Used 2009 Acura TL for Sale near San Jose, CA

The 2009 Acura TL luxury sedan grows this year, in both size and power, knocking it nearly out of its entry-level position and close to the full-size Acura RL. As the competition increases in the luxury sedan segment, automakers must strive harder to distinguish their brands. For 2009, the Acura TL gets an overall redesign, with a stiffer, more rigid body, new front and rear fascias, and larger dimensions. Adding 2 inches in width, 6 inches in length, and 1.4 inches in wheelbase, the TL increases cabin volume by 1 cubic foot, giving most of that extra space to rear legroom. The added size barely increases its overall weight, however, thanks to the use of lightweight aluminum and high-strength steel. The 2009 TL comes in front-wheel-drive Base and SH-AWD trims. The latter stands for Super Handling AWD, a first for the TL, and replaces the outgoing Type-S performance trim. The AWD system not only automatically splits torque between front and rear wheels, but also delivers up to 100% of torque to the outer edges of the rear wheels, for optimal cornering and road grip capabilities. To that end, the SH-AWD also comes with larger new 18-inch wheels, larger dual-piston Brembo brakes, and stronger shocks. Powering the Base trim, a 3.5-liter VTEC V6 engine raises horsepower by 22 for a total of 280 hp (the same as the old Type-S), with 0-60 times of 6.8 seconds. The SH-AWD gets the most powerful Acura engine available – a 3.7-liter V6 from the RL that delivers 305 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, as well as 0-60 times of 5.3 seconds. Equipped with variable valve timing on both the intake and dual exhaust valves, fuel economy averages a respectable 17/24 mpg. A slightly revised 5-speed Sequential Shift automatic remains the only transmission, though steering-wheel paddle shifters are available. Acura hints at a manual for 2010. The TL's most noticeable improvement is the lack of annoying torque steer, an oft-heard complaint in past years that Acura virtually eliminated this year. On the inside, the 2009 TL gets a high-end dual-pod cockpit design up front, with the instrument panel housing an LCD screen and all-in-one controller that can be ignored if the driver prefers more convenient individual buttons. Base models feature a 6-CD changer with satellite radio, Bluetooth, a new iPod jack with USB port, power front seats with memory, a sunroof, and heated leather seats. The SH-AWD adds bolstered seats and both heating and cooling for the front seats. The 2009 TL fulfills every tech-head's dream with its optional Tech Package. Among its offerings are an upgraded hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and weather, a 10-speaker surround-sound system that rips CDs automatically to the 13-gig hard drive, and keyless push-button start. Remaining a safe and solid sedan, the 2009 TL lands five stars in all categories of the NHTSA crash tests, fully equipped with four-wheel ABS, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, and traction and stability control. Early reviews highlight the impressively quiet ride, smooth-shifting automatic, minimal body roll, and outstanding AWD road grip and cornering. The quality cabin materials put it on a par with the Mercedes E Class and BMW 5 Series, with intuitive controls and a clearly legible navigation screen. On the downside, some feel the new V6 engines still feel underpowered, thanks to the TL's growth. Other complaints mention vague steering, the lack of a manual transmission, and the need for premium gas.