crxb

I test drove a 4G tech SH w/ HPT and I was surprised.

The color was that silver in the ads. It makes the grill and rear deal (just below the trunk) not stand out so much.

I loved the fat steering wheel and the 19s looked good

This was probably a 30 -45min test drive -

Then I got a loaner tech fwd for 2 days

Even that car I liked. This was white.

and you know when I 1st saw the 4Gs I thought - ugly

but now I actually like it in some colors

even the fwd car drove well

I liked the low effort steering at slow speeds and how the effort increases at speed. The brake pedal feel is better

The tech in the car is great - key less - touch the door or trunk and it opens, and the key less start

iPod connection - great on the higher res screen

I loved the SH car.

And even the fwd car - I didnt want to return when my 3G's service was done

The shape I think will grow on us

I remember the MDX grill was somewhat out there at 1st but now it just looks good

Before you put the car down for its looks

--if you get the chance drive a 4G for a day or 2 (a test drive isn't enough time) and you may think different

After I parked the 4G next to a 3G at work - I have to say the shape , even the grill is starting to look good

Only wish I could have driven the SH AWD for more than just a test drive

AsianRage

Thanks for the review. Sounds like you're a convert?

crxb

just a lot of little details adding up

rides firm yet smooth

seats in the SH car I like more than the fwd 4G - bolstered and looks - esp black

rear view camera activates almost instant on - w/ lines outlining the car's width - In my 3G I try to park often time where I can drive out forward because of the limit rear vis out the window

acceleration - tran shifts smoother than the 3G

even for its size I think the even the fwd 4G (not to mention the SH w/ HPT) handles better than the 3G - even w/ the 55 sidewalls on the 4 fwd vs 45 on the 3



after I spent some time with the new nav/audio controls I didnt miss the touch screen in the 3G

again the electric steering I actually like - low effort at the parking lot and more effort at speed

Its a larger car but doesnt handle like a boat - I was afraid it would have lost some handling w/ the increased size vs the 3

and with kids the extra space is good - leg room in the back is up - the 3G interior is much smaller

I admit I hated the looks the 1st time I saw one but in the right colors I like it

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Yea, after looking at the 4G TL more, I feel that the 3G does look a little bit outdated now...

bmode

That's exactly how I feel...When I see my old 05' TL on the road, it sadly looks dated and small. Welcome to the 4G owners perspective!

Wavehogger

No No No! The 4G is so ugly and horrible to drive! My punishment for buying one is to be a lonely outcast watching all the beautiful 3G's drive by me laughing.

crxb

The 4Gs I drove did have one advantage over my 3G - Didn't hear any rattles

like the center speaker, door/window edges, rear window shelf

bmode

Ah the old rattle and hum. My 05' TL had a center console rattle that drove me nuts! The other day I freaked out when I heard a rattle in the dash, then I realized it was my baby LED flashlight jiggling around, so I took that out quickly. Wheuuuu.

Yo CRXB, what's with the double line spacing in your posts?

crxb

sorry guess it makes you scroll down the page more - I see that now

Stash

so are you selling yours?

Ikko

Um...I think he was being sarcastic!

23109VC

I have to agree with the OP

I ALMOST bought a 3G TL-S. I test drove a bunch of them - and got heavily into negotiating, but ended up just fixing up my existing daily driver and buying a used boxster as a third/fun car. Overall, I'm happy with my choice - I have a decent DD, just old and nowhere near as nice as a TL - but I have a VERY VERY fun toy.

anyway...I also have an 07 MDX. I recently had that cr in for routine service and the Acura dealer had both 08 and 09 TLs on the lot. virtually side by side. When the 4G came out I hated it. It actually made me want the 3G MORE because I hated all the pics of the 4G.

Now that the 4G is out, and I've seen them in person - and have seen a 3G and 4G side by side - I have to say that the 3G looks dated and old. wimpy almost.

the looks of the 4G have not totally grown on me - there are certain aspects of it I do not like - but if I were buying a TL - I would get a 4G and not a 3G. with an aspec kit, painted grill, lowered, tinted - it would look good.

the 6MT will be interesting... in an AWD car with NO torque steer - it would probably be pretty darn nice! when my existing DD takes a dump maybe I'll be back in the market for a TL. I love my MDX. I love my Porsche the most. it's not a 911...but top down cruising - rowing through the gears, listening to that motor wail.... pure heaven. Oh - if you think an AWD TL handles well - HA! take a boxster with fat 18s and upgraded sport suspension around some turns and you will feel as if you are defying the laws of physics... of course, I can't hold people in the back, I have no nav, etc etc..... but I have my MDX when I need that stuff..

BWSmith201

Yes, I've had three 3G TLs and finally went to test drive the 4G. The FWD is nice, but not enough to make me switch, but the SHAWD blew me away. I think I'm in love (or, lust).

I'm a dying breed, though- I really wish I could get one with a 6MT! Other than that, I would have signed the paperwork yesterday!

crxb

wait for the 2010 6MT SW AWD

Manach

Many people will start to feel this way over time. Thats the whole point of a dramatic change in a newer generation. Nothing can look "outdated" till something "updated" comes out. I think the 3g is amazing, and I like the 4g as well, but in a different way. Can't wait to try it as a loner...

iforyou

iTrader: (1)

Yea, I agree. But I must admit it did take me a long time to accept this design lol.

crxb

What ever you do. dont drive a SH AWD w/ HPT



look to the left at the jpeg

will miss my 'never let me down 3G'

but the 4G replacement is helping me toward recovery