dyp

I am looking at 2 TLs which are both at about $24K.

First is a 2012 TL-tech SH-AWD with 40K miles from CarMax.
Second is a CPO 2013 TL-tech FWD with 30K from an Acura dealer.

Both are same color exterior and interior. Both in very clean condition. I will most probably buy factory extended warranty for whichever car I buy.

Having a hard time making a decision.

What should I be considering to make a decision?

Thanks.

DP

C8N

I would look for a CPO SH-AWD.

dyp

Unfortuantely, that's not a choice I am dealing with. I am going to make sure to get factory extended warranty for sure if I get the SH-AWD.

TeamAcura

Have you driven both yet? If so, which one do you prefer more?

C8N

If those are the only 2 choices... I would go with the SH-AWD. I certainly would not be happy without the SH-AWD. I would also have an Acura dealer do an PPI and have them specifically check out the torque converter and the prop shaft.

dyp

Thanks. So far, everyone has been pointing me to the SH-AWD.

Re: PPI, torque converter and prop shaft. Is that a common source for issues with SH-AWD?

DP

dyp

I've driven both and unfortunately like them both! SH-AWD definitely felt like it had a little more pep but both drove well compared to my 1998 Lexus GS300 w/170K miles.

I live in VA so we've had decent amount of snow this year so thinking SH-AWD would be handy. I am a little concerned about reliability of the AWD but not readying anything that I need worry about.

I don't switch cars often so expect to drive this TL for another 10 years.

hadokenuh

The 2 ride differently. The FWD is smoother but the SHAWD handles better. You need to drive both and decide.

2013 CPO FWD Tech with only 30K for 24K is a good deal. I have the same car with the same mileage and my local dealer would give me 24K for trade in.

TAK87

DYP, I faced this decision myself recently. I test drove both....in terms of pure satisfaction the SH-AWD. You're not going to regret the extra power, AWD and the qualities. But as this is my daily "family" driver I chose the 2012 FWD Tech Pkg (over a 2012 AWD equivalent) as it was a little less harsh, slightly bigger trunk space and cheaper. I'm perfectly happy with the FWD...it still has plenty of power, sportiness, feel, etc. But if I didn't have a newborn and money wasn't an issue, AWD all the way. So depends on your preference and needs.

(FYI I was test driving the V6 Accord initially but both TL FWD and AWD blew it away)

Booya4139

depends on what you want... I went FWD tech as my work commute is boston gridlock traffic... FWD handles snow very well (it got a real test this past month and a half).

I'm sure i can't take on/off ramps at warp speed like SHAWD, but that really doesn't matter much to me, and for my driving it handles great.

csmeance

I went with the FWD as its very capable on it's own and it gets good gas mileage on the highway compared to the SH-AWD. That and not having to worry about oil burning is nice

saturno_v

SH-AWD hands down...drive aggressively both you you will see the difference....

SilverJ

expand your search on autotrader. There are HUNDREDS of SH AWD TL's on the market. Drive a little further and get the one you want at the price you want. SH-AWD will blow away the FWD in rain AND snow. Do all your negotiating over the phone and make your only visit to verify the condition of the vehicle and then buy it.

ej6sliver

I have a FWD TL, holy crap... it understeer so much, handling is so crappy LMAO.

It definitely felt a boat.
just my 0.02

Reorge

"Give me SH-AWD or give me death".

C8N

To be honest, I am not too sure but you will hear it quite often on this forum. Auto forums are usually place people come to, to look for solutions to their problems. Most people do not post just to say, "No problem." I know there has been a TBS for pre-MMC models but not for the 12+. Since it is not a recall, I want to say it is not too common. But nonetheless, should check these items out.

Reorge

No prob here yet but mine is a late 2012 build (purchased Sept 2012). It should still be under power-train warranty (6/70)

ragtophardtop

The torque converter is covered under the powertrain warranty, isn't it?

ragtophardtop

And were these problems corrected after the 2012 model year? Just wondering if I have to watch out on my 2014 for issues.

Georgiey22

Have a 2013 FWD here and really enjoy it so I'm not really any help. get what best fits your needs...the torque converter issues and burning oil issues kept me away from the SH-AWD with the 3.7L. Have 16K miles on my 2013 and it hasn't had one single issue that required service other then fluid changes. Either way you are going to enjoy your new ride.

Drei

iTrader: (2)

Get the SH-AWD, you won't regret it, especially during winter.

Also, if you're looking at either one of those cars at an Acura dealership, ask a service advisor to print the "Summary History Display" to view all the RO's

dyp

Thanks. What is a RO?

csmeance

Repair Orders

dyp

Thanks all.

I decided on the 2012 TL AT SH-AWD. I have to say the car is awesome especially since I finally am getting rid of my beloved '98 Lexus GS300.

Right after I brought the TL home, I experienced the dreaded propeller shaft issue. High pitch, tea kettle sound when I get to around 50mph. Only happens after 10-15 min of driving. Fortunately, the car is still covered under warranty so it's going in Monday for replacement.

Still, it's a beauty and I've always wanted a TL.

'13 TL FWD was also very nice especially with 5+ mpg but I fell in love with the '12 SH-AWD's extra oomph and the handling.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

Drei

iTrader: (2)

Congrats man!

Made the right decision!

87LtdT

'12 SH-AWD Tech Pkg here. Bought at 5k miles from old Doctor who went back to Mercedes. Now have 32k and absolutely no issues in 2.5 years.


I think you made the right choice.

morgan1819

Agree.

It also depends on the quality of your roads. Where we live, most of the roads are below average, and the SH-AWD was pretty brutal on the test drive. I was coming from a Lexus, so that didn't help either.

I am also lucky that my wife allows me to keep a weekend driver (a lightly tuned 370z Nismo), so I have no interest in trying to push a large 4 door sedan to the limits on a public road.

Therefore, the SH-AWD offered me nothing over the 3.5, other than a rougher ride, and the potential for oil burning.

GhostTL09

iTrader: (1)

Pictures?!?!?!?!?!

dyp

Hmmm... Never posted a picture of my car before but I'll post a pic soon.

The TL is currently at the Acura dealer. Recently, I noticed a high pitch (like tea kettle boiling) sound when I get to about 50 mph. Other TL owners have had this problem and a defective propeller shaft seems to be the culprit. Was able to replicate the sound with the service manager in the passenger seat.

At least they gave me a fully loaded TLX as a loaner.

I still like the looks of my TL.


DP

dyp

I'm coming off of a Lexus as well but enjoying the less-soft ride of the SH-AWD.