Niko2000TL

Well fellas, I have to say I was disappointed in test driving a 2012 TL 6MT SH-AWD. I currently have an 06 6MT/NAV with 103k, and thought maybe its time for something new. At first i didn't like the 4g TLs, but they've grown on me since. I drove this '12 model with 46k on it, and it just wasn't the same. The clutch felt like pressing on air, no feedback of any sort. I really didn't like the NAV/Radio usability. I like the touch screen on the 3rd gens- much easier to use. I read about the cosmetic changes from 09-11 to 2012... The old "beak" wasn't appealing to me, but i liked the old rear, more aggressive. Also, the spoiler kit for the earlier 4th gens, is much nicer than the '12. I'm going to test drive a 2010 6MT next week and see if it feels any different.

Any of you 4th gen guys have a 3rd gen before your 4th? Did you notice the difference? Is it something I'll get used to? I'd appreciate your feedback..

Niko

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

I think its just you and not the car

pimpin-tl

Yeah, two 3rd gens here, one was a type-s. And this car is much better than both of those were. Love it.

winstrolvtec

Same here, came from 2 3G 6MT's, one a TLS. Change is often difficult but it was well worth it in my case. These gripes are minor adjustments. One of the big things I thought I would miss was the touch screen but it is such an afterthought at this point, I forget that the 3G even has a touch screen, the current setup has many advantages over it's disadvantages.

Can't say I saw a noticeable difference in the clutch feel, very similar to me. Maybe a bit but I really have to stop and think about it. I have heard that clutches can become firmer with increased wear and aging but don't quote me on that, maybe that is creating a larger discrepency.

I agree with the styling assesment, the grill and rear accent are welcome changes IMO but I much prefer the chrome handles, exhaust tips, and more agreesive nature of the bumpers in the earlier design.

I wouldn't let those few points disappoint as a whole, the car does bring a lot to the table with many improvements and advantages to only focus on a few gripes that should easily pass in time.

vivmike

So? Go buy a Subaru thens.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

^^

Basically. I've seen too many of these threads during my short membership here, "I have a 3G, hate 4G, convince me to buy a 4G". Don't buy it. It's ugly, slow, has the worst MT, outdated 3G tech is better, etc.

JM2010 SH-AWD

I did not own a 3G, but drove a number of them when I was considering buying an 07-08 TLS. I couldn't find the color combo I wanted at an attractive price, so I passed. Then I drove the 4G AWD, and my decision became clear.

Driving this car fast on a twisting two-lane road, mashing the gas when your brain is screaming "BRAKES," is just magic. It's obviously not for everyone, but after 3 years, I absolutely love my AWD MT. It has everything I want, everything works, it's fast and comfortable. I'm keeping this car for awhile.

unkled20

This, this 100%! I owned an '08 TLS and now have a '13 SH-AWD, neither one of them are manual, so I can't speak to that. I will say that I had a few initial reservations too, one of them being that I did love the touchscreen in the '08. Now that I am used to using everything, I couldn't be happier that I traded in my '08 for the '13.

23109VC

I never owned a 3G TL, but test drove quite a few..and was VERY close to buying an 07-08 TL-S. I ended up buying an RL... was never happy with it... eventually sold the RL and got a 4G TL SH-AWD... auto.... I can't speak to the stick aspect...but in my opinion, the new 4G TL is worlds better than the 3G. the one thing that kept me from pulling the trigger on the 3G was FWD...when i pushed it hard, the torque steer was so annoying... the SH-AWD is just amazing... and the interior is far better looking in the 4G than the 3G.

the nav interface you will get used to. I have an 07 MDX which has a similar nav/input system and I find it works great.

the exterior on the 4G is love it or hate it. I hated it when it first came out.. now I like it. the 4Gs that have been lowered, on the OEM body kit..look absoltuely hot... and like you, I think the 09-11's look BETTER than the new ones.. especially when you have a body kit on them. a nicely fixed up 09-11 TL, lowered, body kit, 19's, wow.. what a sweet looking car!!

good luck with the search!

vivmike

The 3G is small and looks Accordish.

The 4G is not the best looking out the box, but once you drop it and add wheels...it looks amazing.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

The car has sh-awd which is enough reason to buy it. Try finding a similarly priced car with the same tech. I've been fortunate enough to spank audi's through corner just because the awd did a fantastic job routing power. Its an evo in a suit. Handles great, gives some oversteer and lets you have fun.

Also if you have the imagination for it, you can make the car look slick with minimal investment. Look at any of the 4g's here. All their avatars are prime examples of why you should buy the car.
Even the 4g fwd version is freaking quick. Either way its a great car. Downsides, no brembo's, and less luggage space in the sh-awd.

Clutch feel can be adjusted. Shouldn't really be a deal breaker. Just consider it to have tuning potential.

Beyond that its unique as fuck and no one would ever confuse that for a bmw, audi or lexus. 4g in vegas driving down the strip, in black with dark tint alone sold me.

Mr Marco

C'mon, you don't like "dat new ass."

Oswald Vater

I owned two 3g's (04 base, 08 Navi) before my 10/Tech. While initially bemoaning the loss of the touch-screen Navi I have grown accustomed to and more appreciative of the 10's navi system (no more fingerprints). IMHO the 4g is a better car than the 3g in most every category.

TeamAcura

Give it some gas thru the corners. Then right at the exit, give it some more gas and report back. Initially people will complain about the vague/light steering but it will tighten up and you'll feel the road more once you accelerate or go thru turns. That is one of the benefits of EPS or EPAS.

vivmike

Is that a real car? Shit is horrible.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

needs new driver mod.

Booya4139

Utterly reliable. Great tech. Comfy and upscale inside. And if you take the time to dress the car up it looks incredible, where stock it looks somewhere between bland and abrasive.

vivmike

My BFF^^

compewterbleu

LOL, what a thread.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

went from a 3g type s, to a 4g shawd....the 4g car is far superior to the 3g car....i prefer the nav interface dial over the touch screen...

emanon256

If the clutch felt like pressing on air, there is a good chance you were. When I bought my S2000 it felt like that and over a few weeks stopped engaging. Turned out there was a leak in the master cylinder. It got replaced under warranty and was so tight my knee got sore.

I loved my 1G, and my best friend drives a 3G S and their car does look and feel sportier. However, my 4G feels more luxurious. I can't say enough good things about the SH-AWD. I drive a lot in the mountains and on dirt roads, and the SH-AWD is incredible.

Dejan

Yes I had a 2004 TL and now have a 2010 SHAWD and most of the differences I noticed were big improvements.

There were a few areas in which I liked the 3G more (the 4G seems to have more cheap-looking plasticy parts inside than the 3G) but where it really matters is performance and the 4G blows the 3G away.

saturno_v

I can see the OP point only on the steering feel issue (highly subjective) but I concede that the old hydraulic system may be a bit more communicative, however the 4G , especially the SH-AWD, is head and shoulder above the 3G, including the Type S, on pretty much every aspect....the entire car is like one segment higher.

I remember testing a 3G 6MT back in the day, great car but it was not that superior to my Nissan Maxima SE 6MT.