit ton of 4Gs were used as some type of fleet car and they are now flooding the market.

C8N

As a previous 3G owner, when the 4G first came out, I said to myself that I would not be caught dead in that car. But look what I am driving now.

truonghthe

Bottom line is Acura should got the tlx as 4g tl.

Acuramon

I think as prices start to go down, the 4G will be an excellent buy. It may not be the best looking TL ever produced but it's actually a step above the 3G in performance. The interior is pretty nice also. I've seen a pretty nice grill conversion which would work for me since the grill is one of my biggest gripes on the car.

SilverJ

I believe I can weigh in here with a lot of knowledge being I just traded in my TL Type S manual for a 4G SHAWD Manual. My first thought of seeing the 4G TL in 2009 was ugh. I didn't like the beak or the giant size of the car. Then they redid it in 2012 and I warmed up to it a little more seeing commercials like this.

I removed my negative perceptions I had about the car really just recently. I saw a Silver 2012 on my dealers lot and thought, wow that car looks really upscale. I thought it was a new RL or something but it was the 2012-2014- TL.
After that I drove a 6MT AWD 2012 TL and was then obsessed with getting the car.
I finally found a nice one with 11k miles on it out of state and bought it and traded my TL-S.
As far as looks are concerned, I don't know if the 4G TL works in every color(unlike the Type S which looked good no matter what), but in Silver or Black with tinted windows the car looks great.
Things that are better than the 3G (6MT only I am speaking of)
*More fun to drive
*SIGNIFICANTLY Better handling
*Faster 0-60, much smoother take offs
* Vastly upgraded interior.
*Better Nav system
*Better audio system
*Much better tech overall, able to get and control music via many sources not available on the 3G. Unless you consider a tape deck a bonus
*More modern, less dated looking.
*More of a grown up car, less of a kid-hot rod car (and the 4G performs better in speed and handling, so the 3G LOOKS more hot rod, while the 4G IS more hot rod, wolf in sheep's clothing)
*love the XM antennae "shark fin" on top of the car.

Things I liked better on the 3G
*liked the TLS wheels better
*liked the TLS exhaust better
*liked that the car was a little shorter in length. they both fit in my garage, but its a little tighter with the 2012 TL.


With different wheels, here is what the car looks like sitting in my garage.
Looks great to me.

se05

Excellent review. Like some on here I have also warmed up to the refreshed 4G but no plans to change my 3G. Nice garage btw.

erdoc48

^^ I hear you- I took my 3G for a drive last night and feel I would be nuts to give it up as it runs so well. Other cars may be better with newer features, no doubt, but my 06 is probably the best car I've ever owned.

As for the pic above, the Silver Moon color looks great, and I agree your garage looks huge!

My required list isn't all that long:
-decent V6 with good mpg
-heated seats
-BT audio/phone (I added BT audio)
-sunroof
-leather interior
and now, remote start (which I absolutely love!).

I often look at cars to replace the 3G just in case I have a collision or catastrophic mechanical failure (hopefully, neither of which is a likely occurrence).

I have my list down to:
-2012+ TL
-Buick Regal GS
-Honda Accord Touring
-2015 Mazda 6
-Hyundai Azera (but it's bigger than I would want/need)

I might consider a Model 3 Tesla a few years down the road if it's what I want and the price is right, and if the range and acceleration is decent. I don't need to get to 60 mph in 3.1 sec as in a Tesla P85D plus the Tesla is a but large for my needs (although I'm sure that would be a blast).