I was an active member here several years ago, when I owned my 3G TL, which I loved! Prob. my favorite car ever owned.

Anyway, the TL was getting up there in miles, and I ended up dumping it. I replaced it with a '13 G37X (a lease.) Turns, out, I really don't like the Infiniti. Had it less than two years so far and I'm tired of it. It's grossly overrated, IMO. When the lease is up, I will most definitely NOT be buying it. I've narrowed its replacement down to either an IS350 or a 4th gen. TL. Whichever one I get will be a few years older. I'm trying to not go crazy on a car payment.

So, I have two questions...

1. Having owned a 3G TL, what will I most like/dislike about the 4Gs? The styling was initially ugly to my eyes, but it has grown on me. I'm looking at objective differences.

2. How does a 4G TL stack up against an '08-'10 IS350? If you were in the market, would you consider the Lexus? Why or why not?

Thanks much in advance guys!!

 

1. Having owned a 3G TL, what will I most like/dislike about the 4Gs? The styling was initially ugly to my eyes, but it has grown on me. I'm looking at objective differences.

coming from an 04 TL to a 09 SH-AWD TL myself, i also found the grill to be ugly at first, but it seriously grew on me and now i fall in love with the car everytime i look at it.

the interior of the car is what i loved first. sitting at the wheel makes you feel like your sitting in a cockpit. im a tech junkie personally, so i loved that i had all these things to play with. it seems overwhelming at first, but Acura did a great job on the layout and everything is where it needs to be. only complaint about the tech is the ipod interface, hate that i have to scroll through like a mad man to find an artist. corrected by making playlists. Nav screen on the 04 was touch screen, not on the 4G, but i got over it quickly.

the only other thing i didnt like was that they went away from the Bi-Xenon headlights, but that doesnt effect me anymore.

if you can get the SH-AWD you will not regret it. i push the car harder than i did my 04 and i feel comfortable doing it. the car has power for its size.

My sister had a 2009 IS250 AWD, and i didnt like it. it was too small. im 6'1" 220 and i couldnt find a comfortable driving position. i didnt like the layout of the car interiorly, but thats subjective.

Go to the gallery and check out what ppl have done to their cars. go to your local acura dealership and test drive one. Thats the best way to find out if you'll like the car. The drive is a bit more stiff compared to a Lexus, but if you loved your 3G like i did mine, you'll love the 4G aswell.

 

Thanks! I agree that the Lexus is smaller. It didn't bother me much during a few test drives, but I do think it would get old quick. I'm taller and... well, bigger than you. Lol

I'm also a tech head, and just love the looks of the 3G interiors with the tech package (which is mandatory, for me). The iPod integration is a huge plus over the Lexus. On the 3G I had to buy an aftermarket piece to integrate it in, which sucked compared to true integration.

I know I loved the 3G. Just an awesome car. The only issue I ever had with it was a accelerator pedal position sender, which was an easy fix.

 

the only reason to pick the 4th gen TL over the Lexus would be for the SHAWD.

in my opinion any way.


if you enjoy the ergonomics in the TL over the lexus, go ahead and get it!!
as you seem to hold tech and a driver centric dash more valuable than the Lexus.

 

I'm uh..not 6'1 and the GS350 seemed JUST big enough for me and my family. I ended up picking the 4G and pocketed the 17grand. In daily driving the TL seems to have more power due to the lethargic transmission in the GS350F (even in sport), regardless of how they test at your usual magazines.

 

As someone who had a G37S and a 370Z before a FWD TL, the only thing keep me from buying the '10 IS350 is its size. It is SMALL in side. I am not a big guy either. The IS does have smoother and quieter ride.

The 4G SHAWD rides stiff, probably the same as the G37 with Sport Package. I think the Acura is a little bit quieter than the G37. The TL seats and ELS sound system are better IMO.

You could also look at the '10 GS350 if you are looking for smoother ride and some sporty characteristics. Very nice ride.

 

I recently just purchased my 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD, I was also looking at the G37S and the IS350 and decided on the Acura. For me the biggest reason was the interior size and how comfortable everything was, IMO the Acura interior is by far the best out of the 3 and if your a tech head then you will like the 4g. As far as handling goes the Acura wins hands down there is not even a comparison in my honest opinion. As far as everyone saying the the the SH-AWD rides stiff I think it rides excellent I mean if you are looking for a pure luxury ride then buy a Mercedes but if you are looking for a luxury Sports Sedan that has Awesome handling then get the Acura SH-WD. I will tell you the Advance Package is Great with 19" wheels, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Heated and Ventilated Seats on top of everything else. In the end I got a luxury with out giving up fun something that unless was to spend a great deal more money I think only the Acura can provide!

 

+1 on this. G37X was on my radar when I bought my 14 Advance SHAWD. I love the interior, and handling.

 

Good to hear. I'm struggling as I like how the g37xs looks and seduced by what I read on its performance, which is much more potent than the tl.

Do you guys think the tlshawd (2012 or newer) is the best overall sport sedan?

 

drive the thing youll love it. its worlds better than a 3g aside from styling which completely subjective.

 

haha i think most of us here do...hence we bought it, but the G37xS is slightly quicker.

I didn't like the coffee grinder engine, and it kinda rode a bit funny to me.

 

it depends on what you place higher.

value?
comfort?
straight line speed?
cornering?

we cannot tell you what you like.
ONLY you can (prevent forest fires) errr, I mean...ONLY you can decide which car is the better sports sedan per your requirements and likes in a vehicle.

without telling us what you like or what you value most in a sports sedan, your decision is a wash....

 

This is a common misperception, at least with regard to the SH-AWD. They are actually pretty close in straight line performance, particularly when you look at the TL 6MT. In a couple of tests, the 4G AWD out-lapped the G37 on the track.


At the end of the day, they are all good cars. You need to drive them at length and find out what suits your tastes and needs/wants the best. Good luck.

 

Like everyone said, this awd system with 3.7L power is probably one of the most fun to drive mid size car right now.

The only downside is the MPG, you are gonna have too much fun that you are wondering why your running out of gas so quick.

Goodluck!

 

1. You will like SH-AWD and the 3.7 motor - perfect harmony. You will dislike MPG (unless you go FWD).

2. I would take a TL over the IS any day of the week based on comfort alone. Being a big guy the IS was off my list as soon as I went to sit in one and bumped my head. The back seat is essentially useless to passengers.