mobfunk

I am definitely getting a 4G in the next month. I am having trouble deciding between a new 2012 Tech and 2010 AWD Tech. Cost difference is approx $4500 and I have a tight budget. I am also having trouble finding a 2010 AWD Tech in Philly area.

Can you guys give me some pros and cons of the 2010 vs 2012.
Is the AWD worth it?
Is the torque and horsepower difference worth it?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks

potmilkz

if you got the dough.. go with the awd tech 2012..

for 2 year difference and awd system.. i think 4500 is well worth the price..

have you test driven both yet?

DopeAcura

Dude I live Cali so I saved the money and got the FWD tech. You on the other hand live in Philly and most of the year the weather is shitty. Rain sleet snow etc. Do what you need to do to get an AWD. You will actually need it where you live.

I cant remember the last time it rained here and besides I just cruze around, commute to work, sometimes show someone whats up in a straight line, whatever. I'm not going around curves hard enough to need power shifted to my rear wheel. And the times I have pushed it in a corner, my FWD did just fine. Just my 2 cents.

AcuraTL

SH-AWD is awesome. I love taking turns at high speed, especially freeway on ramps. It makes driving the car that much better.

aspecallday

I've driven both and i would suggest '12 awd. The awd feels like a different animal

Edward'TLS

It's a tough call.

The SH-AWD is awesome, but the 6-speed auto tranny is equally desirable.

Could you save up more money to buy the 2012 SH-AWD ?

Pseudomaniac

iTrader: (1)

The 6 speed and the AWD on a 2 year newer car for 4500 sounds like a no brainer to me. I'd pay 3-4k to trade my 09 AWD up for a 12 or 13 in a heartbeat just for the trans.

My suggestion: Get them to meet you in the middle on that 4500. Financing 2250 over 3 years ain't gonna break the bank.

ferrcad

If your interested I have this available just a short drive away....

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/3306834120.html

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

It seems like most have misread your post. The 2012 you mention is not AWD but the 2010 is and is $4,500 less. I strongly suggest you go with the latter. IMO the 2010 looks better with just some minor mods and the AWD is an absolute blast to drive. The exhaust tone alone on the 3.7 is night and day better than the 3.5.

As dopeacura mentioned, the fact you could really use AWD with the winters you deal with should make the decision that much easier.

HeartTLs

iTrader: (5)

Price difference between the too sounds too small, how much are they asking ?

012TL-GLM

Absofrickin'lutely - honestly they shouldn't share the TL badge - the SH-AWD completely changes the game. Given your choices, go with the '10

Oswald Vater

If I lived back in Philly (I'm a native) I would go with the AWD. However, I would try my hardest to get into a 2012. I think the extra paid out is worth it for the extra warranty and resale value you gain. As oon as the 13's come out you should be able to negotiate a better deal on a leftover 12.

PaulAWD

Ditto!

greatfolded

Well, whether or not OP can save the money, it doesn't really change the question. To OP, I think that you are the only one who can say whether it's worth it. I was in a similar boat to you ('09 AWD vs '12 FWD both Tech), and for about the same difference in price, I went with the '09 AWD. It was a CPO, so clean and some warranty. I'm happy with that decision, even though I don't really "need" the AWD. You might not care as much about it, which could swing the decision the other way. There shouldn't be *that* many days in Philly you absolutely need the AWD -- tires will be more important anyway.

The fact that you can't find a used AWD/Tech might make the decision for you! If I would have been "forced" to take a new FWD/Tech instead of finding mine, I could have lived with that . What I'm saying, is either way, you should enjoy it. Good luck.

saturno_v

Complicated answer.....the AWD really put the TL in another class, it is not only a bad weather setup but a handling setup, and the best in the market at that.....

Personally I like more the original styling of the 4G (meaning before the 2012 MY restyle) but if you are dead set on an automatic I recognize that the pre-restyling old 5 speed setup (1 less gear and slower in shifting) is a drawback compared to the new 6 speed auto tranny.

Personally I would either go with a 6 speed manual 2010 or 2011 (it may involve a bit of searching but they are out there), and that would be my preferred choice, no trade-off for the transmission and you get the original "in your face" look with the quad exhaust and the best manual shifter int he industry or if you are really on a tight budget, wait a little bit so you can scrape enough coin to get yourself a new TL SH-AWD or wait for a 2012 SH-AWD to come off lease.....either way do not deny to yourself the incredible driving pleasure of the SH-AWD.....especially living where you are (weather wise)

Limelight

As a new TL SH-AWD owner myself, my advice is to get into one vs. a FWD model. It really is a fun driving experience.

I came from a FWD Camry SE-V6 (268hp) so it was reasonably quick - but the handling is night and day to the SH-AWD. My family literally screams (thinking we are about to roll) when I go into a turn - when in fact the turn was almost uneventful.

The exhaust note of the 3.7 is also quite nice. The FWD is still a lot of money, so it would be unfortunate to regret it later. Spend the extra now and do it right the first time.

Ant$

PHILLY!!

we need AWD up here...

NorCalJay

Rain/snow: AWD > FWD...no-brainer

IMHO: TL SH-AWD (any year) > TL FWD (any year)

parasitius

Does AWD help in a straight line on the highway when it is raining? Like what speed is totally safe in the rain for example

I had a scary incident on the turnpike 2 months back. Due to construction there was a standing puddle.. normal limit is 70, but there it was 50 and I was doing 40... probably would have slide off and smashed into something if I had been doing just ~45 or so... totally no control for so many hundred milliseconds, like I was floating

23109VC

if you like to drive, buy the AWD. I don't care if you get a used one or a new one.. figure out how to afford it and make it work with your budget... but get the AWD.

I had a 2006 RL. My wife's car, which I drive a lot, is a 2007 MDX. I now have a 2009 TL SH-AWD. I have driven PLENTY of FWD 4th gen TL's as loaner cars from my dealer.

there is NO COMPARISON in the handling of the FWD TL vs the AWD TL. if you just put around and never drive hard, then get the FWD. if yo8u like to hit the gas, feel the car pull through a turn, and driving is "fun" to you.. get the AWD.

period.

gokhanturk

i rather have the 2012 tl tech with the new 6 speed transmission then the 5 speed 2010 tl awd.

Edward'TLS

How about factoring in the 5AT (2009-2011), the 6AT (2012), and drivability into the above equation ?

kc1953

I think the OP was comparing 2012 Tech FWD with 2010 Tech AWD for a 4500 difference. I think the difference with 2012 Tech AWD would be a bit more, and the OP indicated he is on a tight budget.

mobfunk

Well I am sold I am going with the AWD
Even though its 2 years older I cant wait to get my hands on the AWD
At the price point it will allow me to tint, get all weather floor mats and make other upgrades

I cant wait to get this car
Will post up when I get it later this month

NorCalJay

Good choice!

Sure the 6-speed ups the 5, but it doesn't outweigh the best wet/dry AWD system produced which also includes more power, suspension tweaks, better seats and thicker steering wheel that you get with the SH-AWD performance package. (shouldn't Acura promote this more aggressively?)

Add to that the tech package for best sound system, best designed interior (IMO), actual room for family/6' adults and of course best reliability. This means you can buy used and drive it over 100k and then you are rewarded with the best resale value when you are done.

So either way you can't lose - the Acura is a car to OWN. None of this leasing BS for a German time bomb or the latest driveway queen.

Bonus: you have cash to give it a personal makeover the 4G deserves.

mobfunk

2010 SH-AWD TECH AT and I freaking love it....
I finally got it last week

Thanks to all the posters who only had to twist my arm ever so slightly to go with the AWD.

The performance and handling is night and day and I got full tech with AWD, fully tinted and saved over $6k on a 2012 Tech NON AWD

All though its 2 years older I am thrilled with my ride

It took me almost 2 years of looking to get here but when my 2nd Gen tranny started crapping out again I made the leap

See my baby below and thanks again
Can't wait to MOD it out




My old 2nd gen girl (may she RIP you were a workhorse) and my new girl

a35tl

Congrats! You're going to love the '10. I love the color and the stock wheels on the '09-'11 AWD models are my favorite wheels that Acura has offered on the 4G TLs.

Edward'TLS

Congrats Mobfunk for getting the AWD TL.

Has it really taken you 12 months to finally make up your mind on this TL ?

C8N

Congrats!
Altho I prefer the front end of a 12+ and I own a 2012 but... and perhaps I am the odd man out on this but I like the pre-12 rear bumper alot better. In addition, IMO, with the lip kit, the pre-12 looks a lot more aggressive where as the 12+ looks a bit more tame.

Does anyone know if the pre-12 rear bumper will fit 12+ models?
If my rear bumper gets messed up... I might actually go this route.

Oswald Vater

Nice ride - congrats on your purchase from a native Philly guy!

LawnPro

Hi mobfunk - congrats on taking your time and getting the TL you wanted, no buyers remorse is worth the wait..........

potmilkz

yes it will, i believe it is a direct bolt on.. you need the rear trim under the trunk as well..

what you will need is
bumper
rear trim piece
rear lip kit

need to paint the rear trim and rear bumper.. lip kit comes painted.. shouldnt be a problem for you since you have cbp.. easiest color to match

mobfunk

It was a money thing so I passed on the two TL options last year.
This year the 2G tranny issues forced my hand.
When all said and done good things come to those who wait!

Pearson4G

Grats on the 4G bruh! Welcome to the family!

Edward'TLS

Good choice, the 4G TL is light years ahead of the 2G, and best of all, no more nightmare of the "tranny from hell".

types1fan

Congrats on the new car.

weather

mobfunk.....Congrats on your new to you TL!! Sorry I am a bit late to the party but I would have given you the same advice....go AWD if you can...and you did!! Happy motoring

AK10

Go with 2010...
This is a lease and you live in snow heaven philly

Midnight Mystery

FYI ~ This thread is over six years old but your input is always valued!

mobfunk

Wow. I can’t beleive this thread actually still exists. Lol
I LOVED my 2010 AWD TECH, I finally got it in 2013
i had Honda’s my entire life but In 2013 but I got the BMW bug and bought a 335 in 2016.
Im never turning back.
Good luck