TVL65

I think it's a 2011 model, I've said it before & will say it again, this car is sweet! It's quicker then my 2007 TLS & when the throttle is punched from a dead stop it goes! No hesitation or bogging down like the TLS. Handling? Ease of Turning? Top Notch. The TLS feels like I'm driving a yacht, slow, vague steering feel. On the highway just tap the gas & the trans IMMEDIATELY kicks down a gear for instant power. I wish I could afford it, but not at $45,000 new. BTW the dealer just called me to say my TLS also needs an alignment. Since my accident involving hitting a curb & various front end parts being replaced including the "A" frame it has had numerous alignments. But the pull to the right comes back in 1,000 miles, I told the service rep I'm done wasting $80 & just going to drive it the way it is. The front end is tweaked.

potmilkz

its exactly how its suppose to feel, superior to TL-S

omaralt

now if they made a TL SH-AWD S model.. a man can dream eh

potmilkz

that wouldnt be possible, SH_AWD is already above TL-S

there is nothing the Sh-AWD need from the type-s anyways. It vouches for itself.

its like saying they should make a Civic SI - Type-R... makes no sense why you would say its a SI when Type-R is a superior model.

Teddybear

^^ lol @ civic si type r. but CTRSi would work potentially?? haha
the awd-sh IS the TLS' replacement

LawnPro

you dont have to go with a 2012 - new shawd, how about a 2009-2011? lots out there for sale.

certified pre owned tl's are very nice....and maybe in your price range. the only rare 4g are the 6MT.

TVL65

Since I work from home the loaner is sitting in my driveway right now & I honestly don't want to return it! lol I love the steering well too. Ohh well I guess I gotta give it back. I just cannot believe how quick the steering ratio on it is, smooth & easy.

potmilkz

your heart is telling you that its time for a trade in....

but your wallet is telling you not to hurt him....

i have the same dilemma year to year as new cars come out.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

brembos would have been a nice add to the shawd...

potmilkz

to be honest, the brakes on this car is excellent, im sure you know and you can compare it to your brembo's.

however a vendor here now had made a BBK for it.

check out FYAH TL's ride

Mr Marco

Be careful, that's how we ended up with our 4G. It was a hell-of-alot nicer than the Accord we had.

^^^Loaner in my driveway.

EazyRider562

you should go race it around town a bit and see how you'll love it!

be careful, i've only had mine 4 months and already have 4 tickets!

potmilkz

bad advice..

TVL65

The brakes on my AWD loaner were better then my TLS with Brembos. Better driver seat too. But thats how it is with cars, the newer models are always better then the previous ones.

Teddybear

For reference, the brakes use the same pads as the Ridgeline. So they're no doubt pretty beefy from factory lol

Acura_Dude

Fixed.

BLACKURA_NY

iTrader: (6)

having had many TLs over the past few years

1. TL-S, is no question, faster than the 4G.
2. TL-SHAWD has a better 0-60' (because of traction).. so it may feel faster, but its not.
3. TL-SHAWD not only out handles the TL-S, it out handles most AWD cars in its class. The SH-AWD system is more advanced than 4Matic, X drive and Quattro.
4. TL-SHAWD brakes, are actually bigger than the TL-S Brembos. Remember, 4G AWD is 3960lbs. The Brembos are "sharper" and bite quicker, but the 4G has better distribution


If you get a chance, try launching the 4G with VSA off... completely different animal

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Well, there you have it boys & girls! This man knows exactly what he's talking about.

Teddybear

now that u've mentioned it... i dont think iv'e done get on dry pavement yet...
*grabs keys*

23109VC

I'm curious how the standard FWD TL compares to an 07-08 TL-S in terms of handling / power???

I currently have an 06 RL that I love..but wish it was sportier.. I've toyed with getting a newer 4th gen TL... but don't wnat to spend the money to get into an AWD model... and if I got one, might opt for a FWD TL w/tech. assuming it had 18" wheels/summer tires.. how woudl that handle vs a TL-s?

i would assume there are plenty of aftermarket supension kits so one could add adjustable suspension like Koni sports, etc and nice springs and get avery aggressive ride/handling.. but minus the AWD of the SH-AWD...

glad you like the loaner..that's a good marketing move by Acura..give you a new car as a loaner and then you want a new one... and upgrade....

omaralt

I don't understand why you would be willing to spend so much on a car but not pay an extra $1-2K for what you really want. If you don't have the money wait a few weeks and save the extra amount to get what you want. And then when you factor in the cost of upgrading the FWD suspension and still not get the performance of the awd it just doesn't make sense. What I've learned (the hard way) is that when your spending this much money on something that your going to keep for a while make sure you get what you really want. Good luck

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

I forgot to mention that I had a 2012 Tech as a loaner this week (no SH-AWD). It had some very nice pickup and presence. I was impressed.

23109VC

My wife took our MDX in for service today. we usually get a TSX as a loaner... most of our dealer's loaner fleet are TSXs... once in a while you get an RDX or a TL... this time she got a brand new 2012 TL/tech/advance. not AWD though. I met her for lunch today and she took my RL and I zipped off in the loaner...

I like it! makes my RL feel like a slug.. this TL, even "Just" the FWD model is quick! i love the instant throttle response. the RL has a delay in the throttle response... my RL is rated at 290, this TL at 280?... and it's WAY faster. at least it sure feels that way.

beign lighter and no AWD to suck up power...

is the SH-AWD TL even more sporty feeling than a FWD model?

if I were to buy a TL... whether it was a FWD or SH-AWD model.. no way I'd buy a new 2012. I"m the kind to buy a 3 year old CPO model... so if i did get one, I'd grab an 09 or 2010.... so it would be a 5 speed.

how much quicker is a new 2012 b/c of the 6 speed tranny???

i honestly felt this TL handled pretty well in the few turns i tossed it into, despite being FWD. if you tossed sport shocks/springs and upgraded the rubber to PS2s/supersports.. it would grip like nuts... AWD or not...

Edward'TLS

According to above, it means that 4G-TL-AWD > 3G-TL-S > 4G-TL-FWD.

omaralt

Doesn't matter what any of us tells ya; go test drive an awd one. I personally thought it felt a lot sportier (firmer)

Treblig

I made the change from a 2006 RL A-SPEC (which I absolutely loved) and wasn't sure I was doing the right thing. But I was wrong! As much as I "sported" up the RL (A-SPEC and 19" performance tires) this TL is so much more responsive and fun! I miss some of th small things of the RL, but overall I am happy I made the change.

23109VC

Treblig, your TL looks sweet, I've seen the Pics you posted!

I think I too might like one. I am debating between doing some upgraded to my RL.. Like aspec lip, h&r springs, wheels.. But to do it right it would cost me a few grand. I wonder if I'd be happier just trading it in and finding a nice cpo 2009-2010 TL SH-AWD. Decisions decisions.

Treblig

They are different cars in that the RL is higher on the lux side while the TL is more on the sport side. I'm sure you know that already. But you may want to drive the TL before deciding.

JORTS

I has a '12 TL SHAWD loaner last week. Loved it but it didn't compare to my 6sp TL. Now if I could get the '12 TL SHAWD 6-sp for a loaner, I might not return it

BLACKURA_NY

iTrader: (6)

My only gripe with the 4G FWD, is that it doesnt handle well... It is a bit more nimble on its feet, because its 300lbs lighter... but its too large of a vehicle in size and dynamics to be a FWD car.... (this really only matters if you drive aggressively)

3G Type-S was by far, definitely the fastest of all TLs ever made. perfect weight/power balance for a mid size FWD sport sedan. Couple modifications, and that thing could boogie

The 2012 MMC line up (FWD & AWD) are faster than the 09-11, because of the 6AT transmission. that mights an enormous difference in acceleration, MPG and that "smooth" feeling when driving it.... its about time Acura moved up from a 5spd AT.

I think i will probably get a 2013 SH-AWD Advance in a year or so, unless the new MDX really impresses me.

If anybody is interested... Acura will be releasing a new car for the 2013 model line up... Smaller than the TSX... and the new RL will be offered as a Turbo V6.. probably 3.0 - 3.2 liters..... or a hybrid V6 engine.

Edward'TLS

Would you post the link(s) to the above info ?

23109VC

Acura already has a small civic sized car for sale in other markets... look at that Acura Canada website.. they have an Acura CSX... it basically looks like a civic..

is that the one that will come here to the US?

http://www.acura.ca/csx

a new RL will be cool. I hope it is larger and even MORE luxurious... to distinguish it more from the TL and perhaps compete with the LS Lexus, S class M/B, and 7 series BMW...

If freakin' Hyundai can offer ultra luxury cars... it's about time Acura got on the bandwagon and had their own true high end car.. the RL is sweet.. I like mine... but it's no way even in the same league as a 7 series.. whereas the Equus is something that hgih end M/B, Lexus, BMW shoppers imght look at..

we will see.

Blooze

Funny to stumble on this post today. I am currently in a 2011 (12?) TL loaner (same color/style as the OP posted a pic of). My '08 3G is just having some maintenance done on it as well as the driver seat TSB. I also requested that they lube the shift lock ... it's getting a little loud. Anyway, I love the throttle response and smoother shifting of the 4G, but that is it. The steering is "lighter" since they went to electric vs. hydraulic ... I prefer the heft/feel of hydraulic. I much prefer the interior of the 3G, except for that stupid tape deck. Materials seem of better quality in the 3G ... too much "hard" plastic in the 4G. I feel like I am in just a slightly nicer version of a friends 2008 Accord. I do like the equal size tach (to speedometer) in the 4G, but the little "pointers" at the base of the gauge marks are behind some kind of screen and every time I look at them, I think my vision is going. Seats are a little nicer. I miss my back-up camera. Not good to back up while just staring at a blank dash ...

Oh yeah ... Love the paddles on the steering wheel, it's great to use them for a quick shift and than have it automatically return to auto mode!

Teddybear

it pretty much IS a civic lol. rear lights look better. nicer interior and trim.
We've had a civic equivalent since the 6th gen civic.

Rocketsfan

If that's what Acura brings here, I'm on the verge of giving up on them. lol.

weather

When I read this, I was thinking of my fella Canadian who's had the similar incident with his 2012 White TL.....I just hope its not a sign of what he'll go through.

Teddybear

oiii lol, sry, i was referring to the CSX.

Rocketsfan

So was I. I'm saying, I hope they don't just re-badge existing cars and throw a nicer interior into them to make a "new Acura".

gkeis

I have owned my certified used 2009 TL AWD for 5 months now and I love it more every day. I have driven Volvos for 18 years and cannot even compare them to this Acura.

TinyRK

I had a 2012er TL FWD Tech as a loaner, and must admit: the 6 gear tranny is indeed nice.
I even hit the 30mpg on the highway.
But in the end, I am still in love with my 2011 SH-AWD and her styling.

Being able to compare the 2 was a good thing, and I still don't regret my choice.
2011 FTW!