outdoorlife99

As a long time Acura owner with an 06 tl, the wife an I have been looking at an 14 rlx. Have been reading and reading on here til I get so twisted I can't think straight. So, having said that we went and checked it out today. Loved every last thing about the car. I checked the build date and its 8/13, is this late enough that I avoided some of the issues I've read about? Getting a car fax tomorrow from my mechanic as well as he is calling a local Acura dealership to have the vin. Number checked for and batteries issues and problems it might or might not have had. There we no unusual sounds or noises when driving. It has 18,800 miles on it. So any other advise you can give will be appreciated. Thanks

RLX-Sport Hybrid

FWD or Sport Hybrid?

TampaRLX-SH

Based on that build date (8/13) it is a FWD PAWS model. The 2014 SH RLX were not built until December - February 2013-2014 and then sat on the factory lot @ Saitama for months. But what trim level is the car? Be aware there were several trim levels when first launched including a non NAVI, vinyl seat base model.

Check the TSB thread here and list the TSBs that were issued for that car. You can verify they have been applied to that car by checking the VIN with an Acura dealer. They may also appear on the CarFax but the descriptions on CarFax are often vague and incomplete.

Is it an Acura Certified vehicle? If it is, you also get a great warranty and assure they apply any outstanding TSBs.

That is an early build model, so with some homework and diligence you can get a great car, likely at an amazing value. Aside from the TSB updates the two primary issues being reported on this forum are:

1) Buggy, slow Infotainment system. This was updated with the 2016 model year and so far no update has been offered for the earlier models.

2) Reports of a clunky and harsh suspension, primarily the front end. Some report no issues, some report no improvements after a TSB was issued for the front suspension strut mountings. Many of us speculate the suspension was designed and tuned for the Sport Hybrid model as the two models behave significantly different with apparently the same suspension components.

If possible (and likely if it is an Acura Dealer), ask to take the car for a weekend. Even use the list you make as suggested above as leverage to assure your satisfaction. It is easy to be overwhelmed with 'new car smell' or 'shiny metal things' and lose focus on possible negatives. A weekend should offer opportunity to see if you find the Infotainment acceptable or bothersome. Also, purposely drive some choppy poor roads and examine your response to how the car behaves. Keep the stereo off or low volume as the criticisms are more on suspension sounds (some describe it as 'loose lumber' clunking). And you need only to drive B road speeds less than 45 mph. Think crappy city / urban streets and appropriate speeds.

The PAWS RLX has not been accepted in the market and many feel Acura placed the sticker too high, so sales are low. I would think a low mileage RLX can be had for an extremely good price.

There is so much to love about this car, but be aware of the shortcomings and how they may affect you during ownership.

Others will chime in, but I think that summarizes what we have learned in the last 2+ years of the RLX.

Good Luck and hope to see you join our community.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I just hope it's an elite, or your wife might walk...

outdoorlife99

Yea, it's an elite but what is that? Thought they were base, tech, or advance. Got to remember I'm new here guys, and just found out there are no outstanding TSB, still would like to know if it had any done or not though. Thanks for help folks, I'm learning

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I'm just busting your balls...there's a guy that claims...never mind, best you not even know

But congrats, sounds like you were patient and certain about your upgrade. I've thought about a great SUV replacement for me, but my wife says I'd miss my TL too much.

wstr75

I have a 2014 PAWS Advance with an early build date. It now has 39,500 miles and is the best car I've ever owned. It replaced a 2006 RL with 127,000 miles that was the previous best car I'd ever owned. The entertainment system speed/access has not been a problem for me, nor has the suspension either. My biggest issue with the car is my lovely bride is now driving it more often, leaving me to drive her RX350 and suffering the embarrassment of being one of those older guys in a chick car.

outdoorlife99

Thanks so much guys for the response, something about forums can twist yer thoughts if you don't step back for a moment. Anyhow, after some more research today, because the auto check and carfax just stopped at 5,000 miles or so, I tracked down the local dealer that sold the car and did all the maintenance until 14,000. I feel a lot better, no TSBs, the headlights were swapped out, oil,tires,and cabin air filter have been keep up with. The technician said sometimes things just don't make it through the computers as they should, but the car has had no issues and they will be glad to handle anything that comes up in or out of warranty. So appears we are going to jump in it on Friday. Bit more than I wanted to spend as I have 3 girls in college, but we have enjoyed the TL and its now going to be mine, as I will say good by to my civic with 410,000 miles. Yes I take care of my cars.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Fantastic outcome! Welcome and ENJOY!

miner

outdoorlife99,
Please be sure to check that the suspension bolts were replaced - a safety issue.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I've never replaced suspension bolts!

outdoorlife99

Man, I sure hate that nervous feeling right before you buy a car, the old stomach churning thing. More payments, will anything go wrong, is this the right car, etc. Six months from now it all works out and is forgotten. But just darn.......

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I hate the fucking feeling too, man!

neuronbob

Preliminary welcome to the family. Your RLX should take care of you nicely. It looks like you are really doing your homework here. As long as any outstanding issues are taken care of before delivery, you should do OK.

miner

Depending on when you bought your RLX - they may have already been replaced prior to delivery.

George Knighton

I believe that "Elite" is the Canadian market's "Advance" package.

:-)

I think.

I used to have an RLX Advance (P-AWS) and felt it was a very nice car for the money.

I only got rid of it because the dealer called me about my SH-AWD Advance, and offered too much money in trade to get me into this car.

miner

George, you were very fortunate.