The lease on my 08 Infiniti G35 is up and the Wifey wants something different.

We love the everything about the G but there is nothing new there so we are considering an Acura.

Ive had a 2002 CL. One of my favorite cars, but sold it before the 100k miles and tranny problems.

Anyways we are looking at a White with tan Tech car with the 3.5L

Im not a fan of the front drive but money wont allow the SHAWD. Power is OK but the infiniti feels quicker.

The car feels bigger and more comfortable which we both like. I also think the Acura feels more luxurious than the infiniti's sportier feel

The NAV is not touch screen but wheel activated, which is weird.

overall I like the car and thinking about pulling the trigger

Other options are
2012 infiniti G37 Fun Car but ready for a change
2012 Mercedes C250 No Power but nice interior and Gas MPG
2011 BMW 328xi Nice Car all the way around but Just not feelin it.
2012 Regal GS Going to drive it Friday

im sure everyone is going to tell you this..


but once you have a fwd tl.. you will want a AWD..

let me challenge you. go test drive the SH-AWD first, then hop into a FWD..

from there on i believe you will be sold on that car.

gotta make sacrifices for the things you want man!

No offense to you potmilkz, but I have to disagree.

I test drove a 2012 SH-AWD Tech model first and almost didn't bother with the TL. I didn't like how harsh the ride was on it, especially since I test drove a 5 Series the same day. I wanted a some what sporty car, but nothing too harsh, the roads in Oklahoma City aren't that great.

After doing research (mainly this forum), I went back to test drive the FWD model. I liked it a lot. With the way I drive, I can tell you that I do not know the difference between FWD and RWD and how they should feel, it all seemed the same to me. The TL felt like a bargain next to the luxury cars I drove and not as common as the Infiniti G37, I was sold.

Beav, I still think that pound for pound and dollar for dollar, you won't find a better overall car than the TL.

The bells and whistles are excellent.

My impression was completely opposite. I thought the TL SH-AWD's ride was great. The suspension was not soft, but by no means firm. I thought it was a good balance for a car like this. It soaked up big bumps very well. You almost don't feel them. When cornering hard, I definitely appreciated compliant suspension and SH-AWD system. I test drove other cars that were soft and sloppy in the suspension and was turned off by them. Yes, you don't feel the bumps in those cars but feel like you're driving a truck in those cars, especially in left-right transitions.

Thanks guys- This will primarily be my wife's car, But I get to drive it on the trips. I will test drive the SHAWD but I think that would put out of our price on the lease.

If you're going to go FWD, save a few K and buy a V6 TSX.

The TSX would be a fun car for daily commutes but Im afraid it is too small for the road trips we will take.

The Size of the TL is one of the things I like most.

We actually drove the FWD TL before the AWD. It drove really nice, but we were specifically looking for AWD. I would think you would be fine as long as you got a dedicated set of snow tires for the car?
The TSX is actually a nice size car now and with the V6 I bet it's a blast to drive. The TL is a much bigger car than the G and my wife actually wishes it was smaller. So definitely compare the two cars before you decide.

Go for it. You will like it. Specially with the tech package.

I just traded in a '09 TL Tech FWD (17" wheels) for a '12 TL Tech SH-AWD (18" wheels). I agree that it has a bit stiffer ride to it but I have contributed that to the larger wheels which gives lower profile tires. I personally like the difference but noticed that you have 18" wheels on order. You may be making your FWD feel like the AWD that you test drove and didn't like. Just a thought...

OP I have the 2010 Tech having traded from a 2006 Nav. I don't regret getting the FWD and find that it has great handling (not quite up to the 06). The ride is a bit better in the 10 and so is the mileage. Regarding the Nav, the 06 was a touch screen and I thought that the knob would not be as good an interface. Having used it for over a year now I must say that I would much have it over the touch screen. It is very well implemented.

Mine is White on black that same as the 06. When that car was purchased I had a tan interior (01 TL) but the sales manager recommended the black as it was so much easier to keep clean. I went that route and liked it enough to buy the same colors in the 2010.

I test drove a 2012 AWD Tech and a FWD Advance, which I believe have the same wheels (but different tires right?) and I was still able to tell a difference. I was coming off of an Accord that had factory 16's and no aftermarket suspension. I am just picky about ride quality and the AWD had a noticeable discomfort to me. I also remember the psi on the tires of the AWD Tech were at 30 or so and the FWD Advance (and even my Tech) had the pressure really high, around 38 or so. Once I got the dealer to lower the pressure of the FWD models to 32, I knew I was getting the FWD.
Recently a friend of mine test drove a used AWD TL Tech, he loved it and said it rode just fine and my car was too "grandpa" like, lol. I guess we all have our opinions.

Slick -

You are correct that the 2012 AWD Tech and a FWD Advance have the same size wheels. I also agree that we all have opinions and like different things. I test drove a Lexus ES350 before getting the '09 TL Tech FWD. The suspension on the Lexus is very soft. I would never classify the TL FWD as "grandpa like".... but come to think of it... I am a grandpa (mid 50's) who drives a Z4 for fun. Guess even grandpas can still have fun.

Well - I came to terms on the TL today (Its going to be a surprise for the wifey)

2012 TL w/ Tech White with Tan interior....

Sales price was $36,XXX
Lease is $450 mo for 39mo 15k a year
$2800 out of pocket

And they paid off my lease infiniti So I don't have to turn it in and buy new tires and brakes

Now I need to figure out how to get the car to her.

Im Excited to get back into Acura's again but I will miss the G

Good luck with the new ride.

Good luck man!! I recently purchased my TL 2012 advance, and I love it. I previously owned a 2007 TL-s and I loved that car as well. The 4th Gen has a more luxurious feel to it and is much roomier. Hope your wife loves the surprise!

Thanks Everyone- Im looking forward to it... I want to grab it this weekend but the longer I wait the more I can play it as a Valentines gift

Got her. Did the paperwork today and wil pick her u nex week to surprise the wife

Nice choice- congrats!

FYI I drove the awd car which had a noticibile power difference. But couldn't make the payment work out.

I did get a trunk net and window tint thrown in.

Now I need to plan out some new wheels and blackout the rear lights

Congrats!