raffijian

I currently have an 05 TL 6MT but am looking at the 4G TL 6MT.

For those that went this route, how do the two compare in general? Worse, better? Cost to maintain more expensive or less?

Seeing as the 4G is AWD the mpg is going to be less than the 3G but other than that what other costs will be more?

Thanks.

acb5456

I had a 2006 TL before I purchased my 2012 TL at the beginning of the year. I can say with 100% certainty that my new TL is without a doubt better in every way for me. The gas mileage is better by 4-5 mpg (I have the base model TL, so obviously the awd wouldn't be this much better), the interior is perfectly quiet (no creaks or squeaks or any of the annoying noises that accompany an '06 TL's interior), and the seat leather is much better quality. Also, the dash is made of a different material that seems to take heat much better than the old models; my '06 dash fracked several times around 80,000 miles.

Though I wish I still had the navigation, my base TL is my favorite car I've ever owned. I absolutely love the styling and it doesn't seem like it will look nearly as dated in time as the older models do.

Only issue was a replaced torque converter under warranty. Now the car is perfect.

Go with a '12-'14 TL...you will absolutely not regret it.

hadokenuh

The 4G 6MT engine (3.7) seems to have oil consumption issues (more so than automatics based on the forum). I think that's the main thing you'll have to look out for.

Other than that I don't think it's any more expensive to maintain than the 3G.

Nexx

4G looks aside, and then again its all subjective, is a far better car than the 3G imho

BDoggPrelude

We have both. As stated above, looks are subjective so I won't really go into that. Otherwise, the 4G is better in every way other than maybe the steering feel. The electric steering in the 4G doesn't give near the feedback you get from the 3G's steering wheel.

2012wagon

^
Any side by side pics?

BDoggPrelude

2012wagon

Thanks.


I think the quad exhaust makes a huge difference in the car. Also the Advance 19" wheels on the 4gTL is one of the best OEM designed wheels from ACURA (imho)

Nexx

Amen to that. Sad that Acura cant give us some better stock wheels.

ABDomega

I don't think there's anything showing MTs to have a more discernible propensity for consumption over AT. I think people with MTs tend to be more active on the boards and so you tend to see more activity/complaints from them.

https://acurazine.com/forums/fourth-...3-7-mt-932463/

BDoggPrelude

Yes, the 19" HPT/Advance wheels are probably the best looking OEM wheels Honda/Acura has ever produced. I don't care for the stock quads that come on the 09-11 SH-AWD TL but aftermarket quads look great. Just hard to justify the price of these aftermarket exhaust systems when they do nothing more than add quads and sound. I might just go with the Magnaflow/eBay quad tips setup next summer. It's way down the list though, especially with the rumors that CT-E may be bringing the Ice Box intake back in December.

hadokenuh

I read somewhere that the 6MT take rate is very low, like 5% or something. Let's say the take rate for AWD is 20%. So if you take the poll as a reference (19 vs 29), then the rate of 6MTs that have oil consumption is much larger. Not that the poll reflects accurate data but it does give you an idea.

But I wouldn't advise against buying a 6MT because of the possibility of oil consumption. Just try to get some history of the car or find one still under warranty so you are covered.

SilverJ

I've owned a TL 04 6 speed, and 08 TL-S 6 speed and now a 2012 TL AWD 6 speed.
The 08 TL-S was marginally better than the 04 TL. The 2012 4G is leagues ahead of even my TL-S in every way. Its faster, handles WAY better, has a better interior, is quieter and much more comfortable. The sound system is also MILES ahead of the 3G stereo. Looks wise ? Subjective. I think the 4G looks more refined and mature(although not old-mannish like the RL) while the 3G looks a bit dated. The 4G is just a great car. My 6 Speed TL-S was like new when I sold it and you couldn't pay me to keep it over my 4G TL.

scottn3

After having a very nice 3G 2006 AT and recently purchasing a 2016 AT, here are my thoughts on the 4G:

Cons:
- paint finish is worse - orange peel affect very obvious on 4G
- 4G door doesn't auto close the same as the 3G, sometimes it half latches - the 3G would always shut all the way once I pushed it past the middle spring
- auto trans on 4G is much more finicky about the shifts - not nearly as polished as the 3G
- 3G seats were much better designed and higher quality. The headrest was integrated better and the bottom cushion was thicker
- Inside of the 3G actually feels bigger even though the outside looks much smaller

Pros:
- 4G is quieter, sound system is better, more refined and solid feeling
- 4G is faster and shifters are a nice feature

Beak14

A '16 4G TL? Now, that's a unicorn!

Maybe I just read something incorrectly?

IDK

Marmbo

I was thinking the same thing. Did some research, here's a picture of every manufactured 2016 4G TL





Never drove the 3G so can't give any comparison to the 4G.

Greggsg

I went from the '05 TL MT to the '10 TL SHAWD 6MT. I never noticed the oil issues that other people reported. The main problem I had was a grind when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. After complaining several times, the dealership took apart the transmission and had to replace I think the Synchros. This was done under warrantee.

I drove both cars to the same workplace which was 35 miles away each way and filled up every 3 to 4 days, so the gas was comparable for me. However, if you are a person who likes to floor it from a stop, it will probably be a bit worse in the new car.

AWD is fun, especially on highway ramps, here in South Florida we don't have lots of roads made to really have fun with some of these options.

scottn3

Not sure why I typed 2016. It's a 2012.

Beak14

No worries, M8, I was just teasing you!

Sorry, I couldn't help myself.

TL_PIHL

I have had my 6mt for like 8 months now. Hasnt really cost me anything. It does burn quite a bit of oil though. I brought it to the dealer to get checked out. They didnt do much of anything. Over the summer it was burning about a qt. every 1000 or so. Now that its cold maybe 1/2 or 1/3 of that. Other than that its a great all around car. Can't get another car that's as fun/fast for the money thats pretty reliable. BMW 335i and the S4 maintenance scared me off. Other than changing oil and adding a qt here and there it hasnt cost a dime.