2012 Acura TL SH-AWD Manual | Driving Impressions (Part 1)

Finding an engaging Luxury sedan isn't easy in today's day and age. Instead, we find CVTs and Automatic transmissions with paddle shifters in many of our modern luxury cars. The manual transmission is the most intimate way you can interact with a vehicle. Interaction and luxury can be found if you look hard enough. This 2012 TL is a diamond in the plush world of luxury cars.

[@andrewsturgess7072]

The six speed has strong detent springs to force the shifter into the exact space between 3rd and 4th when the lever is in neutral. That way, you do not crash 1st accidentally and lift the heads. If you push the shift lever forward it will go into 3rd, pull it back and it will go into 4th. If you have done most of your acceleration in the first four gears and casually shift from 5th to 6th without pushing slightly to the right the spring will push you back into 4th accidentally. (This is probably what happened in this video.) Shifting from 1st to 2nd has the same issue but since you are normally pulling towards yourself slightly on that shift it doesn't happen as much. The box is a close ratio box so the engine decompression is not as pronounced as the older wider gear ratios. It makes it easy to shift without the lurches that people associated with manuals. The choice of transmission fluid in these gearboxes is important too. In the north, some fluids are too viscous and will cause the gearbox to seem notchy until warmed up.(In a previous car they changed the fluid and it made all the difference.) Not this one. It is short throw and is smooth as silk, flick of the wrist does it all. I am one of those dinosaurs roaming the earth that still wants a manual. I have had this car since 2012. (No problems with oil consumption or hood shocks:) Acura stopped making manuals when I was ready to trade in so that I have kept the car and still love it. The SH-AWD is great at reducing understeer that front wheel drive cars have issues with, especially with this much HP (300+). It's a stealth hot rod that gives great satisfaction for those of us in that eternal search for that perfect shift. I don't care if slushboxes are now faster, it's more organic and connected to drive a manual. SAVE THE MANUALS!

[@azizhachimi8744]

Finally someone who loves to drive Manual! Last October, I bough a Merc with only 15k miles (was basically like new), enjoyed it a bit, but could not love it like I love my VW MK6 TDI, so I sold it July 1! Tomorrow, FGW, I am travelling from Montreal to Toronto to pick up a very clean A-SPEC & Tech package 2010 TL SH-AWD for $10K CAD...A bargain: can't wait to get my hands on it!

[@willesco5211]

I'm into this car, I'm not that good with manuals , I'm still learning but I want this car so badly I'm getting it . I'm a new manual driver , just a Question tho is it too much for a 1st manual to own? Let me know please 🙏 🙂 and thank you

[@jonmcclane7433]

Here I am in 2023 looking for a used 2012 model. They’ve aged so nicely over the years.

[@biglu1485]

I just saw one today but it was 8k with a ticking engine😞

[@HDVisionsMedia]

Just purchased a 2012 sh awd 6 speed! Love it so far

[@dc2k453]

How’s it holding up if you still have it?

[@MeccanSamarraie]

​@@dc2k453he didnt reply, but we have a 12' tl sh-awd top trim, and a 14' mdx sh awd elite package, the TL drives oh so so nicely, even better to me than the mdx, but the mdx does feel like proper SUV luxury and is quiet fast for what it is, but the TL is really beautiful.

[@ibanezmakki]

So proud of you my brother. Your channel has grown so much and come such a long way. It’s amazing what passion and enthusiasm can do to drive success. Keep up the great work!

[@johncena6701]

Bring back the manual!

[@THE-xp3hp]

Shia Lebouf says Just Do It!!!!!

[@adamlivelife2608]

Just bought this car 6 speed manual I love so fun to drive the car is quietest and so smooth freaking love it.

[@THE-xp3hp]

Congrats welcome to the club. Fistbump me brotha

[@emmaleclair6630]

Honda gearboxes are lovely.

[@KirkKreifels]

Not all! I drove a 5-speed Accord coupe that I was not impressed with. This Acura with the 6-speed was spot on!

[@trumpetplyrmatt]

Emma LeClair I agree

[@rmdo5583]

Such a sleeper am i right?

[@Jxtreme0000]

I like the beak on the 09-11 tl and i love the quad tip exhaust on the 09-11 tl. Only thing i like more on this 2012 tl is the black housing headlights which i can easily swap to the 09-11

[@Drivin_Vibing]

Well put buddy

[@Drivin_Vibing]

These are MUCH TO SIMPLE

[@honda116969]

Damn this is a cool video that car only has 27,000 mi? That's like driving a time capsule lol nice review Kirk💯👍👍

[@La-yt1wr]

I can tell your from Missouri I'm aware of the dealer but good job dude I'm thinking about getting a 2011-14 TL with the 3.7.

[@akmalmajid4423]

At 116,000 miles this has been my favorite car to own. I purchased the car used at 37,000 miles, and I’ve had no major issues. I like infotainment system on the TL because most the controls are mapped to physical buttons where as my dads GS 350 has all the functions hidden behind multiple screens only accessible through the annoying Lexus mouse selector. The GS has a way better interior but the infotainment is too busy and that controller is a pain to use.

[@SnickterP]

I have an S2000 as a weekend car. The engine and transmission are simply superb on it. This sounds like the sedan equivalent from Honda. This may be the choice to replace my aging A4 as a daily for me.

[@VancePeiffer]

Great video

[@reycuerdos]

You’re spot on dude. Except this one car is the one that is faster with a manual. But great review!

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

We're on the hunt for a 2013/14 MT. Wish me luck...

[@KirkKreifels]

Good luck!

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Seriously...

[@marktastic86]

Any luck? These cars are ridiculously hard to find with a manual.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

@@marktastic86 yes indeed! I found a 2013 in fantastic shape with 58k miles, v6/MT. Bought it last Dec matter of fact!

[@marktastic86]

@@PNW_Sportbike_Life Awesome. What did you end up paying? I currently drive an '05 TL 6MT and have been looking for one of the later gen's. On Autotrader there are only 7 in the whole country! I can't believe how rare these cars are, so enjoy!

[@2007NissanAltima]

Very underrated car

[@jaybyrd3240]

So found this car with 124k on it in my price range. One owner. No wrecks. Mint condition. Would you recommend buying it? I have owned Hondas and Camry's and am on the fence. Thanks! Glad your channel is growing!

[@Yoomaro]

Did you get it?

[@jaybyrd3240]

@@Yoomaro I got it, but I have 30 days to return it no questions asked....I have very much liked the car, I am just not sure if I overpayed

[@dc2k453]

@@jaybyrd3240 how much did you pay? I’m very close to getting one with 120k miles but with a small accident still clean title and 3 owners at around $12k with negotiation.

[@jaybyrd3240]

@@dc2k453 20k, but a bought a 2 warranty's. Had one with 240k, worked great but I took care of it and replaced almost everything in a timely manner ( tires, axle, timing belt, lights etc) It still drive like the day I bought it . The oldest Honda I had was at 500k with almost zero problems. That was an early 90s one. Accord and Camrys seem to keep going if you take care of them

[@dc2k453]

@@jaybyrd3240 Absolutely incredible but I see more and more hondas getting 300k+ miles reported by the owners so I’m definitely going for it. Have you had any oil burning or leaking problems with any TL or honda V6 engines?

[@dentpulla]

EASY BIG FELLA ABOUT THE GRILL. don't be like a journalist and kill the car over THE GRILL. I'm joking with you but easy on the grill. More to the car than just that one tiny issue. Great video

[@ghamrick8183]

Idk man my engine note isn’t bad, although maybe it’s the stage 2 exhaust and aftermarket intake😅😂

[@willesco5211]

Is this a good 1st manual for a non manual experience driver? I'm learning but I want this gem, can anyone tell me if this is too much for a 1st time manual driver.....

[@hdavey72]

We need the manual

[@jamespoole4693]

Is this the 2012 that was at Lexus of Omaha?

[@qreekachannel8307]

They need to do this iwth the newer models

[@abrahamlopez1388]

There was a 2013 Acura TL manual with 46,000 miles on it for 30,000 I thought it was way too much and bought a 2012 advanced package with 36,000 for about 21,000 did I make a good choice

[@kevinmclean7216]

Slick stick Great looking My favorite!

[@hasanz5259]

GS is RWD based, hence better balance and handling. No comparison to FWD based TL. GS is in a different league. I have both.

[@abovemadness]

Ive owned both as well, I find the SHAWD system better than the lexus awd other than that, lexus offers so much more, gs350 f sport is what I had really miss that car, picked up a g37x to switch it up, thinking of getting another gs.

[@troyformationhyway3057]

I have both n feel the same

[@keithhicks1912]

The lexus does have better handling the acura has awd also in some models and does handle better than the lexus.

[@DrewLSsix]

I remember when car and driver declared that the fwd cadillac devile was a better handling and driving car than the Lexus LS, tuning has a large role in driving.

[@StraddleyourSuccess]

You look similar to "Meet Kevin", the KZbinr who recently bought a jet. You should drive the 2023 Acura Integra. Similar power but much less weight.

[@ether5148]

How's that whole burning copious amounts of oil thing going for you?

[@allennguyen808]

Is this car for sale?

[@KirkKreifels]

It had been. It's sold last week. Thanks for watching

[@radu197666]

@@KirkKreifels How much did you sell it for if you don't mind ? Around 20k maybe ? I am from Canada , on kijiji which is the most representative website where you can buy cars there's only ONE manual 2009 - 2013 TL and that's in Quebec so 4,000km far from me. I drive a 2002 manual 530i in the summer, like you mentioned about the TL , it's a perfect balance between handling and comfort . Of course it's slower - 7.1 sec for 0-100km/hr vs 6.2 sec for the ACURA as it's 225 hp vs 305 hp -. However the fuel economy is better or much better, I can get 33-34 mpg on the hwy and 23-24 mpg for city driving as manual shifting is great. I tried a G35 sedan and I found it so rough . If I will sell my 530i I will either get a 2009-2012 TL - auto probably as manual it's virtually impossible to find here in Canada - or a 2011-2012 535i. Thank you for your inputs , great review !

[@KirkKreifels]

@@radu197666 I don't recall how much it sold for...but it was generating lookers from across the USA!!! Awesome car.

[@louissoria1087]

Can't find any in manual!

[@azizhachimi8744]

Here in Canada, a 2010 at 10k and a 2013 at 17.5k...I am getting the 2010 because it is a bargain, has ASPEC and Tech-package!

[@chrisancrum8088]

@Aziz HACHIMI I just grabbed a 2012 TL SH-AWD 6MT last August for $13,500. It seems the value is going up for them now. I've had offers for mine between 14k-16k. I do have the Tech package and the full Aspec kit

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

Where Acura and Infinit beat Lexus is performance not talking of F products Not that Lexus is bad it's just Infinit and Acura are slightly better in general cars But Lexus beats them in luxury You never give us a tour of the interior

[@KirkKreifels]

Ahmed Moosaji omg I must have left it out...busy day. I'll take it down and re upload it. Thanks Ahmed!

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

LEXUriouS Kirk lol no stress Now you have more work editing

[@bsu1960]

Ahmed. If you are smart you will invest in a F sport as a collectible vehicle for the future Lexus will be the future for car collectors during the next 100 years Think if it this way Toyota Supra

[@bsu1960]

I mean that how can you say they are better cars in general ?? That’s not true in sales volume or reliability or owner loyalty you never ever feel stuck with a Lexus

[@AHMEDMOOSAJI]

bsu1960 you read it wrong I meant in term of sportiness Not the F models the standard general models Infiniti and Acura are more sporty than Lexus in general cars not their F performances models Lexus beats them in luxury and reliability any day I'm telling you all this from personal experience I own a lexus

[@adamlivelife2608]

Audi dose not 2016 was last year

[@bsu1960]

The Manual transmission stole the show and don’t ever let a Chevy get the jump in you unless it’s a Camaro and if so make sure you have the new mustang gt manual the coyote Engine and up should kill the Chevy

[@KirkKreifels]

bsu1960 haha I totally ashamed of not being ready for the green.

[@fredy5271]

Oh is butter omg 🙄

[@bsu1960]

Infiniti Nissan are not better cars I should know I had them for nearly 15 years and I’ll tell you what I have been around cars and interested in them my whole life since I could read I have to disagree just by sheer numbers and what is obvious to the naked eye and what you see around you in the seascape of transportation look at the montage sadly the stereotypes are true had American cars not cut corners for a buck there would not be so many rusty pieces of crap lurching up and down and side to side on the highways and byways of life Toyota had a vision and a goal and they achieved it they beat everyone worldwide

[@keithhicks1912]

Get this clown out of here with I'd say this interior is a five bs! This interior is great most comfortable seats ever heated and cooled I have this car 2014 acura tl advanced front wheel drive automatic and this car is AWESOME best car I've ever had by far and you are comparing it to a 60,000 dollar lexus gs when the Acura is about 40,000 and the ACURA is as reliable as the day is long And the acura handles twice as good as the lexus PERIOD!!!

[@chrisancrum8088]

Bro, you just took the words right out of my mouth! I was thinking the same thing! I have this car with the technology package, and the interior is one of my favorite things about the car. I'm a big guy, but the seats hold me so comfortably. The instrument cluster is really cool and the entire layout is perfect. It should've been rated no less than an 8.

[@joshuav1088]

have you ever seen a Mercedez interior that's way better then any lexus

[@KirkKreifels]

I've seen some that rival, but not better.

[@joshuav1088]

Kirk Kreifels I get that you love lexus but lexus can’t compete with luxury to a Mercedes have you been on a S class. I like Lexus but they don’t come close to Mercedes on luxury.

[@joshuav1088]

Kirk Kreifels it’s like Mercedes does not come close to lexus on reliability you know what I mean.

[@abalakrishnan4152]

These go for like $20k now w/ like 100k miles. IT's crazy

[@msbs1813]

Where can I find that transmission I been looking everywhere can someone please help me

[@devan.darrell]

You have to keep searching!!! They are keepers now so you'll barley see the 6MTs at a dealership or private sale. If you do fine "one", it'll be priced higher than average, and or it'll be sold QUICK!!!!