what sold you on the 4th gen TL
01-17-2010, 01:34 PM
#2
I have to tell the truth. Our 2007 lease was at its end, dumb move to lease this car but that is another story. We looked at all the competition and this was still the best choice for the money and yes this time we purchased the car. I have to admit the car drives great but is a little more luxury than the 07 which felt much more of a sports car.
01-17-2010, 02:30 PM
#4
I'd have to say since I enjoyed my '06 6MT so much, that when Acura offered a more powerful engine & AWD coupled with the 6MT, I was sold. 
I wasn't even really looking, but after driving it, I thought it was a great upgrade to the '06. I have also really grown to like the unique styling. I hardly see any other 4G SH-AWD around my neck of the woods.
I wasn't even really looking, but after driving it, I thought it was a great upgrade to the '06. I have also really grown to like the unique styling. I hardly see any other 4G SH-AWD around my neck of the woods.
01-17-2010, 02:45 PM
#5
AWD + 6MT combo and performance, unique styling, Honda/Acura resale, reliability, safety, value, ease and low cost of maintenance. Mid level luxury sedan size, space and comfort for less than some equally equipped entry costs.
01-17-2010, 02:49 PM
#6
Grandpa
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Virginia, Besieged
Age: 68
Posts: 7,596
Received 2,609 Likes
on
1,475 Posts
I didn't care too much about what the car looked like.
I have believed in the idea behind SH-AWD ever since it was introduced, and I have always believed in Honda reliability since my first experience with Honda in 1989.
I waited for SH-AWD to become available in a reasonably priced regular car, and I waited an extra year to get the six speed manual.
The 2010 TL SH-AWD Tech 6-6 is simply a very reasonable thing to buy for an automotive enthusiast who must do a lot of driving, and sometimes carry passengers.
I have believed in the idea behind SH-AWD ever since it was introduced, and I have always believed in Honda reliability since my first experience with Honda in 1989.
I waited for SH-AWD to become available in a reasonably priced regular car, and I waited an extra year to get the six speed manual.
The 2010 TL SH-AWD Tech 6-6 is simply a very reasonable thing to buy for an automotive enthusiast who must do a lot of driving, and sometimes carry passengers.
Trending Topics
01-17-2010, 07:47 PM
#9
handling
01-17-2010, 08:02 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Coming out of the TSX it was the ride, smoothness and the tech package stereo. I have to admit, the TL does not change lanes like my TSX did, but that is what I have my Miata for.
01-17-2010, 08:20 PM
#11
SH-AWD & Interior
I had an 06 TL, then an 08 TL-S.... i went to Acura to look at the SH-AWD and take it for a spin.... I was almost ready to sign, when i saw the interior with the Tech Package... then i took it for a ride and was convinced. plus the styling (despite popular opinion last year) is out of control... sexiest car in its class, no question.
Like i said over, and over, and over again.... people will LOVE the 4G... Acura (& honda) is always ahead of its time.... in about another 6-12 months, The sales on 4G are going to sky rocket, and it will assume the same place in the Luxury car line up, like the 3G did.... everybody is going to buy this car
I had an 06 TL, then an 08 TL-S.... i went to Acura to look at the SH-AWD and take it for a spin.... I was almost ready to sign, when i saw the interior with the Tech Package... then i took it for a ride and was convinced. plus the styling (despite popular opinion last year) is out of control... sexiest car in its class, no question.
Like i said over, and over, and over again.... people will LOVE the 4G... Acura (& honda) is always ahead of its time.... in about another 6-12 months, The sales on 4G are going to sky rocket, and it will assume the same place in the Luxury car line up, like the 3G did.... everybody is going to buy this car
01-17-2010, 08:37 PM
#12
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
SH-AWD, Interior comfort for driver and passenger (front and rear), slick 6 speed manual transmission, overall high reliability
305 hp V6 engine doesn't hurt
I shopped (and had to reshop twice to my dismay) numerous AWD sedans (328/335/528/535xi, G37x, IS, A4, A6, WRX, Legacy, C class, etc.). The 4G TL combined all aforementioned qualities into one package.
305 hp V6 engine doesn't hurt
I shopped (and had to reshop twice to my dismay) numerous AWD sedans (328/335/528/535xi, G37x, IS, A4, A6, WRX, Legacy, C class, etc.). The 4G TL combined all aforementioned qualities into one package.
01-17-2010, 09:50 PM
#14
My 2006 got stolen and totalled, so I wanted to buy a used BMW 535i, but all the low mile 2008's with a decent warranty were around 37-40k with nice options. The 535i though is easily modded to around 380hp and torque, but I hate all the packages on the BMW's and if you like the gadgets, the options can add 8-10k. Also, the 535 is slightly smaller than the TL and doesn't have as much rear seat room.
I also looked at the new Taurus SHO, since I have owned five of the 1989-1995 models and still have my 1995, but even though it has a twin turbo 365 hp motor, I just didn't like it overall. It does have all wheel drive and is about the same price as a SH-AWD, but I doubt it will hold it's value in the long run. Another thing I hate, is the base version looks virtually the same.
I wasn't even considering a new TL, because I was completely turned off by it's styling and I still don't really like it completely, but I do agree that it is unique and probably ahead of it's time. The interior is, to me, the best interior in the business. I love all the buttons and that everything is lit. The ELS stereo sounds a little better to me than in the 06 TL. The car is so smooth and the engine and transmission are flawless. So when you consider all the features and refinement, its a great package.
I opted not to get the SH-AWD for several reasons, although I probably would have like it, but just didn't feel that it was necessary. I also did not get the 18" wheel upgrade, because although I love the upgraded wheels over the base wheels, which are horrible looking, I didn't feel it was worth $1000 for different wheels. So I will put the $1000 towards aftermarket wheels and tires and still have the 17" ones for winter wheels.
I also looked at the new Taurus SHO, since I have owned five of the 1989-1995 models and still have my 1995, but even though it has a twin turbo 365 hp motor, I just didn't like it overall. It does have all wheel drive and is about the same price as a SH-AWD, but I doubt it will hold it's value in the long run. Another thing I hate, is the base version looks virtually the same.
I wasn't even considering a new TL, because I was completely turned off by it's styling and I still don't really like it completely, but I do agree that it is unique and probably ahead of it's time. The interior is, to me, the best interior in the business. I love all the buttons and that everything is lit. The ELS stereo sounds a little better to me than in the 06 TL. The car is so smooth and the engine and transmission are flawless. So when you consider all the features and refinement, its a great package.
I opted not to get the SH-AWD for several reasons, although I probably would have like it, but just didn't feel that it was necessary. I also did not get the 18" wheel upgrade, because although I love the upgraded wheels over the base wheels, which are horrible looking, I didn't feel it was worth $1000 for different wheels. So I will put the $1000 towards aftermarket wheels and tires and still have the 17" ones for winter wheels.
01-17-2010, 10:22 PM
#15
check out this article
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/aud...8/article.html
apparently the 4G has the best OEM car stereo. ever. i agree.
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/aud...8/article.html
apparently the 4G has the best OEM car stereo. ever. i agree.
01-18-2010, 04:01 AM
#16
Racer
I was sold on the new features like keyless access, push button start, the great sound system, the beautiful interior, upgraded nav screen, and the SH-AWD feature. The styling played a factor also, but wasn't a big issue. I liked the exterior from the get go, but admitted that Acura could've come up with a better design. I never really had an issue with the grill, so I guess I am one of the few who wasn't bothered by it, and I didn't need the styling to grow on me.
01-18-2010, 06:43 AM
#17
Instructor
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Louisiana
Age: 59
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was sold on the new features like keyless access, push button start, the great sound system, the beautiful interior, upgraded nav screen, and the SH-AWD feature. The styling played a factor also, but wasn't a big issue. I liked the exterior from the get go, but admitted that Acura could've come up with a better design. I never really had an issue with the grill, so I guess I am one of the few who wasn't bothered by it, and I didn't need the styling to grow on me.
Ditto! For the first time in my lifeI can easilly afford any car in this class or the next level up. I do however like what I like. I LOVE all of the tech goodies and the handling. I honestly believe that if my salary went up 250K I would still stay with this Acura.
01-18-2010, 09:17 AM
#18
Drifting
I loved all the awesome tech stuff. The push button start, keyless access, and upgraded Nav. The handling was amazing when I took it for a test drive (SHAWD), and the addition of 6MT sealed the deal.
^^I agree if my salary jumped to $250k, or I won the lottery, I would stay with this car for my daily driver. I would probably get something for a weekend ride.
^^I agree if my salary jumped to $250k, or I won the lottery, I would stay with this car for my daily driver. I would probably get something for a weekend ride.
01-18-2010, 09:26 AM
#19
Grandpa
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Virginia, Besieged
Age: 68
Posts: 7,596
Received 2,609 Likes
on
1,475 Posts
I have to confess that although I was aware of the relationship with ELS, I didn't even turn the stereo on when I was on my test drives.
Salesmen kept turning it on and talking about it, and I'd turn it off and ask other questions.
I had no idea how great the ELS audio was until weeks after buying the car. ELS had nothing to do with why I bought the car, but now that I own it I feel silly for not knowing about it ahead of time.
Salesmen kept turning it on and talking about it, and I'd turn it off and ask other questions.
I had no idea how great the ELS audio was until weeks after buying the car. ELS had nothing to do with why I bought the car, but now that I own it I feel silly for not knowing about it ahead of time.
01-18-2010, 12:36 PM
#20
Pro
Gorgeous interior, SH-AWD, top notch stereo, tech goodies to fulfill all my dreams, good refined engine and ride, the unique exterior looks and Acura/ Honda reliability.
I also had a great business relationship with the Honda dealer in my city and Honda & Acura are owned by the same businessman. So far, the great customer service has done a good share of keeping me satisfied with my product.
I also had a great business relationship with the Honda dealer in my city and Honda & Acura are owned by the same businessman. So far, the great customer service has done a good share of keeping me satisfied with my product.
01-18-2010, 04:46 PM
#21
Racer
I came from an 2006 Accord (I4) , and I just really wanted something with a nicer interior and a V6. On my testdrive I noted that 1. The ride is firmer than the Accord. 2. There is less body roll.
My favorite things are the quiet ride, the powerful engine, and the "S" mode in the transmission. All the great technology features too.
My favorite things are the quiet ride, the powerful engine, and the "S" mode in the transmission. All the great technology features too.
01-18-2010, 08:38 PM
#23
Intermediate
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The way it drove! There were things I liked about other cars, but no one car integrated them all like the SH-AWD. It was fast, but quiet. It was large, but didn't handle like a car of its size. The suspension was taut, but not too much so. It could be a comfy cruiser or a boy-racer at the flick of a switch.
I'm a long-term Honda buyer, so all the controls were familiar to me. I liked the display color scheme--very straightforward--blue/white. I do a LOT of music listening in the car, so a competent OEM stereo was very important to me. The ELS does not disappoint.
One small thing that really made a difference to me personally was the fact that Acura offered a rear seat cover. I have two children in car seats and was agonizing over how to deal with that issue. Nobody else offered such an accessory. I bought it with the car and don't fret so much about the seats. Plus it's black and so is the interior, so you don't really notice it.
Are their cars which do individual things better than the SH-AWD? Sure. But I challenge you to find any that does as much as well and at that price point. I spent six months researching and driving cars, so I turned over most of the rocks, the Acura was the second car I drove, and I just kept coming back to it.
The styling has grown on me. The previous generation TLs were so bland, I never gave them a second look. The 4G is not bland, that's for sure. It isn't beautiful like a BMW, or curvy like the Infiniti, but screams aggression and "I don't give a shit if you think I'm pretty or not."
I'm a long-term Honda buyer, so all the controls were familiar to me. I liked the display color scheme--very straightforward--blue/white. I do a LOT of music listening in the car, so a competent OEM stereo was very important to me. The ELS does not disappoint.
One small thing that really made a difference to me personally was the fact that Acura offered a rear seat cover. I have two children in car seats and was agonizing over how to deal with that issue. Nobody else offered such an accessory. I bought it with the car and don't fret so much about the seats. Plus it's black and so is the interior, so you don't really notice it.
Are their cars which do individual things better than the SH-AWD? Sure. But I challenge you to find any that does as much as well and at that price point. I spent six months researching and driving cars, so I turned over most of the rocks, the Acura was the second car I drove, and I just kept coming back to it.
The styling has grown on me. The previous generation TLs were so bland, I never gave them a second look. The 4G is not bland, that's for sure. It isn't beautiful like a BMW, or curvy like the Infiniti, but screams aggression and "I don't give a shit if you think I'm pretty or not."
01-18-2010, 10:16 PM
#24
Drifting
01-19-2010, 04:18 AM
#25
I chose the TL because after my first deployment, a SSG showed me his new 2007 TL type S (it was the red color) and all of the features it had. It completely won me over. I decided that if I was going to stick with Honda later on when I was in the market for a new car, I would get something exactly like that. Then fast forward to before my first deployment started and after I helped my wife buy our first new car (the Honda Accord) I decided that I liked the Accord Coupe as a sporty car, but didn't want to have two Accords.
I also liked to be able to do up a JDM-themed Honda/Acura in the future and was initially checking out the TSX or RL and then I stumbled upon the TL. The looks didn't turn me off of it, instead they drew me in and one night in early spring of 2009, I saw a borealius blue pearl TL driving in front of me and was captivated by that color and the car itself. We went to the lot days later to look at them and I was sold. Then I deployed and had to sit here looking through Acurazine every day looking at people's cars and deciding I wanted this car no matter what.
It also helps that the TL had AWD and a 6spd, and I was sold!
I also liked to be able to do up a JDM-themed Honda/Acura in the future and was initially checking out the TSX or RL and then I stumbled upon the TL. The looks didn't turn me off of it, instead they drew me in and one night in early spring of 2009, I saw a borealius blue pearl TL driving in front of me and was captivated by that color and the car itself. We went to the lot days later to look at them and I was sold. Then I deployed and had to sit here looking through Acurazine every day looking at people's cars and deciding I wanted this car no matter what.
It also helps that the TL had AWD and a 6spd, and I was sold!
01-19-2010, 10:00 AM
#27
Instructor
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Staten Island
Age: 39
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a two timed former Accord owner I aways envied the TL. It had everything my Accord didn't and that always ate at me. I'm sure the 3G's rep played a huge role in my immediate test drive of the 4G as soon as my Accord lease was up. No other car in the class combines everything as well as the 4G does. The looks combined with the price I was able to work out sealed the deal for me. 
01-19-2010, 05:40 PM
#29
AWD
Technology Package
Sound System
Umber Interior
Engine
Balance of Sport and Luxury
BTW, I am new and a proud owner of a 2009 Acura TL Mayan Bronze with Umber Interior Technology Package and All Wheel Drive. Slightly used(2500 miles) and got a great price from Inskip Acura in Rhode Island
Technology Package
Sound System
Umber Interior
Engine
Balance of Sport and Luxury
BTW, I am new and a proud owner of a 2009 Acura TL Mayan Bronze with Umber Interior Technology Package and All Wheel Drive. Slightly used(2500 miles) and got a great price from Inskip Acura in Rhode Island
01-19-2010, 09:05 PM
#30
Suzuka Master
My Top 5 things as to why I got 4G AWD
1. RIDE
2. RIDE
3. RIDE
4. Cabin comfort (seats in particular)
5. ELS
and a clsoe 6th - 10th RIDE... RIDE... RIDE.... etc
After 12 months I still am not excited about the look especially the nose, but damn this baby drives so good!
1. RIDE
2. RIDE
3. RIDE
4. Cabin comfort (seats in particular)
5. ELS
and a clsoe 6th - 10th RIDE... RIDE... RIDE.... etc
After 12 months I still am not excited about the look especially the nose, but damn this baby drives so good!
01-19-2010, 09:25 PM
#31
HA!
Stick around for a while.... your pockets will be getting lighter....
So far, there is
Takeda Intake
RonJon Grille
OEM Underbody kit
H&R Springs (AWD)
Eibach Springs & Tein Coilovers (FWD)
Progress RSB (FWD)
UR Pulley
P2R TB Spacer
P2R IM Gaskets
Soon (2010)
XLR8 Exhaust
XLR8 J-Pipe
XLR8 Hi Flow Cat
CT-E Exhaust
CT-E Supercharger
CT-E Intake w/ Carbon Fiber Lid
ATLP Exhaust
RonJon Lip Kit
RonJon Wheel Assortment for 4G
AEM Cold Air Intake
01-22-2010, 10:10 AM
#32
Instructor
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As I posted earlier in got in it for the SH-AWD.
But nearly a year later, let me tell you what rocks about this car...
-smooth as silk ride
-love the thicker steering wheel
-comfortable seats
-nice interior design
-stereo system that is amazing. I prefer to be alone in the car so I can crank it up!
-love the bluetooth audio. No more cables to fumble with on the iPhone.
-my music on the HDD
-keyless entry, trunk, and start
-luxurious thud when I shut the doors
-agressive, futuristic exterior design. There's been a lot of talk about the exterior design, maybe too much talk, but I love it. I've gotten several compliments on it (by the way I never got a single comment on our old 99 Audi A4)
But nearly a year later, let me tell you what rocks about this car...
-smooth as silk ride
-love the thicker steering wheel
-comfortable seats
-nice interior design
-stereo system that is amazing. I prefer to be alone in the car so I can crank it up!
-love the bluetooth audio. No more cables to fumble with on the iPhone.
-my music on the HDD
-keyless entry, trunk, and start
-luxurious thud when I shut the doors
-agressive, futuristic exterior design. There's been a lot of talk about the exterior design, maybe too much talk, but I love it. I've gotten several compliments on it (by the way I never got a single comment on our old 99 Audi A4)
01-22-2010, 10:22 AM
#33
I can not believe anyone would by a car that they didn't like the look of regardless of what else it offered. There is not way I would buy an Ugly car!!!!
01-22-2010, 04:10 PM
#34
Instructor
I get a lot more thumbs up in my 4G then I ever did in my 3G. I never thought it would be that way because of all the online hatred but I guess when people actually see it in the wild they love it a lot more then hate it.
01-22-2010, 05:01 PM
#35
Racer
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
Age: 47
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Two weeks later I brought my 3G in to the dealer for new brakes. When I came back to pick up the 3G, the sales guy had a 4G SH-AWD parked next to mine, threw me the keys and said "Let's go for a test drive."
The difference between the 3.5 and SH-AWD was REMARKABLE to say the least.
Even though I had just dumped a fortune into new brakes and tires on the 3G, I came back a week later to buy the 4G SH-AWD.
What sold me was the absolutely fantastic handling and the advanced technology, all of which were an unbelievable value even at the $43K MSRP. I don't recall exactly, but I think they dropped the price about $5K or more before we were all done.
It was a no brainer.
01-22-2010, 10:59 PM
#37
Suzuka Master
Never said it was ugly, just does not wow me. What I came to realize is I buy a car to DRIVE and while I am not in love with the 4G look of all the cars I drove it blew them all away. I truly LOVE drivng the 4G AWD, it is an amazing drive. The only car I felt drove better was the BMW3, but it was smaller less equipped and more expensive. I looked at G37, A4, IS, looked at CTS (but did not drive it), Genesis. The G was close, almost got it, but it was too snug inside and their tech is not as good as Acura, also road noise was more noticiable.
