Hello, all. I've been doing some research into brining us back into a 2 Acura car family; my soon to be wife just bought a new ILX and I'm considering replacing my Lexus GS with an RLX. While I certainly understand that the Sport Hybrid RLX is more dynamic and powerful of a car than the standard model, my research indicates that that there is an approximately $10K or so difference on the pre-owned market year for year. I'm looking for a car that is "almost new" but just used enough to take the depreciation hit and the RLX seems to suffer from that in droves. I really don't want to go over 20-25K miles so that seems to put me in the refresh years of 2018+ although I wouldn't be opposed to a 2017 as the oldest car I would buy. It seems that a very nice/no accident history very low mileage 2018-19 standard RLX is in the upper $20s - $30K range. This seems to almost match what a 2018-19 TLX SH-AWD with the almost identical power plant of a standard RLX is selling for. The TLX V6 is known for a fussy 9 speed automatic and the RLX seems to be a larger car with a more comfortable ride.

I guess I'm just asking for some thoughts/feedback on a standard RLX in the barely used pre-owned category. I see a lot of discussion here about the Sport Hybrid but not as much about the standard model.

 

The nod would probably go with the +18 TLX sh-awd in tech or Adv models when comparing value, handling, and tech level to the +18 RLX fwd tech with 3.5L+10AT. The advantages with the fwd RLX would be the 310hp 3.5L+10AT, softer ride, almost MDX SUV sized cabin space, unique styling with muilt-lens LEDs and tail lights, and very low road noise. The RLX will continue to fall like a rock in value because of being discontinued and luxury vehicle: but, it will always look/drive like a $60,000 vehicle +100,000 miles down the road.

I picked the RLX with my heart instead of my head and when I was looking at the RLX-vs-TLX last fall. I haven't been disappointing at all with my choice everytime I get behind the wheel. I would test drive them both back-to-back to see how each vehicle feels.

 

IMO any TLX and RLX P-AWS would be a down grade from your 2016 GS 350 F Sport. I just traded in my 2015 GS 350 F Sport RWD for the 2020 RLX SH. If I had a post facelifted (MY2016+) GS with the full driver's aid package onboard I would have kept it. I much prefer the sportier ride and design of the GS. But there is no denying the unbelievable value you get in a slightly used 2018-2020 RLX SH. They threw in everything you could ever want. If you can get pass the "executive car" ride and conservative design, it's an excellent car. Good luck with search!

 

There are a couple of '18 hybrids sitting on Carvana's website right now upspoken for in the 33-38K price range. Certainly worth the look.

 

Plenty more available on Carguru if you're willing to travel

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...dEntity=c29414

 

Test drive first. Find the closest one and test drive. Once you know how it handles, they are all the same. No need to travel, find one you like, negotiate, and have them sent the car to you.