I'm turning in a 2007 TL-S (so I get $1500 in incentives). I got the deal listed below:
Lease, 10k miles/yr, 36 months. (only 35 payments)

TL Base $359/mo + tax (6.5%) = $382/mo.
TL AWD $416/mo + tax (6.5%) = $443/mo.

$699 Dealer Fee +tax (@6.5%)
$595 Acquisition Fee + tax (@6.5%) = $1378 Due at signing. 1st Month paid for by dealer (thus 35 payments)

My miles from my current lease get rolled into new lease (11k miles), I'm allowed 41K miles total in 3 years.

The difference financially between the two cars= $61 month. ($2196 over the lease term). My question is, now that you guys know the details, is the SH-AWD worth the extra expense? I live in FL, where I never drive in the snow. The AWD would simply assist in the handling (which I never had any issues with the TL-S). The only thing I didn't like about my current TL-S is the FWD and the feel from accelerating during a turn. Will the AWD be drastically different? I still have to test drive a SH-AWD.

Rant on... and thanks for your inputs.

 

SHAWD will be significantlty different when you push the car harder or simply if you drive with a lead foot.

I don't know how the TL-S was with torque steer, but acura did not get rid of torque steer with the base TL. To avoid torque steer, and get improved handling, go with the SHAWD.

 

I think you pretty much answered your own question

Aside from the improved traction to be able to negotiate inclement weather with ease (ie. snow, heavy rain), SH-AWD truly excels in dry weather handling. Be it the TL, MDX, RDX, or RL. I have never driven the 4G TL FWD version, but the 4G TL SH-AWD is vastly different than the 3G TL in terms of performance and handling.

For the same reasons Jason stated above, you can't go wrong with SH-AWD.

 

I live in ATL and snow is rarely an issue, but in the and I went with AWD becasue it was a totally different car. Handling and ride were night and day from FWD TL. You have to drive them both to make up your mind, don't let the "I do not need AWD for weather" be a big part of the decision, look at it as which ride suits you better and if the AWD then the advantage is it is a plus in snow if applicable. I used the throw the AWD into turns that I would never dream of with the base TL and it stuck like super glue!

 

Thanks guys, good advise. I'll drive the AWD and FWD tomorrow.

 

It would depend on what's more important to you - ride quality or handling. If the former go FWD. If the latter go AWD. The test drive will also help you decide. Let us know what you do and BTW, who is your dealer?

 

In my opinion the SH-AWD increase the value proposition of the TL tremendously....I totally agree with the others, it is a totally different car.

Let me put it in this way...it is harder to justify the price difference between a fully loaded Accord and the TL FWD compared to the price difference between the same Accord and the SH-AWD version of the TL...IMHO

 

So are you saying you pay $443 x 36 months for 3 years of leasing the AWD? That is only $5K a year. That is roughly equivalent in buying the car 100% and driving for 9 years. $5K a year seems pretty good to me?

 

if you have been driving the the type s, your not going to be happy unless you get the awd tech...

 

coming from a type s ... i would say go for the shawd

 

Sh-awd ftw!

 

Since you have a Type-S now, I don't think you will be happy with the base TL unless your taste has changed in 3 years driving your Type-S TL

 

I went from a Type-S to an AWD and love it! The freakin' torque over-steer is gone and the handling is amazing, you won't regret it...

 

Take a look at this article:

http://blog.roadandtrack.com/one-stuck-acura/

The TL's SH-AWD system has been compared before to the GTR's tenacious AWD system. The article above is a recent blurb. Enough said about SH-AWD

 

Ditti what the author said. We had a rare snow donw here in ATL this past winter and the AWD TL was awesome, I drove it like there was no snow on the road and never felt insecure. Only when hitting bad ice patches did I feel the car get loose and even then the AWD was smooth at keeping the car in line.

 

I have the base sh-awd and I say go for that. You WONT be sorry! Try going from an SUV, and you wont find that ride bad at all. Even my 75 year old Father-in-law said hey, this rides nice...And he's had floaty Olds and Buicks all his life.

 

Performance minded, SH-AWD, more luxury minded FWD. * Are you sure this is the vehicle you desire? I'm just saying so many make the purchase only to move up to a vehicle costing $10k more a few months later.

 

i am trying to figure out how the fwd tl is more luxury then the sh-awd??

 

The term luxury holds a different meaning to the person purchasing the vehicle. Some say the Acura brand isn't luxury at all, I disagree because it sure doesn't belong with the class of vehicles like say Chrysler, Ford, or Nissan. Your selection sounds similar to the one I made with my 2001 CL Premier vs 2001 CL Type-S...both are luxury but the FWD will provide you with a cushier ride than the SH-AWD. You can package them with equal goodies. More luxury...that's subjective.

 

The FWD's ride is quieter, smoother, softer than the SHAWD's ride. I see that as luxury. I'm sure most others do.

The SHAWD's ride is undeniably sporty.

So lets review. FWD luxury, SHAWD sport luxury.

 

Spider, if you can afford the SH-AWD Tech, do it. You'll love all the bells & whistles.

 

Good answer, good answer

 

OK OK... Here's what I got:

2010 TL Tech, PMM/Ebony.

There were no AWD color combos that worked for me in FL. I had to trade my TL-S in order to save payments that were due. I tried finding the color combos in FL but they were non-existent.

I found the 2010 TL Tech was very nice, it came with the AWD 18" rims and of course the deck spoiler which I love.

Super Preferred Tier Lease, 10k Miles/yr, 36 months.

Paid $912 at signing (including all tags/registration/fees)

Payments $449/mo taxes included.

Thanks for all your opinions... pics to come tomorrow.

 

Congrats!!! I love the 18" rims





standing by for pics

 

Excellent choice.

You won't regret it.

 

Tinted the windows and tinted the rear bumper reflectors... Headlights soon to be modified but more research needs to be done.

 

Very, very nice indeed! I love the Polished Metal Metallic color on the 4G TL! I think that the rear spoiler and these 18" rims ought to be standard on the base TL, because they really make the car look so much more upmarket.

 

dam pmm is nice

 

I just got the same color as yours but I think you did better on the deal. I just south of you and I turned in my leased 2007/nav TL (14 payments left) and they payed off car for 14k. Then I got 2010/TL/TECH for $557/mth(10,000/year for 4yrs). I put down 1st month and Tag (15 months) for $734. (But i didnt pay my last payment for 2007 car so i figure im only out the $165 for tag. My previous payments for 2007 TL was $577 so i lowered it by 20 and got a new car.

Is this a bad deal, although it's too late now?

 

Very nice.

 

Congrats Spider-drive it in great health!

 

It's tough to say... you had negative equity in your trade. I didn't. They had approved me for the pull ahead program, which allows you to return the car 3 months early without penalty or negative equity. Enjoy driving it. I love mine.

 

Congrats on the new ride - not a bad deal at all. I'm shooting for something similar on the monthly/terms but only with less down money (not that $912 is out of line). I'm assuming you dealt with Palm Beach Acura according to your plate frame? Did you price with any other dealers in SoFL?

 

I also priced with Delray Acura... and Rich at 561-716-7305 (cell) was actually easier to deal with then Palm Beach Acura. I liked his non-hassle approach and no nonsense style. I bought from PB Acura because they had the color combo I was looking for and they matched his price.

 

Thanks for the info. I've been giving Miami Acura the best opportunity to cut me a deal but they're not there yet. I'm thinking of checking out Rick Case or Pembroke Pines but may try further north. I'm looking for Tech/WDP/Ebony.

 

I couldn't find 1 WDP with Ebony interior in FL.

 

Up until last week there were several in the Miami area. Pembroke Pines, Esserman and Miami all had at least one in their inventory. Case may have some but they don't put their color combos on-line. It is a difficult combo to find, though because most folks down here want a lighter interior because of the heat. My last 3 TL's have had parchment and with the difficulty in keeping it clean I've decided I'd rather deal with a warmer interior than a dirtier one so its Ebony for me even if I have to go with a different exterior color to get it (Palladium would be my second choice).

 

Good choice.. car looks awesoh!
I would have chosen the AWD though. For any spirited driver it reduces the torque steer to some extent.

 

SH-AWD handles better. Cornering is great and it has more hp. The 0-60 time is the same as the front wheel drive. I would recommend the SH-AWD as the handling is superior.

 

I looked at both units, and for the price differential, the AWD with it's extra features is well worth the money, especially the AWD feature, upgraded engine, quad exhaust, amazing rims, upgraded leather with white stitching, etc. Also, to me the Tech package is worth it, with an amazing stereo system, nav, spoiler, push button start etc. The top end TL is just a pleasure to drive