PiFive

Hello! I am very proud owner of an Acura TL 1999. Lately I have been pondering to swap it for a TL 2013/2014?.

I would like to hear from input and what to expect if I do decide to make this upgrade. Any things I need to look for in an Used TL from those years? How much should I expect to pay for one. My current budged is 17k. Any big difference between 2013 and 2014?

Thanks

Anicra

2013/2014 is basically identical. Are you looking 3.5 or 3.7 engine (FWD or SHAWD)?

PiFive

3.5

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Why? Both have their advantages, but curious why you'd prefer the FWD over the SH-AWD.

The advantage of the SH-AWD is obvious. It has a larger engine and the SH-AWD is on of the best AWD systems out there. It also has an optional 6 speed manual which the FWD doesn't offer. Of course it will be better in bad weather as well. It's quite a bit better than standard AWD since it can channel power to wheels that aren't slipping. The disadvantage is that it's heavier, which further reduces mileage with along with the AWD system. It can also have problems with oil consumption and the propeller shaft bearing issue which can be expensive to fix. It's also not as much faster as you'd hope than the FWD due to the fact that it weighs about 200lbs more. It is faster however. Just not by a large margin. I believe it's something like 0.3 seconds 0-60mph faster than the FWD.

The advantage of the FWD is that it doesn't suffer from any potential oil burning or propeller shaft issues since the engine is similar to the previous 3.5L engines used by Honda and Acura. It has the standard rings/cylinder liners and doesn't have a propeller shaft for the rear differential. It get a bit better mileage too. However, it suffers more from torque steer since it's exclusively FWD. Of course, it's not AWD and has the smaller engine.

Both have about the same aftermarket support though most vendors target the SH-AWD crowd first followed by the FWD as a bit of an afterthought. However, there is a j-pipe option for the FWD and the high flow cats and pre-cat deletes are universal. I'm not sure on cat-back options however. All the other mods are pretty universal (aesthetic mods, CAI, pulleys, etc.)

I personally have a FWD but there are days I wish I would have gotten an SH-AWD. There's one last benefit of the FWD however - it's as much as 25% less expensive depending on where you live. Here in Utah, AWD vehicles are very popular because of the snow. As such, most of the SH-AWD models that had similar mileage were upwards of 25% more than the same FWD model. That premium wasn't worth it to me. I was able to get a much newer and lower mileage FWD for the same price as an older and higher mileage SH-AWD with the budget I was on. But if you find it's worth it to you then you might consider forking out the cash.

I would recommend you drive both in order to make an informed decision. Specifically target handling and turns, since that's where the SH-AWD will shine the most. Cruising and even WOT on a straight road won't be night and day between the two. It's the agility and cornering that are significantly different with the SH-AWD. You might fall in love with the handling. It really is pretty phenomenal. It feels like it's defying physics sometimes The FWD is still pretty nimble but compared to the SH-AWD, it would seem like it turns corners like an oil tanker.

Good Luck!

PiFive

Would love to get the SH-AWD but at the moment is out of reach and aiming at more fuel economy.

But thanks for the info I will take it in consideration.

carbonTSEX

If FWD and fuel economy is what you're looking for, I'd also consider a newer Accord. Yes I know it's not an Acura but they features are the same if not better. Fuel economy is better and it's more affordable. The only reason why I didn't get the Accord when shopping for a new car back in 2013 was due to wanting AWD. I could have waited another year for the TLX and glad I didn't. Instead I ended up with a new 2014 Shawd and couldn't be happier.

The benefit to the 13-14 TL is it's the face lifted model and all the bugs worked out. One thing to keep in mind is to at least get the tech package or it's not worth it.

Good Luck!

kurtatx

The radios on the non-tech aren't much. Go with the tech.

dopeboy1

I'm imagining it would be difficult/impossible to get a decent 13/14 SH-AWD for his budget of 17K. In Canada at least, not sure about in the USA.

PiFive

I am about to take the plunge and get it. 16.500 out of the door with Tech package. 32k miles. Looks pristine inside and drives with no issues.

Thanks everyone for the input. I will update you all in a 4 hours hopefully with the car in hand

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Sweet man. Good luck! Yes, tech package is a MUST. What color is the one you might pick up?

TLTesh604

Tech package definitely a must. Although an apple CarPlay/Android Auto deck installed is a great alternative. Just doesn't look as great on the dash imo.

PiFive

Could not take it out today but tomorrow in the morning I am going to be able to. Crystal Black color.

Cant wait for the upgrade ... on the other hand feeling sad about selling my other 99 TL that car came out pretty good.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Just curious, how many miles did you put on your '99? Did you ever have any transmission problems?

PiFive

That TL is about to hit 170k Miles any moment. My 99 TL has a 4 speed tranny and not the troublesome 5 speed one. I did had an issue with it with some slipping and they rebuild it if I am not wrong.. well changed the torque converter also installing a custom intercooler for the transmision. Never again had issues with it.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I didn't know they even offered the 2nd Gen TL with a 4-speed AT. Well, that's decent mileage for a '99. My 2012 already has 120K. I've driven all my Hondas and Acuras well past 200K without a hiccup except for the one I crashed . Sold them with a clean bill of health. Hopefully this one follows suit

PiFive

Yeah the early 99 TLs had the 4 Auto speed transmission. Later they spoiled them with the 5 speed one and hell broke loose.

PiFive

Forgot to update the thread

Here is the 2013 TL and the 1999 TL

rlx015

Features do not matter if someone is looking for that wow factor, and somewhat of a luxury spin on things.
While Accords are very very good pick, none can be compared to Acuras because in start, Accord vs TL 4th gen, you have between 10-15k price tag difference... a lot can be done with that money when making a car.

rlx015

Congrats man!!! Is that 16500$ US or CAN

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

That's sweet. I'd love to see a black 3G sandwiched in between to see the evolution.

PiFive

Thank you! .. I end up paying 15999.

PiFive

Now I have to figure out how to protect this car from Bird droppings

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

Wax Wax Wax. Especially with a black car. Heat and UV rays eat clear coat for lunch. Being black, it's going to get that much hotter. Wax is sunscreen for cars.

Edit: And protection from the reaction of clear coat and bird droppings. Wax will help mitigate that. If you do get bird crap on your car, clean it off as soon as possible, preferably when the car is about the same temperature as it was when it happened. The cooling and heating of the clear coat with the bird crap is largely the cause of the damage.

PiFive

Thanks for the tip . Any suggestions for a good Wax brand?

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I use Meguiar's black wax and love it. My 4G TL is dark grey (graphite luster metallic).

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...207-black-wax/

JT4

Congrats on the TL.. Use Collinite 845 Insulator wax, it's Carnauba based so it will make the black "pop" and it's well know for it's durability..