2014 Acura RLX in Irving, TX- 11946026 at carmax.com

Cars for Sale: 2014 Acura RLX w/ Technology Package in Houston, TX 77034: Sedan Details - 398072738 - Autotrader

So my quest for an RLX continues. A part of me just wants to go ahead and snatch one of these good deals on 2014s. (even in spite of some of the known issues that have been well documented on this forum). Another part of me just wants to wait it out a little bit longer for a good deal on a new 2016 (with the updated suspension).

I still have about 5k of negative equity on the ZDX so waiting it out would probably be best. If I act now, I would be willing to put about 2k down and roll over the rest. (even though I HATE rolling over negative equity.)

The first RLX listed seems to be an Advance (and the exact color combo I want). The mileage is a little higher than I would want though. That Carmax is literally within walking distance from my home and I drive by there everyday on my way to work.

The second listing, while not exactly the color combo I would choose, is definitely a steal, but a Tech Package and I'm set on an Advance as this is the car I plan to keep for at least 10 years and I want it to be fully loaded. It is also located about 3.5 hours away.

Decisions....Decisions and I guess the quest continues. Hell my Z makes exactly 2 years old this coming Friday and I still haven't crossed 19k miles yet.

 

When I looked at the Carmax site I think it has the Technology package, not the Advance.

The one thing I would suggest is to do a test drive. The biggest, most difficult issue from the reports here related to the suspension. Apparently many but not all of the 2014 PAWS had issues with it. It seemed to bother some owners more the others while some cars didn't seem to have any issues. If you focus on the one nearby I decent test drive over roads you know will help you decide what you think about the suspension.

There are a number of TSBs which you can have Acura do if they haven't already been done. For what it is worth I would try to find an Advance if you can find one since the cost extra features on a used car will probably be a bargain and will be worth the extra cash over the long run.

 

The one at Carmax has the Advance package, check out photo 26 of 38, has the cool seat. Also has the Krell audio speakers

 

You are correct the pictures are from an Advance but if you go the the tab for history it says RLX W/technology package. One of those is incorrect. A call to the dealer will probably clear up the mystery.

You could also plug the VIN in to the Acura site and get the accurate answer. It will show exactly what the car is.

 

My car was listed like that. If it has the Krell and the blind spot monitor then it is an advanced. Those seats also tell it also. I wouldn't get a tech if you are going to keep for that long. I would get the advanced.

 

If you're measuring that via dealer trade-in value, you might want to consider selling your ZDX privately.

The ZDX has experienced a used car resurgence similar to that of the 4G TL.

People hated them while they were being made, and after they are gone people suddenly wake up and realize that they really were something good.

I don't know why that happens, but it's a part of the Honda curse and it has been going on for decades. The UK-designed EG hatch was something people laughed at in 1991-1992, but now it's 2015 and they're the hot property for the tuner/enthusiast market and the racing market.

It's hilarious.

Remember, too, that you have the last year ZDX, which you can advertise legitimately as having a unique set of features unavailable on any other ZDX.

Just something to think about.

You'd have to go a brief period without, after selling the ZDX and before locating your RLX, and that's a downside for some people.

 

Heated rear seats and rear sunshade is on Adv models.

 

MisterZDX.... I would say that you should stick with your ZDX, two reasons

1. You have negative equity already
2. RLX has huge depreciation rate that will bring you even more into negative

I was in the same boat...

 

True dat. Ask yourself why CARMAX has 5 or 6 2014/15 RDXs and several have well under 10k miles.

 

Thanks. Good advice. I'll at least wait until I'm able to break even. By then the 2016 prices should be very attractive or maybe....just maybe Acura will have announced a 2017 refresh by then.

 

Thanks for the advice Sir. How are you enjoying your Advance? Is it everything that you thought it would be?

 

MisterZDX... You have a great ZDX, I think you should just keep it... RLX is different boat. Yes, there are some extra features that you don't have now but they won't a huge difference.

Again, due to high depreciation rate, I would consider used GS350. My 2c

 

Interesting, a used 2013/2014 GS 350 F-Sport is also on my list. I would get a gray one with red seats or maybe that nice brownish exterior color Lexus makes with tan interior. What it all comes down too is the fact that I really want a luxury sedan now and not a crossover.

 

I'm always getting confused if ZDX is crossover or sedan, not sure where to put it

I got gray on black GS350, love it so far

 

I haven't given this much thought, however, if he can get 0% financing, or damn well near it, it shouldn't matter if he gets the car now, or next year, or the year after that.

he will still pay off the 5k he owes in one way or another. it just depends whether he wants to take out a loan that is 5k bigger to buy the RLX. No idea what his financial situation is, but I'm sure that to some it wouldn't make much difference.

i too would highly suggest selling privately. You always get more money that way. Either way, just food for thought. I've never had to deal with negative equity so I might be missing something

 

The car is fine, the only thing very hard to get used to is dealing with a parking lot, the turning radius is hard, making a U turn I have to go out a lot more. I don't see any difference in ride from the GS to this I don't see the roughness. I Guess I am not used to anything that isn't rough.

 

The ride is different... First, FWD vs RWD. Second, it's a Toyota vs Honda. I wouldn't say which one is better, depends on taste & preference both great cars

RLX is definitely has more room inside...

 

Wow just wow, these car take a beating in value in just two years. To be listed at 36 means Carmax paid 30 for a car that was 55. Almost half in just two years.

The Carmax is definetly advance package. Heck if I didn't just buy a tlx would be all over it.

 

All the more reason why I think I'll wait until used 2016's start showing up.

 

They are not small cars! :-)

 

The ZDX and RLX are such different cars, I have to wonder if something hasn't changed in your life.

If nothing has changed in your life, I have to wonder whether you'd be happy long term with the RLX, as much as you seem to love the ZDX.

 

Means you have to wait until 2017-2018 for deals. It like saying I will wait for the next new iPhone, there will always be a new model? If the Carmax is the color combo u want , I would go for it.

 

:-)

We all have different breaking points.

I might be able to resist the 6S and wait for the 7 at the end of 2016

Might!

 

Leaning more towards a 2016 because of the better suspension and other initial kinks I suppose have been fixed. I was caught up in the moment when I created this thread and both cars listed are attractive offers but still early production 2014's (which I am quite leery of).

 

If it an Advance the cars price has been the same since the 2014, MSRP $61k. Most people did not pay the $61k, they paid around $5k less. If they want $36k that a great price! If you look in the Black Book for a 2014 RLX Advance you will see a price of $29 to 34k depending on its condition.

 

Im willing to bet anybody who bought an RLX during 2013 paid full or close to full MSRP. It wasnt till 2014 that all the bad press, mishaps with the Hybrid, and increasing customer dissatisfaction that the market value started taking a real hit forcing dealers to drop drawers on pricing to be able to move them off the lot.

Proof of all this is the constant inventory of low mileage RLX at blow out prices you keep seeing pop up. Where do you think these cars are coming from? Dissastisfied customers who said..."uh...this is NOT what I expected at $60k...return please"

 

This was not a put down the Acura response from me, it was just answering the question. Boy, has Acura left a sour taste in your mouth. In reading most of your post, if I were you I would have gotten rid of the Acura by now and move to a different brand. But I know your on a lease and it makes sense to wait until your lease expires. However, that say, you have the right to your opinion, but the question is whether he should pull the trigger. I have to admit from reading most of your post you are good at providing the negative aspects of the car. However, I find that from reading many of the posting on this forum, it is oblivious that there are some 2014 owners that are happy with their purchase. Also with what you paid for the car versus what other paid is just how the deals goes. We can either close the deal, at whatever price or walk away. I have the 2016 RLX SH AWD on order so I have been checking around to see what I can get for my 2015 RLX Advance, so far it been around $39 to 44k for a car that has 10,000 miles and 9 month old. So that will be a loss to me of $13 to 17k. Am I happy about it, no, am I going to bash Acura or the RLX because of the poor residual value, no, am I going to cancel my 2016 order, no. It the deal and if I want the 2016 I know I will have to eat some of the cost and move on. Don't take this email personally, it really for readers that are thinking about getting an RLX, which is what this OP is asking. I just want them to know some of us are very happy with our purchase, understand the issues with Acura but would still do it again and for the price that they can now buy a 2014 or 2015 RLX today it quite a deal when you look at all the features and the car.

 

On the secondary market, the RLX is a great buy - however - the glut (relatively speaking) of very low mileage RLXs do make you wonder if it is merely "this isn't what I expected in a $60k car" or is there something off with these cars?

I put 25k+ miles on my car every year. Where are the '13s and 14's that are nearing the end of their mileage warranty?

 

You know, this forum is funny...I make one statement against Acura (most of which are usually findings or facts based on the results of Acura's own mistakes with the RLX) and people want to shit on me.

I say nothing about Acura and everyone else shits on Acura (all the recent postings saying what I have been saying for almost 2 years now...)

Go get yourself a beer woro...you need one.

 

Exactly what I just said. But somehow, when it comes from me...people get their panties in a wad. Coming from someone else? No big deal...

 

Btw, I remind those of you who haven't owned a 2014 RLX PAWS, I'm now on my 4th, YES 4th recall...

1st was the loose bolt (uh really? that could have killed people)
2nd was the headlamp
3rd was the seatbelt
4th CMBS error..

Not to count the dozens of TSB's I've had to have done to correct quality problems. And you guys want to make it sound like it's just me being unhappy? Had it been any other normal person who pays this much for a car they would have said "no thanks" moving on...

Oh and don't let me forget the hour I spent fixing an AC noise issue that they can't even figure out themselves...

What's next? All this for $60k? Gimme a break. You're lucky Woro you got a 2015....

 

holografique, I got the response I expected from you sorry if you thought it was directed at you, I just believe in providing both side of the story and answering the question for the OP, should he pull the trigger or not. Myself, there are great deals out there at this time, whether he get a lemon or not, one does not know until you drive the car for awhile, but that issue can be with any brand. I have to believe that out of the 1000s of RLXs that have been sold, a few are really happy with the car and it meets the expectation of a $ 60k car. Looking at Porsche, MB, Tesla, and BMW with price tags above 90k I seen thing in those car where I believe the RLX is better. It all boils down to the expectation of the buyer and whether he/she feels they are getting what they want for their money. To me that is a subjective question, the person who can afford to buy the 100k+ car and not even blink an eye, probably has different expectation then the person who lucky to get in a 30k car.

Sorry I did not mean to high jack the thread, must be getting old and rambling on

 

you're leaving out one important fact:

The OP asked whether to:

1) pull the trigger on a 2014 model that has been already well confirmed and documented to be the worse of all RLX models due to all the issues

or...

2) wait and pull the trigger on a 2016 model...

you keep forgetting that my experiences are attributed to the early 2014 models. I didn't tell him NOT to get an RLX, I also didn't tell him to get an RLX. All I did was express my views on why soo many 2014's are showing up used with low mileage. If I wouldn't take a raking over the coals on turning in my lease 12-months early, I would have turned in my RLX looooooong ago. So there.

So no, that's not hijacking the thread, and no, your response made no sense.

Did you get you beer yet?

 

Although I am not pleased to see these recalls and I find it uncharacteristic of the brand, I will acknowledge the brand pushed out an entire new lineup of vehicles and several aggressive updates in 3 calendar years. Add to that the switch of assembly plants and you are going to have issues. Any brand.

I have been watching these recalls, especially for the RLX. It appears that once the 2015 LEGENDS were built, they addressed many of these issues.
I do not see the 2016 RLX on the recalls (yet) and the 2016 RLX was produced after the 2015 LEGENDS.

Have they built enough, learned enough to address these issues? I certainly hope so. But I doubt the RLX credibility will recover from it.

If,,,,and that is big if, Consumer Reports buys a SH RLX and gives it a better review than the 2014 RLX worst-Acura-car- report, it may get some salvation, but not as well as the CIVIC recovered.

 

I would run not walk away from an early production 2014 RLX. Sure, it is a lot of car for the money at these used prices but chances are the car has been pulled apart every which way trying to fix all the different recalls and TSBs. I had more problems with my RLX than you should have with any new car at any price. It is completely inexcusable. This coming from someone who has owned 10 different new Acuras (all but one since the year 2000). The 2014 RLX will be my last Acura. There are other brands out there that have either caught up or exceeded Acura in quality, technology and value.

 

Lots of negativity here, but I think we can all agree that the 2014 RLX PAWS, especially the early builds, was a swing and a miss for Acura. Lots of low-mileage used early build ones around because of people who have issues like NWRL, Holographique and others.

Yet Acura apparently pulled their shit together for the Sport Hybrid's VERY late intro. No 2014 Sport Hybrid owner has yet expressed overall dissatisfaction with their car. (My fuel economy complaint is in large part my fault , I like to go fast)

It seems Acura is listening and fixing every possible complaint. Our 2015 owners are satisfied as a result. Heaven knows what 2016 owners will say!

In short: The first year is always a gamble. I've played the first year gamble three times in my car ownership life (04 TL , 09 CTS-V , and now the Sport Hybrid ), and all three times so far I've won. Could've gone the other way in a hurry.

Holographique lost decisively and because he's in a lease, he's stuck unless Acura pulls him ahead into a 2016 RLX at a decent price and he can get out of his car early.

 

The problem is with the limited production Consumer Reports isn't likely to be able to get a Sport Hybrid to review. Also, with so few around Consumer's won't ever get enough replies to rate the Sport Hybrid's reliability. The lucky few who have the car will simply just have to continue enjoying their rides since they won't get any positive reinforcement from Consumer Report.

Since I am a glass half full kind of guy I look at how hard Acura is working to overcome the apparent problems in the 2014 PAWS. I give them credit for doing that instead of just forgetting about the early adapters.

 

Forgotten about the early adopters? If they hadnt forgotten us, they'd acknowledge their f ups on the 2014 and have pulled us ahead on these leases to make up for their design mistakes.

There is no fix for the bad suspension design. The only fix is to get a 2016....

 

You raise a good point, have you asked?

 

I agree. Go ask your dealer about an early pull ahead, Holographique. You said you've got a year left. Isn't that when dealers start asking for return business from lessees? The worst they can say is "no".