This may be a long post but I am looking for advice/ideas.

I had a 2009 TL SH-AWD Tech that I got for the following reasons:
- AWD was mandatory
- Technology (at the time was decent with CD to HDD, DVA, USB/Iphone integration, nav).
- I actually liked the aggressive style of the 2009
- Handling of SHAWD
- Comfort (TL seats are great)

I then traded for a 2012 TL SH-AWD Tech - so basically the same car
- AWD still good
- Tech hasn't changed much and seems like Acura has fallen well behind with smart phone/iPad integration and remote controls - even behind several American carmakers

I will be trading again in a few months and would like to hear from others about experience with other makes including
- Lexus
- Infiniti
- BMW
- Volvo
- Audi

I am interested to see how the TLX plays out as well. Don't get me wrong - I love the TL and may well end up with the TLX biut want to look at all viable options.

Thanks for any input.`

 

I'm an Acura loyalist so my opinion is totally biased. I love what I've seen and read about the new TLX and personally wouldn't consider any vehicle make you listed with the possible exception of Audi and maybe BMW. And that would have to be an S6 or M3/M4 which is more than I'm willing to pay for a car at this point. So TLX for me.

 

If you didn't need awd I'd get the IS350 F sport.

 

I have a 2012 TL and I am facing the same dilemma as you. I love the styling of the TLX prototype so we will have to see what the production car brings.

My concern is the problems I have seen with the MDX and RLX...it is not widespread to all their vehicles but that is what worries me the most and a symptom of electrical/electronic problems. The TL and TSX have been both pretty decent cars with the odd little thing here and there but I am worried that Acura is going too far into the electronic world and making themselves prone to problems. The price point of the TLX will still give it an edge of the BMW and Audi and such which is why I will likely end up with the TLX too but I have decided to wait until the spring of 2015 to get mine.

Not because I think Acura will fix all their first year glitches by the spring but I want to see how bad/good the TLX will be with the reliability. If I see many of the same problems that the RLX and MDX are having, I will just pass and try another brand like Audi since what made me worried about Audi will be no worse than Acura (if they have problems)....stay tuned

 

unless you are leasing the car and need to turn it in, you should have time to see how the TLX shakes out with the cars listed. If I were you I would prioritize your needs and then the answer will become more apparent.

Based on what you have written, I see the following needs being a factor:

-AWD
-Comfort
-Technology
-Handling
- Aggressive Styling?

A list of other needs could be:
-Performance
-Cost of ownership
-Reliability

The best car will be the car that meets your needs the best based on your own priorities as well as meets an emotional 'I did well picking this car to drive' need.

Good luck- one of those cars listed will certainly be the answer.

 

If the back neat was larger in the BMW 325, I wouldn't be driving an Acura right now or of the 5 series was a little cheaper. The Infiniti was ruled out because the interior hasn't changed since the G35 was introduced and Audi always has Electronic problems. My brother is an Audi tech and he even says to stay away from them.

 

This is why I ended up in the TL. Our first child was on the way, and baby seats are massive. The a4, 3 series are cramped and the 5 series was too much for what I wanted to spend.

 

Look at that we agree on something, lol.

 

After various trips to dealers with friends & family I can honestly say I would probably go to another company. At this point acura really doesn't offer much more than some of the other companies mentioned and still charge a high price.

I'm on my 4th Acura so I'm not just some newbie that doesn't have history with the company. It seems it's 50/50 with reliability of acura's if you pay close attention to this forum.

I think what acura used to be Infiniti is now takin that spot . As far as total reliability lexus is probably the best bet out of all the cars mentioned. I will note though my wife owns a RX w all wheel drive and we've had more issues try a get her car out of snow than my ZDX so I will speak highly of acura's sh-awd . I can't speak on the systems of the other companies.

Every ones opinion might vary but I would say if your leasing I would take a look a BMW not only because you'll most likely get better performance than the acura( depending on which model you get) but they also have that free scheduled maintenance for the duration of the cars original factory warranty.

If you want to stick to acura def just wait a bit though to see what the TLX has to offer in and out and if it meets all of your criteria.

Good kuck & keep the ZINE posted

 

Absolutely. The perfect ownership experience with BMW/AUDI/MERC is to lease. You don't have to worry about anything other than gas and tires. You also don't have to worry about "electrical" issues or outrageous repair costs, because after 2 or 3 years you wipe your hands and move on.

 

gecopen, I am in the same boat too!

I like my Acura TL SH-AWD Elite a lot but the lease is almost up. So I am starting to look around, but guess what? The more I look the more I realize how great my TL is!!! I basically would like a nice mix of sport and utility - the main thing that bothers me about my TL is the lack of fold down rear seats. Even better, I would like a sport wagon! Or at most, a sporty smaller SUV. Not a big honking gas guzzler. So, I started my search:

Undoubtedly, the Lexus GS interior is much nicer, but it just is not that sporty, even with the F-sport version. No fold down rear seats. Also, it did not seem to be much quieter than my TL. Otherwise, I liked it a lot!

The Lexus IS 350 AWD is nice but it is so cramped inside. The styling also seems to be a bit overdone and I think that it will not age well.

The Audi Q5 is quite nice but it is getting a bit old, the Audi pricing is ridiculous in Canada and the dealership experience is substandard. Oh, and NO HEATED STEERING WHEEL at almost $60K!!!

The Audi Allroad - wow, how unrefined can that 4 cylinder thing be? It's interesting because while the same 4 cylinder engine is used in the Q5, but it does not sound as cheap and harsh as it does in the Allroad. Also, the trunk is ridiculously small for a wagon. Oh, and it pretends to be an SUV type of thing while it is just a tarted up wagon (Avant) and then Audi gets to charge you thousands of dollars more. I'd rather have an Avant if I have to have an Audi wagon but then we are not allowed to have that in NA. Oh well...

MB - the GLK is nice but just a bit too small on the inside. Very solid feel. Love the ride and everything. The diesel engine is nice but a bit slow and noisy. Then the 6 cylinder version is too thirsty for gas. Moreover, it is due for a major model change soon. The CLA is just way too small inside. The M class is too big.

BMW - the 3 series Touring (sport wagon) is very nice - nice mix of utility and sport. The trunk could have been bigger. The 4 cylinder vehicle could have been more refined but at least it is responsive and sporty, unlike that Audi offerings. However, you are paying about $59K here in Canada for a 4 cylinder thing.... hmm.... the X3 is nice too, but not as "planted" as the Touring. The interior space though is much better, so it's a trade off between space and sportiness. I also tried the 328i GT - hmm - how disappointing. It felt like a Toyota. Smooth but floaty. Nothing like what I would expect from a 3 series. So disappointing. Mind you, it does have great use of space inside!!!

Infiniti - the Q50 looks decent but the car is just completely let down by that awful steer by wire thing. Very scary driving experience as that system is too jerky and jumpy, with a very artificial feel. Oh, and that "premium" stereo system (Bose?) is just awful.

Then back to Acura. The MDX is a big too big and I don't really like how the third row is done, making the trunk platform way too high, esp. since I won't be using the third row much. Moreover, to get the features that I want in Canada, I will be spending over $60K on a Tech model here!!! Yup, Acura marks up the MDX ridiculously here in Canada. Oh, I do like the interior though. Very, very nice... and so quiet. Very nice...... :-) The RDX is just the right mix of sport and utility, I love the size and everything, but I just wished that it were more luxurious.... then the TLX came up!!! WOW! I was blown away by its styling, and the specs sound good too. However, I want to see if it offers any fold down rear seats for my "utility" needs. The bottom line is, after having tested the other brands, I am more drawn to an Acura for my future needs! Isn't that ironic?

Oh and I have not checked out the Volvo XC60 (which is getting a bit old in its current version now and too thirsty for gas), or the Volvo V60 - looks nice but if I will be paying almost BMW price, why not just get the 3 series Touring???

So now, it's pretty much down to Acura (TLX? MDX? RDX?) vs. BMW 3 series Touring (or X3). Decisions, decisions, decisions....

 

Thanks for the responses. I have abut a year before trading, so hopefully will have a chance to do some hands-on test drives.
At this point, I want to stay with a sedan even though the SUVs are tempting.
If anyone has any specific experience with the other brands, I would still like to hear the good/bad/ugly about them.

 

Steer by wire is an option on the q50s, not standard equipment.

If it were me, and a lease, I'd be on the 335 m sport sedan. Bmw's lease very well. I really like the IS 350 f sport too. Again, if leasing you'll turn it in lomg before a major redesign, so it won't look "dated".

 

Steer by wire is part of the Deluxe Touring and Technology package here in Canada. It is not a standalone option. I would not want any lower trim than the Deluxe Touring and Technology package so one really has no choice but to have it.

 

No thoughts on Cadillac or Lincoln? They make some nice vehicles as well.

 

Ah. Here it's a stand alone option on the S

 

Steer by wire is standard on all hybrid q50.

Is350 is very very good, it just feel lexus rather than sporty. It has AWD.

Between is350 and q50. I would go buy a Q50 hybrid.

Or i can just go all out sport...wrx..sti

 

Did you drive the f sport version of the is 350? It's a night and day difference compared to the standard is 350. Also the rwd version is quicker and provides more of a sports car feel compared to the awd model.