tuxacura

Hi, I am in the process of shopping for a new car and somehow ended up looking at the 2012 TLs.

My original choices were the mid-level family sedans (Accords, Camry, Altima, Mazda6, etc.)

My question is that comparing the Accord EX-L V6 with Nav the car's features and specifications are very close to the base TL + tech package. I was wondering what other differences could be other than the 6 spd vs 5 spd auto as far as performance wise?

Thanks, hopefully I can be an owner soon. There seems to be a lot of good deals going on now.

sebounet2005

I think you should try one, it's less noisy, better sound system, and more refined

Treblig

Interior quality and technology is a bit higher in the TL not to mention the availability of SH-AWD. Handling is quite a bit crisper in the TL as well.

tuxacura

Thank you. I did read that the Accord's handling is not as driver-oriented as before. It is also kind of moot since my wife likes the TL styling better than the Accord.

SH-AWD is very nice but it is out of consideration since it will push it out of my budget.

I was going to get the base model but my wife is very used to the GPS and the rearview camera from our CR-V.

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

The V6 in the Accord has the variable cylinder management, and many say that it is annoying and not as smooth as the Acura V6.

tuxacura

Thanks! I thought it was the same engine since it has the same displacement. I did see VTEC for the Accord when I looked at the comparison chart from Acura's website.

Z4Rider

My wife and I also have a CR-V with Nav (w/back up camera). We also just traded in a '09 TL Tech for a '12 TL Tech SH-AWD. The Tech package in the TL is sooooooo much better than that on the CR-V (and we love the CR-V). With the TL I can actually back up within a couple inches of something where with the CR-V I wouldn't try that.

This is my 4th TL. I have also owned Accords and think that they are great cars; however, not EVEN in the same class as the TL. If you decide to get the TL Tech, you won't want to get out of it. If you get the Accord, you will have a nice car.... period!

Merry Christmas to you and your wife!

g37guy01

IMO this sounds like it it budget related. If you can afford a TL then go for it. But it's not worth putting your finances in jeopardy with this economy. If its a lease TL vs buy accord, I would buy the accord. If you can afford to buy the tl...accord doesn't come close. Good luck.

tuxacura

Thanks for all the advice. I test rode the TL+Tech today and it is indeed very nice. Very comfortable and welcoming cabin and the features are nice. The Nav screen is much bigger than my CR-V and the rear view camera is quite bright. I think the screen is sharper as well.

The performance is very good for the car of its size. This is going to be driven as a family car so I am not planning to push it to any extreme (hence not considering the SH-AWD model.)

As far as budget is concerned, I can afford to buy the TL with no problem so I probably will go for it. The Accord is moot now since my wife doesn't like the styling of the outgoing; plus I can't wait until the next model year since it is replacing that car that I just sold (E36 M3.) The financing offer that they are giving now is crazy, plus the local dealer is very "motivated." I think I can get the Base + Tech for less than $35,000 + tax and title, etc.

So..looks like I would be a new TL owner before the end of the year.

Z4Rider

Agreed about the finance rates of 0.9% plus they are trying to move out inventory before year end.

Look forward to future posts after you bring the new TL home.

Mitch-S

There's also a $1,250 incentive plus ask them about the certificates up to $1k.

AGK

I got my 2012 TL Tech FWD yesterday. Awesome car...I highly recommend it, esp. since it's within your budget.

compewterbleu

Reminds me of how I ended up in my first Acura back in 2001. Shopped for a Honda Prelude and similar cars by other manufactures and ended up with a 2001 Acura CL. Like some say on this post it is another level of automobile ownership, however it's about cost too.

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

Enjoy your new TL!

tuxacura

Well, I just called in and put a deposit on the 2012 CBP/Taupe Base+Tech. I will go and close the deal on Friday. Woohoo!

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

Good luck with the deal!

tuxacura

Thanks. I used carwoo and it turned out to be a very positive experience.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats-post up pics of the new ride and welcome to Acurazine.

tuxacura

Thanks! I will certainly do so after I pick up the car this Friday.

tuxacura

Well, it is official. I am a proud new owner of a 2012 TL/Tech.

CBP/Taupe.

tuxacura

Well, it is official. I am a proud new owner of a 2012 TL/Tech.

CBP/Taupe.

AEmedic

iTrader: (1)

Very nice!

LawnPro

Congrats on your tl! Cbp with taupe is a nice color combo. Any plans for mods?

Edward'TLS

Congrats, and nice choice.

AGK

great choice...enjoy it!

sebounet2005

Nice car , lucky you, you don't seem to have snow where you live, so your car will be clean more than few hours, i didn't have that luck when i picked up mine yesterday

Linmk2

Nice!

tuxacura

Thanks! I spent the afternoon playing with the settings, control, driver memory seat, playing with the stereo, linking the phone and contacts, etc. It is a blast!

As far as performance go I really like it. It is not as toss-able and quick as my ex-M3, but it is so quiet and refined. It is the most feature-rich car I have own (certainly more than the Accord that I was going to buy.)

As far as mod goes, probably nothing that will void the warranty. Maybe tinting the windows...