spoiler900

Hey all!

I currently own a 2001 TL with only 120K I have owned since 16. I just graduated college last week...wooohhooo....and grandparents want to upgrade my ride. Im looking at getting a 4th gen TL (my father currently has an 09 TL tech package FWD) and I love it!

Realistically, price range is about 25K (I feel very fortunate).

I really prefer a 2012 model, I like the refreshed look, and prefer Advance but obviously not necessary because just getting a newer car is great enough.



Anyways, drove a 12 TL tech SH-AWD and have mixed feelings. While I love Acura's SH-AWD ( I owned a 2005 RL for 3 months that I flipped for a profit and loved the SH-AWD). So, on the test drive, I kinda pushed the car around corners, and it didnt hold its feet as well as I was expecting. Maybe that one in particular needed new tires? I should have checked. Anyways, I also am not a fan of the worse gas mileage (18/26 compared with 20/29). I do NOT need all wheel drive, I live in So Cal.

Would you get the SH-AWD package if you bought your TL again, or if you didnt get it, do you regret not getting it? Comments, questions, ideas....thanks guys!

hurleyman123

It's all personal preference, but I like the fact they put VTEC on the exhaust for the SH. If you are having a car bought for you, spend the savings on gas. IMHO

Once you get a big boy job (this is just what I called my first real career) then you won't care much about gas mileage as much.
Fun per mile vs miles per gallon

dukun8ter

Get the AWD then trade the stock exhaust for my XLR8 lol. I'm not allowed to have a modified exhaust at work and I didn't know until I drove there with the XLR8...

kcarr91

If you were in DC i would do that in a heart beat plus throw you some extra cash. I'm sure you can find someone near you that would swap with you and put some cash back in your pocket.


also +1 for getting the the AWD 2012+. As far as advanced goes it didn't seem worth it for me all i really wanted on it was the rims and that wasn't worth the extra cost to me. That being said def get at least the tech package

akaczr

Based on your situation as a recent college graduate in great all-year weather area, I think you go lower mileage FWD version. You're not even buying the car yourself and you'll have maintenance and gas mileage to worry about... then all this other adult problems: housing, savings, investments, family, etc. so you want something you need more than you want. If I were you, I'd get a brand new car (non-Acura by your budget, preferably Honda) so you won't have to worry about any car issues for the next 5 years but I know how it is to have an Acura bug. You can save up for some good summer tires when you need a change and run those year round.

Edward'TLS

If you don't need AWD traction, then get the FWD model.

The FWD is faster peeling out of the line, than the heavier and power-robbing AWD one.

arpypat

The SH-AWD will give you more smiles per gallon

012TL-GLM

I would get a brand new accord before a 4th gen TL if we're talking FWD. If you don't go SH-AWD, I wouldn't bother with a 4th gen. The SH-AWD is what makes it stand out from the pack. I have a '12, and the tires are about shot, so depending how many miles were on the example you drove it could certainly be the rubber. I know I can kick the rear end out more than I ever could before, I have about 36K on the original michelin tires, and at my last oil change they said no way they'd make it thru next winter lol

spoiler900

I love the more smiles per gallon comment. I just moved back from Tucson to LA on saturday and HOLY CRAP whats up with these gas prices??? In tucson I filled up at $2.36 and paid the same day as I hit LA county $4.69!!! Woah! That 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid with 50 mpg is starting to sound a whole lot better! (nah who am I kidding I love Acura too much to drive a hybrid).

skabei

I bought a 2012 TL FWD last year shortly after finishing school too.
I've driven the SH-AWD a few times as well, and it does handle differently, but I definitely felt the gas consumption difference. So if fuel economy is an issue, then the FWD would be better.

I don't regret buying the FWD even though there's been a decent amount of snow for the last few winters. Winter tires have made the car handle snow just fine even when driving to Blue Mountain for snowboarding. I think winter tires matter more than FWD vs AWD for snow anyway, unless you're dealing with RWD.

Another thing that has been mentioned in a few older posts here is that the FWD is a bit more reliable. There are some torque converter problems on the 09-11 models which have been improved on the refreshed 12-14 models. This affects the FWD and the AWD but moreso the AWD. This isn't an issue if you're looking for a standard TL though since only automatic has a torque converter.

There's also a bit more maintenance for the SH-AWD because you have to change differential fluids after some mileage but that's hardly a worry.

echodigital

Just get a Tech package, the camera is nice when parking. I would get FWD cause you are in SoCal.

CruzanTLSH-AWD

I have the SH-AWD 6-Speed. But if I was to do it over again and in your shoes? V6 ACCORD 2013 +.

csmeance

Long term ownership -> FWD TL. Gets great gas mileage, plenty of power and features. Transmission may hold up better along with no oil-consumption issues.

Short Term Ownership-> AWD TL, after 100K it'll become a bit of $ to maintain and repair. It'll be way more fun in corners with better tires. Gas prices are supposed to drop to $2 or less in a few weeks due to the new Iran deal.

mylove4cars

Some members have more than 200.000 Miles on there SH-AWD with just the required maintenance. I believe an AWD with tech is a nice package, and yes the AWD with Torque Vectoring will make you smile if you like spirited driving.

Bruce Banner

iTrader: (2)

If you can afford it SH-AWD.

614erich

I sold my FWD 08 TLS 6MT for the AWD 12 6 MT. Although I live in a salt belt I wanted AWD for the winter. SO cal don't need it as much, but there is nothing like an AWD car. Tech for sure nav, heat for those cold cali nights . For the extra money for advance just put that towards some aftermarket wheels. Although... having cool seats would def be helpful in cali. Either way you cant go wrong. I am on my 4th Acura now.

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

if you can afford and find a nice sh-awd, definitely go for that one

4genshawd

Edit by Administrator Ron A:

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I regret having to say this under these circumstances, but welcome to the forum.

eggeorge98

I live in Houston, Texas. No need for AWD here, but I regret not getting it. The FWD model you can barely give gas from a stop without it squealing out of control and chirping tires. My biggest regret is not getting SH-AWD. Do it, trust me.

CostcoFanAUS

Also in H-town. My friends frequently asked why do I need AWD here. Penalty on gas mileage is insignificant but the fun while cornering is quite noticeable.

RCJD

I think the key for SH-AWD is the SH (super handling), the handling for this car is really one of a kind to me.

You do not need to wait for snow, AWD is also good on wet roads.

RCJD

BTW, the 3.7L engine also is a jewel.

When I was buying my TL, I test drove both the 3.5 and this 3.7, I can feel that there's a big difference on power.

Goodluck!