Howdy y'all, I'm new to the forum and new to Acura. Just purchased a 2013 TL SH-AWD Tech two weeks ago and figured I would share my story for those interested.

Recently all my friends went out and got new cars and told me how much they love their vehicles. I was driving a 2007 Sonata which I liked, but not loved. I had a 1999 T/A Convertible that I loved dearly but lost in a divorce. After much new car envy I started to look for a car to love again.

I started looking online and and was really starting to like the Genesis, price, features, etc. I decided to hit up a Carmax so I could test drive a 2012 Genesis 3.8 Sedan, a 2012 C350 Sport, and a 2012 TL SH-AWD.

The Genesis was really nice, super comfortable, but as I drove it I couldn't help but feel that I was in a grandpa type car. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful car and feels like you are driving on a cloud, but as my girlfriend said, I am closer to 20 than 50.

I then took the TL for a spin. Immediately I noticed the harder suspension, more bolstered seats, more planted feel. It was a bumpier ride than the Genesis, but looked more modern, sportier and younger.

I then sat in the C350 and noticed that the plastics did not feel up to the same level as the TL or Genesis. The dashboard didn't have a nice flow to it and the car was not very wide (me and my gf were bumping arms). I didn't even test drive it because all I was thinking about was that TL.

Carmax is a great place to buy a car, but I knew more about the cars then my sales person. I decided to go to an Acura dealer and take a look at a 2013 model. To my surprise the 2013 was only 3k more than what Carmax wanted for a 2012 with 12k miles. I was offered a test drive of a 2013 TL SH-AWD Tech, and took it. It was amazing how much the sales person could tell me about the car. It was when I was told to take an offramp at 50 I knew something was different with this car. As I turned in the sales person kept saying, go ahead put your foot into it, keep going...and as I did this, my smile got wider and wider. I was amazed at how flat the car corners and how much fun could be had. The handling reminded me of my friends 2010 Evo (but not as bumpy). I was sold.

Looking at the colors I wanted White with Umber but was told that I could only get Umber with Black. I had to wait a week to get it shipped in from another dealer, I could hardly sleep each night! The TL is a great car I love it, and it looks like this is a great community!

 

Congratulations.. .Welcome

 

Great SH-AWD choice! Welcome to AZ family

 

Congrats and welcome. My experience was similar to yours when I first started looking for my '10. I was interested in a G37 and either a 3 or 5 BMW. I quickly lost interest in the BMWs because of price, lack of perceived value and concerns about the HPFP issues with the 335 and 535 motors (among other problems). When I drove the TL my salesman kept encouraging me to take turns faster, think gas rather than brake, etc. After that test drive, my mind was pretty much made up. The SH-AWD system is almost magic. Enjoy your car.

 

Good choice in color combo.

 

Out of all the choices you list, you made the right decision. Congrats and good luck.

 

Welcome to Acurazine and congrats on your choice of vehicle.

 

Nice story-congrats on your new ride. Welcome to AcuraZine.

 

As I read your post, my smile got wider and wider - that was me a few months ago when I brought mine home and took some sweet corners! Congrats - you'll absolutely love it.

I detailed mine this weekend and can't wait for my morning commute LOL!

 

True about the ear to ear smile.....coming from a gas guzzling 4runner the TL was a no brainer.

 

Congrats and welcome - enjoy the new ride!