Since I've got nothing to do this morning, I'm going to make a small review of the 2012 Acura TL SH-awd Tech that I had for about a week since my 3G was at the dealership getting some work done.

First impression, I hate the key fob. I think the switchblade of the 07/08 looks so much better. But then, the 4Gs have push start button so having a switchblade is not necessary. Also, mine came with smart keyless entry where you don't have to press anything to get inside.

The interior is so much refined compared to the 3G. Obviously, it has more room than the 3G but they designed the rear seats as if you will only have 2 passengers for the rest of your life. The mid section has an offset too high that will make it very uncomfortable to sit on the midsection. The leather is not that soft even though it still perforated. The steering wheel is smaller, much thicker, and the 3 and 9 o'clock position is really defined (resembles an F1 steering wheel) which gives you a lot more control. The interior has too much buttons, it took me 3 days to actually find out their functions. Just imagine how long would a 40-50 y'old individual take to get used to it. I really like the navi, back up camera, and the hard drive so you can store your songs. The interior lights are much better. They are white compared to the 3G's yellow. As a matter of fact, I bought 7k 18 panel leds for my 3G because I liked it so much. Also, they have an overhead sunglasses holder now! That's one thing I really hate with the 3G. One thing I noticed is the 4G still doesn't have the one-touch up and down window control for rear. Also, it doesn't have bi-xenon compared to the 3Gs. The 4G uses its DRLs as high beams. On my last day, I went to the grocery store to get some, well groceries. If you will use the 4G as a grocery getter, you will hate Acura's engineers. If you think that the 3G has very limited trunk space, you will be shocked on what the 4G can give you. I had like 5 grocery bags and one gym bag and I had trouble putting them inside without stacking the bags.

Performance wise, I love the handling of the awd. Mine came with a sport mode option since it is automatic. I pretty much used that all the time so the power is right there when you need it. I think the acceleration is much better off the line with awd. But I think my 3G has more power on the higher end (but then again my 3G has mods). I like the paddle shifters and the display on the tach that shows the output of the awd.

Bottom line, I still like it. Maybe one day, but in 6mt this time.

 

what was getting done on your car Arthur?

these 4Gs are growing on me, but for the power and awd, I would still go with infiniti over acura.

 

Right axle seal was leaking. They replaced both sides for free.

You can't go wrong with the power of infiniti/nissan. I had the chance to rip a 370z around with 6mt. I fell in love with it. I could only imagine how much refined the IPL G37 is. So many nice cars on the market right now.

 

both sides for free? What'd you have to do to get that kind of service, kill someone? lol
I drove my friend's 350z and I loved that car. But I am thinking if I were to get a G, it would be a g37s sedan, not coupe. or g37xs

 

Haha. I have an extended warranty!

I really like the S4s too. If only money is not a problem

 

yea but S4 is a step up, that's another territory all together

 

@ socketpuppet - Hmm I might have missed you then cause if I was turning onto Gateway, I was staring at the police car behind me haha..

Nice write up! For me, for the all around car with looks and some power I'd get the IS350 AWD haha.

 

is350awd if you wanna drive midgets and amputees only in the back seat lol

 

@ Myron - my friends arent really tall so they will be fine in the back seat haha..

 

Nice review, edmua6. As a 4G driver, my comments:

I like the keyless entry a lot. The fob isn't exactly sexy, but the way they've designed the system, allowing for the valet key, and the keyless entry in particular, is superb. A few times now I've inadvertently tried to lock my keys in the trunk (usually in a gym bag), and you can't imagine how satisfying it is when you realize what you've done (often as you close the lid), only to have it beep and re-open on its own.

I love the steering wheel. It's really comfortable to grab. Really makes you feel like you've "taken the bull by the horns". And yes, the instrument console is fairly button intensive, but you get used to it. I haven't even bothered to learn the ins and outs of the voice activation system. Oh, and as a "40-50 y'old individual", you.

You're right that it's short on trunk space. It's enough for me, though one always has those days where they need a bit more cargo space. Good thing my wife drives an Expedition.

 

I am guessing asian? haha

I am 5'11" and I could barely sit in the back. I had more room and felt more comfortable in a S5 audi

 

Sockpuppet, I'm sorry for the 40-50 y'old comment. haha. It wasn't intentional, I can just imagine my parents being lost by just looking at the buttons. In the interior aspect, I really love the steering wheel too. Just like what you said, it felt like you have taken over the bull. I just love it.

Haha Myron, asians come in fun size! Speaking of the IS series, I just can't handle the cheap interior when I was car shopping before. It has too much plastic, and the leg room isn't the greatest. But the 350 has a lot of power knowing that it is light compared to the 4G.

 

No worries. It's easy to make assumptions, but don't underestimate us old guys. I was recently admiring my wife's uncle's car...a 3G in beautiful shape. He and I have since been emailing (yes, he knows how to use email) each other about trading/sharing DVD-A discs for our respective cars. Though, in fairness, he's left it to me to figure out how to copy them, and our tastes only overlap in a few spots.

 

@Arthur - Nice review on the 4G. I sat in one at the dealership and I would have to agree the steering wheel has an awesome feel to it. The body style still hasn't grown on me though.
Might as well change the door lights, trunk light, glovebox, centre console, and vanity lights while you're at it!
Indeed, a done up 370z looks insane. Saw a lowered black one with wheels and it looked really sharp.

@Jeff - I'm not too big of a fan for the IS350's. They look too much like a chicks car unless it's heavily modified. My buddy has one and although the interior is nice, the exterior doesn't look aggressive enough for me. Plus they are nearly a dime a dozen in the city.

 

hahahaha full size asians are a genetic oddity

I actually have a bunch of asian friends who are taller than me

 

I'd love to own an IPL G37, cant justify the price though.

 

Mitch, how do you like your 9500ix? I'm thinking seriously about getting one, but am on the fence. I'm finding my current detector is annoying, with all the mobile speed displays and traffic warning signs that all seem to emit K band. I'm curious especially as to how well it works with speed on green cams. The database is supposed to be pretty good, but I'm afraid that it's like so many products out of the US, where you get all the info for "Podunk" USA, but the only Canadian cities covered are Vancouver and TO.

 

Sup boys, Haven't checked in for a while. Not a TL'er anymore :o but anyways, The 9500XI is a good little unit, Stupidly overpriced but it does the job...Can't give you a good review since I never really used it. I'd ask for Ricky's input he has one and does a fair bit of driving

 

what are you driving now? Did you get a truck like you wanted?

 

Had the pleasure this past weekend of doing a new car prep on a less than one month old Scion FRS. Cleaned up the paint and gave it a semi-permanent coating to preserve the paint. Here's one of the post shots after polishing and opti-coat was applied:



Link to the write-up: https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...9#post13958099

 

Vince, I just saw the wrote-up on 780, sick looking car. Did you get to drive it? I really wanna know what it feels like to drive this thing. Great reviews, but then again people say it's underpowered. Looks great in white tho

 

Suree did! Got a F150

Heyyy Vincee can I interest you in a detail job? haha

 

No more haggard ass TL lol.

 

Thank you sir Nah I didn't get to drive it but the owner took me around for a quick spin after. He didn't drive it hard since the car has been barely broken in. I wouldn't trade my TL for one though

@Mitchell - Lol jeez I think you should take that to the local coin car wash and hose that thing off. You could probably accumulate at least 5 pounds of dirt from all the off-roading.

 

think i saw iChinese at wok n' roll couple nights ago, TL looks good!

 

The FRS looks so sharp. For some reason, they are multiplying like mushrooms here in south side. I always see one or two every day and my drive is only 30 minutes a day.

I need to save money so I can afford your paint correction Vince. :P

Anyone wants to buy my unmilled memory 1 switchblade for 60?

 

I see him a lot too, northside mostly. Saw him 2 days ago

 

dude why did you paint them black? Sorry I am just not a fan of black wheels, I think gunmetal or even silver would look much better

 

Vince, saw this on jalopnik today. Thought it was a pretty cool and interesting info.

 

Most recent picture of my car. I installed the 07/08 mirrors today and I figured I should smoke it since the side marker is smoked too. I hope the film stays there for quite some time because the shop told me the contour of the markers make it really hard for the film to stay on there. The passenger side signal lights are not hooked yet.

 

^ arthur just beat everyone at the game of modding TLs haha GAME OVER

 

Looks good man!

 

Saw a place just off 50th with a cool blue sign and snapped a quick pic. Went to to turn the car around and the light shut off =(



Now I just need some money to start throwing mods on her...

 

^ great looking car man, and your pics are always great too. You need to get some coilovers for that car and some wheels and that's it

 

Thanks Myron and Jeff!

 

Looking slick, black and blue good combination!

 

So Ricky...any opinion you can share?

 

For those who are looking to buy an Escort 9500ix, they are on sale right now for 550$ at Visions.

 

@Jeff - Haha yeah man I saw that video recently. It gives a good general overview of what needs to be done during a detail. Hence why so many hours on end is required for cars to look good. Well worth the investment with the final result though. I'd say it's the best "mod" that can be done to a vehicle since it has the potential to make it look better than new and can be kept that way with the right knowledge and products.

@Arthur - Damn dude, so boss. Did you grab the stuff to fix your leather yet?

 

I think you just saved me $150. Remind me to buy you a beer some time.