i'll stick to my principle of not paying over $35k (before tax) for an Acura. so choices are down to a base V6 and I4 Tech. which one would you choose? i do have a relatively long commute, but most of them are hwy traffic, since the highway gas mileage of the two are similar so fuel economy isn't my biggest concern. i've using the map app on my iphone6+ even in my IS350 which has a navi, so having navi isn't important also.

 

get a '16 Mazda 6 GT. fully loaded below $30K.

 

Have you driven either one?

 

Personally, I would choose the base V6. To me the engine is the heart of the car and I love the extra power of the V6. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the 4 Tech package, it's amply equipped.

 

So you won't pay over 35K just for an Acura or any car??

 

V6

In Los Angeles traffic torque is important
Which my anemic 4cyl doesn't have

 

Drive them both extensively and then decide which is best for you. Probably can't go wrong with either.

I do , however, disagree that the 4 cyl doesn't have enough torque for LA traffic. Works just fine for many of us.

 

V6 would be my choice.

If you are thinking 35K as your cap then perhaps a well equipped Accord V6 would be a more sensible alternative.

 

What works and what's desirable are different

3cyl geo metro works too

I have up hill on ramps and lots of grade here in la and my v8 and v6 cars are amazing
My tsx is underpowered and constantly hints for right gear

To each their own

I agree with fox I would get v6 loaded accord

 

I drove both and I went with the 4 cylinder tech K series. I felt it was more responsive than the 6 cylinder J series. Decision is up to you.

 

Test drove both, but I went with the I4 Tech and love the drive to and from work every day.

I drive 35 miles each way through fair amount of high-speed traffic. I love the feel of the car in Sports mode. Quick and nimble. Oh and fun to drive.

 

Congrats!
I had the same dilemma but after driving the V6 I was sold on the V6.

Don't agree the 2.4 is more responsive though, as impressive as the 2.4 is the V6 is just as responsive but with much more power.

Enjoy the TLX, great car!

 

Really torn on this (2.4 tech vs. base V6), I would like to keep the car around 36K. Psychologically, it just feels like a great number and value for the TLX.

 

The 4 cylinder in my TSX works fine in any form of traffic and around here we have crazy V8 death machines everywhere. Should work fine on a TLX, too. Try both, but I don't know that the DCT is that much better to the point where it's that much better to drive than a V6.

 

The more I read, the more I think I'd take a TLX base (even with the leatherette)- having Nav isn't a draw for me any longer since the phone apps have made them just about unnecessary (again, just one opinion). I don't need the lane departure and other safety options either. That will keep you down ~ $30K or so before taxes and such. After tax, you're probably looking at $33K or so.

 

As everyone mentions and I've said and recommended before, you need to first set a list of what you want in a car and what you need in a car. Then you need to set a price as your limit. At this point you shouldn't even drive cars that exceed that limit because you'll find it clouds your judgement and makes it harder to be happy with "lesser" cars. Now make a list of cars that fit your list and budget and then go test drive them. Maybe even drive several different cars of the same make and model to see if there are any differences to notice. I feel that there are many very good cars that will fit your list from many manufacturers and it's ultimately up to you to decide. I did a lot of research and testing and found that the TLX was the car that best fit MY needs/wants. I opted for a top-of-the-line version because I tend to keep my cars for a long time and I didn't want any regrets of not getting features that I wish I had.

Good luck with your decision.

 

^ I agree completely with the above post, but will like to stress the point of want vs need. I am on a trip and have rented an econ box which emphasizes how much I miss my TLX. The point is the econ box meets all the "need" requirements as it provides the required transportation. If that was the only requirement we would all be driving something like this.

What I miss are my "want" features: a quite ride rather than one that sound like all the wheel bearings are shot, automatic climate control, ELS audio, backup camera, parking sensors, ACC, LKAS, rotary volume control on the steering wheel, LED headlights, auto lighting. Everyone will have a different list, but it is important when shopping to differentiate the need from the want and place a monetary value on them. Boring as hell, yes I know.

 

^^ I agree with you that I probably got a little long winded in my post. I meant to create a list with all those things. The need is more basic and the want would fall into the "splurge" category. When you have all the need, want, and what you can afford that will limit your list to the cars you should look at.

I agree about missing the goodies. I drove my 2002 Truck this weekend to get some landscaping supplies, and I realized just how much I LOVE my TLX.

 

i'm leaning toward V6 base. V6 base with A Spec would be perfect if it's available as '16 model.

 

I've heard stories about "front end heavy" on the V6 without SH-AWD. Maybe.

I have a 4 cyl. Tech and absolutely love the balanced handling and there is lots of power, even up longish hills. Besides, even if the engine gets a little loud, it's an Acura/Honda engine and they love to sing their sweet song. A while back I drove a 6-cyl. base service car, and while OK, it would either have to be the 4 or the V6 SH-AWD for me if I were to do it over again. Very happy with the 4.

 

^^^ i agree to some point, but due to Acura overpricing the I4 Tech, and that being the most popular trim therefore not much wiggle room to get as far as pricing, you can get a V6 base cheaper than the I4 Tech, and only a couple grand separate the V6 Tech and I4 Tech.

 

Really your call based on your personal evaluation of both models. I4 Tech here, for me this model spans the spectrum of my driving requirements, great fuel mileage in ECON and a rocket in Sport mode. When driving a V6 as a loaner, seemed heavy to me in terms of balance and overall feel. My two cents..........

 

We just put in ~1500 miles over three days, and Econ mode was only good on cruise, and sometimes not even then. One has to press the gas pedal a lot harder to get action. Therefore, we switched from Sport to Normal for the more pleasant ride on some rough Interstate highways. Still, we got 36 to 38 mpg on premium with not-terribly-conservative driving. It sure is a great highway cruiser, but the old bones were kinda stiff after a day's drive. Not so much on the same drive last year in the RDX. Hmmm, more comfortable seats, stiff old bones; harder seats, less stiff old bones.