Acura 2015 vs 2016. Adv or Tech package or None? College student
 

My parent's are purchasing a car for me to go off to college. I have decided the Acura TLX V6 but unsure what year model i should get and if it's worth getting a 2015 version of this car just for the advance package. Because most of the advance package for this car is 2015. But for the same price I could get a newer year version (2016), but with only the technology package. I can recall from a forum where somebody discussed about the problems with the transmission vibrating on the 2015 versions.

Or should i just get the base version? I heard it's a hassle to get technology replaced with all of these package tech features.

What i gathered so far :

• 2015 V6 TLX P-AWS with Advance Package $29,995 Miles 2,499
  
• 2016 V6 TLX P-AWS with Technology Package $29,990 Miles 5,710
  
• 2016 V6 TLX P-AWS $27,990 Miles 4,441
  

Is there other better cars you guys could recommend? Faster, reliability, features, tech, pricing

Accord would be better value than a TLX

If you were set on getting the AWD, then I would suggest the TLX. But since you only want to stick with the FWD version, I too would suggest taking a closer look at the Accord. The newer models, as I've read on here, come with features the TLX does not have, and they do cost less as well. The Accord is a very nice car.

The 2015 is out. The 2016 are great deals, though. I am not enamored of the Technology Package, except the radio (I love Google Maps and Waze) but if your parents are paying, what the hell!

I would go with a black Accord. College isn't the place for an Acura.

Parts are generally a bit cheaper too, if you go with Honda. Still expensive. But not as expensive as Acura.

And you have examples?

(BTW, I change my own oil and it is the same damn oil filter as a Civic).

Yes I do. I just bought a suspension Part for my 3G TL, that the 7G accord also uses. It was $65 for a fucking metal bracket at Acura, vs. $26 at Honda. Granted, not all parts are like that. But Acura is the "upper" brand and commands more money.

Honestly that is to be expected, that's is the nature of the upper branding.

But an Honda (or aka Acura) don't break much in the long run. This is one reason why you still have that 3G, I guess.

Based on the feedback here, 2015 is a no go.

If you are just looking at the P-AWS version, you should consider the Accord V6. Its interior might feel less luxurious and it's probably a little bit less refine and quiet. And I think the Accord does not have paddle shifters.

On the other hand, the Accord has a more trustworthy 6-speed auto and anfroid auto/apple carplay, It's rated 12hp less, but it's also lighter, meaning it's just as fast as the TLX V6. The Accord V6 also runs on regular instead of premium fuel, that's gonna save you about 10% of fuel cost.

I'm not from the states, but I'm guessing with your budget of around $30k, you can get a fully loaded, top of the line Accord V6 Touring:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/ctd/5979240561.html

I'd imagine the Touring trim is better equipped than the TLX Tech in certain ways.

And the Accord is undeniably the best in its class.

The TLX is the better car in a number of ways, including a nicer interior, better handling, much better sound system, etc. However, the Accord is an excellent vehicle and frankly, as a college student, is more than enough car and is a little cheaper to operate. Get the Acura when you graduate:)

His parents are purchasing the car for him!!

Hondas are great cars (yawn) but the Acura will attract more members of the opposite sex :)

Go for the 2016 with the Tech package and enjoy!

2016 2.4 with Tech package. Oh wait, that wasn't on the list. Still my recommendation:2cents:.

All of you saying that SH-AWD is the make it or break it option on the TLX, it is NOT what makes the whole car. I love the SH-AWD system, especially in corners but it's not a necessity. The P-AWS system in the FWD model is actually very nimble, I had an AWD TLX loaner for a month and it didn't feel that much better than my FWD V6. Seems like everyone who says get an Accord if you're looking at a FWD TLX, are people who don't have a TLX. There are many factors that differentiate the TLX and Accord aside from the drivetrain.

OP, if I were in your situation given those numbers on the cars you posted, I'd go with the '16 Tech V6. You get the nice options like perforated leather, blind spot monitor, nav, awesome ELS sound system, rear cross traffic alert, etc. Stay away from a '15 V6 TLX, too risky with the transmission problems. Check out the Accord though, maybe you'll think it's nice enough. But if you want something a little more luxurious but not over the top, the TLX is a great car.

Right on.

Unless more is known about the family's financial situation, value-based advice is pretty presumptuous... If the parents are buying him a new or relatively new Acura then either: 1) they obviously have done well enough to understand finances well enough to decide what they can and can't afford, thank you very much; or 2) they are financially irresponsible and are going to spend it anyway so telling them to do something responsible is advice that is just going to go in one ear and out the other...

If the OP wants to get into more details about his life, etc., then sure maybe some unsolicited advice would make sense, but barring that it's pretty pointless.

So, CheeseyPoofs McNut is absolutely correct based on the data we have at hand: Go with the ride that will pull the most tail. It's illogical to do otherwise.

In all fairness, in OP's last sentence he did ask for other recommendations.

Those are all fair points, but while value has been addressed multiple times in this thread, I just want to reiterate that a college town is not the best place for an upscale car. And it's unreasonable to ask for car advice from people who bought their own cars and not expect us to assess value. It's just the nature of car advice.

OP: If you're choosing between TLX's, go with the 2015 Tech with the DCT. I like the DCT a lot and Honda has done a really good job with it. You're not going to need a ton of HP in college.

I appreciate the help guys! I've gained quite a lot of insight from this thread and rethinking about my initial car selection. At no point was the Accord in my mind possible because I haven't done much researching on regular sedans. If I'm purchasing this car, I wont be selling it anytime soon. As I'm determined to keep whatever car I purchase now until my mid 20's until after i have everything stable. Right now I'm working as a Valet all around my city, and I'm thinking of also putting some of that money I earn towards the purchase of my car so that my parent's wouldn't have to pay it all. Disregarding whatever their income is. Though as a teen, I know that looks, speed, and comfort is my primary selection. Though probably not good for me in the long run. This has got be rethinking to purchasing a lower end car, but still would cost the same as the Acura for total cost before maintenance and such

If you want the most sensible car I would suggest you look at a 2015 Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Both offer V6 options that are "wolves in sheep clothing" and both will be rock solid dependable (odds are good for this anyways) that will be cheaper than the TLX option. Both will be cheaper to maintain and service too - assuming you're going to take it to a dealer for service.

Have fun shopping and keep us posted!

Don't forget to consider Mazda. A Mazda3 ,or Mazda6 if you what more room. Zoom-Zoom.

I'm a college student who has a TSX (altho I got mine in my sophomore yr of High school), I would get the '16 Tech but I would also definitely look at the Accord. The Accord has better tech (Carplay/Android Auto), and looks more aggressive, is cheaper to insure, and is cheaper to maintain. The only thing is that the automatic Accord uses a CVT which is an automatic deal-breaker to me but most people don't seem to care. If you're open to other suggestions I would recommend going the other route and getting something less sensible/more fun. Honestly I rarely use the back-seats in my car and college (imo) is the perfect time to get a less sensible car before you get into the real world. Personally if I had to do it again I would probably have gotten a BRZ/5.0/Miata or a used Chevy SS/CTSV.

Do you have to drive a lot? To me the most fun I've had in college had nothing to do with cars so I didn't mind having a piece of crap. In retrospect I think I should have had a motorcycle instead.

OP, if I were you I'd get a newer Accord V6 coupe w/ a 6-speed. You don't have kids, but the rear leg room in the Accord coupe is one inch less than the TLX, so you can still pile up all the ladies.
The grayish-blue color coupe with the big spoke rims is SHARP.

If you are deadset on a TLX (which I DO have and recommended an Accord first) -- get a 2016 or newer model. While I do believe it is a better car overall than the Accord, the Accord is really its main competitor. They aren't selling well right now and with some negotiation and incentives, you may make a great deal before the MMC comes out later this year. Keep in mind the Accord will also be getting a complete redesign this year, as well.

IMO, people who are considering a TLX don't really want an Accord. They feel different enough and Acura did a decent job of separating from the Accord, like the previous gens of TLs..

This is is just funny for some reason

In defense of Acura, all the following statements are true
The equivalent Toyota is better value than the IS
The equivalent Volkswagen is better value than the A4
The equivalent Ford is better value than any Lincoln
The equivalent Chevrolet is better value than the ATS*

*Chevrolet is a weak enough brand where the comparison starts to break down

TLX is a great car and if you're not in need of AWD where you live the 2.4 Tech with 8 speed DCT is a great car. I would have loved to have a car that nice in college! I had a 92 Nissan Maxima lol... Which i loved actually! Easy to work on, cheap to maintain, and had a v6!

But as others have said, the Accord is a great car! if you can drive stick the 6 speed Accord Sport would be a great value that would be plenty of fun, while still being able to carry around all your friends/crap. In undergrad it's always nice to be able to throw a bunch of crap in the car and somewhat live out of it as you're always going between class, studying, working, or hanging out with friends.

If you enjoy things that drive really well without terrible maintenance issues definitely test drive a 2016+ mazda 6 (in touring trim or GT), comes with great looking wheels, looks nice, has plenty of space, and can be had for a little less money that you could put towards making it your own car or fun money for college lol. (also it is definitely fun to drive, great euro feeling suspension)

Also if you don't need a TON of space the Mazda 3 GT Hatchback would be a good option, and you could get it fully loaded.

faster + more reliable is a hard combo to come by. If you want fast and still somewhat reliable at that price point look into Infiniti G37/Q50. You could get something like a Lexus IS350 but it won't have the latest tech, will have higher miles, and some parts can be pricier. Or if you don't want to go that luxury sedan route, a WRX is reasonably reliable and very quick, but if you don't drive stick your stuck with the CVT... which isn't terrible, but I just don't like it.

I actually just traded my 2015 TLX 2.4 tech for a VW GTI performance Pack. it's much faster than my TLX in both straight line and corners, but I definitely understand that I'll probably be taking a hit in reliability and comfort.

I had a 1978 Plymouth Arrow (google it!) while in college - I would have killed to have car like the TLX. Of course in the 80's there really wasn't a car as nice as the TLX (chew on that!) so it's all make believe anyways. In fact I probably would have lived in it if I had one.