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Used 2012 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Acura TL vs. Infiniti G37

carreview123, 07/12/2012
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
93 of 99 people found this review helpful

I drove both the Acura TL and the Infiniti G37x. Infiniti: extremely fast (almost too fast) with solid handling. Interior is nice, but seemed a little on the cheap side. Leather was nice, but I heard a few squeaks during my overnight test drive. I am 6'1" and 250lbs (wide shoulders). I was somewhat comfortable in the G37 but had the driver seat all of the way back and don't know how comfortable I would be after a 2 hour drive. Backseat was tight. Acura TL: Almost as fast as the G37 but not as fast (still PLENTY of power!) Interior was much more comfortable. Handling was just as solid as G37. Interior quality is nicer then Infiniti. Pricing = same exact monthly payment

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4.63 out of 5 stars

First time Acura buyer

kiloputty, 01/29/2012
2012 Acura TL Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Just got a TL Advance this week with 8 miles on it. Currenlty have 108 miles. I test drove the AWD and loved the way it handled, but decided on the FWD for the softer suspension. The AWD defies physics in a way that would tempt me too much. It begs you to take turns at high speeds. The FWD felt faster in a straight line. When I mentioned this to the sales guy, he said that the FWD was in fact faster in a straight line, but Acura marketing didn't want that advertised, no idea if there's any truth there. AWD comes with tighter side lumbar support and stiffer suspension. Suffice to say you owe it to yourself to test drive both to decide which is right for you.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Vehicle

ken117, 02/03/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

Recently purchased a 2012 TL with Tech. For the price I paid the TL presented the best overall value. Yes, I did consider all the other players in this market. I did not want to pay extra for a European badge such as MB or BMW and I have concerns with their reliability . Audi's spotty reliability was a killer. Couldn't justify the price of the Lexus which I find a bit sedate. Liked the Infiniti but find the styling a bit outdated. Certainly, the other vehicles I considered may better the TL in some areas and the TL may better them in other areas. I do know, having driven the TL for a couple of months, my appreciation of the TL continues to grow.

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5 out of 5 stars

3.7L SH AWD

Nick, 01/28/2016
updated 02/05/2018
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Bought this car from a nj dealership in aug.2015. Traded in my truck and just needed something to get me from point A to B. Quite frankly, this car rocks!!! I took this car on the highway-- I-80 North..it took my breath away when it hits the corners. The AWD drive is just unbelievably impressive, even at high speeds. The seats hugs every inch of your body, keeping you sucked in as the car hits high speeds in twist and turns. Not muscle car status, BUT it delivers a wallop of a ride. Good job Acura. The voice recognition and Bluetooth are very responsive, in fact the entire tech setup is ergonomically satisfying. Only objection: TOO COMFORTABLE.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2.63 out of 5 stars

Clunking noise from Rear Suspension

lex612, 02/06/2013
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
57 of 63 people found this review helpful

Loud "CLUNKING NOISE" came from passenger side rear suspension. It got louder as the car getting more miles on it. Took it in four times at the local dealer: 1st Attempt: Local dealer changed the strut but noise still there, 2nd Attempt: acura agent came in to verify the problem and took the entire assembly rear suspension apart and found nothing wrong with it but the noise still present so they concluded that it is a normal noise on the TL (Which I don't agree because only one corner of the car is making the noise, left rear suspension is nice and quiet when ride over bump) 3rd attempt: Service manager refused service because he told me that Acura is will not fix the "clunking noise" because they think it is a normal sound. 4th attempt: I took the car to a small local shop which is not Acura and some mechanic friends to check out the noises that I am hear from the one corner of the car (passenger rear suspension). They all confirmed the noise is an irregularity of a suspension and suspected something is wrong with the strut and it assembly/bushing but inconclusive with the problem because it could be many things that can go wrong with it and recommended me to bring it back to Acura. Acura refused service again and said the same thing like the 3rd attempt. File a claim with BBB and the same Acura Claim representative that I dealt with earlier said the same thing again, that they will not fix anything regarding the clunking noise I hear because they think it is normal. My opinion: This is an Acura and it is over $40,000 dollars car so I expected a nice quiet and comfortable car but the "Clunking noise" really killed my excitement about owning this car. Just a headeache everytime I look or drive it. I am definately upset with Acura about how they handle this situation because they did not offer me any solution but they basically tell me live with the "clunking noise" from that one corner of the car. and if the noise was normal, Acura mechanic wouldn't have change the strut the 1st time I brought it in...Why is Acura doing this?? and How can I get them to fix the problem I am having now, can anyone help? my frustration with Acura is to the roof now and hope to get this handle the sooner the better.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great all around

josh9319, 03/15/2014
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful

In general we are extremely happy with this vehicle. We've had it for a year and a half. Build quality has been very sound, as expected. For example: a rock broke one of the fog lights. I bought the replacement and installed it myself. The underbody panels were effectively woven together requiring me to loosen three panels to get one out to install the light. The vehicle is designed and built to not come apart. When alone I drive the car very hard, as in like I stole it. Though the front/rear torque split is 70/30, getting the back end to step out is surprisingly easy. That said, it is great for hauling kids, or for date night. My mood improves every time I drive this car!

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5 out of 5 stars

Upgraded After TSX Totaled

B., 12/29/2018
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

The TL is a better car than the TSX in every aspect. Buttery smooth v6 and a roomier interior. I barely hit the gas and it sails to 50 mph with no effort. Rated at 20/29 mpg, compared to my 09 TSX's 21/30. I will gladly trade -1 mpg to have that extra power and size. The driver seat is a nice place to sit and I like how high the center console comes up, which lends to a more ergonomic position. I bought this car with 80,000 miles and the engine sounds brand new; I am not kidding. When I went to the dealer and started it for the first time I was pretty much sold right then and there. As this is an Acura, I expect this car to go well past 200,000 miles with no trouble. The only thing to keep in mind is the TL has a timing belt, which should be changed around 100,000-115,000 miles, along with the water pump. I don't mind this because the timing belt dampens engine vibrations, which results in a very smooth and quiet operation. Also remember to replace the PCV valve every 60k- It's like a $25 dollar part that anyone can do themselves by going on youtube. This ensures there is no sludge build up in the engine and helps prevent oil burning. I can't believe I got all this car for $13,200!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent value

Cowboy911, 03/08/2016
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful

The Acura TL Sh-AWD rides like it on rails. Cornering at speed is an awe inspiring experience with the SH-AWD driving you through the corners, never experienced anything like it. The seats are excellent, steering a little heavy for me but centers great, brakes are large and bring the car to a stop with no drama. I have the 19" wheels, so the tires a low profile 45's, look great but the ride is very tight - like you would expect with high performance rubber. I personally love the ride and the suspension does a great job with such aggressive tires making the ride just soft enough. I bought the car used with 50k miles on it. Have driven it for 1 year and had the propeller shaft replaced under warranty. No hassles from the Acura dealership who said they have a maintenance bulletin on the issue. I've owned 5 Acuras in the past and can say w/o reservation they have always been great values. Great ergonomics and quality with a reasonable price, especially when compare to the competition. Interior is perfection. I've read complaints about the business of the dash, but once you live with the car for a week you appreciate the convenience of having dedicated buttons for all the key functions at your finger tips. No need to navigate through screens to change the heating/AC settings, fan speed, rear defrost, etc - its all right there. The seats are so nice that traffic jams no longer bother me, I just settle into the ridiculously comfortable seats and relax - its done wonders for my blood pressure. I drive mostly highway and have been getting 27 mpg, higher than their advertise highway mpg. The 6 speed transmission has been great, always seems to have the right gear selection, downshifting on que to maximize performance of the 3.7 engine. Shifts have been smooth with regular driving, but stomp the gas pedal and the sifts become more aggressive - LOVE IT! Of all my Acura, this has been the most enjoyable to drive, although the original Integra was a riot for their day.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

A PLEASANT SURPRISE

gfortunato, 04/15/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Test drove the Buick Lacrosse, the Volkswagen CC Coupe, Hyundai Genesis and Maxima. Although I liked the looks of others a little better, as soon as I drove this car I was sold! This car is just plain fun to drive...handling is awesome, rides nice and has great "tracking". Controls are easy as is the Nav system, sound system phenominal, along with comfy but supportive seats. Got 28.3 mpg on first trip...not bad for all that power that feels like a V-8 not a V-6. You cant beat this car for "bang-for-the-buck"

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Buy

sramanathan, 10/11/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

I did ton of research before buying this car. This is the best luxury car in terms of price that pretty much gives you an interior spacing of BMW 5 series for the price of 3 series. Absolute pleasure driving it. After buying it had to take it for a 1000 mile round trip drive, felt no pain or fatigue as compared to the other cars I had driven. Rear view cameras are good. Other than that nothing really great about the tech package.

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