rocketguy

Just test drove a 2010 TL AWD Tech Auto, fantastic car to drive. Did not get a chance to drive a regular FWD 2010 TL. I'm wondering how much of a difference is there for $3000. I'm in Florida, so not much snow to worry about.

I currently have a 2007 TL Type-S Auto, 2010 TL AWD was a smoother ride and seemed quicker then the Type-S. So everyone give me the pros and cons for spending or saving the $3000 between the AWD and FWD.

And, as an extra what kind of trades are folks getting on 2007 Type-S w/ 37,300ish miles? Thanks to all.

ll_22

I test drove both and got the FWD because I use it to haul family/kids around. I liked the AWD alot but in the end could not justify the cost and for me the hump in the trunk robs vital cargo room for family trips.

Key differences for FWD:
* $4k Cheaper at the time I bought
* Softer ride probably between type-S and 3G TL. It handles better than 3G TL, not sure when compared to Type-S. For many in the forum the FWD handling was a turnoff.
* MPG difference can be >3 when talking highway only
* The lack of rear differential hump in the trunk allows me to pack in strollers and other crap a lot easier
* You will get torque-steer and wheel spin on aggressive accelerations, you get none on the AWD.

If you don't have the cargo need and can tolerate the mpg difference, get the AWD particularly if you had the type-S.

graphicguy

Test drove both the base TL and the SHAWD TL. To me, they're two different cars. The SH AWD has sharper handling, but a firmer ride. Plus, the SH AWD was faster.

Depends on what you want. If you want more of a nice lux cruiser, the base TL fits the bill. If you want more speed and sharper handling, the SH AWD is the way to go. Plus, the SH AWD will do better in the slick stuff (I test drove both when there was about 3-4 inches of snow on the ground).

kc1953

Tested both and bought the awd. Agree with what others have said..they are two completely different driving experiences. The awd is a very fun car to drive. The fwd was fine..until I tried the awd. My recommendation is get the awd. 3k difference for a car, especially on a lease or financed basis is not going to make a noticeable difference in payments. And if you are a cash buyer, 3k is probably not a difference maker either.

PetesTL

Besides the performance differences, you also get some nice extras with the SH-AWD: sports seats with contrast stitching, sports (thicker) steering wheel, dual exhaust tips, sports-tuned suspension (firmer ride), brake cooling vents in the front bumper, and standard 18" wheels. If it was possible to get these items separately, you're looking at a lot more than $3K, so it's one heck of a deal!

Oswald Vater

Personally I couldn't justify the price difference between FWD/AWD living in FL. The "twisties" are few and far between and I simply prefer the smoother ride/better mileage FWD offers. I'd definitely get the TECH version, though.

brassai

Actually, the AWD Tech has 19" wheels standard, not 18"

I was torn a bit myself, especially the minor hump in the trunk. You still get more room with the AWD than with any previous gen TL. I don't get snow here, nor particularly heavy rain for that matter... and while I do have a good amount of twisties in Northern Ca. That's not what convinced me.

When I drove them back to back, I'd already settled myself on the FWD version. When I drove the FWD, I was able to easily get some front wheel spin on hard acceleration, as well as the requisite torque steer. None on the AWD as I'd expected. Pushing the AWD around corners, acceleration etc was as expected. I expected the different steering wheel and seat bolstering, so no surprise there.

What did it for me was a sedate left turn from a large residential street to another, where the speed limit was 30 and there was a PT Cruiser in front of me that was driving "normally". I was on my cell phone to my best friend, talking over the differences to him and getting his input (He's good about acting as a second conscious when it comes to this large of purchase). My point being is that I wasn't accelerating hard or pushing the AWD in any way... and I'd expected it to feel no different than the FWD in that condition.

But there was a BIG difference in feel. It surprised me and was unexpected. It went around that corner with no effort, no roll, no nothing. If someone had been in the car with their eyes closed, I seriously doubt they'd have known I was turning a corner.

That's when I knew, and that's no different than any turn that you'd make in Fl.

Test them back to back... drive the same route, and drive where you can push it a bit as well as some residential cruising. You will note a difference. Whether it's 2300 worth (the difference I paid in my deal) or 3800 worth (MSRP difference), only you can tell.

D.

PetesTL

Not true. 19" wheels come with HPT's and are optional. The standard wheels are 18" rims and all-season tires . Mine came with 18's and I later upgraded to 19's.

brassai

Oh... duh... I actually knew that.

D.

rocketguy

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'm sold on the AWD Tech Auto, especially since I have a TL Type-S now. A special thanks to Pete, I never considered what you get for that $3k, I only centered on spending $3k more and getting lower mileage. Thanks again everyone.