Hello, I am contemplating getting a 2016/2017 RLX.

1.) My question is should I buy a certified pre-owned car at all costs? Suspension issues, EVAP, and sensor issues.

2.) Should i go for 2018+ to save myself the headache and money? Hopefully they fixed these issues.

3.) Run away and go fully optioned 2013-2015 Lexus GS instead for same money?
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What are the big issues & repairs to inspect and listen for?

List of failure points on the RLX?

 

I would look for a 2018 or newer Sport Hybrid only. You can find them now for the price of a loaded up Honda Accord. Spectacular value at that price range.

 

Are you looking for the Sport Hybrid or non-hybrid versions?

I think the differences between the 16/17 compared to the +18 is mostly cosmetic with updated seats, updated front/rear bumpers, and LED tail lights. Same info-tainment system, outdated Navi that locks you out when in drive, and no Carplay. You have to sign up for an Acuralink subscription to input addresses over the cell network if you are in drive. The +18 RLX more sporty/aggressive upgrades makes the 14-17 RLX versions look even more conservative in styling and easily confused with the previous gen 09-13 RL.

We always been a Honda/Acura family since the early 90s. I've noticed Honda/Acura get pretty solid with a lower number of TSB by the 3rd model year or +MMC majority of the time. I don't think I've seen an RLX in the wild in the whole state of New Mexico since they came out? You would be part of a very limited and exclusive club of RL/RLX owners. Good thing is you still get the Honda/Acura reliability for +150,000 miles; but, you also get poor resell value with the slow selling RLX. The RLX value comes in the longer you keep her. I would go for the RLX if you plan to drive 100,000-150,000 miles.

 

I don't want a hybrid car, so I am looking at 2016/2017 RLX advanced.

Should I strive for a low mileage CPO car? I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used Lexus without warranty & have no issues with it.

The GS & RLX cost around the same price.

 

I understand the hesitance about getting a Hybrid - but I think the bigger difference is the SH-AWD system that you get in the Sport Hybrid, and just the overall behavior of the car as compared to the FWD variant. They are literally like different cars when you drive them back to back. My personal viewpoint is that if you want the FWD version you might want to get a fully loaded Accord or similar. But for the $$ the Sh-AWD is an outstanding car that would be worth the investment. Again, just my $.02....

 

That leaves out the +MMC RLX. The +18 RLX only comes in 3.5L fwd tech and you can only get the +18 RLX Adv in sport hybrid form. I would at least test drive the sport hybrid version to see if you are giving up anything with the fwd (like always getting 28-31 mpgs, under 5 sec 0-60 times).

Here is a cool link I found for a lot the previous brochures for Acura vehicles: Auto-Brochures.com|Acura Car, CUV & SUV PDF Sales Brochure/Catalog/Flyer/Info CL ILX Integra Legend MDX NSX RDX RL RLX RSX TL TLX TSX Vigor ZDX

You can see if there are any update for the 16-vs-17 versions. The CPO would give you add 2 years+up to 100,000 miles to the basic 4/50 basic warranty and take powertrain to 100,000 miles. CPO would also make sure tires, brakes, and maint are good to go and all up to date. My 18 RLX Sport Hybrid was CPO and it gave me Acuralink free for 3 months (I will dump it after the 3 months because it doesn't have the remote start with the phone app feature like the +19 RDX).

 

I would not consider an rlx non-hybrid. I think you will be disappointed in the ride compared to the GS. The hybrid ride is better. If you reconsider and get the hybrid, strongly consider changing the tires out to Michelin pilot A/S 3+ to eliminate backend looseness in wet conditions.

 

Absolutely...positively...definitely go for an SH if you are going in to RLX land.
Be aware of two issues - smaller trunk space compared to PAWS, and slightly smaller gas tank. Everything else is much, much better.

If you value infotainment systems, going another brand is required to get an 'up-to-date' system. However the RLX sound quality is quite good.

You mentioned points of concern in a PAWS RLX.
Suspension rattle; AC moan problem; and chirping timing belt, etc. Check the TSB list in this forum for some additional info. The suspension rattle has never been resolved and almost certainly never will be. Some PAWS owners report no rattle, some do. Chances are, if you discover you have a rattle, it will never go away.

I have been on this forum nearly as long as there has been an RLX, and never heard of an AC moan or suspension rattle on a sport hybrid.

 

The main reason I am looking to the Rlx advanced is due to it being made in in Japan, one of the best stereos in a automobile, and one of the quietest cabins available.

The ES is made in the US and too close to the Avalon overall.

The GS has everything I'd want reliability and maintenance cost. But lesser stereo system and louder cabin.

I'd love to hop in a Rlx, throw in a DTS CD and go cruising. But the added maintenance & high repair cost has me scratching my Head.

Since this won't be a daily driver, should I honestly worry?

 

The Krell audio system is very impressive with every audio source compared to ELS. No clue why Acura only did Krell for the RLX and didn't make it standard for all Adv models (or jsut the MDX and/or TLX Adv). The RLX also has extremely low road/tire/wind/engine noise compared to every other Honda/Acura every made. The +18 RLX (not sure about the 14-17 RLX) have a built in noise cancelling resonator in the rim. Makes the Krell sound even better since you are not adding background wind, engine, and tire noise into your music.

From what I can tell, the hybrid and non-hybrid models for the MDX and RLX have the exact same maint schedule. The only additional item for the hybrid is there is a second cooling system for the power inverter that uses the exact same coolant as the engine (same 100,000 mile maint interval as the engine coolant). Since the RLX hybrid uses re-gen braking to increase pad life PLUS lower gas cost from hybrid system would have a lower cost to own the longer you keep the RLX hybrid.

Noise cancelling resonator:

 

From 2014 on the RLX has the noise reducing rims. The transmission on the FWD RLX is different than the DST transmission on the RLX Sport Hybrid so the service interval might be different. YOU MUST CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID EVERY 30,000 MILES ON THE DST TRANSMISSION!!!!!!! I say that loudly for a reason. Don't miss that service interval on either the MDX or RLX Sport Hybrids for the transmission. FYI if the transmission fails in the RLX Sport Hybrid because you don't follow that service interval, the cost to replace the transmission with all of the various components and labor will run you around $15,000! No joke!

 

In terms of the noise-cancelling rims - they're common across a lot of Honda/Acura vehicles. Heck, my son's '17 ILX had them :-)

 

The consensus (which I wholeheartedly agree with) is: RLX hybrid- GOOD, RLX PAWS- RUN AWAY.

As a RLX SH-SHAWD owner, I'd buy again. Great car, no major issues. Mine is a 2014.

Honestly, for FWD-- apples to apples, I'd take the RLX off the list and go with a fully-loaded Honda Accord instead. Better tech, more legroom, similar power. The only downsides are exclusivity and, if you choose maintenance at the dealership, the cattle call.

 

If you are really going to buy a PAWS RLX (which I STRONGLY recommend against doing unless you are a mechanic), then fully vet it, test drive it 50 miles over as many types of road surfaces as possible to listen for suspension clunks, and have it inspected by an Acura dealer, make sure every applicable TSB is taken care of.

Really, you should buy a Sport Hybrid. No suspension issues and reasonably reliable. It to mention, it’s a sleeper.

Your money. Of course, I’m biased as a former Sport Hybrid lessee.

 

I'll look into a 2018+ advanced hybrid due to the suspension issues and rear wheel steering on the paws.

Should I hold out for the Rlx to be discontinued to get an even better deal? Or try to get a CPO car.

 

We don’t know when the RLX is to be discontinued. If I were in the market, I’d look for a CPO for the warranty. Used Sport Hybrids without CPO are a pretty good deal, though you may have to travel for the best deal given rarity. I know you said 2018+, but 2014-16 Sport Hybrids are available in the mid-$20k range. Having just bought an Accord manual 2.0 Sport for $29k, I am kicking myself a bit at pricing.

2018+ Advance are being offered for mid-30’s! MSRP was $62k on the newer ones.

Go get one, cars.com indicates 105 2018+ Sport Hybrids.

 

I purchased my CPO 18 RLX Sport Hybrid with 7200 miles for $41,500 the first week in Dec/19. I live in ABQ, NM, and purchased at an Acura dealership in Roseville near Sacramento, CA, (flew out and drove the 17 hrs back to NM). It was the only low mileage CPO Red/Ebony hybrid I could find at the time I was looking in the entire USA. The +18 RLXs seemed to divided into two mileage camps:
- Under 8000 miles, the dealerships were unable to sell and used them for service loaners or personal dealer vehicles. Occasional trade-in from owner (mine was a trade-in; but, used by the owner as a personal vehicle).
- around 24,000-28,000 miles, lease returns

The higher mileage lease returns RLX were hit or miss with the CPO warranty and priced in the high 30s to very low 40s. The lower mileage loaner cars sold by Acura often had CPO warranties and priced in the low to mid 40s. I would see in person and test drive any sport hybrid you can find locally to get a feel for the looks, powertrain, and handling of the RLX. Then you can decide on the color combo later. The wife and I were set on Gray or Blue RLX; but, really fell in love with the Red/ebony color combo in person.

 

Ready to throw up? Put your coffee down before reading the following.........I am accepting $14,000 on my RLX Sport Hybrid as a trade in value. I'm at 98,000 miles. It looks mint as you might expect from a nut job like me. How is that for depreciation! Purchased for $56,000. Ouch!

 

Hello RLX-SPortHybrid,

Any chance you would be interested in selling to fellow Acurazine Enthusiast? I've been slowly looking for right one. Please message me if your interested.

Thanks!

 

Dafuq?

 

I sent you a PM about your request.

 

Crazy isn't that!

 

That car was on my radar. I'm now looking at a silver on ivory 2019 6724 miles that's for sale at a bmw dealer. More of a luxury color in my opinion.

There's a 17 sh AWD advanced white on black CPO in Oregon to.

 

I really liked the Silver also; but, you couldn't get that color with the ebony interior. That color for an used/CPO RLX hybrid along with blue and red are extremely hard to find. It was the plastic wood grain in the lighter colors was what the wifey didn't like. Nobody has a clue what type of car I have, even with the huge Acura symbol on the front grill and back trunk (I really love that exclusivity with the RLX; but, hate the resell valve because of it). If you like the silver, it might be months or a cross country trip to find another one with the same color combo if you pass it up.

 

Glad to back in the fold again. No regret. RLX Sports Hybrid has it all. Nothing better out there. Waiting to receive my 2020 RLX hybrid this afternoon.

 

Good to hear you decided to stick with the Acura RLX! Any mods or accessories planned? I added the spare tire kit to my hybrid at time of purchase. Two days later, I hit a big winter caused pot hole on the hwy and had a non-repairable flat on the front driver side. The tire was flat in about a minute. Lucky I had my donut spare to get back on the road AND it took 4 days for Discount Tires to ship the replacement tire in from out of state. I would of needed to flat bed to tow or leave the RLX on the side of road if I didn't have a spare.

 

yikes, glad everything worked out for ya. These Michelin rubbers are not cheap. Fortunately for me here in south Florida no need for that. But adding the spare tire kit is in the plan. I opted for the spoiler and splash guards included in the negotiation. We see more rain here than snow so splash guards are must.

 

Congrats (again) psheu!! You'll always feel "at home" in the RLX. With the deals that are out there now, there is no doubt that the RLX is a LOT of car for the money. Enjoy (again)!!

 

thank you hondamore I totally agree with you on the value of this car. I had hard time deciding what to do when my lease end. Looked around and there are plenty of 'good' deals out there. But when it comes to the value of the car, nothing beats RLX SH. I got an awesome deal on a brand new car so I jumped on it and let me tell ya, it's good to be back!!!!!

 

Way to go! Nice job! What color combo did you chose?

 

Black on Black

 

Like mine! Only 7 more weeks with mine before it departs.

 

Congrats @psheu !

 

I feel a little like Bq-Tech about not wanting a Hybrid. I initially wanted 2018 or higher RLX-Tech. I know NOTHING about hybrids and kinda nervous on buying a used one. I do read where the RLX-Hybrid are solid just unsure if that is the car for me since I tend to keep cars a long time.

 

Buy one if you can get one and enjoy it. The hybrid system is bullet proof.

 

I purchased my 19 MDX Sport Hybrid back in March/19 and love the performance and mpgs. I've always thought I would keep and trade in my 11 MDX Adv for either a 3rd RDX Type-S or 4th Gen MDX Type-S 3-4 years down the road. I liked the MDX sport hybrid so much, I decide to skip any Type-S versions, sell my 11 MDX, go for the RLX hybrids while I can, and stick with the Sport Hybrids for now on. Pretty much get the best of both worlds with the Sport Hybrids.