When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
How's it like to own a 4G? And differences between 09-11 and 12+
Hi,
I'm in the market...specifically for a manual trans model.
2010's pop up often enough. 2012 +, not so much.
Anyone have a list of differences between the two? NOT including the obvious beak delete and exterior face-lift.
Like...any improvement in tech or engine features that makes a certain year worthwhile?
Also, how's day to day ownership? Like...what's the real world MPG? I know what the EPA sticker says...but normally, Honda's tend to do significantly better than what they state.
Anything you wish the car had that it doesn't? Favourite features? etc.
What's it like being you?
I did search. If I didn't search hard enough, please feel free to ridicule me as long as you're providing a link or answer. You can make fun of me personally, if you like. I have skinny legs. Start there.
Besides to exterior body, the changes I'm aware of are:
- 6 speed auto trans for 2012+ (was 5 speed auto).
- Auxiliary trans cooler for all models 2012+ (was just for SH-AWD)
- The Navi system is a different system 2012+ (2009-2011 just issued their last map update; 2021)
I kinda meant like...if I were to take it on a road trip or drive it in a civilised manner...can I expect *decent* MPG?
Honda's seem to be one of the only brands that actually meets or beats their EPA ratings in the real world. Like...they rate S2000's at 18/24 lol. Maybe the test car was towing another S2000?
Call me weird, but I kinda like the 2010-2011 styling better than the 2012+. But I read about the 2012+ having better friction reduction done to the engine. If it has those mid cycle engine tweaks that Honda always does...I'd rather buy the 2012.
I kinda meant like...if I were to take it on a road trip or drive it in a civilised manner...can I expect *decent* MPG?
Honda's seem to be one of the only brands that actually meets or beats their EPA ratings in the real world. Like...they rate S2000's at 18/24 lol. Maybe the test car was towing another S2000?
Call me weird, but I kinda like the 2010-2011 styling better than the 2012+. But I read about the 2012+ having better friction reduction done to the engine. If it has those mid cycle engine tweaks that Honda always does...I'd rather buy the 2012.
6MT is what you want so 6spd auto updates won't mean much. Revised cold air intake, new ignition system with dual fine wire electrodes vs single electrode for better EGR performance. Advance trim with blind spot monitoring, ventilated front seats few minor interior tweaks on 2012-2014 TL models.
I'd honestly get an advance model just because of the blind spot system and ventilated seats. Being in FL the seats get hot, and the BSM helps on long trips. Gas mileage wise, the SH-AWD does get OK gas mileage but nowhere near 29MPG like on the automatic FWD TL's, closer to 24-25 MPG on highway. City is going to be tad worse with the 3.7L vs 3.5L. Also with SH-AWD you'll need to find one that has a rebuilt engine (new pistons and rings) or one that doesn't burn oil.
probably feels just like your TSX, lol just ya know...newer and more powerful
Damn, you cut me deep. I regrettably sold my TSX to a friend thinking I didn't need it.
A month later...guess who went to live in another city for a while and needed a car.
This person.
I bought something that's a LOT faster and RWD.
Its a great car. But I think the fatty boombah 4G TL would make a really good cruiser for long trips and stuff.
Just wanted to make sure it isn't awful is all.
Originally Posted by csmeance
6MT is what you want so 6spd auto updates won't mean much. Revised cold air intake, new ignition system with dual fine wire electrodes vs single electrode for better EGR performance. Advance trim with blind spot monitoring, ventilated front seats few minor interior tweaks on 2012-2014 TL models.
I'd honestly get an advance model just because of the blind spot system and ventilated seats. Being in FL the seats get hot, and the BSM helps on long trips. Gas mileage wise, the SH-AWD does get OK gas mileage but nowhere near 29MPG like on the automatic FWD TL's, closer to 24-25 MPG on highway. City is going to be tad worse with the 3.7L vs 3.5L. Also with SH-AWD you'll need to find one that has a rebuilt engine (new pistons and rings) or one that doesn't burn oil.
Damn, didn't know most 3.7's burned oil.
How much oil we talking? My TSX burned a little. Never bothered me. I would just add oil.
This 3.7 got the thirst like he did in Blade 2?
I'm only looking at manuals. I never learned how to drive automatic.
How much oil we talking? My TSX burned a little. Never bothered me. I would just add oil.
This 3.7 got the thirst like he did in Blade 2?
I'm only looking at manuals. I never learned how to drive automatic.
I believe it's the new materials in the 3.7l that leads to the engine eating oil.
I believe the cylinder walls are coated in a new material or a new metal was used in the 3.7ls that help cause the oil loss.
For a person like you, it wouldnt be a big deal as you said you can just add oil.etc.etc.
but for a person who wants a "maintenance free" vehicle, or just doesnt care to put in the work....the 3.7l will be a hard sell.
If you were getting an Auto i'd say the 12+ is essential for performance, MPG and maybe even transmission reliability. For a manual SH AWD it doesn't matter much imo. The engine, mpg and transmission don't really change for that model. But idk too too much about the (More awesome than mine) AWD models.
Damn, you cut me deep. I regrettably sold my TSX to a friend thinking I didn't need it.
A month later...guess who went to live in another city for a while and needed a car.
This person.
I bought something that's a LOT faster and RWD.
Its a great car. But I think the fatty boombah 4G TL would make a really good cruiser for long trips and stuff.
Just wanted to make sure it isn't awful is all.
Damn, didn't know most 3.7's burned oil.
How much oil we talking? My TSX burned a little. Never bothered me. I would just add oil.
This 3.7 got the thirst like he did in Blade 2?
I'm only looking at manuals. I never learned how to drive automatic.
Look at the engine rebuild threads here and on the MDX, ZDX and RL side with the 3.7L engines. Long intervals clog the low tension oil control rings used on the 2009+ J37 engine in TL and 2010+ in MDX. Acura did the work if engine drank more than 1 quart per 1000 miles. Folks were adding a quart every third gas fill up so about 600-1200 miles before burning a quart.
My 3.7L was in immaculate condition. 2012 Advance w/Umber interior. That hoe started burning oil. Bye Bye, and just got rid of my wifes 3.7L MDX for same reason (2/24/21). Oil burned out within 30 days after dealing with it for 3 years.
Ghost- sorry for your oil burning losses, how many miles were on them?
I recently picked up a 2010 6mt with 60k miles on it to use for my 50 mile round trip commute. I really like the feel of the car and average 26.5 mpg with my mostly highway commute. Mine doesn’t burn oil and I will change the oil between 4 and 5k miles rather than waiting for the car’s display to tell me to.
Ghost- sorry for your oil burning losses, how many miles were on them?
I recently picked up a 2010 6mt with 60k miles on it to use for my 50 mile round trip commute. I really like the feel of the car and average 26.5 mpg with my mostly highway commute. Mine doesn’t burn oil and I will change the oil between 4 and 5k miles rather than waiting for the car’s display to tell me to.
THIS is useful info. 26mpg for commuting is liveable. Gotta be realistic if I want a bigass car with a V6.
Having to change oil every 5K miles might get annoying for me. But...ok fine, I suppose.
My 2010 AWD 6MT averages about 26-27 mpg in mixed, mostly highway driving. If you push it hard or drive it in stop and go traffic more, that number will come down quickly.
It's a really fun to drive car with plenty of room and luxury touches. Mine had the piston/rings replacement and since then oil consumption is virtually nil; the engine now seems a little smoother with a little more low end torque and gets slightly better mileage. Oil usage is maybe .5 quarts between 5K mile changes.
Overall, it's a well-built, quality car that is fun to drive. Mine has pretty low miles (about 60K), and I'm hard-pressed to name a suitable replacement, as the 6MTs have been disappearing quickly in cars the last few years.
I got like 24mpg as an average on the 800 mile drive in order to get the car back home. Cruise was set at 75-80 MPH for a majority of the trip.
I only stopped for gas...and one time for Burger King. The car saw its first Whopper meal on March 12. So there wasn't any cold/hot cycling at all.
Idk. Maybe it will improve.
Not even a drop of oil burned though.
I love the car thus far. Not my first Acura by any stretch, so I pretty much knew what to expect in terms of what the car offers. Basically an overload of tech, delivered in a massively outdated way.
Excellent interior and unbeatable ergonomics. I was hoping it would have the "cold box" center console like my wife's station wagon does. But...it doesn't. Not a huge deal.
Again, I'll start a thread when I start cleaning the car up. I've already bought a ton of stuff to get it to my spec.
2010-2011 looks better once you out the OEM lip kit on it - but I think another member here said that kid is no longer in production so you may not be able to find one or you’ll have to source an aftermarket one made from
fiberglass. The earlier models have the big ugly big but the way to fix it is to leave the little center part chrome and painted the big surround piece to match the body.
I've had both. First was a 09' Silver TL SH-AWD with tech package. Second and current is a 14' Black TL SH-AWD with advance package. I really liked both, repairs got to be more regular and expensive as the 09' grew older at which point I upgraded to the 14', but was to be expected. Probably liked the overall stock look of the 09', but have since modified by 14' to my liking. Prefer a 19" wheel on the car over a 18". Technology and interface didn't change much, but certainly feels nicer on the 14' since its newer. Others mentioned the common oil issues - personally haven't had any issues on either, but seems to be hit or miss. Can't go wrong with either, less issues with the newer 4th gen models in my experience and a great base for modifications. Cheers.
02-25-2021, 07:15 PM
