Finally decided to test drive a 2012 TLS AWD auto. I haven't driven a 4G tl since 2011 and never drove the MMC model.

Looks:
Very nice looking car on the outside. I didnt think so back when the 4g first came out, but I do now, especially with the MMC. I like it better than my TLS because it looks more current to me. Less badass but more current.

Interior --nice center console, nice overall, however I much prefer the seats and leather on my TLS. Its more supportive and just feels better. I prefer the grey and black two tone over he solid black.
Everything else but the seats, the 4G is better.

Performance--I like the feel of the AWD, it does hug corners but IMO the acceleration is lacking compared to my TL-S. It just does not have the same pull as my TL-S. Car feels heavy to me. I found the new Auto MDX and RDX to have more pull overall han the 2012 AWD TL.


The performance is a deal breaker for me(the seats to a lesser extent). I will have to check out a manual version of the car to see if I like it better. And then maybe on to driving a 6 cyl TLX.

 

my guess is that the car started in 2nd (as it almost always does), also the car is almost 500lbs heavier than your 08. Assuming you have no issue with continuing to exercise the left leg just go MT. If I recall there were a couple 4G 6MT guys that bought a 5G

 

It starts in 2nd ? Why would it do that ?

 

There are much better choices in the market right now than a 4G TL. Such as the ATS or Lexus IS (RC 350 is a no brainer if your wife will let you buy something with 2 doors).

Why bother looking at old cars when the new car market has so much to offer?

 

this is all over the hondata thread haha...also doesn't holding in 1st gear like the 09-11 in manual mode. Something I noticed is that flooring it at a right turn seems to allow you to go to redline in 1st which doesn't make much sense to me since going straight has more wheels to distribute the torque to (if it has something to do with protecting the transmission/awd system)

 

The first problem is you're testing a 3 year old car that already learned how its last owner drove. I doubt the dealer has disconnected the battery. If it was babied the tranny learns that behavior. If you want to see what it will do drive it in S - if you want to make sure your starts are in 1st, use the paddles - yes it will upshift for you around 4K rpm in most instances, but you'll at least get the feel on take-off. The RDX is surprisingly quick, and the newer model MDX I believe has a 0-60 almost as quick as the TL SH-AWD

 

25k difference there.

 

yeah i almost bought the mdx...but it was 5-6k more than the shawd tech TL I wanted. Its certainly the only SUV I'd be willing to own but I wanted the sedan also for the lower center of gravity. I'm guessing the rdx should get the TLX's lighter shawd and earthdreams engine next year along with the leds..though I feel they will nerf it in some way to avoid stepping on the mdx's toes.

SilverJ- I'd ask around on here if you're having trouble finding a MMC 4G 6MT. Quite a few are trading for the 5g

 

I agree... look for the manual 6MT... it is worth the search to find it!

 

Don't know your budget, but there are lease options too.
IS 250 <$350 for 36mo
GS 350 <$450 for 36mo
RC 350 $609 for 36mo

Great option considering your desire to trade up (as you may have that same desire to drive something newer down the road). I don't lease because I can't stand the idea of someone giving the car back after giving them sooo much money. But I keep getting new car fever every 3-5 years and end up buying something different and new to me anyhow.

If you take my situation as an example I just bought a new vehicle that I will probably sell in three years anyhow. I put $18,000 down (almost half) and still have a payment that is over $300mo. If you are considering a used 2012 TL it will cost you at least $25K (more if you want an SH-AWD), you will probably end up with a similar payment.

Food for thought.

 

just say no to the 250 motor. I agree leasing in general if you get bored easily

 

I'm too thrifty to pay for a lease. I like to own cars so I buy cars that retain their values. I know my Type S low mileage 6 speed is a unicorn and I STILL see it selling in the low 20's on Auto trader. I wouldn't mind flipping it if I could nab a 2012 6 speed for another 5-6 K. Maybe. I have to wait for some to come off lease. Right now there's VERY few out there. I like the TL's, the Lexus's are nice but even used to get something comparable you are in the mid 30's which is way more than I want to pay for a used car. Buying a new car that's a couple year old is the smart way to go. Its not how much money you make, its how much you keep