Should I be concerned about buying the 1st year TLX of the new generation? For financial reasons, I want to buy the TLX soon (so as not to have two car payments once it's time to get a new car for the wife). I've heard that it is pretty safe with the Japanese cars, but I've also heard that, in general, it's not a good idea. I have a 2006 TL (about the middle of that generation), and although the car has been great overall, I've dealt with quite a few rattles. Early on, I took the car to the dealer quite often but I don't think a single rattle was fixed. So, to me, even a couple years later there could still likely be issues.

All opinions are appreciated!

 

I owned a 04 TL had a few rattle,s otherwise flawless, I owned an early 09 AWD TL and that was perfection, one of the best tightest cars I have ever owned. There are clearly some minor risks with year one cars, but I feel Acura has done pretty well, although they have a few issues with RLX and MDX and of course 3 model years in still have rear shock issues on the RDX. I would not have any issue buying a year 1 car from Acura.

 

I'd say that in general, if you really want it or if you really need it soon then it's not a bad idea. There are potential problems like rattles but there shouldn't be anything big. I can't imagine the new tech failing horrendously. I think there will always be rattles and whatnot but you'll just have to wrestle with the dealer to have those ironed out. All Acura models have had a lot of rattle-related TSBs so most of those issues should be solved in time.

The only thing that I would be cautious about personally is the transmission. The DCT and the 9-sp auto are both new and I'm not all that confident in Honda's auto transmissions.

 

Thanks for your quick replies. I really appreciate them. Looking forward to more...

 

I was lucky. I owned one of the first 1700 3G TLs and it was one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned.

 

The biggest things in my mind are the new transmissions. The 9-speed is not new, just new to Acura. But it has not been in the market long. If that transmission goes south there will probably other cars suffering before the TLX. But realistically it will take time for these things to show up.

The 8DCT transmission is a new Honda product. This is its first application as far as I know. I suspect this is the biggest risk area on the I4. But again it will take a long time for failures to show up.

When the 1G TSX came out the first model year had bad A/C compressors, some latent failure in the center console electronics, and various squeaks and rattles. But that was way back in 2004 (10 years ago). The 2005 model was better. I have a 2006 and it has been the most solid car I've ever owned.

 

I bought my '04 TL in October 2003 and am still driving it. Based upon the reliability I've had during over 10.5 years of owning it, I'm more than satisfied and would do it again. That being said, I'd still be wary of potential issues with first year cars. I'd be in a Q50 or ATS by now if they didn't have first year issues. I'm still debating jumping on the TLX when it's released because of this... especially with those new transmissions.

 

I had an early 04 and outside of tire flat-spotting issues (the Bridgestones were horrible) and a Bluetooth-module replacement the car was flawless. That being said this new TLX has far more tech and other features new to it so the reliability risk is exponentially greater especially with the new transmission and PAWS. But if I can get the right deal the potential issues won't stop me from picking one up. That's what warranties are for.

 

^^^^^^^
Ah yes, the Bridgestone Terroranza dust up with flat spots and early hydroplaning. Ah, the memories, can't believe it's been almost 11 years since then.

 

If I were to guess, you'll be fine.

 

The CVT in the new Accords seems to be doing fine. The issues I've read about were mostly programming issues and by now have been fixed.

I have faith in the 8DCT in the TLX.

 

They've had enough problems that they issued a TSB for it - TSB 15-053 involves replacing a faulty valve body kit along with a software update for the CVT. Mine (I have an early 2013) has been smooth as silk. Looking forward to test driving the TLX with the DCT although I may be waiting for the 2016 model before I pull the trigger - assuming I get one.

 

Well, if this ILX recall is any indication, maybe you should wait?


http://www.ibtimes.com/acura-recall-...lights-1622712


JK. I don't know how reliable the ILX is to be honest.

 

I would be concerned about long term reliability of both new transmissions and DI engine technology (all brands). DI engines do not have a long term track record and their have been issues of build up. I just wish we knew what Honda has done differently to prevent this if anything.

And yes I know my 2014 Escape has DI, it is a Company vehicle and I did not have a choice.