neuronbob

Someone is going to get a sweet manual Accord that's already ceramic coated and has PPF on the front. And it's already less than they paid me for it .

StHalcyon

Too bad for me AcuraLink enforces the security policy to prevent screenshots on Android. Grrr... I mean, I'd understand like some of my bank apps, it won't let me, but AcuraLink? C'mon! LOL

I agree, hands down the RLX Sport Hybrid is much better than any of the TLX. I'm going to test drive the new Type S when it comes out though, just for giggles. I doubt any dealer will discount them AND offer me a great trade in. LOL

jdpdata

Hey Doc, did you get GROM installed yet. GROM just released Wireless Android Auto update yesterday (5/20) so it's a great time to install it. Tested mine out for a few minutes, works great. Though I did notice my phone got really hot probably due to all the radio (BT and WIFI) projecting WAA to HU.

loki

I remember. I can't imagine better taken care of manual than yours. I don't buy used manuals unless I know the driver before me. I don't know you know you but I know you 🙂

neuronbob

Not yet, leaving town for ten days shortly so it's going to be a bit.

neuronbob

I'm at 9600 miles already (1400 miles of ownership). I'll have to post a good comparison of the 2020 vs my 2014 RLX Sport Hybrid soon as a tool for people considering these used. Suffice to say that there are some differences, but the 2020 is better than the 2014.

One difference I can point out is that this color makes the car not quite as incognito as my black 2014. I regularly get compliments on the look of the car. Definitely was not expecting that. I like the look, but this car is not at all flashy to me, outside of the color. That's fine with me, given I own two high-profile, attention-grabbing other cars.

Combined fuel economy is 24 mpg so far, same as my 2014, but I've had only four fillups so far. I get 28-30 mpg on the highway all day long, without trying hard. City mpg is impacted by low speeds and traffic lights; it represents most of my driving. It seems to similar to other RLX SHs on Fuelly, so no particular concern, just observation.

I recently purchased a Dragy, so when work is light, I'll get around to measuring some 0-60 sprints.

I love the car! So glad to be back in one. Still glad I didn't wait for a Type S.

phile

Yes please post! I’ve done 0-60 sprints down empty roads. Even in Eco mode the SH moves! I know there are faster cars out there but the combination of reliability, price (for used ones), and looks (i love the refreshed look) can’t be beat. Volvo’s S90 T8 is very impressive but that’s a 4-cylinder with a turbo AND a supercharger, I was looking into it when I returned my XC40 but shied away because of that.

neuronbob

Forgot to mention: this car is hella expensive to insure! I have a clean record and even with multiple discounts, garage, and longtime customer, I’m paying over $1100 for six months. That’s 60% more than I’m paying for either my rare CTS-V wagon or my NSX! Wowww.

mrgold35

I'm at $830 every 6 mths in NM with Farmers, less than 10k per year, both +55 years old, and bundle discount with home+3 other cars ($945 16 Civic LX, $553 11 MDX Adv+Ent, $753 19 MDX hybrid).

phile

same, i’m through Geico, full coverage though, no tort (yes we’re one of those no-fault states).

rlx015

Huh - that's crazy expensive...

Here is what I pay: 100/300/100 comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, clean driving records (wife and I), home insurance via SF as well: $480ish/6 months (around $80/mo for my RLX and about $36 for my wife's 2013 TL FWD tech with the same coverage) - altogether about $116-118/mo. I am located in Northern Illinois.

neuronbob

When I asked the agent about the high price, he indicated that this particular model has high repair costs due to the hybrid system. Perhaps Allstate (my insurer) has had a negative experience with the RLX SH? I will say, my Accord was also expensive to insure when I had it….but those cars are frequently stolen and there is a particular problem with the Sport wheels being stolen. I could understand that expense.

CadiGTi

I have State Farm insurance. I pay $996 semi annually for my ‘20 RLX Hybrid and my ‘19 Grand Sport Corvette in Arlington Virginia. My sister in metro NYC pays $3500 annually on her ‘20 Merc C300 alone which amazes me.

CadiGTi

I should add that I also carry a $1M umbrella policy. I do not know if that affects/helps the car premium, but it is a very cheap extra level of protection at under $200 annually. Have done this since college with State Farm

technocrat

LOL for a second there I thought you are in Canada

Then realized its still cheaper than what it would be for all that coverage up North

neuronbob

Just another shameless picture bump. I took my RLX to Cars and Coffee Cleveland over the weekend because @Redbiff wanted a look at it. Mind you, I usually take my NSX or CTS-V wagon, so it’s been over ten years since I have driven a daily driver to Cars and Coffee. I did not expect the volume of Honda nerds at C&C wanting to take a look at the car…and it was in the spectator lot. I spent a lot of time showing off the rear seat, LOL. I have been surprised that ordinary folks think this is a good-looking car. I get compliments on the car on a regular basis, which defeats the purpose of this car as my “incognito” daily driver. It does look good in Brilliant Red.

CadiGTi

Did you get your RLX ceramic coated and if so which coating did you go with?

neuronbob

Not yet. Car priorities this summer are correcting paint blemishes on my V wagon, NSX bumper Re-respray for rock chips, and getting NSX AC fixed in time for cross-country trip to NSXPO in a few weeks.

Will have the RLX done before the winter. The person I use for paint correction and ceramics uses Get Underdog ceramic coating and Kamikaze “glass coating” (from Japan). I like the Kamikaze better as it lasts longer and looks glossier. I have a single coating on the NSX that’s lasted nearly five years so far.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

That good, huh?
I respect your decision making, Bob...
love the choice and aside from your perspective on it...I'd never even have had a reason to ever test drive one.

phile

blue and red are its best suits. I didn’t care for the pre-MMC and once I saw the refresh with the MUCH improved taillights I was in love. Shame Acura didn’t invest in carplay and updating the infotainment system completely. It’s a bit embarrassing when my ‘21 Kia Sorento has a crystal clear backup camera while the RLX has that grainy image.

rlx015

Now that you mentioned it, what is the cost for paint correction and ceramic coating?
​​​​​​I am trying to find a good detail shop that does it, but not for too cheap and not too expensive, hoping for more average to moderate pricing approach

jdpdata

My PPF guy wanted $3K to do paint correction and ceramic coating. No thanks! It's not hard to do paint correction yourself, just watch some YT videos. You just need a good polisher, some cut pads and polish. I used Chemical Guys products and was able to fix most of my paint issues, just some minor clear coat scratches on hood, trunk lid and rear passenger door. Afterwards, I had my guy do full front end PPF with Xpel Ultimate. Ceramic coating is waste of money IMHO. Just stick to 2-buckets wash method and use some good hybrid wax like Turtle Wax Shield & Shine. It can lasts for weeks in between washes, much longer if you park in garage like mine.

neuronbob

The guy I use locally here in Cleveland did a single-stage paint correction on my brand new Accord, and did layer of Get Underdog ceramic coating for $700. Price depends on where you live. Things are generally cheaper here in Cleveland.

rlx015

Thank you so much!
There is a shop that does paint correction + ceramic coating (2-3-4-5 year options) and the cost starts at $275 for exterior (and 2yr ceramic coating) ... cost increases based on how many ceramic passes he does I think.
I have definitely blemishes and scuffs from the previous owner that makes me more comfortable going with the more quality paint correction stage which I think starts around 600-700 here in Chicagoland as well.

rlx015

I had a really good experience in a detail shop doing ceramic coating on my previous car (RL) that literally still keeps the shine until today's date after 4 years when I did it.
Of course, not all the products are made the same way / or equal way

rlx015

Quick correction of this post: 18 RLX SH coverage w statefarm (100-300-100) is actually $295.20 / 6 mos

neuronbob

So this happened today…though I’ve only put a touch over 1700 of those miles on myself. It happened while in full electric mode, too! Been a great daily driver and my back seat passengers are much happier than they were in the TLX.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

You drive a lot, Bob Barbarino

technocrat

How do you find it against TLX overall? I loved the TLX but two problems bothered me enough to sell it, could never get a comfortable seat position as my lower back would hurt and that 9-spd GB which was great on highway but was iffy in city.

neuronbob

Never speak of the ZF9 transmission again.

I HATED the transmission and its programming. It simply took all the fun out of driving. If there was a way I could have converted to manual, I would have. Back seat passengers, namely my 15-year-old and my mother-in-law, also hated the TLX as the rear seats were rather tight. They are both MUCH happier in the RLX.

I did not hate the TLX as such, other than those things. Infotainment was pretty good as I simply used CarPlay for everything. Mechanical 3rd Gen SH-AWD made the car useful and a little fun in the twisties.

I don’t miss the TLX AT ALL, it was not one of Acura’s better efforts IMO.

I LOVE the 7DCT in the RLX. Handling with the eSH-AWD is sharp…but RLX is a boat with some sway compared to either gen of the TLX.

mrgold35

Carplay (with updated touchscreen and graphics) and electronic dampers (with different IDS modes) are the two missing items I wished Acura would have included to the +18 RLX refresh. My MDX hybrid with electronic dampers handles noticeably better than my nose heavy RLX hybrid when the road gets twisty. You can't beat the RLX for smoothness when you want sit back and just cruise.

neuronbob

I guess Acura felt it was too expensive to add CarPlay to a poorly selling model. It’s a damn shame, too. Thankfully, the aftermarket has fixed that for us.

Ditto to the magnetic dampers. The RLX Sport Hybrid would have been the perfect testbed for it. Again, the aftermarket has also fixed that as BC has a setup for the RLX. I’m sure we can adjust the spring rate to suit sportier driving. I, personally, am not planning that as I’m liking the smooth ride on the awful Cleveland roads. Besides. I have two sports cars I can use when I’m in the mood.

phile

do you guys take the twisties and look at the sh-awd power shift graphics on the screen? I do LOL . i’m actually surprised that what I thought would be aggressive shows zero interventions from the system most of the time.

mrgold35

I sometimes leave up the power distribution display up on longer road trips either on the navi screen or HUD (no HUD in my MDX). Nice little graphic to have up to see how hard the EV system is working. I also had to switched to non-polarized sun glasses because it dull out the HUD display.

neuronbob

Yes. I keep the display on in the HUD. eSH-AWD is less aggressive in the 2018-20 than my 2014, in my opinion. I notice the system working best when I’m on throttle, with significant turn angle, in descending radius onramps, or at moderate speed on twisty roads, on throttle. Doesn’t work at all above about 72 mph. I had an extensive drive in the mountains on the PA Turnpike on my initial trip home. Cruising speed 80 mph. No rear torque in the turns at that speed. At 70 mph, rear torque returned. Just my observation.

mrgold35

It is around 83-84 mph on the MDX hybrid when it turns into a fwd SUV.

technocrat

Thanks and yes I hated it too, it was one of the rare moments when I have tried to tone down that hatred :p

How's the MPG situation? I was a little surprised to see TLX being quoted having higher MPGs than RLX SH

I guess the smaller engine and more weight means the MDX need the assist from electric motors longer?

hondamore

I'm pretty consistently at about 30 - 31mpg (7.6-7.8 L/100KM) in my Sport Hybrid in city driving with some freeway driving included. I don't think the TLX will be anywhere near that in the city.

Of course I'm an old fart who is never in a hurry to get anywhere, so YMMV.

technocrat

That's good, on my TLX in my 68 miles round trip highway office commute I used to average about 30-33 mpg. However in city it was around 20-24mpg

rlx015

On my return from Texas to IL I was getting 34.5-35mph while cruising 60-65mph on hwy with my SportHybrid... city is more 30ish and low 30s mpg if I step on hwy at 75-80mph...