Got a 2013 for a loaner.....

[shagnat]

I have a 2010 4.6L w/tech package and had to take the car in for some repair work. They gave me a 2013 w/V6 as a loaner. I'm the first person to drive this car outside of dealership personnel who do the service work etc.

I'm quite impressed with the V6 engine and the 8 speed tranny. I noticed some folks having issues with the 8 speed tranny, but, as a brand new car this 8 speed was working flawlessly. I am also very impressed with the improved ride quality. When hitting the same pot holes in my neighborhood, the 2013 seem to absorb the rough spots rather than "bounce" over them like my 2010.

I know a brand new car is a different breed than one with 37K miles, but, still, there's just a difference. Also, the doors and door locks have a much more solid sound to them vs the 2010.

My BIGGEST surprise was the firmer and tighter seats in the non-tech version. I much prefer a slightly firmer seat (not ride). My Genny w/the "super soft" luxury leather just doesn't suit my back issues worth a toot.

Not all was great with the 2013. Mainly the shiny black dash on the passenger's was very distracting. I can imagine with the sun at the wrong angle this could be a real problem. I much prefer my leather inlay over the hard shiny plastic.

Oh, and the gas mileage around town is about 4mpg higher with the V6 and 8 speed tranny.

 

[Mark_888]

I have a 2010 4.6L w/tech package and had to take the car in for some repair work. They gave me a 2013 w/V6 as a loaner. I'm the first person to drive this car outside of dealership personnel who do the service work etc.

I'm quite impressed with the V6 engine and the 8 speed tranny. I noticed some folks having issues with the 8 speed tranny, but, as a brand new car this 8 speed was working flawlessly. I am also very impressed with the improved ride quality. When hitting the same pot holes in my neighborhood, the 2013 seem to absorb the rough spots rather than "bounce" over them like my 2010.

I know a brand new car is a different breed than one with 37K miles, but, still, there's just a difference. Also, the doors and door locks have a much more solid sound to them vs the 2010.

My BIGGEST surprise was the firmer and tighter seats in the non-tech version. I much prefer a slightly firmer seat (not ride). My Genny w/the "super soft" luxury leather just doesn't suit my back issues worth a toot.

Not all was great with the 2013. Mainly the shiny black dash on the passenger's was very distracting. I can imagine with the sun at the wrong angle this could be a real problem. I much prefer my leather inlay over the hard shiny plastic.

Oh, and the gas mileage around town is about 4mpg higher with the V6 and 8 speed tranny.

There was a well-documented suspension change in 2012. You observations seem consistent with others. If you are overly concerned about your 2010 suspension, try swapping out your rear stabilizer bar for the 2012 one (the part will cost about $125 plus labor). That is not the only change made in 2012, but it will help and doesn't as much as would swapping out the entire suspension.

Only the V6 Base trim level lacks the leather insert on dash (same on 2009-2011 also). V6 with Premium Package (and obviously Tech Package) has the leather inserts on dash (although things a little different in Canada).

 

[Rey]

Had almost the same impression when I took my '12 RSpec in for service and was given a '13 3.8 loaner with tech and premium packages. Liked the 3.8 so much that I traded the RSpec for one. 3.8 feels more nimble, and, of course gets materially better gas mileage. 3.8 is geared differently and does not have near the torque control at low gears as the RSpec. Consequently, it has good "jump" off the line and throttle response.

 

[shagnat]

Had almost the same impression when I took my '12 RSpec in for service and was given a '13 3.8 loaner with tech and premium packages. Liked the 3.8 so much that I traded the RSpec for one. 3.8 feels more nimble, and, of course gets materially better gas mileage. 3.8 is geared differently and does not have near the torque control at low gears as the RSpec. Consequently, it has good "jump" off the line and throttle response.

Did you find the R-Spec that unacceptable? Or were there other reasons for your trade?