So I'm wanting to buy an Acura TL, but I'm split between a 2007 type s with 74k miles for 17k $ And a 2009 sh-awd 56k miles and same price which should I choose? I've heard the type s is faster, but the awd handles better, or maybe that's just rumor?

 

Also they are both automatic

 

I know looks are subjective, but 2007 TL-S =

2009 TL =

 

That is true the 07 is way better looking

 

Save your money and buy a higher mileage TL-S. Cars with 100K are going for 12K private sale in great condition.

The 2009 TL has a few more features than the 2007 but insurance is going to be higher, you'll have to worry about the tq converter failing, oil consumption and the propeller shaft whine which are VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS!

TL-S wil probably need new lower control arm bushings and maybe shocks but should be otherwise great. Both will need timing belt service every 105K miles.

 

Here's some pricing data to help as well with finding a car in your price range:

 

Go with the TL-S.

 

Drive them both and get the one you like more.
IIRC from the car mags, the TL-S was just a tenth or two slower 0-60 than the SH-AWD when comparing the 6-speeds. The SH-AWD was supposedly a better handler and more composed/refined overall than the TL-S.

However, they are pretty different cars in design language, and the 2009 is several inches longer than the TL-S. I do not like the 2009+ TL because of the larger size, styling and goofy instrument panel/center stack.

 

The dilemma you're experiencing was the same one I went through back when I was comparing the two. I drove both 6MT cars back-to-back and determined the SH-AWD was much more refined and better handling than the TL-S. Even so, I ended up getting the TL-S because it felt more raw and direct than the SH-AWD. The looks are subjective but I couldn't stand the looks of the 2009+ no matter how hard I tried to accept it.

Looking back, I felt I made the right decision to this day because the 2009 TL was the beginning of a much different era for Acura than it was previously known for. Although some may disagree, the newer cars do not feel or drive the same. With that said, the TL-S would still be my choice even though we now also have a TLX. Shoot me a PM if you're interested in a 2008 WDP 6MT TL-S with 80k miles with extended warranty to 110k miles.

Either way, they're both fun cars in different ways. As others have said, drive them both and see which you like best. Good luck and make the decision that feels right to you.

 

a TL-S is hard to beat but SH-AWD is a treat & must be amazing with a 3.7 6 speed

 

With a RonJon Grill, I could live with the 4G looks - Only thing I would be concerned about is the somewhat common oil consumption issue.

The TL-S is an overall great car, but I would only settle for one in 6MT and 6MT only.

 

the MDX always puts a smile on my face with SH-AWD, it's the oil consumption and propeller shaft whine along with a 5-6MPG penalty on the highway that sealed the FWD deal for me.

I don't even know if RJ is still selling products but his website is still running. As you stated, oil consumption is a big issue.

 

Skip the '09 AWD. Many of us have had serious oil burn issues with the 3.7ltr. Ours lasted almost to 100k before the problem started, but some have had to swap for a new motor at 45k.

 

Tons of info (in addition to what's above) can be found in the model specific forums as well

Third Generation TL (2004-2008) - AcuraZine Community
Fourth Generation TL (2009-2014) - AcuraZine Community

 

For $17k, I'd buy a 2013/2014 9G Accord Sport CPO and call it a day. You can get one with 40k-60k on it for ~$15k-$16k so you'd save some cash left over and have a great car too. Oh and a warranty and modern amenities.

 

Can you even get a 4G right now?

a current stop sale is on order for a specific set of vins, but Honda will be issuing even MORE recalls soon.
I dont even think dealers can sell them!

 

I own both a tsx v6 and a tl-shawd both automatic unfortunately. The tl has the 6at and I had the propeller shaft replaced under warranty. As far as oil consumption I havent noticed a huge loss. So far it has been about a quart low when the oil change is due. I have been using mobile 1 extended performance.

Comparing the two cars the tsx feels quicker overall. The tl definitely handles better with the awd but still feels large since it is.

I daily my tsx and my wife drives the tl. I can only imagine what the manual 6spd must be like.

I think the styling of the tl looks good at least the 2012 and up as ours is a 2012 with the aero kit. I think the interior is better than the tsx and the new tlx.

That being said the tls still looks good and has aged well. The interior does look dated to me IMO.

Tls has plenty of performance options where as the tl shawd just got K tuner and results are just now showing up.

I chose the tsx v6 as it to me was basically a newer tls