Sonor Kid 2

Long time member here on the forum, I'm always peeking in at what folks have to say but haven't posted too much in recent years.
Anyway here's the story and my dilemma...

In addition to my CL which isn't a daily driver I have a 2014 RDX base and a 2013 ILX premium, really happy with the RDX but glad it's time to move on from the ILX and look at leasing something different.

As a long time customer Acura is offering to terminate my lease early, this includes forgiving my last 3 payments and any excess milage over my 30,000 mile lease up to 7,000 miles which is nice.
I'm only 1,800 miles over so not a big deal, either way Acura is only making this offer if I'm willing to buy or lease a new car.

So time to consider at buying a new Acura, why not right?

Don't want a big lease payment and don't want to take any money out of pocket, basically looking for a sign and drive scenario.
That said, I'm looking at a few different options with the ILX and TLX both being 4 cylinder models.

Because this is my second car and won't see more than 7,000-10,000 miles a year I don't need a bunch of bells and whistles and really like the milage in the 4 cylinder models.

Live here in the Chicago area and have multiple quotes, I'm being told that Acura has overproduced the TLX and dealers are looking to move these right now as inventory is high.

Quoted $349 a month for a 2015 TLX base 2.4 and $349 for an ILX Premium A-Spec, also have a quote for a base V6 at $373.
All these prices are nothing out of pocket, just sign and drive.

Like all 3 cars for different reasons but leaning toward the 4 cylinder models, question here is based on everything I have mentioned which car do I buy and why?
Looking for some feedback here before I make a decision...

NBP04TL4ME

Go with a TLX because you already have had an ILX and ".... glad it's time to move on from the ILX."

Ultimately the decision is yours. Make out a list of pros and cons of each model considered and then also make a list of priorities. Compare and decide.

Sonor Kid 2

With the new model the ILX is a different animal so it's not quite the same car, given that the price points are so similar I'm hoping to hear from some folks who were former ILX owners and some who have the new TLX and how they feel about the new model.

Quandry

Based on the background your provided it is a no brainer to select the TLX base 2.4 (least expensive, you do not want bells and whistles, tiring of the ILX). But to seal the deal test drive the ILX first and then the TLX. Usually the first drive (ILX) will give stong positive vibe, but the TLX will blow you away (smooth, quiet, and responsive). It is just a different class from the ILX.

Make sure you report back with your decision.

kongx7

Test drive all 3 and see what you like. I think either car will meet your needs.
If you like the power, TLX V6.
If you go with a 4 banger, either one will be great. Same engine! ILX feels quicker because of the smaller size and less weight. However, the TLX is roomier inside and more quiet.
If your concerned about mpg, there really isn't much of a difference between all 3. I have a SH-AWD V6 and average 27-30 mpg combined on normal IDS mode. My commute is approximately 60% highway and 40% city driving.

Good luck and early congrats!

Ero

I agree, go drive all 3. I think I heard the ILX isn't as well insulated for sound and doesnt feel as luxurious as the TLX - they are vehicles of a different class, after all.

crownr0yal

Drive them! For at least 20 minutes. Set all the settings and have the salesman be silent.

BEAR-AvHistory

I would get the ILX. Have never stepped up to the next higher line when money was an issue & it could not be equipped as well as the lower line.

Visually if you get a 2016 ILX they will look a lot alike with the new ILX having the LED jewel headlights.

weather

Sonor Kid 2....I think you can't really go wrong with either. You did indicate in your post you were happy to get rid of teh ILX and get something different so while the ILX is considerably different than the pre-MMC, it is still an ILX.

There is no doubt that you will get a sharp looking ILX for the same price of low trimmed TLX but the gut of both vehicles are similar so at this point, it is more of a personal preference on the size, the options each vehicles offer and such.

As most have said, try both and see which one feels better when you are behind the wheel. Keep in mind, you can't go really wrong

kevTL888

i'd get the TLX, but wait for the '16 model.

Sonor Kid 2

Thanks for the responses, I drove all 3 cars and for me at least it was a no brainer so I went with a TLX V6 base in graphite luster metallic.

Drove the new ILX premium a-spec first, I like the console interior update but in all honesty I prefer the old look of the car with the exception of the jewel eyes.
Quick and nimble with more power and felt a bit more planted to the ground, the steering definitely has more driver feedback so I was pleased in the way the car drove.

Next up was the base TLX 2.4, to me there was no comparison, the TLX was better in every way in my opinion and given the price points TLX is a no brainer.
Actually, I believe the ILX premium a-spec is $400 more...
The 2.4 in the TLX is impressive and in all honestly felt just as quick as the ILX from behind the wheel even if it wasn't in reality.
Everything about the car is a huge step up from the ILX, other than the engine there aren't many similarities between these two cars.

After driving the V6 the game was over, for anyone who thinks the 2.4 version of either the ILX or TLX is as fast as the V6 they are sadly mistaken.
The V6 is a beast, especially with this new tranny as I have owned countless Acura V6 cars and trucks over the years and in my opinion this is the best package Acura has put out in a while.

Overall the TLX is the best looking sedan Acura has had in a long time, I had my nit picks when it first came out but I am really impressed with this car.
In graphite it looks beautiful, matches the color of the wheel inserts perfectly.

Not picking on those who have chosen the ILX over the TLX but to say size was the only factor in their decision seems way off base to me, there are a ton of differences between these two cars other than size.

The base V6 has all the toys I was looking for, have no need or want to spend the money on navigation, lane watch, blind spot, etc.
Give me a sunroof with leather and bluetooth for the iPhone and I'm just fine...

I'll post some pics today, too dark to take any last night.

Quandry

I knew you would choose the TLX after the test drive, and the V6 is a bonus. Congrats on joining the club!

NBP04TL4ME

Congrats on your decision! Best of luck with your new chariot

weather

Sonor Kid 2....Congrats on your new TLX! I am delighted to see you were able to make a decision quickly which means you should not second doubt whether the one you chose was the right on.

Can't wait to see pics - and BTW, I agree with you that I am not a big fan of the radar stuff (lane watch, etc).

Sonor Kid 2

Thanks gents, really like the car and definitely made the right choice.

Raining here today, I'll post some pics and further thoughts soon...

CoquiTSX

Congrats even if you picked up the V6 :wink:

usdmJON

I cant imagine anyone thinking the 2.4 would be as quick as the V6. That's stupid.

I guess if you dont count the RLX anyway.

open contact

I dont know how i got thru life without ACC and LKAS, makes long commute a breeze. ACC is awesome when it works.

I would have been just as happy with base V6, but man am i happy to have spent couple of bucks more for ACC, vent seats, remote engine start... Those extra features in advanced package are well worth money, JMHO

weather

^^ In all fairness, I live in an area where traffic is a non issue...I really for some of you who have to deal with massive rush hour traffic and traffic snarls. If I did, maybe this safety technology you are talking about, I could learn to be appreciate more.

Now things like vented seats, heated steering wheels, remote engine, upgraded stereo, upgraded leather material etc....Those are ALL things I would have no problem paying for.

Sonor Kid 2

Those are nice extras on the higher end packages but they are considerably more money, the base V6 is the same car in most respects, wasn't willing to shell out the cash but for those that do I can't argue they are nice to have...

Sonor Kid 2

Took a few quick pictures of the ride...

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Congrats on the TLX. Looks great.

NBP04TL4ME

Agreed - looks sharp

kevTL888

good choice on the V6 base. that's where i'm leaning toward to as well. the TLX V6 base is such a bargain, it's cheaper than a I4 TLX Tech and comes with handsome set of wheels which i know i'd dish out extra $$$ to replace if i bought an I4. imo, in car navigation will follow the path of CD changer and become obsolete in a few years when Apple Car Play and Android's version of in-car interface flooding the market. nice color combo too.

enchantedsky

If you read the reviews, the TLX 2.4 feels faster than the TLX V6..

Road and Track:
"In lieu of having two separate sedans, the 2.4-liter TLX and 3.5-liter TLX are tuned very differently, aimed at very different customers. The four-cylinder is vocal, engaging, and eager. Its transmission's shifts are lightning-fast, and the car is light on its feet. The TLX V6's responses, by comparison, feel dulled—and it requires upwards of 4000 rpm for the engine to come alive. The transmission's shifts are slurred and slow, and the suspension tuning is far softer and less responsive. The car feels far heavier and less agile, and no more refined. Everyone who drove the two models preferred the four-cylinder by a substantial margin-and wished that Acura would make an SH-AWD model with that powertrain."
11 things you need to know about the 2015 Acura TLX

Sonor Kid 2

I read all of the reviews before I went to test drive the 2.4 and the V6 and I agree with some of their thoughts, the 2.4 is engaging and the car is a bit more nimble but not by a large margin.
The tires on the 2.4 are a problem, if had 18 inch wheels on lower profile rubber the car would handle much better.

All that said my TLX was just delivered to the dealer and already has the firmware updates to the tranny according to Acura, no issues with the 9 speed in my test drive and performed as well as the 8 speed tranny in every respect.

The V6 only weighs 100 more pounds than the 2.4 but gives you 84 more HP, the 2.4 is great for what it is but the V6 is considerably faster than the 2.4, trust me there is a big difference.

I went into the dealer ready to buy the 2.4 but after driving the V6 I had to have the car...

Stew4HD

Very nice car and great shots of it! Congrats!

weather

Sonor Kid 2....I agree, your TLX look great! Thanks for sharing some pics with us.

mapleloaf

I had also intended to buy the 14 as well, and it certainly is a great car that is quick and nimble. However, I agree with you that the V6 is very fast and more refined. As the first two shifts have smoothed out somewhat, I really appreciate this transmission with respect to acceleration and fuel economy. That being said, both cars are an excellent value with a serious fun to drive quality.

Mr Hyde

In my book, counting the RLX, I would still put the TLX ahead in the looks department

Feeling faster, and being faster aren't always the same thing.

Congrats on the new ride OP. I had 2 ILX loaners recently when my wife's car was in for service, and honestly to me, there is no comparison. The cars felt very different, and the difference in class was definitely apparent to me, and not just in size.

My TLX is due for it's first service this Friday, and I'll be requesting a TLX. Actually hoping for the 4 cylinder for a comparison now that I have put a fair number of miles on my V6

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Congrats-good looking ride.

Colin

Congratulations on your choice! Both I4 and V6 base models have the right amount of goodies, I just wish they had made leather standard. Still, the leatherette is pretty good and many don't seem to mind it. Heck, I'm even softening my stance on this and thinking, hmm... "my drive is only 20 min now, maybe I could save a few bucks and take a base."

Sonor Kid 2

I agree on the leather Colin but the leatherette feels just like leather, no issues there for me, actually the seats in this car are extremely comfortable regardless.

Most important were the V6 and 18" wheels which the base has, also wanted a sunroof and bluetooth but other than that the car has everything I really need.

Don't need Navi, my iphone guides me by voice through the car and the base stereo is surprising good when compared to the ELS.

The other safety features were a waste of money for me, nice to have yes but not willing to spend the extra cash to have them, I've been doing without them my entire life and I'm just fine, LOL!

I think many times people talk themselves into things they really don't need anyway, I paid a hair under $32K, dollar for dollar it might be the best Acura I have ever purchased...

kevTL888

totally agree, base V6 is an underrated model in this lineup. i'd rather spend the $3k for the tech pkg on A-Spec pkg if it ever comes available.