Did I Just Get Hoodwinked?
12-11-2013, 08:40 PM
#1
Grandpa
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Did I Just Get Hoodwinked?
My TL 6-6 has 85,000 miles on it now and I've always known that I probably wanted an RLX SH-AWD, so I stopped by the nearest dealer to get to know the RLX systems a little better.
Part of what I learned from the enthusiasts there is that the RLX SH-AWD is *not* going to cost 66,000 as the reviewers have been telling us recently, but is likely to cost more like 80,000 (!!).
Moreover, they're supposedly only going to be able build maybe 70-75 cars/month.
This is Type R territory. There wouldn't be a way to get a decent discount and you'd be lucky in its first year of production even locating one.
Were they exaggerating the situation to get me to buy an FWD RLX?
I did buy an RLX Advanced. After spending more time with one today, I realized I really liked it.
But...I'd have liked a 66,000 RLX SH-AWD even more, and I hope that I didn't miss out on that because I fell for an exaggeration.
Part of what I learned from the enthusiasts there is that the RLX SH-AWD is *not* going to cost 66,000 as the reviewers have been telling us recently, but is likely to cost more like 80,000 (!!).
Moreover, they're supposedly only going to be able build maybe 70-75 cars/month.
This is Type R territory. There wouldn't be a way to get a decent discount and you'd be lucky in its first year of production even locating one.
Were they exaggerating the situation to get me to buy an FWD RLX?
I did buy an RLX Advanced. After spending more time with one today, I realized I really liked it.
But...I'd have liked a 66,000 RLX SH-AWD even more, and I hope that I didn't miss out on that because I fell for an exaggeration.
12-11-2013, 08:56 PM
#2
Grandpa
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It was the sales manager telling me that it would be 80,000 by the time it got out the door.
12-11-2013, 08:58 PM
#3
Senior Moderator
Wait....what?
Did you buy an RLX? Why? When the Sport Hybrid is so close?
Not being rude, I'm just a little confused by your post.
Did you buy an RLX? Why? When the Sport Hybrid is so close?
Not being rude, I'm just a little confused by your post.
12-11-2013, 09:03 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
You got yourself and great car and should be happy.
That said, the lesson I've learned over the years is to trust Acurazine more than any salesman who's trying to make himself a commission (especially at Christmas time). The predicted price for the SHAWD RLX being thrown around was "leaked" by Acura themselves at the media days introduction to the SHAWD RLX and should be somewhere close to the final number. It would be a public relations nightmare for Acura to later release the car at a $15000 higher price than was being suggested at their own media event especially when previous year's models haven't exactly flown off the lot.
Just my two cents and I will certainly defer to AZ members with true inside information on the matter.
That said, the lesson I've learned over the years is to trust Acurazine more than any salesman who's trying to make himself a commission (especially at Christmas time). The predicted price for the SHAWD RLX being thrown around was "leaked" by Acura themselves at the media days introduction to the SHAWD RLX and should be somewhere close to the final number. It would be a public relations nightmare for Acura to later release the car at a $15000 higher price than was being suggested at their own media event especially when previous year's models haven't exactly flown off the lot.
Just my two cents and I will certainly defer to AZ members with true inside information on the matter.
12-11-2013, 10:07 PM
#5
Drifting
Car salesmen will tell you anything to get you to buy today. They're not going to tell you to wait until the new one comes out when they can close you today.
12-11-2013, 10:08 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
Agree with trusting the AZ crew.
I can only hope you got a stellar deal on the RLX.
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12-12-2013, 06:07 AM
#8
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Yes, I certainly did.
It was a really extraordinary deal, just like my TL 6-6 was. Hard to beat at the price.
But either they misled me or the semi-professional and professional journalists are wrong about the price and availability of the AWD.
If I take these guys at their word it sounds to me that the SH-AWD is going to be about as hard to get as a Type R was in its heyday. And in 2014 I am too old to feel like driving 700 miles to pay full sticker for a car.
I got a good deal and it is a good car that suits my lifestyle as it is developing.
But.... $80,000 and only 70-75 produced/month? At that price the Acura is no longer a no-brainer.
I'd have waited for $66,000 even at sticker, but I'd have to be able to get one when I wanted one.
So yes, I took the deal.
Obviously a nagging feeling, though, or I wouldn't be talking about it!
:-)
12-12-2013, 07:26 AM
#10
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With my TL and the Tech Package, I was finding things I didn't know about for years after I bought it. I'll probably sell the RLX long before I've figured out everything.
Brian Cooley said that he felt the Navigation was too much like the 2009 navigation, but it seems pretty damned different to me. Maybe the maps look the same but there are more views now and response is virtually instantaneous.
The Krell Audio...I don't know what it is that they are doing but XM Satellite sounds better than it has ever sounded before. That's always been a problem with even the very best audio...you can't fix how crappy satellite sounds.
But with the Krell, and I haven't researched this yet, I'd swear that somehow they're getting high bandwidth uncompressed audio out of satellite. I have no idea how they could do that, but it sounds great across the entire listening range.
The transmission's Sport button does more than I expected, too. When your foot's off throttle it keeps the car in gear in a way that improves responsiveness. One of the ways that they get good fuel economy in this car is that the pedal sort of pushes back at you with small movements of your foot, I guess to be sure that you mean business. In sport mode, that resistance is gone and I am very surprised that the throttle responds as well as it does.
It's only a six speed...but I don't feel like I'm missing out on a 7th or an 8th gear.
Which begs the question, once again, why Honda has that contract with ZF for a conventional 9 speed automatic. They are going to be putting that in something, somewhere, sometime. They wouldn't have the contract if they weren't planning on a 9 speed somewhere.
Care to share the approximate price you paid for it? I understand if not.
At 61,000 you should compare cars carefully before you buy an RLX.
But at 50,000 it becomes a standout best buy.
With my TL 6-6 I used to say that I had a hard time finding a car in December 2009 that did what the TL did without spending 20 grand more than the TL sticker, which meant 25 grand more at what they were selling for.
You're going to have a hard time finding a car that does everything the RLX does as well as the RLX does it without spending tens of thousands more.
At 61,000 it is a viable choice. Very good, but unremarkable.
At 52,000 it becomes a stand out best buy.
I'm not complaining about any of that.
I just have this nagging feeling that I will regret it if the RLX SH-AWD hits the floors at 66,000 and they're at full production.
If they really are just 70-75/month then I did the right thing. If they're at full production by May 2014, then I am going to be cyber-punching me a sales manager.
:-)
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12-12-2013, 07:27 AM
#11
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12-12-2013, 10:59 AM
#12
Three Wheelin'
I think it is unlikely that we'll ever see the kind of discounts currently available on the FWD RLX being applied to the SHAWD version primarily due to the limited numbers they are going to produce. Because of that, while you'll be missing out on some of the SHAWD versions goodies, you saved yourself at least $10,000 on what the AWD version would have cost you and that is hardly chump change.
Have fun with your new RLX - you got a great car and a great deal.
Have fun with your new RLX - you got a great car and a great deal.
12-12-2013, 12:25 PM
#13
Senior Moderator
LOL....
Yes, I certainly did.
It was a really extraordinary deal, just like my TL 6-6 was. Hard to beat at the price.
But either they misled me or the semi-professional and professional journalists are wrong about the price and availability of the AWD.
If I take these guys at their word it sounds to me that the SH-AWD is going to be about as hard to get as a Type R was in its heyday. And in 2014 I am too old to feel like driving 700 miles to pay full sticker for a car.
I got a good deal and it is a good car that suits my lifestyle as it is developing.
But.... $80,000 and only 70-75 produced/month? At that price the Acura is no longer a no-brainer.
I'd have waited for $66,000 even at sticker, but I'd have to be able to get one when I wanted one.
So yes, I took the deal.
Obviously a nagging feeling, though, or I wouldn't be talking about it!
:-)
Yes, I certainly did.
It was a really extraordinary deal, just like my TL 6-6 was. Hard to beat at the price.
But either they misled me or the semi-professional and professional journalists are wrong about the price and availability of the AWD.
If I take these guys at their word it sounds to me that the SH-AWD is going to be about as hard to get as a Type R was in its heyday. And in 2014 I am too old to feel like driving 700 miles to pay full sticker for a car.
I got a good deal and it is a good car that suits my lifestyle as it is developing.
But.... $80,000 and only 70-75 produced/month? At that price the Acura is no longer a no-brainer.
I'd have waited for $66,000 even at sticker, but I'd have to be able to get one when I wanted one.
So yes, I took the deal.
Obviously a nagging feeling, though, or I wouldn't be talking about it!
:-)
Do enjoy in good health!
12-12-2013, 01:06 PM
#14
Instructor
Yes, Pohanka.
RE: Your comment on the Krell and XM. I had the same experience when testing the Advance back in April. The XM sound from The Krell was far superior to to my 2009 TL SH-AWD Tech. I had an aftermarket A/V system put in my 2002 MDX by a local top notch company. It had a Pioneer head unit and separate XM tuner with better sound than my TL. I recall the installer stating that most XM tuners used by car manufacturers could not use the full bandwidth from the satellite. Perhaps the Krell XM tuner is superior?
RE: Your comment on the Krell and XM. I had the same experience when testing the Advance back in April. The XM sound from The Krell was far superior to to my 2009 TL SH-AWD Tech. I had an aftermarket A/V system put in my 2002 MDX by a local top notch company. It had a Pioneer head unit and separate XM tuner with better sound than my TL. I recall the installer stating that most XM tuners used by car manufacturers could not use the full bandwidth from the satellite. Perhaps the Krell XM tuner is superior?
Last edited by 2011TL; 12-12-2013 at 01:18 PM.
12-12-2013, 08:41 PM
#16
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Yes, Pohanka.
RE: Your comment on the Krell and XM. I had the same experience when testing the Advance back in April. The XM sound from The Krell was far superior to to my 2009 TL SH-AWD Tech. I had an aftermarket A/V system put in my 2002 MDX by a local top notch company. It had a Pioneer head unit and separate XM tuner with better sound than my TL. I recall the installer stating that most XM tuners used by car manufacturers could not use the full bandwidth from the satellite. Perhaps the Krell XM tuner is superior?
RE: Your comment on the Krell and XM. I had the same experience when testing the Advance back in April. The XM sound from The Krell was far superior to to my 2009 TL SH-AWD Tech. I had an aftermarket A/V system put in my 2002 MDX by a local top notch company. It had a Pioneer head unit and separate XM tuner with better sound than my TL. I recall the installer stating that most XM tuners used by car manufacturers could not use the full bandwidth from the satellite. Perhaps the Krell XM tuner is superior?
12-12-2013, 08:42 PM
#17
Three Wheelin'
The transmission's Sport button does more than I expected, too. When your foot's off throttle it keeps the car in gear in a way that improves responsiveness. One of the ways that they get good fuel economy in this car is that the pedal sort of pushes back at you with small movements of your foot, I guess to be sure that you mean business. In sport mode, that resistance is gone and I am very surprised that the throttle responds as well as it does.
welcome to the club amigo, she's a fine ride and the fun has just begun for you. I'm still enjoying my Advanced like the day I drove it off the lot in July.
the only thing that makes me jealous of your post is your price...man you got a steal. I paid top dollar for mine, but that's the price I pay for not waiting, and I am leasing mine, so I think that certainly makes a difference in final cost.
12-12-2013, 09:06 PM
#19
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Ha ha ha ha.... I noticed the button but haven't pressed it yet.
Always had good luck in December. Between the holdback and the Honda rebates I am sure they still made money.
the only thing that makes me jealous of your post is your price...man you got a steal.
12-12-2013, 09:07 PM
#20
Drifting
My wife and son saw a new RLX SH-AWD driving around with dealer plates yesterday. Demo? Tester? Interesting.
Congrats on the pickup. In either FWD or AWD guise, it's a nice car.
Congrats on the pickup. In either FWD or AWD guise, it's a nice car.
12-12-2013, 09:36 PM
#21
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12-12-2013, 10:54 PM
#23
Yes, you probably got hoodwinked, but yes, you got a good deal. So, you decide. 
12-13-2013, 09:56 AM
#24
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12-13-2013, 10:19 AM
#25
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12-13-2013, 01:11 PM
#26
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12-13-2013, 03:12 PM
#27
Cajun Gumbo Man
I was told by an Acura Salesmans "next May 2014"......I said what is the delay....he said Acura wants to get this vehicle right.....so based on that the current RLX models are NOT right??????????????????
12-13-2013, 07:20 PM
#28
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I think the salesman was just BSing. The RLX AWD will be around $66k fully loaded. That's worth it since it's only $5k more than a FWD advance. But you've got your RLX Advance FWD for $52k. That's a difference of $14k. I doubt the AWD will have as much discount. You will still see $10k difference.
I'd love to pick up a RLX AWD several years later in the used car market for about $30k!
I'd love to pick up a RLX AWD several years later in the used car market for about $30k!
12-15-2013, 10:23 AM
#29
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12-15-2013, 12:25 PM
#30
6G TLX-S
For used hybrid vehicles, you don't want to get stuck with replacing the expensive battery packs out of your own pocket.
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hondamore (12-15-2013)
12-15-2013, 12:58 PM
#31
I think the salesman was just BSing. The RLX AWD will be around $66k fully loaded. That's worth it since it's only $5k more than a FWD advance. But you've got your RLX Advance FWD for $52k. That's a difference of $14k. I doubt the AWD will have as much discount. You will still see $10k difference.
I'd love to pick up a RLX AWD several years later in the used car market for about $30k!
I'd love to pick up a RLX AWD several years later in the used car market for about $30k!
12-15-2013, 01:52 PM
#32
I'd expect the warranty to be no less than 8/80,000 since the hybrid system is part of the emissions certification. States that follow California standards are 150,000 miles.
12-15-2013, 04:12 PM
#33
6G TLX-S
^^^^^
Unfortunately, even a cheap hybrid battery pack will end up costing an-arm-and-a-leg after having gone through Honda/Acura, being marked as genuine OEM replacement parts.
You may not know the pain, since you have staff discount on all factory parts and labor charges.
Unless, there are other aftermarket choices out there (in the future), but then non-OEM battery pack might have fire hazard concerns, just like those no-name cellphone/laptop batteries exploding and catching fire.
Unfortunately, even a cheap hybrid battery pack will end up costing an-arm-and-a-leg after having gone through Honda/Acura, being marked as genuine OEM replacement parts.
You may not know the pain, since you have staff discount on all factory parts and labor charges.
Unless, there are other aftermarket choices out there (in the future), but then non-OEM battery pack might have fire hazard concerns, just like those no-name cellphone/laptop batteries exploding and catching fire.
12-15-2013, 04:53 PM
#34
^^ As I said, individual 'pain' thresholds will vary. Some might consider $2-3,000 reasonable if it comes after 100,000 miles.
12-16-2013, 09:56 AM
#35
Summer is Coming
The Accord Hybrid seems to be hard to come by since there appears to be a shortage of battery cells. They may use the same cells for the RLX SH-AWD. So until inventory is adequate they may demand a premium. That is a great price on the Advanced. Congrats on the new car.
12-16-2013, 07:01 PM
#37
Honestly, I really have no idea. The price today is somewhat irrelevant since any customer borne replacement costs would come MANY years down the road. Anyway, each of the cars mentioned use a different sized and capacity pack, not to mention some are NiMH and now LiOn. Some on the CR-Z forum are talking around $1000-$1500 for this older NiMH pack. There are already cottage industries doing batter replacement and rebuilds. I'd expect to see more in time.
12-17-2013, 12:58 PM
#39
12-18-2013, 04:03 PM
#40
We seem to have gotten off-topic here so I will ask a question here instead of starting a new thread.
Can someone tell me where the switches for the heat/ventilation of the front seats are located? I saw a photo and it looked like the passenger switch was on the drivers side?
I just got offered a great year-end deal of 49.9 Adv, and will probably go out looking at colors this weekend...just wanted to know about the switch location ahead of time
Can someone tell me where the switches for the heat/ventilation of the front seats are located? I saw a photo and it looked like the passenger switch was on the drivers side?
I just got offered a great year-end deal of 49.9 Adv, and will probably go out looking at colors this weekend...just wanted to know about the switch location ahead of time