I initially went into the dealer for a TSX 2.4 6 speed manual that they were getting from another dealership. I was very close to signing the deal but decided to walk around the dealership. I saw a TL 3.5 auto that had a good discount tag on it and walked away with it. The test drive reveled much more useable torque, quieter engine that although doesn't rev as hard as a manual TSX,felt more refined and luxurious, as well as faster.

I also have a s2000 and so an auto TL was acceptable as my main commuter. The s2000 gives me my manual fix and will obviously more fun to drive than a TSX manual would have been. So I'm very happy w/ my 2 Honda Products

 

W/out taxes, title, etc I think 27k might be doable.

 

If I chose by the exterior design, I would have gone with TSX. I like TSX design better than TL. But I chose TL because of two reasons. One TL is more spacious. I am not a big guy by any means, 5.8, 165lbs (yeah below average in most of the states) but I like bigger cars. I drive about 70 miles a day, and prefer to be comfy.

Two, TL is more powerful and drives and handles better and is quicker... enough reason for me to choose TL over TSX..

 

I have both, 2009 tsx that my son drives and a 2010 tl-shawd (as well as a 2007 MDX for my wife). I got the Tl because I wanted the AWD, but I have driven both extensively and here are my thoughts:

The TL is larger and heavier and feels so, with the AWD it is faster and handles better, but most of the real difference is in the additional traction with the AWD. The TSX is quick off the line and has a much lighter feel in general. The interior is nicer in the TL, but not tremendously better. Seats are more comfortable in the TL, but not by much. TSX gets MUCH better gas mileage and is happy with 87 octane (25/35 vs 16/23 in real life driving). Might not be so big a difference with the FWD TL. TSX has fold down rear seats, Tl does not. Trunk bike racks are hard to fit to the TL, easy on TSX. I really like the backup camera in the TL tech and would buy it for that even if I did not need the navigation system. Stereo is better in the TL tech than the TSX base. TL has more back seat room for passengers. TL cost me 38k new, TSX 27k new. Both have a low front bumper/ under spoiler, but the TSX is lower and easier to damage and is the one going in for repair next week. Hope this helps.

 

Why does your son have a doper car that you? One question that I have?

 

I have a tsx and I wish I got a tl. I want a 2012 with sh-awd, bella with black interior...too bad it only comes in auto though. The problem for me is that the tl only becomes desirable when I get the higher optioned models. Base tl, imo isn't that great versus a base tsx, especially considering the price premium...and the tl v6 isn't that fast -- a 6spd tsx is almost as fast.

 

its a luxury touring vehicle, not for you to race in it with.

so your saying that even when both v6 tech tsx and a Tech Tl is the same price, you still opted to get a tsx? that makes no sense.

 

We all have our reasons for picking a TL or TSX.

The reasons for a 19 year old will differ from someone 25 or older. The leg room in the TSX is not much less than my 3G and I have no problems having adults in my back seat- sometimes 3. I really doubt that will be a huge issue.

The TSX is not a bad car- especially in 4CYL-6speed configuration like the SE. The TSX is less money, gets better mileage (in the city), has a back seat that folds down, and is shorter in length. I have to say the TSX also looks better- especially from the side and rear angles. These traits may all appeal to a 19 year old that needs a car to hall stuff to college or where ever and park in tight spaces.

So a more reasonable comparison is:

TSX-SE @ 31.1k .vs. Base TL @ 35.7K MSRP

If the SE is not desired, the OP can save another 1k getting the base at 30.1K MSRP.

How many 19 year olds really need the additional features a TL offers? Why pay for features you may not use or even need.

My daughter is 15 and is already thinking about cars- and there is no way I would get her a TL, but a used TSX would be a maybe. Slower is better when you're a less experienced driver. I believe the TSX also has a higher crash rating (now) than the TL which might also be a deciding point for some people.

 

Its a matter of taste and budget. If you like a tsx buy it. I think the tl is a bigger more refined vehicle, but once again buy the one you prefer.

 

I have the TL-SHAWD tech, he has the base TSX.

 

I went with the TL due to the size of the interior. I also got a great price.

 

i had 09 tl and loved it so decided to keep it in the family

 

if you dont care bout the ride, then tsx is the way to go. cheaper, & sportier looking. but once you drive the tl spawd, then theres no turning back. felt like driving a toy the tsx. hope that helps

 

To answer your question: AWD. And the spacious interior. It'd be pointless for me to replace the Spec.B with a TSX.

 

But I live in Arizona, I dont think ill need the shawd, thats the thing.

 

I chose the TL due to its more sizeable back seat and ventilated seat option.

 

The SHAWD isn't just for snow, it handles completely differently in good weather conditions and the suspension is tuned tighter. Drive one and see.

 

I went with the TL over the TSX because the SH AWD as well as a more refined interior. But one of the big things was the 09 plus TSX has one of the most uncomfortable drivers seats I have ever sat in. I am in very good shape and I get lower back aches whenever I get one as a loner car and am in it longer than 30 minutes. It seems the drivers side lumbar is really pronounced even in the lowest setting and hits me in the wrong spot. Driver seat comfort is very important to me as I am on the road allot with my work and lifestyle.

 

+1, it has bigger motor too

 

My reasons:

• 4 cylinder TSX is a bit underpowered by today's standard
• TSX V6 has power but it is not available with a manual transmission, which is a must for me
• TL back seat is a bit bigger
• TSX rear door openings are very small
• Wife wanted a car with AWD
• A friend just bought a TSX
• Incentives on the TL is better than the TSX, which brought their prices closer together

 

TSX is the little sister in all regards. If you're okay with that, it's a fine car.

They're close enough in price that if the difference puts it out of your budget, you probably should be buying an Accord anyway.

 

at the end v6 vs v6, tl just offers much better options over the tsx for what your paying.. its the god damn same price.

 

Same here, I have two youngsters and the backseat in the TSX just got too cramped with their car seats

 

Yeah TL is the way to go, hands down..... What's the step down from the TSX?

 

^ now it's the ILX

 

TSX is more of a chicks car... IN MY OPINION

 

I've had the following cars (I know, it's embarrassing):

2009 TSX 4cyl w/ Tech
2010 TSX V6 w/ Tech
2012 TL FWD Advance
2012 TL SH-AWD Tech

I owned each one for almost a year. I am now on the last one on the list and love it the most. Anyway, the TSX is simply not as nice of a car in every category. The TL breaks harder, corners better, is more balanced, has more even power delivery (6-speed), is quieter, bigger inside, better tech (proximity key, push start, cooled seats, bls, etc), and in my opinion, carries more prestige. The TL represents what Honda/Acura have always been about, value and being at least good at everything. The TL is a more balanced vehicle and I should have got it the first time I shopped Acura!

 

And for V6 vs. V6, there is no comparison. The TSX is very fast, but fails at everything else compared to the TL. After owning both I was much happier with the performance of the TL because of everything else that surrounds the same V6 engine (chassis, suspension, sound isolation, etc). I actually liked the 4 cyl TSX over the V6 TSX. Read every review out there on the internet and you will see a pattern of the same things that I noted. The TSX is much better as a 4 cyl vehicle. Leave the V6 to its bigger brother.

 

I was eyeballing the TSX, then turned my eye to the TL when I saw the negligible price difference. You get more with the TL for just a tad more if not the same price. Go TL.

 

I had a 2009 TSX (white...surprise surprise) and it was a great car BUT, this TL is superior in so many ways! I love the the SH-AWD beyond words will ever express, the interior of the TL is sexier (in my opinion) and the exterior is just as good. Now I did find my TSX a bit tighter as far as rattle than my TL but overall, I will take my TL any day of the week over the TSX. The 2013 RDX is a different story....I love riding that thing just as much as my TL but for different reasons.

Mr_raja...Believe it or not, I am taller and weigh less than you

 

heres one. you're gonna be in debt 40 plus thousand. Why not enjoy, & get the tl? i almost bought the tsx, but once you have "push button" thats it!!! spoiled!!!

 

I actually never even considered the TSX...I was choosing between 535i / G37S / TL. Fortunately I chose the TL and haven't regretted it one bit. I'd definitely do it again if I had the chance.

 

i dont know anyone in their right minds that would pay the same price for both v6tsxtech and and TL tech..

its just a no brainer..

why get a civic when an accord is same price???

 

Im about to purchase a 2012 TL and i own a 2010 TSX 4 cylinder..but some of the bias comments here are absolutely ridiculous...

First off the TSX is not the same quality of a civic...The TSX is a very beautiful looking car and has plenty of room in the backseat. Maybe some of you neeed to sit in both cars before you can speak on that issue. Obviously the TL has more room, its a bigger car

Second, if someone is comparing the base of each car you dont put the v6 package on the tsx...Thats foolish...base is base. now if one is a v6 base that doesnt matter...base the TSX is about 5k-6k less...thats a big price difference...now im not saying its not worth paying it but it is a significant price difference none the less....if you are willing to spend the 36k then yes i would get the TL but the TSX is a great car for a significant amount less standard.

 

you have to compare pound for pound. obvisouly a i4 is cheaper than a v6. there is no doubt about that.. but for the the people that purchased a v6 tsx tech or even base, if it was the same price as a tl? why not go with a tl? you get soo much more features out of it.

 

I agree with that. If you get the tech v6 tsx you may as well get the FWD tech TL....but some people prefer not too...I like the bold style of the TL but some people really dont...The TSX is a much more simpler yet classy style while the TL's is a very aggresive/bold style.. I personally love both. But I love the feathers the TL has

 

Don't make the mistake I made in 07 and pick the TSX over the TL . The TL worth the extra 6Gs any day

 

TL and TSX are sisters. The TL is the older, more mature one and the TSX is the younger, funner but less refined one.

I went with the TL because it's marriage material, ready for kids, and has bigger (.)(.)! Haha