acuramanTL

I've managed to buy myself a 2009 SH-AWD model in grigio (non tech) with 80 000 km on the odo. I paid $19 000 Canadian dollars OTD and absolutely love it. It is a HUGE upgrade from my other car, a 2011 Honda Accord 4 cyl. I decided to keep the Honda as well because I love that car too but the 4 cyl. K24 is no match for the J37. It's crazy how much car I got for just 19 grand. I bought my Accord brand new and it came to $34 000 Canadian dollars OTD. I'll never buy a new car again.

The only question I have concerns the reliability of the J37 drivetrain. Now, my Accord's engine feels bulletproof, as it should but I don't have the same sense of worry-free driving when I drive the Acura. It feels very "heavy" compared to the Accord, which feels light and rev-happy. With the AWD system there are more moving parts, and more items that could break down. It could just be in my head, I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that this is my first V6 powered car (only ever drove 4 cylinders).

Is the Acura drivetrain as reliable as my Honda's? I always follow the maintenance minder as well and do all my service at the dealership (yes, I know I can do it myself but my time is worth more than the savings.)

Also, does this J37 like to be revved? I find myself revving to 4-5k rpm all the time as I love the sound. Is that bad for the engine?

KarKraze

Welcome to Acurazine and congrats on you new car.So far the J37 is doing well,a few have reported oil consumption so you may want to keep an eye on that,also there is reports of a tranny vibration around 35 kms and 80 kms which usually requires a fluid change and a software update.If that does not fix it the the torque converter is replaced,not to worry the warranty has been extended to 6 years (160000kms) for that issue.I might be a little off on that number.

Not to worry,the car runs well and the fun starts after 4k rpm so drive the car,it handles amazing and pulls strong enough.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Congrats! Other than what Kraze mentioned a somewhat common tranny issue with the 09-11' is the propeller shaft.

JT4

Congrats and welcome to AZ..

Overall these cars are very reliable, you will be very happy with your move from the Accord..

Treblig

Mr Marco

What are you worried about, this is one tough engine. Stop stress-n' and enjoy your new ride!

Acura2010

2012's have this issue too. I've had mine changed on my 2010 & my 2012, both changed at the same exact mileage too.

GodTham

Welcome to AZ! Congrat's on the new car.

acuramanTL

So I definitely have the transmission grinding/vibration issue at about 35 mph but it goes away once I go faster. When it's audible it definitely sounds like something is wrong, though.

When I take it to the dealership, what should I tell them? Unfortunately I didn't buy the car from an Acura dealership so this is the first time I'm visiting one.

Can they tell me if anything was done to the car in terms of updates on this transmission issue? I think I'll just tell them to do a comprehensive check, since the dealership I bought it from (a Lexus dealership) only changed the engine oil, and put new tires for me.

KarKraze

Acura is well aware of the issue,take it in explain what is happening and leave it to them.

echodigital

Congrats on the TL. As a fellow GTA driver, try to find out when the warranty ends so that you can get all your items checked out before it expires. I bought my certified with extra warranty because of the Tech Package. I was worried about the cost of 'fixing' the electronics.

I agree that a common issue is the propeller shaft replacement with all SH-AWD models. Drive the car with the radio turned off. It will happen at around 40-60 km/h consistently. When you drive faster, you can't hear it because of highway noise. It will sound like a light whistle in what appears to be the front passenger side area. Because you are at 80,000 km, they should have fixed it already. I experienced it at around 55 000 km.

When they replaced the propeller shaft, I got a letter for the Torque Convertor warranty extension.

It might be wise to replace the battery soon. Because I do mainly city drive and not a lot of it, I have had to get the car boosted a couple of times. Do not turn on the radio for prolonged periods or use the power jack to often without starting the car as it will drain the battery a lot. Please check out this new feature for 2012 TL (Battery Management System (BMS):

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/ar...spx?id=5934-en

Lastly, than some odd creaks (i.e. tighten bolts) that was taken care of via the dealer, it is an awesome car.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats on your new ride, and welcome to AcuraZine.