rich2342

Hi Guys,

I am looking into the Acura TL's love the AWD system, but the dealers have fed me the 2012/13 with the redesign and 6AT which is pretty nice imho.

The problem however is that my budget is more geared toward a used earlier model with the older less attractive design and 5AT.

I have not tested the 5AT. Does anyone know the difference in acceleration and fuel savings/consumption?

I think I also saw a thread around here about the 5AT not being quite as good. Can anyone elaborate or help me out with a purchase decision?

Thanks kindly,

Rich

rich2342

Helpful much?

Jackieee_TL

I'm sure this has been asked before, but here's what I think. The 6at did improve MPG by 1 across the board for the SH model. Also the gears are placed closer together, so this helps in acceleration.

Also don't know if they fixed the issue with the 5at. But my sister had a 04 Pilot, uncle has a 07 Pilot, and another uncle has a 07 MDX. They all had problems which needed a replacement transmission. Luckily my uncles were both covered by the warrantly, but my sister's 04 Pilot gave out at 95k miles, so she had to pay out of pocket.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

I've own/owned both. The 6AT gets slightly better MPG and stock for stock the 12' is better appealing to the eyes. If a few tasteful mods are done to the 09-11' told then to it is > 12/13'. With mods catback, catless jpipe, hfpc, lightweight pulley and my Frankenstein CAI I felt as though the 5AT was fast because I could get into 7.5k RPM and change the gears as I pleased. Being able to shift at much higher RPM meant I was in vtec range longer/sooner. The 6AT nannies prevent me from doing that, or maybe it's that I no longer have a catback...?

Edward'TLS

The 5AT is only available on the aggressive-looking "Power Plenum" front grille TL, whereas the 6AT is only available on the milder-looking Acura's latest signature grille TL.

Therefore, your preference in the front-end look may also assist you in making your final decision.

rich2342

Pricing is a factor. I want the 12/13 style and the 6 speed automatic, but I want to keep my payments down.

I thought I had heard of problems with the 5AT and also it is not as appealing ..

Dejan

Those problems were limited to the 2nd gen TL, and some early 3Gs, and there was a simple fix (replace pressure switches). I am not aware of any reliability problems with the 5AT in the 4G, where did you hear this?

weather

rich2342...I can understand your situation and a dilemma indeed. I understand that money is an issue for all of us, we all have our limits and constraints but if there is a way you can fork the extra money, I would go for the new one. They are heavily discounting them at the moment and will only get better when the 2015 TLX gets released. If you lived in Canada, I'd let you have my mint 2012 *lol*

I had a TSX with the 5 speed Auto transmission and never had any issues. In addition, the small saving in fuel consumption from the 5 speed to the 6 speed should not even factored in, it will amount to less than 200$ a year which is not that significant when factoring driving an Acura. I think the question you really have to ask yourself is what car do I really like, and can I afford it. If you can't afford it, then ask if you could by waiting and saving over the next few months and go that route. If the answer is still no, then get the used one.

Mr Marco

6 speed FTW. Very bummed they didn't offer the 6 right off the bat. I'm not planning on selling my '09 4G anytime soon, so I'm stuck with the 5AT tranny.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Rich, the manuals are fun to drive. I've been there, done that. I wanted an automatic-it's still fun.

danimal1968

There's a software update to the 5AT in order to deal with a vibration that comes around 1800 rpm in low gear.

23109VC

I have an 09 with the 5AT.... it's plenty fun and plenty quick.

if you are trying to save money, find the best deal / lowest mileage / cleanest car you can find and don't worry if it's a 5AT or 6AT.

focus on getting an SH-AWD... when it comes to the TL... the biggest "option" if you can call it that - is whether you get a FWD or SH-AWD model. that is a huge difference....

if I had to choose between an 09-11 AWD vs the newer FWD version - no brainer - I'd get the older AWD model.

personally, I think the older ones look better. when the 09 TL first came out, I hated it, and thought it was so ugly. as time went by, the look grew on me, and having seen cars with wheels, lowered, and the body kit - the older 4Gs look much more aggressive.

the newer toned down 12+ models to me, look smoother /weaker and less aggressive.