hondarayblue

Hi Folks, I'm relocating from the U.K. to Dallas sometime early next year, so obviously will need a new car. Currently I drive a 06 BMW 33Oi but will not be going down the German car route again(long story)
I have shortlisted the 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport, 2016 Nissan Maxima SV or a 2012-2014 Acura TL. If going down the Acura route, I would love the SH-AWD with the Tech Package, purely for performance and looks. I love the aggressive bolsters in the seats. Are those seats available in any other trim level? I will have a budget about $30k. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

thoiboi

*cough* Takata airbag recalls...

echodigital

The base and tech have different parts so I assume it's different.

FRONT SEAT (L.) for 2009 Acura TL

FRONT SEAT (L.) for 2009 Acura TL

Advance model is different for sure as it has cooled seats. I would assume that the seat shape is similar.

The IS has reliability but it's a bit small compared to the TL. The Maxima, depending on model is quite feature rich but FWD only.

TheMuffinMan

iTrader: (1)

For $30k you should easily be able to pick up a low mileage TL SH-AWD w/ Tech.

Rae Rad

X2

I pretty much second the above statement.

I had a 330i a long time ago, it was a 2001 black in black out.
I too will never go the German route again. Every 4 months it was in the shop.

WNY PAT

The airbag parts shortage should be fixed soon. But I love my 2013 SH-AWD Tech. I'm driving a 2016 Caddilac XTS AWD rental and have had it for about 4500 miles now. The Apple Play is nice and the technology is better in the Caddy but as a driver's car, the XTS isn't even in the same league. Every once in awhile I drive the TL to warm it up and realize how much better it is than the Caddy. Tighter. More responsive. Quicker. Transitions better corner to corner. The AWD TL is a blast to drive fast.

hondarayblue

Should I be looking to buy from a Acura dealership or elsewhere, considering the nature of potentially expensive faults with the SH-AWD? I would hate to save some money buying privately or from another dealer and not have a proper warranty in place.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

I would get the IS 350 F Sport over the other two. RWD, Lexus reliability - proven engine and tranny, Lexus service, great looking, better tech. Have you driven all 3?

echodigital

I got my car with 1 year of warranty left (2009) at a dealer and got AcuraCare for 3 extra years. I have used it often enough that I feel that it was a good ROI.

1. Replaced motor on wipers
2. Replace Climate Control Computer (Voice Control wasn't working)*
3. Battery (4th year)*
4. Squeaks in glove compartment*
5. Replaced Passenger door handle (black button wasn't working).
6. TMPS module on Winter Rim (Steel Rim I bought from dealer).
7. Propeller Shaft Replacement (whistling noise)*

*This was fixed within normal 4 year warranty. I just loved getting a receipt that says N/C (No Charge) all over it.

I think the 2012-2014 should have fixed a lot of the issues from 2009-2011. The only thing that may still be a problem is the 'propeller shaft' issue. It will sound like a whistle at hightway speeds.

JM2010 SH-AWD

You should be able to find an excellent AWD TL for that price. AFAIK, the highly bolstered seats are not found on the non-AWD TL. The AWD system is proven - it's been on the market for years, first with the RL, so I don't think you should have any worries there. Overall, it's a reliable car that you will greatly enjoy owning. I'd try to find a low-mileage version in a color you like that has obviously been maintained well. I don't know that there's a particular advantage in buying from an Acura dealer. Good luck; let us know what you get.

hondarayblue

I haven't driven any of latest versions of the three cars I'm looking at. I will try the Maxima on my next trip to NYC as a rental. Before the BMW I owned a 06 Lexus IS250. I always felt it was underpowered, and the rear seats were getting a bit tight for my 3 kids. The newest Lexus has got really good reviews but is still a little pricey, used at $34k. The only constant gripe about the new Maxima is the CVT transmission. Decisions, decisions.........

csmeance

Honestly you aren't going to like the maxima coming from the 330i. The Lexus honestly seems like the best contender out of the mix but it's a bit out of your 30K range for a used/new one.

The TL SH-AWD will def. be below your budget however I don't think it'll be as hassle free of an experience as you would like. If you go with the TL, I would recommend you buy the acuracare warranty. The SH-AWD have issues with the torque converter, oil burning and propeller shaft whine, easy way for a few thousand dollars in work.

The FWD version of the TL is plenty fast, gets great gas mileage and doesn't have any of the above issues. You could also get yourself into a TLX for around the 30K mark.

hondarayblue

Finally got to drive a 2017 Maxima. Using it as a rental whilst I'm here in Dallas this week. Nicely specced car even in base S trim, but I've already experienced torque steer send the CVT has no kickdown side is slow to respond.

hondarayblue

Finally got to drive a 2017 Maxima. Using it as a rental whilst I'm here in Dallas this week. Nicely specced car even in base S trim, but I've already experienced torque steer and the CVT has no kickdown and is slow to respond.

Anicra

Test drive them all multiple times, only way to really decide.

Drei

iTrader: (2)

I'd say buy from an Acura dealership and bring a mechanic to inspect the car from top to bottom

You'll love the 12+ SH-AWD; I have an 09 SH-AWD and I bet that extra 6th gear makes quite a difference!

Good luck