Any 4g owners ever own a type s? I found an 07 at a good price and clean Carfax. also have looked at a 12-13' TL and not sure which one id rather have. If you've owned or driven a type s how does it stack up against the 4g? Is the 4g a big upgrade? I had a 3G base for 7 years but always wanted a type s

 

3g !

 

It really depends what YOU need it for. The 4G has better engines (imho) and a nicer interior/features vs the 3G. It also has a really good awd system. On the ofher hand the 3G TL (especially type S with some minor mods) is the best looking Acura or Honda sedan made yet IMHO.

In terms of quality, I think they are about equal. I have not driven either, but my friend owned a 2004 base 3G for a little while and that thing handled amazingly.

Do you need AWD or the latest (relative) features?

 

i don't need the AWD. I've never driven a TL AWD but my folks have an mdx with the AWD and I notice it in the corners but otherwise fwd is fine with me. I never had an issue with my 04 base I thought it handled great. I guess im a little hesitant to purchase an almost 10 year old vehicle although according to carfax it was very well maintained

 

Then IMHO go for the type S. You don't care about awd or the extra features, so why waste extra money (or buy something your heart isn't set on) on a car you don't really want. You can't put a price on smiles per mile and life is short. Get the type S. In a few years you can go ahead and get the 4G or even a tlx..etc. It is only going to get harder to find good condition 3G type S's as time goes on. Younger people will start buying them and thrashing the hell out of them (like I do with my MDX, lol I am just joking!) making a good used one very hard to find.

 

are you going to go with a manual option or auto? If auto, go with the 4G. If manual, go with the TL-S.

4G TL is just as fast as type S, maybe faster. Comes with way more features too! It will cost more but if you are upgrading and paying tax, tag and title, why not go all the way?

3G TL-S is going to be a very slight upgrade from your 3G TL.

 

I was recently in the same boat, wanted either a 3G type s or 4G. I've driven the Type S and loved it but I ended up getting a 4G Tech. Even though I have the 4G I would say the Type S is slightly more fun to drive if you get manual. To me, the 4G feels a little more roomy/comfortable/larger and still has the power. It was hard to find a nice Type-S/manual for the $$ that wasn't beat on. Then again, I opted for the car that looked like it was driven by a sensible businessman/woman that drove a lot on the highway. :-D

 

4G SH-AWD 6MT all the way...a significant step up compared to a 3G, even a Type S one....if you can find one used in good shape...mine took off from the dealer lot in one week,,,,

 

I came from a 3G TL-S AT to a 4G TL 6MT. My vote goes to the 4G TL 6MT, it's a blast to drive. If we're talking 3G TL-S AT vs 4G TL AT, then my vote goes to 3G TL-S AT.

 

yeah AT vs AT. Can't stand a 6mt in stop and go traffic. If it wasn't gonna be my daily driver I would opt for the 6mt tho

 

^all I hear is excuses.

 

I traded my manual 3G Type-S in mint condition and bought my mint condition 4G manual AWD.
Looks aside(which is highly subjective), there really is no comparison between the two. The 4G wins on every single count.
Faster (lil bit faster, maybe .5 seconds going to 60)
Handles better (no comparison here)
Much better interior (by a wide margin)
Better sound system (by a wide margin)
Better tech
Much more comfortable seats.
as far as the looks thing, the 3G Type S was probably the best looking TL ever, for it's time. That time though was 6-8 years ago.
IMO, the 3G's look kind of dated.

 

I've noticed here in Florida almost EVERY 3G has hazy/foggy headlights from the sun. That alone makes it look like a 20 year old car! Once the head and tail lights are cleaned up, they look amazing again. The 3G had much sharper body lines, while the 4G has more rounded features. I would say the 3G looks better than the 09-11 4G's, while the 12+ 4G's surpass the 3G.

I test drove a TL-S once, and the suspension felt amazing. Very stiff and sport-oriented. The 4G is a bit more balanced, but I'm equally happy, and the added tech makes it very up to date. Didn't the 3G still come with a cassette player? Lol!

 

i used to LOVE the styling on the 4g but lately as I see more on the road I dunno I'm kinda drawn to the type S more. From the front and rear the 4g looks awesome but from the side I'm not digging it as much as I used to. Still would own one definitely tho. I need to drive one again. I think there's a '12 nearby I'll go check out before I make a final decision. One con on the type s is the distance I'll hafta drive to check it out.

 

I am not a huge fan of the stock wheels on the 2012-2014 TL's which I think affects the side angle a bit. You put the right wheels on it, and man does it make the car look stunning. Here's a 2013 with some upgraded rims.

 

Is the ELS sound system in the type s anywhere close to as good as it is in the 4g?

 

ELS system in 4G rocks.

 

4gggggggggggggg

 

Not even close. The 4G ELS is miles ahead of the Type S.

 

If your not getting a 6MT Type S then get a 4G. Only way I'll suggest or recommend a 3G it must be a stick. Also don't sleep on the V6 Accord as well.

 

Bro, you're getting an updated car with the 4G.
EVERYTHING is upgraded, from the interior to the sound system.

you're going to have to decide whether you like the sporty look of the 3G TL TYPE-S, along with it comes with a sportier ride.

or

if you prefer the more elegant luxury features of the 4G TL.

 

justinspace is right on here.
The 4G is going to look more relevant longer because its a newer car. The biggest drawback I can see to the 4G is the inflator issue. But once that's fixed, it is a superior car.
As far as a sportier ride in the Type S. I dont know about that. The 4G at least the manual version is faster and handles better. So not sure what you define as sportier
If you are a manual shift guy, and cant find a 4G manual. I would probably take a manual shift Type S over a automatic 4G. But I cannot live without the man pedal

 

OP has refused to look at 6MT's.
therefore, the type-s is going to have the stiffer sportier suspension.

as more likely, he's looking for the plush and more upscale ride.

ultimately, it's his decision and its kinda weird asking us to decide or even give him opinions.....as our ideals might not even align with his..............................


OP will have to decide which he favors better....a sportier looking car or an upscale luxury plush ride.

 

Interesting. Is the ride in the manual 4G really much different than the automatic ?

 

it's still stiff, but the automatic is gonna be a more plusher ride, because its automatic...you get in and ride, while enjoying a cup of coffee

your 6MT is geared towards sport. where you drive the damn thing around corners

 

OP, you'll be very happy with the 09+ TL with automatic, even happier with the 2012+ 6speed Automatics!