I recently had my 2010 AWD in for service at 15K and was given a 2012 Tech FWD as a loaner. I hadn't driven a FWD TL in awhile, but I was pleasantly surprised by the car. It's a very capable, quick car with nice handling characteristics, very nice features and a quiet, smooth ride. It is definitely the driver's car alternative to the ES350.

The car was very solid feeling, but I could tell it did not quite have that "planted" feeling of the SH-AWD car nor the cornering capabilities. But with the Tech features, it was great for 90% of driving situations.

I did notice one thing others have complained of. While the 6-speed auto is very nice (my 2010 is an MT) with quick, crisp shifts, there is a very noticeable "lag" if you step on the gas hard at low speeds. I assume it is the traction control and/or ECU stepping in to prevent wheelspin and torque steer. Overall, however, the FWD TL was a very nice car to drive.

BTW, I'm very pleased with my dealer. Had the oil changed and rear diff fluid replaced, as well as had them look at a couple of small and intermittent, but annoying rattles, one in the sunroof and the other somewhere on the passenger side. Both were fixed and the car is again vault-solid/quiet, as when it was new.

 

I have an 2009 and I think its the best of the 4th generation series.

 

oh i beg to differ mr fwd.

 

ya; your wrong

 

thread hijack by eazyrider....

 

Why does Easyrider always like screwing up the parties ?

Whichever thread he put his foot in, is gonna get locked very soon.

 

Guys, lets' focus on the OP's original post.....


EazyRider, the OP didn't ask which year of the 4G's is the best either. If you're going to post, address the OP's comments or please don't post.

 

Took my MDX in a couple of months ago and they gave me a 2012 TL Tech to drive. My wife had a 2007 TL that we traded for a 2010 TL. She always liked the 2007 better than the 2010. I parked the 2012 next to her 2010 and I was shocked at the difference in the look of the two cars. The 2012 is much lower to the ground the rear deck is not as high and the front sits lower. Overall it was a much better looking TL in her opinion and she liked the way it drove better. We traded her 2010 in on a 2012 and she is now as happy with this as she was with her 2007. Boy that's a lot of numbers.

 

Aside from a small issue I have recently have, I really love my '12. I traded in my 2009 Tech and wasn't expecting a huge difference; I can honestly say that I was shocked when I first test drove the 2012. The handling and overall performance is noticeably better in my humble opinion, and I was quite pleased with the extra options I received with the Advance package. The blind spot indicators and ventilated seats are nice.

I also really am happy with the more refined look of the 2012. The beak is more under control and the car just appears much more sleek to me. I think you would be happy with one.