Best years for 4G TLs
 

I've currently got an 07 RDX and a 08 MDX, but I really miss my 3G 06TL-6MT. Thinking I would like to have a nice sedan again.
The 3Gs are just too old now, but I have finally sort of made peace with the looks of the 4G.

If one was interested in a 4G TL,(SH-AWD) what would be the best or safest years to get, if there is such a thing?
I know some years the 3.7 has oil burning issues, generally what are those years? (our 08 MDX 3.7 has no oil burning issues)

I'd love a 6MT, but know I'd never find one, so I guess I might be able to settle for an auto as long as it is SH-AWD

All years with the 3.7 have the potential to be big oil burners.

2012-14 because thats when they did the MMC.

Biggest changes for the MMC were the looks and better transmission (6 speed auto instead of 5 speed auto).

I'd say hold out for a cherry 2007-2008 TL Type-S 6MT, they're still out there; it may take you several months to find one, but several have popped up here over the last year, all in great shape, most with under 100,000 miles on them, and all in all, for a fairly reasonable price.

The MY 20100-2011 are the best in my book look wise..sharper than the MMC years.
If you cannot stomach the beak it's an easy fix, the RonJon grille..

Still badass looking after all these years....

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b2b516da93.jpg

Well hell, I thought all 4Gs had the 6 speed auto. Not gonna buy another 5 speed vehicle.
Back in late 2016 when my 06 TL got totaled, I looked all around for 07-08 TL Type S 6MT, but the prices were so high for a vehicle that old that it soured me on the idea

Look for a 3G Type-S 6 speed now, it's been 3 years, the pricing may have softened a bit! :)

Yes, unfortunately the 2009-2011 4G TL automatic use a rather slow 5 speed transmission...if you take the auto route I would go for the MMC with the new 6 speed.

And still fugly too.

From my research the 3.7 doesn't have any more propensity to burn oil than other Acura/Honda V6s. The problem is caused by the low tension rings being compacted with carbon buildup and the low weight oil. This has nothing to do with the aluminum cylinder liners in the 3.7. This can and DOES happen on quite a number of Acura/Honda, 4 & 6 cylinders, and there have been TSBs published to to address the problems with the various models. Mine did start to burn oil a few years ago and I stopped it with various cleaning products; as I'm mentioned in several threads in the forum.

In your opinion.....:thumbsup:

Maybe Horsechoez OP should go team TLX...

I had a TLX as a loaner for 2 days while they did the Takata airbag recall in my 4G. Too vanilla IMO. It was the SH-AWD V6 version. I haven't test driven the A-spec. If I get another Acura after this one, it will be the RLX Sport-Hybrid. Or possibly whatever the next iteration of the TLX is if it's impressive. But currently, the TLX is a cruiser, not a true "drivers" car like the 4G is. .

The 4G 6AT is a good car. I have the FWD and love it. I still like the looks of the 3G more - I had a 6MT for about 3 years and definitely miss the manual. But the 4G does have a lot of technological advances over the 3G. Admittedly, if I had to choose between a 6MT Type-S 3G vs a 4G AT6, I'd probably go for the Type-S :tongue:. But then I'd want to upgrade the stereo and upgrade the nav (if possible). Also upgrade the suspension. The base FWD 4G has a better suspension than any 3G IMO. I had to upgrade to aftermarket coilovers to get to the point that the 4G is stock. I haven't had to touch the 4G. It's great as-is. Except if you want to lower it. In that case, you'll need coils. The leather also holds up better in the 4G and there's no dash-cracking. Still can't beat a 3G Type-S 6MT though. On that note, I haven't test driven a 4G SH-AWD 6MT. I'd imagine that's a peppy car. And AWD sure is nice. It's worth looking around for one but I swear they're more rare than even a Type-S 6MT.

Have you driven a 3G Type-S?

Me? Yes.

Hmmm, I'm surprised you found the suspension not up to snuff.

I would go for the 12-14 4G just cause of the MMC. I can't stand the beak on the 09-11. And that RonJon grille is hideous. Don't give up on the hunt for the 4G 6MT though, it's well worth it! Took me about 6 months to find mine and a 2.5 hour drive to get it.

Night and day better than any 3G.....

It may not be apples to apples. The Type-S I test drove had 100K+ miles on it while the 4G had 50K. So the suspension may have been a bit "lazier" on the Type-S, especially if it had the crap kicked out of it. Also, I lightened up the front end of my 4G by around 50lbs or so which I'm sure helped.

Having said that, I upgraded my 3G with Type-S shock absorbers back in the day and still wasn't happy with it. It wasn't until I put BC coils on it that I was satisfied.

The Type-S shocks in and of themselves will help a little, however, the full package with the new ps pump, ps rack, stabilizer bars, and springs makes a huge difference.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b64e4ad415.jpg
I like the RonJon grill on the 4G, makes it look similar to a 3G with the foglight mod

I used the OEM strut assembly - so springs and shocks. No upgrade to the stabilizer bar but my understanding was that it's the same for the 04-06MT's and Type - S. Not sure how power steering components affect body roll.

The 3G is a great car but the 4G is objectively a superior vehicle in nearly every mechanical way possible. Subjectivity regarding looks is one thing but you can't argue with facts and the fact is, the 4G is simply technologically superior.

That's not always the determining factor of course. Some guys would rather drive a '69 Camaro than a new BMW. But if the OP is considering tech, performance, handling, power or FUN!, he'd be better off with a 4G SH-AWD.

Only one of the stabilizer bars on a 2004-2006 6MT is the same as on the Type-S models (been a while since I looked it up, but it is the rear bar which is shared, errr, if I remember correctly).

As for the power steering components, they don't impact body roll (that's the job of the stabilizer bar), they do however dramatically impact steering feel. After having driven a couple of Type-S models over the last year, I'm seriously considering a Type-S pump and rack upgrade for my 2006.

I just looked it up, it is the front stabilizer bar which is different between the 2004-2006 6MT models (a hollow bar) and the 2007-2008 Type-S models (a solid bar).