Advice on used 56/37/TL?

[Raran1]

This site is awesome and I want to thank you guys for all the posts/articles -
Bought my first '06 M35X 1 owner, Premium Pkg (I believe - had every option including RES/DVD player - reclining seats etc) with 88K on it in 2012. Fast forward today: 175K on it with no major issues (front suspension/wheel bearings - brakes/tires/fluids) - eats some oil - just keep her topped off. Got my oldest an I35 (which he destroyed) and now he has his own '08 G35Xs.
Son #2: about time to drive - the lady of the house thinks since my car "isn't worth much" he gets mine and I get something "newer". Hence my conundrum: limited budget - under $20K or so:
Options: NW Ohio area (not opposed to traveling for the right car)
2011: M56X (local - FSBO) - optioned up (scary electronics?- mine have been good) and timing chain recall done - just dropped under $16K 105K mi Black w/Mocha? int - nice

2010: Acura TL SH-AWD 6 spd (sweet) $18K (or less) 81K mi - 2 owner local car (neighbor works at dealership) - been stop sale for airbag recall since traded in - getting fixed this week - autocheck good plus he is pulling service records for me and having tech's go over it (I am aware of potential oil burning issue - mine does too) Blk/Blk

Another option: 2011 M37X - $21K 62K mi -through my contact at Infiniti Columbus: Platinum Graphite/Wheat int

Thanks in advance for any advice - will be daily driver (under 15K/yr as don't travel nearly as much) miles don't scare me, my shop is very good and I am a little anal on maintenance - V8! or 6 speed! or "normal" car...? Piece of history - 2000 TL 3.2 - bought certified 36K (new transmission under warranty) - sold w/345K - the guy is still driving it!

[ArmedAviator]

I picked my 2012 M37x up in Brunswick for $19,9xx before tax, title, etc. Had 82k miles and no warranty. Lacks the technology and sport packages but I'm happy with that as it is less stuff to go bad.

I've been happy with it. If I could find an M56 for a similar price I'd have done it, but I only saw a single M56 in all of Ohio listed online at the time. But the 3.7 is still hella fun and loves to rev.

[Raran1]

Got my current one at the Volvo/Jag dealer in Cleveland - been good - just a little scared of the timing chain for the M56 - but if fixed and all maintenance/service up to date and documented - the car looks good - going to try and go see this weekend. Think I paid about $17K 4 years ago (original sticker still in it over $52K). V8 will probably take the cake, of course my mechanic is like you, the more that's in it, the more to go bad - especially electronics.
Thanks for the reply.

[ArmedAviator]

$17k 4 years ago?! How many miles for it have on it? A million?

[Ilya]

TL/37 are pretty close...but the M56 cannot be compared to the TL just on it's engine alone. It's a whole different level of performance.

[armybrat]

TL/37 are pretty close...but the M56 cannot be compared to the TL just on it's engine alone. It's a whole different level of performance.

True, but in the AWD department, Acura's SH-AWD is better than the ATTESA E-TS system...if only the M56x had the E-TS Pro version...

[dmclone]

TL/37 are pretty close...but the M56 cannot be compared to the TL just on it's engine alone. It's a whole different level of performance.

True, but in the AWD department, Acura's SH-AWD is better than the ATTESA E-TS system...if only the M56x had the E-TS Pro version...

I always hear great things about the AWD systems in the Acura. When exactly does the benefits of the Acura system show up compared to the Infiniti's system? We get quite a bit of snow and I've never had a problem with how the M56x handles in rough conditions. Maybe I don't do enough drifting in my 4,200lb luxury sedan to appreciate the difference.

[Ilya]

Not saying SH-AWD is bad...but ATTESA is referred to as one of the best AWD systems in the world. I hardly ever hear car mags, etc. talking about SH-AWD. And being that I live in the NE and we get a ton of snow usually (not last winter though), I can say that with good tires (not even winter, just good all-season tires)...I have no issues getting out of my driveway (30* hill), etc. My roads are plowed last as I live in the sticks and I need to rely on my car, not the road crews, to get around until I get to the main roads.

But regardless...the M56 is a COMPLETELY different beast. I have an M37/Q70 loaner right now and my M56 is WAY better. The engine is just such an important piece of the puzzle. Can't even compare the two levels of M's to one another.

[ArmedAviator]

The ATESSA system is great. It is RWD until you need it. IIRC, Acura is FWD until needed. I much prefer the feel and thrill of RWD and this AWD system provides me the feel of RWD with the advantages of AWD.

[armybrat]

The ATESSA system is great. It is RWD until you need it. IIRC, Acura is FWD until needed. I much prefer the feel and thrill of RWD and this AWD system provides me the feel of RWD with the advantages of AWD.

Slight correction...SH-AWD is AWD all the time. While it is mainly FWD under normal driving conditions, there is always some power going to the rear axle. Also, the torque in the rear axle shifts from 0 - 100% left or right when driving and/or accelerating on curvy roads, which is a huge advantage. Don't get me wrong, I also like the feel of the RWD of my M56x, but I do miss the handling of the MDX I used to have. Having driven both types (V8 aside), SH-AWD beats ATTESA E-TS for spirited driving on curvy roads. For all other driving, I like both.

[CRV_33]

I agree with armybrat's post. This is my second car with the ATESSA system and I still prefer Acura's SH-AWD.

In Minnesota we deal with tons of snow and ice all winter and honestly there are days I catch myself feathering the acceleration pedal in my old G35x and current M56x to maintain control even when it is set to "SNOW" mode. Yes the V8 is a beast in the snow but I still have to exercise caution. Keep in mind I am running snow tires; there are times during snowstorms where the ATESSA feels really sketchy taking left and right turns.

On the other hand I don't even own an Acura but when I get a chance to drive a friend or relatives SH-AWD equipped car I feel right at home with Acura's SH-AWD. I have so much confidence driving it because it feels like the vehicle is riding on rails even on all season tires in winter conditions.

[ibc]

I love the powerful feel of the M56x on summer roads. Also, this past winter the AWD was good cuz we didn't get stuck in any deep snowdrifts WAY up north, even when straying a little bit off-road. We have all-season michelins, not snows. Whatever AWD system we have in this beast, it works wonderfully. What's not to like?

[Raran1]

Thanks as I will be looking at the M next week and the TL as soon as the Takada recall is done. I had a loaner G37x and that was fast I can't wait to drive the 56. I agree with the comments on the AWD systems as I have experienced the same with my M35x even with "newer" (less than 7k mi) all seasons this past not normal winter. I do love the RWD bias though.

Any thoughts on the timing chain recall/repair? Has the design/issues been rectified and if the owner has all service records documented as he states, may be my second M (and 3rd) Infiniti in the household.

1. M- Concern on getting some parts (no dealer here) and I usually have to order online (waited 3 months for a wiring harness from Japan) hence the G loaner
2. TL 6spd is still a big + and much better tire size 245/45 vs 245/50? cost selection (although the 20's for the M have more options?) and parts available locally for the TL
3. Mixed opinions from family/friends as to which one (16 year old loves the M now) I forget the term but 'classy/dope' and thinks the V8 is the shizzle - he was a big TL fan before he saw one (not many around here)
4. Approx $2,000 less for the M (exhaust?)
5. Electronics in mine have been solid - hoping for the same if I pull trigger on the 56 (since both have every stinking option available at the time)

Thoughts? And thanks again! I guess I'll drive them both and see what "speaks" to me.

[armybrat]

I always hear great things about the AWD systems in the Acura. When exactly does the benefits of the Acura system show up compared to the Infiniti's system? We get quite a bit of snow and I've never had a problem with how the M56x handles in rough conditions. Maybe I don't do enough drifting in my 4,200lb luxury sedan to appreciate the difference.

It mainly shows up when driving aggressively on curvy roads or when turning from a stop sign or traffic light. I used to love turning left or right at a stop light and getting on the pedal. When accelerating the main torque will not only shift to the rear but also to the outer wheel. You can feel the car whip around and take off without breaking rubber. As far as snow and such, both systems seem to work just fine. IMHO, with the Acura being FWD biased, I feel like I have more control for the way I drive.