I have a 2007 Base TL w/ Nav (105K miles) and I’m looking to possibly trading it in for a 2012 Base TL w/ Nav in the early Fall when its paid off. I have no interest in the SH-AWD, doesn’t fit my needs or driving style. I highway reverse commute about 70 miles a day round trip, spending about 35 minutes in the car each way in the San Francisco Bay area. So what's important to me are:

• Gas Mileage
• Ride Quality
• Cabin Noise

I'm interested in what new 2012 Base TL owners - who previously owned a 3G Base TL - think as to how the two models compare in these attributes.

Thanks.

 

I know you say you have no interest in SH-AWD, but give it a drive. About all you will be giving up, besides a few more dollars, is some gas mileage. But you'll absolutely love that 70 mile drive and 35 minute commute. Good ride quality and quiet cabin.

 

ride quality, cabin noise? how about a lexus es 350?

Sorry I've never driven the 3G TL. But I know the FWD TL gets better gas mileage and a softer ride.

 

Thanks. I did road test the ES 350 last month, and agree about the ride and quiet cabin. However, I don't care for the look of the car - long sloping nose and trunk, seems a bit dated to me. I see the car (there are quite a few in the parking lot at work) and I think of a Whippet. The IS looks great, but was a little too small inside. I do like the GS (which to me looks a bit like the TL), but that's outside my price range. Also the ES interior cockpit layout was very comfortable and familiar, and really reminded me of my 3G TL's cabin. Not a downside, just didn't make me feel like I was in a newer up to date high tech car, like the 4G.

I was blown away by the customer friendly Lexus dealership. The sales person gave me the compete tour and history, before even showing me cars. They even have webcams set up in the service bays so you can watch the techs working on your specific car.

 

If ride quality and cabin noise are your priorities, then the Lexus ES is a better choice than the TL. After all, the TL is a sport sedan emphasizing luxury and sportiness handling, whereas the ES is a lazy cruiser emphasizing luxury and comfortable ride.

 

I had a 3G, which I loved, and I've test driven the 4G numerous times which, by the way, will be in my garage in a few weeks. I find the 4G to have a firmer, more planted feel than the 3G. I know some people complain that it's too big but I thought the 3G was a bit too small. It feels more like my MB E320 in size but it outshines that car in numerous areas... particularly the handling, throttle response, fit and finish and the ELS sound system is in a class of its own. The 6 speed is a jewel. In my opinion it's is an improved car in most every area.

 

get fwd 2012 TL you won't be disappointed. it has good ride quality (not soft though).

 

Thanks Brother Acura, and congratulations on the new 4G. I have a similar concern about the size of the 4G compared to the 3G, so I'd be interested in your impressions once you've had the car a while. My one big complaint with my 3G is the large turning radius, making a quick and easy u-turn to grab a parking spot is usually out of the question.

 

Turning radius of 2007 TL is reportedly 19'8", 2012 reportedly 19'4", so no big change here.
I agree with you about no particularly liking the ES350 style; to me it looks way too much like a Camry.
Have you driven an MB C300 or C350? Both are softer and much more quiet than a TL

 

We recently traded our '08 TL W/Navi (only 8,700 miles) for the 2012 w/tech for precisely two of the reasons you cite

• Cabin noise
• Comfort/ride quality

The initial test drive of a new 2011 told me that I was making the right decision, but preferred the redesigned appearance of the 2012.

While we do not put the # of miles on a car that you do, we occasionally do take a run from Houston to Dallas to see our son, daughter-in-law and the grand kids (we're both in our mid 60's). At our age, 245 miles each way was really about all of the '08 that we could take in one bite. Fun as can be to drive, but beat our kidneys to death

That said, ride quality was the ultimate selling point. Age notwithstanding, we're still young at heart and not ready to drive around in a Lincoln Town Car or a Lexus LS (though we've previously owned both). They're nice cars, just "not for us" if you know what I mean.

We also didn't want the mushy handling of an RL, though our dealer was offering us a sweet deal for an '11. In fairness we took the RL out for a drive (after test driving the '12 TL) and my wife & I both agreed the TL was a lot more fun to drive without sacrificing comfort.

We're now preparing for that "trip" test, going to visit the kids today, leaving shortly. I'm reasonably sure we made the right decision, but we'll know for sure a few hours from now.