Used 2012 Acura TL Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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
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.
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 Liked the Infiniti but find the styling a bit outdated.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.
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.
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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.
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!
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!
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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.
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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"
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.
Sports car for the family man/woman
acuratloh, 12/27/2012
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
20 of 22 people found this review helpful
Owned the car for a few months, so it's hard to rate the reliability. It's made by Honda, so it should be reliable. Once you drive the AWD version, you would have to be crazy to buy the front wheel drive version. I didn't get the tech version because I didn't want the navigation system. Built in ipod connection and usb port is nice. This car handles like it's on rails. I no longer have to worry about pulling out onto a busy road when the roads are wet, this car flies. I get 26mpg if I drive freeway only at 75mph. I drive 70% city and 30% highways and average around 21mpg. Test drove the infiniti g37x, which was nice, but much smaller interior.
Great Car
John, 05/15/2016
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Had to sell my new 2015 Honda Accord. Did not like the driver seating ergonomics. They did not reveal the issues during the test drive. Went with this used TL instead. Wow. What a car. Very comfortable. I can actually see the gauges instead of the steering wheel nearly completely blocking them. Very quick. I really have to watch the speed. Quiet. Quiet interior with respect to tire and wind noise. Great package. The low speed shifts are a little wonky, but that is my only complaint.
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Great car for the money
mihink, 04/21/2012
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
After driving BMWs for the past 6 years..I decided to try out the TL. What a pleasant surprise. Drives 'smaller' that it really is. The SH-AWD handling is on par with most RWD German cars. The TL is actually the size of the 5/E/A6 class but is priced cheaper than 3/C/A4 class. The gas mileage so far is 25 mpg combined..not bad. The 'punch' off the line is not as immediate as the 335i I had. I do miss some luxury touches - rain sensing wipers, one touch triple turn signals, swiveling headlights, auto dimming side mirrors. Features you grow to appreciate and really miss when you don't have them. Overall great car..no regrets on purchase!
excellent car
Al2012, 08/02/2012
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I owned 2008 TL-S and the new car is a substantial improvement over previous model. Could use a more adjustable positions for driver seat as an extra option(I would buy it) - 18 ways as Lexus. Steering wheel adjustments should be automated and should be part of the driver memory positions. Also, the leather on the steering wheel is horrible - it feels dry and does not offer comfortable grip - I think it is even dangerous, especially if your hands are dry. I had to get wood grain option. I missed having two front compartments from my old TL-S. Otherwise it is an excellent car and a joy to drive. Good job Acura engineers - very competitive car.
Great value for your money
edross22, 09/10/2014
2012 Acura TL Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2012 TL with 14,000 miles on it. And it has really been fun to drive. Like other people mentioned i paid $32,300 plus tax for this car. I was looking for the new accord V6 Touring full loaded and after seating on the car and feeling how cheap the interior was. Everything is plastic, leather doesn't feel like real leather. I decided to take a look of the TL and decided rather to have a used TL than a brand new Honda Accord. The TL is more luxury, nicer interior and way more powerful. I will definitely recommend it this car. Average mile per gallon right now in mix driving 23 miles/gallon..
Fantastic car to own! Better car to drive.
Joel Miller, 07/27/2017
updated 07/29/2019
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD is a fantastic car to own. A lot of ownership satisfaction in a car with Honda/Acura reliability, great looks inside and out, and great driving experience. The SH-AWD provides an unparalleled driving experience in turns and makes the car an all-season, all-weather performance vehicle. Love to drive in the snow while everyone else is stuck at home with their Camaros, Mustangs, and the list goes on. The interior is fantastic. Great seats and driving experience behind the wheel. Love the nav system in this car. The "too many buttons" complaint is just silly. Drive it for a week and you will understand. The only negatives are the following: slalom driving is not this car's best function, trunk is a little small, back seats are more comfortable for two, need more cup holders throughout the car, some maintenance items can get pricey. Update: Tires, brakes, and an occasional battery makes the entire list of repair/maintenance items. Timing belt, fluid replacements are the given. The driver experience remains first rate. There are clearly some newer safety features and tech additions on newer cars, but I'm struggling to find reasons to part ways with this one. I'll probably do what most Acura owners do--keep enjoying the experience. I'm thinking 200,000 miles at least.
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Rock Solid Sedan
garry peters, 03/10/2019
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I started leasing my TL and at the end of 3 years purchased because I liked the car so much. It has been extremely reliable. For $36,000 this is a great car. My only regret is I didn't step up for the technology package.
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Excellent vehicle
bradj7, 04/20/2012
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
Previous Infiniti G, VW Passat and BMW 335 series owner (24 month leases). TL is impressively well balanced. At least in the 6MT, a great combination of sport, luxury and comfort. In true Honda/Acura fashion, there isn't one thing that glaringly stands out; rather, when taken as a complete package, the engineers have clearly done their homework. I've had issues with my most recent three sedans, yet, I really haven't found significant short comings in the TL. Everyone talks about "German engineering" (why did my BMW get a new engine at 29K miles?) , but I think the TL is a better all-around car.
It's 10 years old and still sweet
Cincygirl, 11/08/2022
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
In 2012 I was ready to sell my 2004 Volvo S60R and started out looking at pre owned cars such as Mercedes, Infinities, Lexus etc... It was poor timing and just after the Tsunami broke in Japan resulting in a production shortage. I was willing to buy certified pre owned to get more for my money. However, because of the high demand for solid pre owned cars during that time, much like now, these cars were more expensive than if we bought new! I reluctantly went to the Acura dealer to look at what they had after I couldn't find what I wanted elsewhere. Fortunately, the 2012 styling had removed the "beak" from the prior TL models and the look of the 2012 was way sexier. I looked at the TL SH-AWD which had a LOT of standard bells and whistles for around $40,000 msrp. What a bargain! And then I drove it! OMG, this thing was tight! The robust engine and torque ratio is spot on and even with it being a 6 cyl it was beefy and FAST! I am a driving enthusiast as well as practical and you get both in this amazing car. It has been an invcredible vehicle to own - with no major issues and and frankly; I've been hesitant to get rid of it because it's been such a fabulous vehicle. Alas, it's 10 years old now and I've been "kind of" looking for a replacement for over two years now. I have been waiting until I could find somehting good enough to replace this one. It hasn't been easy but I am both happy and sad to say that I finally did find a replacement that was "good enough" to make me want to move on from my 2012 Acura.... I am moving on to a 2022 Lexus LS500 which cost more than twice what I paid for the Acura new. All I have to say is that my new Lexus has some pretty big shoes to fill. If you are looking for a solid used car that is a blast to drive with lots of great options, this would be the one.
I love the car
ar0101ar, 07/14/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I drive this car and enjoy the experience. I feel i have good ownership experience which includes - style, comfort, technology( GPS, traffic alert, key less fob, ...), and cost of ownership. I do agree that there are areas of improvement.. however i am not a race driver or a person who has tons of free time to play with all the possible options in the car so i don't have any specific complaints. its a real good car which makes you smile and its value for money on long run.
Incredible Value
tinmantt, 06/22/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my second TL. I gave up my 2000 with close to 200k miles on it, because it needed some minor repairs, but also because my family wanted me to switch it out for something newer. It would have run much longer- no major problems in all that time. The new car is a great value. Only paid $2500 more for it than the 2000. Good news- rock solid, better handling, excellent stereo, very comfortable. And, of course, the fact that it is a reliable Honda. But here's where they dropped the ball- too many buttons, incomprehensible logic in the controls, downgraded nav system (compared to the ease and logic of my 2000 version). And the trunk- what were they thinking? Can't get too much in.
**AWESOME**AMAZING**WOW!!!!'
Joe Lander, 03/09/2017
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD is an incredible balance between luxury and sport in a sedan that runs up there with the BMW, Infinity and others. I don't care what anyone says, Honda reliability in a "tweaked" upscale car is so fun. The performance, features and sporty ride is great!!! Have owned Honda vehicles since 1992 and this is the first Acura in the garage and more than likely won't be the last. Get one! Do it and you will not be disappointed.
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Love my new TL
tcilover, 05/05/2011
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
38 of 49 people found this review helpful
I've had my new TL for about 3 weeks now and love it, traded a 2009 TSX and what a huge step up! More room, power and luxury. The interior is beautiful , lots of storage and comfy seats. The front end redesign helped in my decision .
Great bang for your buck!
necky33, 05/24/2012
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Had a 2009 Lexus IS350, and was considering replacing it with either the new GS, the BMW 328i, or the Acura. The GS is a great car, but I wasn't crazy about the interior layout or the wacky joystick and busy infotainment system. The BMW was too pricey after optioning it well. Which brings me to the Acura. A great all around car with loads of refinement and plenty of technology and features for the money. I actually picked the AWD version because I love the standard wheels and the interior upgrades of the car. The car is so sexy with Crystal Black Pearl exterior and Umber leather interior, I really lucked up to snatch the car from the dealer a day after it arrived on the lot!
I bought the base model as CPO in early 2014
Jdjax, 01/10/2019
updated 01/19/2021
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Update January 2021: not much change since last July except I had to replace the battery recently. Just stone dead when trying to crank it one day. The strange part was the last battery was just at 1 year old and it was a genuine Acura battery. I usually get at least 2 years from a battery. With work from home I am driving a lot less so perhaps that’s a factor. I noticed with the new battery the car is cranking like a new car. So perhaps that prior “new” battery was a dud. Time will tell. Update July 2020: I now have over 110k miles on this vehicle. It’s still very nice and a pleasure to drive. I have had to replace the tires a couple of times and also the front struts and springs due to noises. So I have spent some several thousands in repairs for maintenance items only. I still find the car very reliable and satisfying to drive. I don’t plan to get rid of it anytime soon. The paint and interior still look very good! I have driven some newer vehicles and I really don’t like the feel of the steering and power delivery compared to this older TL. Keeper! Original review: I have only used the Acura dealer that I purchased this vehicle from and they are excellent. Not cheap - but never damage the car when working on it and always maintain it right. If you are having problems with this car - you may have a bad shop. Mine has had virtually nothing but tires, oil changes, brake pads, tranny flushes, batteries and tires since I bought it. These are all regular maintenance items. There was a TSB on the transmission fluid filter clogging and they handled it at no cost to me. It was making a gurgling sound prior to the filter being replaced - only at cold startup. Overall love the car. My only wishes are it had better visibility or technology for blind spot detection. I really don’t care for the TLX at all, so for now keeping this one!
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Vast improvement over '04 TL
ad2677, 05/21/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I traded my '06 525i after a very expensive out of warranty repair. I've owned an '04 TL for 2 years preceeding the '06 525i purchase in '08. I had absolutely no issues with the TL and just the opposite with the 525i (maybe I should listen to the Consumer Reports review, they were spot on with their review). I went back to '12 TL w/Tech Package, what a breath of fresh air that was. I got it in July and have about 11K+ miles on it with no issues whatsoever. I love the entertainment and navigation systems and their ease of use. The TL handles with ease and is quite entertaining to drive and I love the engine sound at wide open throtle. The car is quite fast and a pleasure to drive.
TL-6MT vs S4 vs 335xi
fcarre2, 04/12/2011
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
51 of 77 people found this review helpful
Had an opportunity to drive all three cars back to back for over an hour per vehicle. Although these vehicles are generally not cross shopped, there may be more reason to do so, especially since the TL redesign. The perfect vehicle would include the BMW exterior styling and suspension, the TL tranny and SHAWD and the Audi engine and interior. Unfortunately, I see deficits, albeit small, in all three vehicles. The TL SHAWD is impressive to say the least. Just hammer the it in a turn and it begs for more. The 6MT is as smooth as it gets. Interior is better than others' review.
Best car I ever owned
Will W, 09/02/2020
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a lease turn-in 4.5 years ago with 48k miles. I now have 128k miles on it, and it runs as good as it did when I bought it. I took it to the Acura dealer twice when I first bought it: once for the airbag recall, and once for the transmission reprogram. Other than those two things, I have not replaced so much as a light bulb. I change the oil every 5k with Mobil 1, and I do a transmission dump and fill every other oil change with 3.75 quarts of Honda DW-1 trans fluid (don't buy anything else). Very easy job. Everything still works on this car. The leather interior has held up better than any car I have owned. My car is a "base" (still loaded), with the 3.5 liter motor. It is front wheel drive, so it goes through snow without problems. Burns no oil (unlike the 3.7 on the sh-awd). I just replaced the tires which lasted at least 80k and all had even wear. I have been thinking about trading it in because of the higher mileage, but I can't find a comparable car without spending a fortune. I think I will just replace the timing belt and water pump and see how long this thing will go. The only weak spot on the 2012s seems to be the transmissions, so I am paying attention.
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Satisfied new lease owner
hcpsmarshall, 09/30/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car handles well and is impressively equipped with the technology package. The sound system is great as is the voice command. The number of buttons can be daunting, but I find them useful. Styling is good and overall it is a great value, especially for a lease.
Excellent car!
numberjack, 02/03/2013
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very happy with this car. Excellent luxury car for a regular car price. Paid $32.7K + tax for TL Tech. I've had it for 8k miles now and it's been great! Absolutely no problems at all. Plenty of power, smooth, quiet, handles well, very comfortable seats, Amazing stereo system!! Decent gas mileage for a mid sized luxury car, averaging 25 mpg overall in mixed driving; 28+ on long road trips. This is an excellent car for this price range. I paid about what a fully loaded accord/camry/altima would have cost, but got a much nicer & sportier luxury car instead. No complaints whatsoever!
Too many problems in 1 year
kway, 02/13/2013
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
During the year I have had this car, I have had to have the battery, navigation system, stability, push ignition, and a bearing replaced. Acura's response, there is nothing they can do. This is not what I expected from a brand new car. Additionally, the car does not sense when my mom is in the passenger seat. She weighs 130 lbs. this is a big safety concern. I would not Uyi this car!!!
Save yourself $17,000 now and avoid headaches later
burghboyb, 08/10/2011
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
59 of 100 people found this review helpful
I was all set to buy the new Audi A6. I also seriously considered the BMW 535iX (sold at the same dealership), and the MB E-class. Then I drove the TL-SH AWD. It corners and handles as well as any of the Germans and will be significantly more reliable - and less costly to repair when needed. Very comfortable Sport Seats, terrific audio, lots of room for my frequent tall passengers. People complain about the number of buttons but at least that gives you instant control of the desired function instead of doobling thru endless onscreen menus. When you enter a curve the car just begs you to go half-again as fast because the torque-vector system whips you thru with total command.
Awesome car and a great value too
chop100, 12/25/2012
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my base model last spring after researching luxury sedans for months. I got a great deal ($29,500 and 0% interest for 60 months) and I couldn't be happier. The car looks and feels like an expensive luxury sedan and yet I paid the same as an average mid-size sedan. I went with the base to save $4K over the tech package, how loud of a radio does a 50 year old need anyway? I have my own GPS and it has bluetooth and an aux hookup for my iPod already. Handling is good but not great, wallows a bit due to the size of the car I guess. The gas mileage has been the biggest surprise...averaging 27 mpg in mixed driving and even got 33 on a 1400 mile road trip.
disappointed
CD, 01/19/2018
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased the car brand new in 2011. Have been disappointed in several things, the center console armrest leather ripped after only 4 years and no real wear and tear. Dealer wanted $350 to replace so I did it myself for about $50. The exterior chrome molding/gasket came loose on both sides and cost $400 to replace each. The passenger AC ducts became stuck in 1 position and had to pay another $400 to fix. There are 2 individual sides and now both sides have become stuck in 1 position again. Battery was replaced twice in 3 years, after it was no longer covered by warranty I went to Sam's Club and purchased their battery and haven't had a problem yet. Brake pads/rotors showed rust after 1 year. Disappointed in quality and won't purchase again.
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Worst car I ever owned
Crapura, 08/19/2020
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 11 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new in 2012 and had problems from day one. Especially with build quality. For starters I never really cared about how a car rides over bumps bc I never had one they rode bad. I had the two wheel drive model that was supposed to be softer but wow. It was literally the worst riding car I’ve ever owned. They dealership was very nice and pleasant so that was a plus. The biggest complaint about this is car was the transmission. It was horrible and made me want a new car after about a year. It had a very noticeable jerk from first into second gear under everyday driving. Almost like it shifted twice. It would rev then slam into second then jerk again to a lower rpm. Several trips to dealer and did flush changed , software upgrades, and then changed the torque converter. That fixed the problem for 3000 miles then the jerk returned. Also had NUMEROUS rattles and creaks. After 3 years and only 40,000 miles the front and rear end started making noise when passing over bumps. I guess they don’t make them like they used to in Japan. I was very happy to get rid of this car and get one with a better ride and far superior build quality. I wanted a bmw but I usually put a lot of miles on my cars and had heard bad things about them so I went with another Japanese car. Believe me the bmw I replaced it with has not given one problem and still has no rattles and I’m now at 86,000 miles. Will never buy another Acura again.
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Better choice than BMW, Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes, etc.
mcorley, 11/21/2011
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
27 of 49 people found this review helpful
Okay, so I am in my late 50's now and have owned so many cars since the late 60's that I cannot count them all. I owned Pontiac - Chevy - Ford - Lincoln etc. Switched to Japanese cars, specifically an Acura TL in 2001 and have since had many Honda/Acura products in my garage. Decided to test drive all high end sedans including Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti and Audi. Drove them all. I can afford any of them yet decided that the new 2012 style TL was the best of the lot regardless of price. BMW overpriced and for the poseur - not all that. Audi was gutless like the Mercedes, Infiniti & Lexus quality second rate to the Acura. Best dollar for dollar car purchase I've ever made. Awesome!!
ACURA Man
ACURA Man, 01/30/2017
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I own a 2012 TL, and this is the fourth ACURA vehicle I have purchased since 1990. My wife currently drives a 2012 MDX and she loves the ACURA brand also. This TL has the Tech Pkg and the car drives just like it did when there was 5 miles on it. I have know complaints about this car ... it looks good, drives good, great reliability, well-engineered vehicle.
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I was expecting so much more from Acura!
ThatGuy, 11/04/2022
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2012 TL base model roughly 1 year ago. It had 124k miles on the clock and was in fairy good shape for the year and miles. I specifically got the base model due to the oil consumption issues the higher end SH-AWD models with the 3.7L V6 suffer from. First off, this car is so un-godly boring and very dull to drive. The "driver to road" feedback isn't there at all. The power delivery is "meh". It doesn't feel like a 280hp V6. It feels like a 180hp 4 cylinder! After having to do some routine maintenance, I felt like I had purchased an Audi or Mercedes Benz with the amount of money I've spent for parts and labor. Some of the major con's with this car for me are 1) The road noise! I'm glad I can turn the radio up louder, because you hear EVERYTHING! Especially the wind. This car wouldn't be much fun on long road trip. It's terrible! 2) The steering on these is horrendous! It's so jerky it's ridiculous! When you hit a bump, regardless of how fast your going, you had better be holding onto the wheel because it will go wherever it wants! 3) The touchy throttle. I'm the kind of driver that uses light pressure to get going from a stop, and I roll into the throttle. I can't find the sweet spot at all on this car! It reacts like your mashing it to the floor no matter how much or how little of pressure you apply. Not exactly safe. 4) The terrible flip key design. The springs inside them are garbage and Acura wants $269 EACH for a replacement key. 🤦♀️ 5) The suspension! It's a luxury sport sedan (or so I thought) and the suspension is as stiff as a slammed Civic! You feel EVERY bump, crack, split, etc in the road. There's no smoothness at all. 6) The type of tires that are recommended for this car. They are a "sport" low profile tire. They ride like crap, they grab and pull with any type of separations in the road, and OMG are they NOISY! The car does have some pro's, though. It's fairly comfortable, the controls are centralized and easy to use, the trunk has quite a bit of room, and the overall design isn't bad (aside from the "beak" nose on the front end). I have owned several Honda/Acura vehicles and I am extremely disappointed with this vehicle. I even went as far as looking to trade mine in for a new TLX, and needless to say I wasn't impressed at all during the test drive. Especially for the kind of money they want for a new one. This will be my last Honda/Acura vehicle. The quality, reliability, and overall product has gone down hill. I wouldn't recommend this vehicle at all.
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Fun ride!
Married with Children, 12/27/2019
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 Acura in 2014 and have pretty much enjoyed everything except the "soft" leather seats which can be easily damaged and the navigation system which would be more user friendly and less frustrating if it were a touch screen. I've had my car for 5 yrs and have pretty much had only the normal maintenance of brakes/tires. This has been a great fun car to have. However, now that its paid off, I will have to look into getting the leather interior fixed. My family went to Water Country and before I realized my daughter had her wet hair on the back headrest, it was all warped up..not too long after that incident, I noticed the front seats ripping. I don't recall the year my seats started ripping, but people were surprised at how they ripped. This was my first car with leather seats, so I didn't know what to expect. The car is very fast, however, there's a big pause if you're trying to have a speedy takeoff. It's great for petite/average sized individuals but definitely not spacious enough for larger drivers/passengers. Its a great balance of a sport/luxury sedan.
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owned since April '12
enbeuu, 06/25/2014
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
great TL and best Acura owned since Legend Coupe which wasn't close to this model in drivability and comfort. blind spot is horrible and side view cam is a must for this model Rear cam is wonderful.
GPS Prolems
rb1028, 08/18/2012
2012 Acura TL Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I like this car but the GPS drives me nuts. The GPS keeps voicing I'm on an unverified road. These streets have been here for over 30 years! This is so annoying especially if I'm on my cell phone or enjoying music. The dealership, Ft. Wayne Acura, continues to tell me that Acura is aware of the problem and will fix it but they don't. For a car I've paid over $40K to own I think it should have a GPS which functions properly. Additionally, it wants to route me in all sorts of crazy directions. Acura says it's because I live in a city of 10,000 but all my other cars including my Camry have absolutely no GPS problem.
Very dissapointed in reliability
Dissapointed in reliability but love driving it., 06/22/2017
updated 01/13/2023
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have had more repairs on this car then any car I've ever owned. (for a car that's only five years old with 50,000 miles.) Bad transmission, broken window control, airbag drivers side, broken radio, just out of warranty. (This is a common problem apparently.) In addition, the dealer has damaged the car twice. One time they scratched the paint in 2 places through to the primer. Another time they ripped up the upholstery on the armrest . They fixed it both times, but wasted a lot of my time, There is no excuse for damaging the vehicle. Everything but the radio has been under warranty. Like the car a lot, but very disappointed in the reliability. Hate to see what my repair bills will be now that its not under warranty. Year 2020, still fun to drive but the center console and drivers seat are shredding with only 85,000 miles on the car They use some vinyl in parts of the seats and it is the thinnest cheapest stuff I have ever seen. Fun to drive, but definitely not the old Acura quality. Update 2023.
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Not bad, but needs improvements
71peters, 09/18/2013
2012 Acura TL 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have had my 2012 TL for a year now. I bought it as a CPO for $28K...4K miles on it. I traded in a BMW 328I. Ok, it is a nice car with a lot of options. The interior is nice and very modern. Been on a few long trips and it is very comfortable. Where I have issues is with it's performance. Two things right off the bat, 1) The transmission, second gear to be exact seems sluggish on take off. It really drags the the engine down and makes for a jerky ride. Granted, coming from a BMW...the Acura's performance is not even close. But it makes up for it in other areas. 2) The steering is not sport-tuned and you will feel torque-steer if you get in the gas. Feels like a Buick at times.
Very good but not deserving the TLC status
bogdan2, 02/07/2012
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
15 of 31 people found this review helpful
I own the TL 2012 Technology package for more than a month now. The car is sporty indeed while comfortable and quiet. However my expectations were much higher from a car that claims to be a Total Luxury Car. 1. While driving you can't rest your left hand by sitting your elbow on the door handle. And even if you can it won't be at the same level as you right hand elbow. 2. If you remove your foot off the gas pedal quickly it will hit the frame with a "clunk" type of noise very bothering. 3. The worst probably is the navigation system that doesn't show your current speed, the speed limit of the road and most of the street names you driving by.
Commute in comfort and have some fun!
Peter, 06/25/2016
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Upgraded from a 3rd gen TL, what a huge huge difference. The car has minimal body roll, strong brakes, brisk acceleration. Passing cars is a breeze. You go from 65-85 in less than 2.5 seconds. Wheel has torque steer, be prepared for it, even when accelerating at highway speeds. Interior could be quieter. Wind and road noise is noticeable. Brake feel is great, doesn't dive when braking and the transmission shifts smoothly at all speeds making it a very comfortable commuter car on the jam packed 805 and 5. I wish the car had direct injection and valve shut off. Commute is 17 miles. 5 miles of which are torture, 12 of which are open, averaging only 21.3 mpg. Wish the car had 20-30 more hp. Paddle shifters work extremely well allowing you to downshift to slow down like a manual transmission increasing longevity of brakes.
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GREAT CAR, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE!!!
mbessette, 01/05/2013
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Advance Package (3.7L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2008 Range Rover Supercharged for this car and it drives just as good if not better than the Range. Also has better electronic features, reliability, and cost a third of the price. Overall just a good quality car very happy with it!!!! P.S the AWD handled better than any other i have driving and i also drove a Subaru and an infiniti in the past
Refreshed Styling sold me
al_donofrio, 03/30/2011
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
30 of 75 people found this review helpful
I was considering a buyout of the lease on my 2008 base TL. It was an excellent car, one of the best I've ever owned. I did however, wish that I'd gotten the nav package, and was considering trying to "trade up". Acura is offering excellent discounts and financing on 2011 TLs. We drove the 2011 TL, loved the ride and features, but the exterior styling on it just turned me off. The dealer had just received two 2012 cars, and the improvements in the front and rear styling immediately caught my attention. After a test drive we made a great deal on the 2012, with a loyalty discount and reduced rate financing - it is great.
Really wanted to like it
Paul M, 07/30/2015
2012 Acura TL SH-AWD 4dr Sedan AWD w/Technology Package (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 12 people found this review helpful
Not impressed at all. Had trouble with the car since the day I purchased it. Navigation is awful, the directions are misleading, it doesn't take you on the most direct route and the POI has completely wrong address information and has taken me to places that didn't exist at least 5 times. I have not been able to use a device plugged into the USB port at all, it causes the screen to freeze or reset. I brought the car to Acura and they supposedly changed the unit itself, all wiring and the USB port and it still doesn't work. My worst complaint of all is the transmission. It's extremely jerky especially when shifting into 2nd gear and just isn't smooth at all. It really slows the engine down and now I know why the new Acuras have different transmissions. Otherwise the car handles very well, the seats are very comfortable I can drive all day, sound system very good. Not sure if these are common problems or I just got a lemon but wouldn't recommend.
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Awesome Bang for the buck (But miss my BMW)
e60535i, 09/09/2011
2012 Acura TL Advance Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
23 of 61 people found this review helpful
I bought the TL Advance in 7/2011 after I saw some great financing deals. I had a VW Jetta TDI, which was awesome, but just uncomfortable for my 30 plus mile drive to and from work 5 days per week. Is this my dream car...no. But, it is a terrific bang for the buck and I am fortunate enough to afford such a great vehicle. I love the body style, power, gas mileage and all of the wonderful technology. However, the shift paddles and sport transmission are not what I expected. I have owned a BMW 335i, and 535i, which were very expensive, but had awesome handling, smooooth transmission, and effortless maneuverability.
tech package overkill
tomtrav1, 02/19/2013
2012 Acura TL Technology Package 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
10 of 28 people found this review helpful
this is our 3rd acura and we are pleased overall.smooth and quiet,handles well.
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