A discussion for satisfied 2.4 TLX owners
#1
Three Wheelin'
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A discussion for satisfied 2.4 TLX owners
At this point, I am weary of all the 6th gen TLX Type S specualtion and "demands", and lingering disatisfaction with aspects of the existing 3.5 TLX. I would like a place to discuss everything from A to Z for satisfied owners of the 2.4 8 DCT TLX, including any nitpicks or things they would change. As well, it would be interesting to discuss what features owners interested in the next generation Type S TLX. I know there is a few of us here, but a lot of 2.4 owners likely don't spend time on forums such as these. If there isn't the interest, then this thread can die a quick and painless death.
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benjaminh (06-02-2020)
#2
Sometimes I do wish it had more power, it could be smoother at idle, and SHAWD would be nice, but the DCT is great and it’s a shame that Acura couldn’t figure out a way to beef it up to handle the torque of the 3.5. Still no regrets choosing it over the 3.5 as a commuter car.
#3
Satisfied 2016 and 2019 TLX 2.4L owner here. Engine and transmission work flawlessly. The only nitpick I have about both TLXs are the awful driver's seat. Flat and way too hard in the lower back area. 4 years and 6 months in 2 different TLXs and I still cant find a comfortable position.
#4
I'm a satisfied 2.4 owner. I do look forward to growing old with this car as I can see the maintenance being very low as this isn't a turbo.
The only real negative is how poorly this car performed with 5 passengers. But all 4 cylinder cars perform poorly with 4 or more people. The stopping power of the car was also crap with 5 passengers. Again, no surprises here.
Would also love to drop it by an inch or 2 but I'm undecided.
The only real negative is how poorly this car performed with 5 passengers. But all 4 cylinder cars perform poorly with 4 or more people. The stopping power of the car was also crap with 5 passengers. Again, no surprises here.
Would also love to drop it by an inch or 2 but I'm undecided.
#5
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Sometimes I do wish it had more power, it could be smoother at idle, and SHAWD would be nice, but the DCT is great and it’s a shame that Acura couldn’t figure out a way to beef it up to handle the torque of the 3.5. Still no regrets choosing it over the 3.5 as a commuter car.
#6
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I'm still very happy with mine - although it's only got 20K miles on it as I've been working from home for the past 4 years so my commute to the office is zero. I bought the right car for me which is really the key for any car shopper.
Pros: Nice ride (serious upgrade here over the 2013 Accord I traded in), quiet, good power for a NA 4 cylinder, superb transmission for everything except low speed crawling, nice interior.
Cons: My DCT can still be a bit "notchy" at low speeds, especially when it's cool/cold.
Pros: Nice ride (serious upgrade here over the 2013 Accord I traded in), quiet, good power for a NA 4 cylinder, superb transmission for everything except low speed crawling, nice interior.
Cons: My DCT can still be a bit "notchy" at low speeds, especially when it's cool/cold.
#7
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I'm still very happy with mine - although it's only got 20K miles on it as I've been working from home for the past 4 years so my commute to the office is zero. I bought the right car for me which is really the key for any car shopper.
Pros: Nice ride (serious upgrade here over the 2013 Accord I traded in), quiet, good power for a NA 4 cylinder, superb transmission for everything except low speed crawling, nice interior.
Cons: My DCT can still be a bit "notchy" at low speeds, especially when it's cool/cold.
Pros: Nice ride (serious upgrade here over the 2013 Accord I traded in), quiet, good power for a NA 4 cylinder, superb transmission for everything except low speed crawling, nice interior.
Cons: My DCT can still be a bit "notchy" at low speeds, especially when it's cool/cold.
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#8
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Like the 9 speed, the 8 DCT has been refined over the past few years. I can't conceive of a better transmission and it's perhaps my single biggest like. it realy does give the 2.4 a sporty feel and allows for some spirited driving, especially at higher speeds. I really don't think there are many cars in the general price range that look as good or better than my pearl white ASpec, a highly subjective but somewhat supported opinion.
I sincerely hope the new so called base TLX at least maintains those good looks and has a 2.0 turbo that is tuned to improve on the HP AND the fuel economy.
I sincerely hope the new so called base TLX at least maintains those good looks and has a 2.0 turbo that is tuned to improve on the HP AND the fuel economy.
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benjaminh (06-03-2020)
#9
Like the 9 speed, the 8 DCT has been refined over the past few years. I can't conceive of a better transmission and it's perhaps my single biggest like. it realy does give the 2.4 a sporty feel and allows for some spirited driving, especially at higher speeds. I really don't think there are many cars in the general price range that look as good or better than my pearl white ASpec, a highly subjective but somewhat supported opinion.
I sincerely hope the new so called base TLX at least maintains those good looks and has a 2.0 turbo that is tuned to improve on the HP AND the fuel economy.
I sincerely hope the new so called base TLX at least maintains those good looks and has a 2.0 turbo that is tuned to improve on the HP AND the fuel economy.
#10
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Right - I'm fairly accustomed to hunkering down by myself for the better part of the day. My wife is now working from home too but she stays in her office (basement) while I stay in mine (upstairs) so we don't run in to each other more than a handful of times. We do take the dogs out for a walk everyday which is nice. Plus I drag the car out at least once every couple weeks for a ride to keep things moving.
#11
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I’m pretty confident the 2.0T will not have better fuel economy in the real world. Once you’re in boost, turbocharged motors guzzle gas like there’s no tomorrow. If you’re just cruising at low load out of boost it will probably be more efficient given the smaller displacement, but if you drive with any sense of urgency at all the MPGs take a huge hit. Case in point, if I drive my Abarth (with a tiny 1.4L turbo hauling all of about 2500 pound) like a grandma and stay out of boost, I can eek out 24 MPG in the city. Drive it like a normal person, and it drops to 18 MPG.
#12
I have the 2018 2.4 TLX in bellanova white with only 22k miles, my lease is up in January
I’m not a car enthusiast but I like the car a lot, thinking about keeping it actually. This whole quarantine thing has been keeping me off the road so I’m not driving much at all
I just went for a quick spin today, kicked it into Sport mode...I’m not mad at all, it’s a great car
I think I’m done with switching cars for a while
I’m not a car enthusiast but I like the car a lot, thinking about keeping it actually. This whole quarantine thing has been keeping me off the road so I’m not driving much at all
I just went for a quick spin today, kicked it into Sport mode...I’m not mad at all, it’s a great car
I think I’m done with switching cars for a while
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benjaminh (05-31-2020)
#13
I also had the 2016 ILX with the 8 speed DCT before this TLX, I loved that car as well
sometimes I wish I kept it, was a lot of fun to drive it felt like a fast go-cart lol transmission is great
But easily the TLX is better in every way
sometimes I wish I kept it, was a lot of fun to drive it felt like a fast go-cart lol transmission is great
But easily the TLX is better in every way
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benjaminh (05-31-2020)
#15
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#16
Leasee of 2015, 2017 and recently 2020 2.4L TLXs. I've noticed the transmissions have been progressively smoother. The only real problem I had was occasional rough shifts with the 2017. Worked fine after dealer applied s/w upgrade.
2017 and 2020 have tech packages. Not fond of the NAV, but it's OK. I like the ELS sound and overall functionality.
The performance is sporty enough and the gas mileage is impressive. (I seldom have more than a single 110 lb passenger.)
2017 and 2020 have tech packages. Not fond of the NAV, but it's OK. I like the ELS sound and overall functionality.
The performance is sporty enough and the gas mileage is impressive. (I seldom have more than a single 110 lb passenger.)
#17
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Leasee of 2015, 2017 and recently 2020 2.4L TLXs. I've noticed the transmissions have been progressively smoother. The only real problem I had was occasional rough shifts with the 2017. Worked fine after dealer applied s/w upgrade.
2017 and 2020 have tech packages. Not fond of the NAV, but it's OK. I like the ELS sound and overall functionality.
The performance is sporty enough and the gas mileage is impressive. (I seldom have more than a single 110 lb passenger.)
2017 and 2020 have tech packages. Not fond of the NAV, but it's OK. I like the ELS sound and overall functionality.
The performance is sporty enough and the gas mileage is impressive. (I seldom have more than a single 110 lb passenger.)
#18
I have 16' Tech, and really love the car. It does has bunch of minor issues when I first got the car. They got the tranny fixed with a software update, but shifting from P to R, I can still get the gear slamming sound. Not sure if that gonna be an issue in the long run. I gave up on the rough, vibration idle, and as many mentioned here, it is pretty normal with the 4 cyl. I drove the 18 and 19' model as a loaner, and none of them has vibration idling. Also notices the paint is very thin.
Other than that, I like the dual screen infotainment setup, given the navi is so slow, but it's alright. Not sure about the new RDX style screen setup. I definitely hate the new screen style where it stand out in the middle of the dash. ELS Sound is alright. I followed some advises here and added a sub. It is much better now. I do wish I have more power though lol. And the mileage is suck for a 4 cyl =(
What I got it replaced so far under warranty: engine mount, tranny mount, LKAS sensor, fuel regulator for the cricket noise (replaced the part twice, same issue and I pretty much just forget it), 2 front struts lol. Hopefully no more since my warranty is already over =(
Other than that, I like the dual screen infotainment setup, given the navi is so slow, but it's alright. Not sure about the new RDX style screen setup. I definitely hate the new screen style where it stand out in the middle of the dash. ELS Sound is alright. I followed some advises here and added a sub. It is much better now. I do wish I have more power though lol. And the mileage is suck for a 4 cyl =(
What I got it replaced so far under warranty: engine mount, tranny mount, LKAS sensor, fuel regulator for the cricket noise (replaced the part twice, same issue and I pretty much just forget it), 2 front struts lol. Hopefully no more since my warranty is already over =(
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frack (05-09-2020)
#19
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You must love the car given the issues you have had. with my 16, I only had to replace the driver side window motor, under warranty, a transmission update and that was it. My daugther finished the last 20 months of a 4 year lease and had no problems. My 2018 has been issue free to date.
#20
lol! Most are minor issues, like the rain sensor and lkas. I can live without them. The main one was the jerky tranny, which was fixed and it has been great. Engine is good for me. No oil leaks, no issue. I do like the 15-17's headlight style. Don't like the newer headlight, and the hood style 18-19 model, plus too broke to trade in a new or different model hahaha.
#21
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lol! Most are minor issues, like the rain sensor and lkas. I can live without them. The main one was the jerky tranny, which was fixed and it has been great. Engine is good for me. No oil leaks, no issue. I do like the 15-17's headlight style. Don't like the newer headlight, and the hood style 18-19 model, plus too broke to trade in a new or different model hahaha.
#22
I love my 2018 TLX 2.4 Tech. The 4-wheel steering is fun, and the transmission and engine make a really good combo. Plus check out this mpg on the highway. I've actually gotten as high as 40 a couple of times....
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ESHBG (05-31-2020)
#23
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It's a great highway cruiser - much more than it is a sport sedan for sure.
#24
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Fuel economy numbers without the average speed have no real meaning. For a trip of 200 miles or so show both sets of numbers,
#25
As I think most TLX 2.4 owners would probably confirm, with a steady state of about 65-70 mph on an Interstate without too much traffic mpg is usually somewhere around 35-38, even with the ac on. Since it's rated at 33 on the highway it's nice to be able to beat the epa numbers. It's actually almost exactly the same mpg I used to get with my 2016 Accord CVT, but the TLX is more fun to drive.
Last edited by benjaminh; 05-31-2020 at 10:14 PM.
#26
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I have recorded the same type of fuel economy on the highway at an average of 75 mph, convereted from Litres per 100 km of course. The 2.4 is a terrific cruiser with surprising passing power. It would be nice if the 2.0 turbo can be close to those numbers.
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benjaminh (06-01-2020)
#27
A Honda Accord Touring with the 2.0 turbo and 10-speed auto is rated at 32 mpg highway, which is just one mpg lower than the TLX 2.4 with the 8 speed DC. But the TLX is likely going to be heavier than the Accord, and it's also going to have really wide 255 tires standard, and so my guess is that the epa highway rating for the new TLX with FWD might come in at 31.
#28
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A Honda Accord Touring with the 2.0 turbo and 10-speed auto is rated at 32 mpg highway, which is just one mpg lower than the TLX 2.4 with the 8 speed DC. But the TLX is likely going to be heavier than the Accord, and it's also going to have really wide 255 tires standard, and so my guess is that the epa highway rating for the new TLX with FWD might come in at 31.
360 WHP, 3.8/4.1 sec 0-60MPH & 12.5 sec @ 114MPH in the 1/4 mile
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benjaminh (06-02-2020)
#29
Yesterday I set the cruise control in my 2018 TLX 2.4 at 64 mph in a 55 zone in light traffic on a mostly level Interstate without AC for about a 20 mile drive. This is almost getting close to the mpg of a hybrid....! But normally I get in the mid to high 30s.
Anyway, I love this car, which to me is almost like a contemporary version of a BMW 2002 from the early 70s, or more accurately a 5-series from the 1980s. Those BMWs weren't always super fast with the base engine, but they were fun to drive. The 4-wheel steering on the TLX makes it really fun for driving on twisty roads. Sometimes for some of us it's more fun to "drive a slow car fast than drive a fast car slow." The 2.4 has plenty of power for me when the car is in the Sport, and by the way it was in that setting for this "economy run"....
Anyway, I love this car, which to me is almost like a contemporary version of a BMW 2002 from the early 70s, or more accurately a 5-series from the 1980s. Those BMWs weren't always super fast with the base engine, but they were fun to drive. The 4-wheel steering on the TLX makes it really fun for driving on twisty roads. Sometimes for some of us it's more fun to "drive a slow car fast than drive a fast car slow." The 2.4 has plenty of power for me when the car is in the Sport, and by the way it was in that setting for this "economy run"....
#30
I'm just finishing up the second year of my three year lease with my 2018 TLX 2.4 Tech, and at the moment I'm thinking of buying it out and owning it. Like many of you I got a good deal on my lease, and the buyout is a reasonable $18.5k. Another thing I like about the 2.4 is that it's a proven engine. Acura guy Tyson Hugie has gone more than 200,000 miles in his 2013 ILX with a similar engine with only routine maintenance. I love the looks of the new 2021 TLX, but when it comes down to it the new TLX seems like it might be a bit big and a bit flashy for my tastes. And my 2018 at this points seems like it has all the Tech I need—AndroidAuto/CarPlay, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blis, and with the ELS it has the best stereo I've ever heard in my life in a car by far. Unlike some luxury cars I feel like keeping an Acura for 10+ years and as much as 200k miles is probably a good bet. But just for the heck of it I'm planning on test driving the new TLX when my lease is up just in case lol!
PS The great mpg we can get with the 2.4 is in part because of the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. I read somewhere that a dual clutch can be even more efficient than a CVT in some situations, and yet is more fun to drive.
PS The great mpg we can get with the 2.4 is in part because of the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. I read somewhere that a dual clutch can be even more efficient than a CVT in some situations, and yet is more fun to drive.
#31
Three Wheelin'
I'm just finishing up the second year of my three year lease with my 2018 TLX 2.4 Tech, and at the moment I'm thinking of buying it out and owning it. Like many of you I got a good deal on my lease, and the buyout is a reasonable $18.5k. Another thing I like about the 2.4 is that it's a proven engine. Acura guy Tyson Hugie has gone more than 200,000 miles in his 2013 ILX with a similar engine with only routine maintenance. I love the looks of the new 2021 TLX, but when it comes down to it the new TLX seems like it might be a bit big and a bit flashy for my tastes. And my 2018 at this points seems like it has all the Tech I need—AndroidAuto/CarPlay, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, blis, and with the ELS it has the best stereo I've ever heard in my life in a car by far. Unlike some luxury cars I feel like keeping an Acura for 10+ years and as much as 200k miles is probably a good bet. But just for the heck of it I'm planning on test driving the new TLX when my lease is up just in case lol!
PS The great mpg we can get with the 2.4 is in part because of the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. I read somewhere that a dual clutch can be even more efficient than a CVT in some situations, and yet is more fun to drive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67pKJVUWCpI
PS The great mpg we can get with the 2.4 is in part because of the 8-speed dual clutch transmission. I read somewhere that a dual clutch can be even more efficient than a CVT in some situations, and yet is more fun to drive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67pKJVUWCpI
#32
You might be right about the value of my TLX in a year. But its value to me personally might be the buyout. We'll see.
Way back in 1988 I read this ad about 4-wheel steering on the Prelude, and I wished that I could drive one to see what it was like. And now with my TLX with PAWS it's all the ad says and more...
Way back in 1988 I read this ad about 4-wheel steering on the Prelude, and I wished that I could drive one to see what it was like. And now with my TLX with PAWS it's all the ad says and more...
#33
Burning Brakes
You might be right about the value of my TLX in a year. But its value to me personally might be the buyout. We'll see.
Way back in 1988 I read this ad about 4-wheel steering on the Prelude, and I wished that I could drive one to see what it was like. And now with my TLX with PAWS it's all the ad says and more...
Way back in 1988 I read this ad about 4-wheel steering on the Prelude, and I wished that I could drive one to see what it was like. And now with my TLX with PAWS it's all the ad says and more...
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benjaminh (06-03-2020)
#34
I honestly cannot tell the difference between my P-AWS equipped TLX and any other car I've driven without rear wheel steering with regards to lane changes and handling. Turning radius might be smaller, but who knows what the baseline is. Feels pretty normal for its size. Unfortunately, methinks it's more of a gimmick and marketing tool than something of any real significance.
#35
I honestly cannot tell the difference between my P-AWS equipped TLX and any other car I've driven without rear wheel steering with regards to lane changes and handling. Turning radius might be smaller, but who knows what the baseline is. Feels pretty normal for its size. Unfortunately, methinks it's more of a gimmick and marketing tool than something of any real significance.
#36
Going past 100,000 miles with the spark plugs?
I'm currently at 27,000 miles on my TLX, and almost certainly I'll do the scheduled tune-up at 100k. But watch this mechanic changing the iridium-tipped spark plugs on a TLX for the 100k service. The "old" spark plugs look to me like they still might have a lot of life in them.
I'm currently at 27,000 miles on my TLX, and almost certainly I'll do the scheduled tune-up at 100k. But watch this mechanic changing the iridium-tipped spark plugs on a TLX for the 100k service. The "old" spark plugs look to me like they still might have a lot of life in them.
#37
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I could feel the 4-wheel steering after driving it just a few hundred feet. It seems odd to me that many don't feel it at all. It's slightly stronger when put in the Sport setting. Anyway, most car magazine reviewers don't seem to feel it either, which is probably why Acura has eliminated PAWS in the new 2021 TLX. I watched this positive review of a base TLX a few years before I got my car. He really likes the 2.4 with 8-speed dual clutch combo as well as many other things about the car, but I think somewhere in this review he says he can't really feel the 4-wheel steering. Sigh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5EqHTKpabs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5EqHTKpabs
Funny how 5 years ago the 207 hp with the 8DCT was morre than powerful enough, but now isn't. I guess our roads got less congested and we need bigger HP......
#38
Acura says it’s 1.8 degrees max. I’m pretty sure I’d be able to feel it if it was a whopping 10 degrees
#39
Moderator
There were so many good reviews of the 2.4 cyclinder back then. The guy who loves fast cars called it a sports sedan on mulyiple occasions and said it was the best choice of the two options. The PAWS is subtle but it definitely helps with cornering and with emergency breaking. At a maximum of 10 degrees, it is meant to be subtle.
Funny how 5 years ago the 207 hp with the 8DCT was morre than powerful enough, but now isn't. I guess our roads got less congested and we need bigger HP......
Funny how 5 years ago the 207 hp with the 8DCT was morre than powerful enough, but now isn't. I guess our roads got less congested and we need bigger HP......
All that said - I'm intrigued by the idea of the added torque the 2.0 Turbo brings to the table
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benjaminh (06-04-2020)
#40
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I'm amused by the horsepower wars. I totally get looking at the specs of various cars when shopping and seeing that one has a bigger number for a certain category than another - and thinking that I should rate that car higher as a result. I also get that the true car guys who love power can't get enough. But the reality is I'll wager the vast majority can't tell if a car has 25 more horsepower than another car when they're driving. My wife thought my 2.4 TLX had a 6 cylinder engine in it for a couple years because it has (seemingly) has twice as much spunk as the 4 cylinder engine in the CRV. I think the drivetrain in the 2.4 TLX has plenty of spunk for any daily driving task. It will never win any races but it wasn't designed to.
All that said - I'm intrigued by the idea of the added torque the 2.0 Turbo brings to the table
All that said - I'm intrigued by the idea of the added torque the 2.0 Turbo brings to the table