ScottLong

If you were NOT considering an TLX. Which car in it's segment will you consider the most?

Lexus IS Line
BMW 3 Series Line
Audi A4
Infinti Q50
Lincoln MKZ Line
Cadillac ATS Line
Mercedes CLA/C Class

Quandry

Don't like the CLA and C-class being one option. These are two very different cars and he CLA would only be purchased because it is a MB.

Rocketsfan

Since I'd been looking for a car for a few years, the only cars in the segment I seriously considered during that time were the Infiniti Q50, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS 350, and the TLX. I'd have been in a Q50 months ago if it didn't have the electronic glitches it had. I think, on paper, it's a notch above the TLX in terms of performance and looks. The ATS is the next car I looked at and, to me, was the best looking of the bunch. The interior solid except for the gauge cluster which looked archaic. The 2.0T I drove would've been enough performance for me. But it had no trunk and the rear seats were damn-near useless. Then early buyers started having random issues throughout the Caddy forums and I decided against it. They softened up the looks of the new model... for the worse, IMO. The IS350's interior was meh to me, but the seats were great. The exterior is something I hated when I first saw it, but grew to like it. The performance is also solid on the car. The only thing I really hated about the car is the mishmash of buttons that looked like an archaic design around the AC controls (for example). Well, that and the, to me, terrible mileage it gets. I considered the C-Class for that beautiful interior (not counting the bolt-on navi), but when I saw the price of the car after putting any meaningful option package, I said "nah" ... I honestly doubt I would've bought one anyway considering past history with friends and MB's, their reliability, and service costs.

If I had to make a decision again today, it would be between the IS and TLX. After driving the TLX, I think I'd still pick the TLX, not because it drives better, but because it does everything well or well enough and does nothing badly (that I've encountered).

Tony Pac

BMW 3 Series Line

9SpeedTran

I had driven an Audi convertible on vacation and really liked it (once I got used to the quirky controls). I had also driven a MB 350 convertible and while I really liked it, it had its quirks and the price is ridiculous.

And I am a sucker for SH-AWD. We have it in our MDX and the handling is brilliant.

DavidsTLX

I bought the base model TLX and was pretty close to buying a base 320i for the same price ~ 30.3K before tax / license

I went with the TLX because it was a new model year, had better features for the price (the BMW didn't even have power seats, backup camera, etc.) Also, I think the Acura will be better in the long-run from a reliability perspective.

tlxsteve

If not considering TLX, I would have stayed with my 2011 TSX, but I do enjoy my BRPII 2015 TLX Tech I4.

ATLPatrick

Thats a tough decision, I feel like I should say the Lexus IS since I just bought one as a fun car, but honestly if the TLX weren't my DD I would probably have to go with the new Mercedes C class. Amazing looking car, like a mini S class. Merc has really taken that car to a whole new level for 2015 and I LOVE it!!!

draph

I disagree with the OP's selection. I pick "other". I consider Acura in the "value luxury" segment. The others are in the "I'm willing to pay for brand image" segment. "Value luxury" segment includes mainstream brands with similar features and performance. So, I might cross shop with "down market" brands like Hyundai Genesis, Chevy SS, Buick Regal GS, "any good size sedan with MT", or even a Chrysler 200 C AWD which I discovered today has more feature content than an Advance TLX for $10K less.

pvn

I am torn between TLX V6 SH-AWD and 535i 2014. I am leaning towards the latter.

Momyc

I'm thinking to C class also. I did a short test drive and I was quite impress , especially on Sport+ was very responsive and the direction very direct.

boe_d

Lexus ES Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid.

ostrich

I would not have gone with any of the ones listed.... the 3 series and IS interior space is just too small. So is the MB C Class, but the interior design is amazing though... that said, I would not have gone with a 1st year model for a German car! LOL

Now, I would have gone with a MB E250 Bluetec 4Matic or an MDX SH-AWD. Actually, the perfect vehicle would have been an RDX with the Advance/Elite trim + SH-AWD. Oops, that does not exist.... LOL!

I am a bit all over the place, right!? Sigh....

ATLPatrick

If they would do an advance RDX Sh-AWD with the 8 speed from the i4 TLX, updated infotainment, and the updated 290 HP 3.5 V6, I would be the first person to sign up!! Sounds like such an awesome combo to me!!

Rocketsfan

Had they updated the RDX with the features/tech of the TLX, I honestly may have chosen it over the TLX. I drove one as a loaner for a few days and liked the drive. I like the TLX better, but the extra utility of the cargo area in the RDX could've come into use down the road.

4WDrift

I would really prefer a non-electric steering Q50S but not for all its bugaboos, then instead the IS350 F Sport. Just drove the CLA / GLA reg / AMG in Tyson's Corner @Coastal Flats garage (go Sun.!), the CLA is too small in back and hate the column PRND stick and nav screen mount / dash layout. The AMG versions are hot and fun (exhaust rev pop) but way too stiff and hard for all around daily driving luxury comfort.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Audi S3 (if they decide to offer a stick shift), 335 M-Sport, or B9 S4 depending how that turns out.

Volvo S60 T5/T6 seems like a worthy competitor too...

a77

On paper and in pictures the Chrysler 200 seems incredible value. Looks good inside and out and ticks all the boxes for a great price. But...it's a Chrysler and that goodness is probably skin deep. And it's a Chrysler.

Fibonacci

Well, I am considering the TLX (shocker), but am also considering an S3 if I can get my dirty paws on one for a test drive.

Nedmundo

I'd only consider the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS at this point, but would also consider a Fusion Titanium AWD and Accord Sport 6MT. If "my" car doesn't have to be the family road trip machine, sport compacts (Focus ST, WRX) and perhaps the ATS enter the mix, but I think the ATS is seriously overpriced and I'm finding it difficult to get over my dislike of GM.

carz0159

The 200 is incredible value for the money. I got a 200 C v6 and it is a blast to drive. Much nicer and sportier than the base TLX at the same price point. I hacr navi and lighting package. The interior feels very luxurious and of better quality than the tlx. I hate to say it, but i think chrysler is of better value, build quality than acura. Acura really needs to step up their game. Its not that they make bad cars, but there are much better cars for less or similar money.

Rickards

I considered and bought the Audi S3 after looking into the TLX to replace my ILX. In another thread I mentioned that I also looked into the Q50, 3 series, and ATS, but didn't like them for one reason or another.

In the end, the S3 won because its overall packaging felt like it matched what I am looking for in a car (Technology, Performance, Looks (Subjective)). I'm hoping that in the future Acura releases a more sporty TLX (TLX-S please!) and also updates their infotainment system.

Stew4HD

Build quality better than the TLX?

I am at a loss for words.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

The Q if they do make the changes that have been discussed, then the IS.

Oh...and I would get the Sonata over a 200.

JT4

Congrats on your 200C.. I don't mean any disrespect, but IMO don't see many people cross shopping a 200C and a any trim level of the TLX.

Enjoy your new car.

Cmyoung

If TLX didn't exist I would have chosen something from the IS Line w/ F Sport package for sure :-)

mr2core

IS, Q50, A4/S4. The usual suspects.

jkilla369

If it weren't for the TLX I would have to choose between the Q50, 3 series or a4. Most likely the q50.

Fibonacci

You have a 2015 S3? Please expand your review, trying to find one in these parts is like looking for a unicorn.

Tony Pac

I am surprised Lexus is winning this race, at this in this forum. I thought BMW is the benchmark.

draph

Stew, the world is changing. Honda got complacent from its heyday in the 90s. Chrysler nearly died and stepped up its game for survival with resource injection from Fiat, not to mention Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, 300, Charger all come from solid architectures shared with recent Mercedes ML and E class (left over remnants from the Daimler-Chrysler days).

We took a risk and replaced a Honda with a Dodge Durango in 2012 and have been impressed - less squeaks and rattles than my 2010 TL in its first 48,000 miles, and much quieter overall. I believe Honda/Acura reliability is still better overall; but "initial quality" perception of Chrysler being better than Acura is quite feasible. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of driving a 2014 Durango R/T with the newly available ZF 8AT and traded in the 2012 - I got the cool transmission that transformed the performance characteristics of the vehicle, and my wife got her heated steering wheel she couldn't get on her '12 R/T. So, we're now on our second Chrysler in only two years after purchasing new and owning 4 Acura/Hondas since 1991 (and one GM, one Nissan, and one leased BMW 3 series).

Stew4HD

The world is changing? No way! This is news to me!

Hey, if you are happy with your car, who am I to say anything about that? Enjoy iy

I have owned Dodge/Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep cars and trucks off and on since the mid '70's. They screwed me over for the last time with the Dakota I had. Now I have a deep grudge against the company. Yes, I know it's changed and is not the same but... I vowed that they'd never get another dime from me.

That said, the 200 looks better than the last version. I still do not see it (perception) as a TLX contender but others obviously do.

JT4

I think the price point is why Lexus is leading over BMW

Rickards

Mods, if I should make another thread or PM Fibonacci, please let me know.

As mentioned, I went from my 2013 ILX Tech package to the 2015 S3 Technik package. Compared to a TLX SH-AWD Elite I was eyeballing, there's about a 4000CAD difference, but add the accessories to give the TLX a sportier look and you're nearly dead even with the loaded S3, so both cars were in my price range.

Design - I won't go much into the design of the S3, as it's subjective. With the LED lighting package, the S3 looks extremely sharp and I'm a big fan of having my exhaust tips back. It looks like the S4's younger brother, which is not a bad thing IMO. The LED headlamps in the dark take some getting used to after having Xenons for years, but still does a great job at illuminating the road at night. Fuel economy is good (Avg. 9.1L/100km with ~1500km on the car) and with a slightly smaller wheelbase than the ILX, it's just as easy to park. The interior is a great place to be in, and if you're a touchy-feely person you'll notice they didn't skimp out on materials. Seats are approved by my girlfriend who has some lower back problems and frequently complained of the ILX's seats, specifically how low it was and how it wasn't height adjustable.

Technology - Amazing. Audi's MMI is much quicker than my smartphone, albeit like any operating system, it does take a few seconds to initialize. Pressing a button has an instant response, and the SD card reader allowed me to ditch my iPod for the most part. Bluetooth paired my phone with no problems at all (Galaxy S4) whereas my ILX always had a problem here and there, but seeing feedback on this forum, YMMV depending on your luck. Adaptive cruise control is now a feature I will have in all my future cars, as it works extremely well. It can detect up to 5 cars lengths ahead of you and notify you on your dashboard and MID when it detects a car, and reacts to traffic extremely quickly. The B&O sound system is great

Performance - Tossible, quick-shifting, fast, nimble. These were the words running through my head when I ended the test drive, The DSG is impressive as hell and barring a ZF transmission, I can't see myself willing going to a conventional automatic again. This transmission feels like it's psychic as it always shifts before I can. I've read that a common grip about the DSG was it being jerky in low speeds and making it a pain to maneuver in parking lots, but I haven't experienced that issue once. Very minimal turbo lag in this 2.0T engine and it has me grinning like an idiot every time I floor it, especially on dynamic (sport) mode. Mine came equipped with Magnetic Ride, and it absorbs road imperfections and handles curves very well. The drive select can be individualized and I have it configured half sporty/half comfortable. The auto feature doesn't feel like it reacts fast enough for my liking, so I'll cycle comfort, dynamic and individual depending on the mood.


Overall, I'm happy with my decision, where my goal was to find a sporty sedan to replace my ILX and I got what I wanted. The S3 has been out in Europe for a couple years now, and a lot of kinks have been ironed out since, so I'm convinced the NA market is getting a reliable version, although I don't intend to keep it beyond a potential extended warranty like any German car. My impression of the TLX is that it's a great car for its price from a Canadian market perspective as pricing compares a loaded TLX to a pre-taxes loaded 328i, which I'd take the TLX any day, but it also compares to the S3, where it lost for me. Specifically, the woodgrain and electronic gear selector were dealbreakers for me, as well as having to add on a few thousand dollars of accessories to get a sporty look on the car.

Quandry

Nice assessment and there is no question that the S3 is a fine car, but should be compared with the TLX? A case could be made for the S3 to be the top of a smaller size car category and the TLX to be somewhere in the next higher size car category that includes the A4/S4. Tthere will be overlaps between categories.

From a comparison of the S3 to the S4, it may even be possible that the S3 is the better buy as it has never technology at a lower price and meets all the other requirements.

I am sure you will enjoy your new car.

SilverJ

S3 IMO trumps the TLX in performance, looks and interior. Other than that they are about the same

Rickards

I compared it to the TLX because of pricing and not car category since I was willing to settle for on a car between the size of a compact and mid-size, and this amount of money covers many, many good cars. I personally know others who shop similarly, so my post may be more interesting to that specific kind of shoppers.

As for enjoying my new car, oh yes, and in spades

Fibonacci

Stateside, the TLX SH-AWD TECH is about $42k (can prob knock a grand off) compared to optioning up the S3 comparably equipped is about $48k. With my daily driver which takes a lot of abuse on MI roads, I prefer to be closer to $40k.


Sounds like they aren't as good as the jewel eyes then?


Yah, not crazy about only having woodgrain in the TLX, Acura should offer carbon fiber look paired with real aluminum. I'm indifferent on the electronic gear selector.

Thanks for expanding your impressions.

draph

I don't hold anything against you for that position. My father got hosed the same way by Chrysler in the 1950's. He bought nothing but GM after that until 2010, when they replaced a Trailblazer with a Highlander....

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

As Rickards pointed out, the price (including installation) of the Aero Kit would have to be factored in for the TLX to be "comparably" equipped