Moved on from TLX
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 35
Moved on from TLX
Traded in my 2015 TLX for a A4 Premium Plus Quattro with Navigation+Telematics pkg on President's day(last Monday).
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all the support during my TLX ownership!
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all the support during my TLX ownership!
Banned
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,905
Likes: 124
From: MTL, Canada
Need a section for influenceable TLX ex-owners.... while some of us appreciate it and its value proposition as is. On their respective forums, for example, we don't see as many ex 3-series owners buying Lexi or whatever, making this kind of annoying thread.
Last edited by Saintor; Feb 25, 2018 at 06:11 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 546
From: Montreal
One thing is for sure, the A4 has a true sport mode.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 40
Likes: 6
From: Orange County, CA
Congrats on the new ride!! Enjoy it! Seems like people are moving on to Audi from Acura, which in my opinion at the moment completely makes sense until Acura steps up their game. Just natural progression... At this current time Acura is just an entry level luxury car whereas Audi is a luxury car and has upped their reliability game (according to reports). I feel like I have to always say this since everyone always bashes on Acura.. I still love my 2018 TLX (for the money and for what it is) but just saying that I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope Acura is heading in the right direction with Ikeda at the helm and bringing back the performance and reliability of the brand
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 667
Likes: 108
From: Ontario (Canada)
My concerns:
1) Reliability of the Audi (compared with my 2010 TSX, which has had pretty much zero problems)
2) Ease of maintenance (need special engine oil, cost of maintenance parts such as brake pads etc)
3) Bad dealer service (at least, for where I live)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 153
From: Houston, TX
Did you buy or lease? From the past I've seen you always do your homework before purchasing a car so it would be very helpful if you share your buying decision and how you decided on the A4. Thanks!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
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Bought a Audi A4 CPO, 2017 with @8 months & 8K miles on tachometer. It has 40 months+ 42K miles of bumper- bumper remaining. In addition it has 2 years & 50K miles limited warranty from Audi in those additional 2 years.
DISCLAIMERS + GENERAL COMMENTS:
- There is a reason why there are so many brands in the market & there are so many choices in the market, because people like different things, so my choice might not match anyone else's.
- Make sure your wife /significant other is good with your decision.
- It has to be a driver's car(for me) but make sure the passenger's enjoy being a passenger in the car(Here wife again for me)- since I am no longer a bachelor.
In short my BUYING DECISION as follows:
- Looked at CR top sports sedans.
- Read + watched videos of reviews of those cars from my trusted car reviewers.
- Went to those top contender's online forums to check out issues that car owners were actually having.
- Test drove the top few(in terms of road test score) on the same test route back to back(Stevens creek blvd in Bay Area has all car dealerships on the same road) & then immediately drove my TLX on the same route to note differences.
- Came up with top contender(road test+reliability+costs etc)
- Rented the top contender (Audi A4 Quattro) in my case for a day from silvercar. Made sure a day's drive is satisfactory & noted pluses or minuses.
- Minuses in my case - possible higher cost of maintenance & be aware of it and ready to handle it if necessary.
- On to patient(1 month) car looking(test drive & check out specific units) + negotiations(ready to walk out if no good deals).
- Get a nice deal and on to your car!!
Finally, Acura TLX is a great car for lots and lots of people & I love this forum for how helpful it is to it's members.
Last edited by niray9; Feb 27, 2018 at 01:36 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,000
Likes: 153
From: Houston, TX
Thanks, I don't think I'm that thorough in doing my homework but I appreciate your comment.
Bought a Audi A4 CPO, 2017 with @8 months & 8K miles on tachometer. It has 40 months+ 42K miles of bumper- bumper remaining. In addition it has 2 years & 50K miles limited warranty from Audi in those additional 2 years.
DISCLAIMERS + GENERAL COMMENTS:
In short my BUYING DECISION as follows:
Finally, Acura TLX is a great car for lots and lots of people & I love this forum for how helpful it is to it's members.
Bought a Audi A4 CPO, 2017 with @8 months & 8K miles on tachometer. It has 40 months+ 42K miles of bumper- bumper remaining. In addition it has 2 years & 50K miles limited warranty from Audi in those additional 2 years.
DISCLAIMERS + GENERAL COMMENTS:
- There is a reason why there are so many brands in the market & there are so many choices in the market, because people like different things, so my choice might not match anyone else's.
- Make sure your wife /significant other is good with your decision.
- It has to be a driver's car(for me) but make sure the passenger's enjoy being a passenger in the car(Here wife again for me)- since I am no longer a bachelor.
In short my BUYING DECISION as follows:
- Looked at CR top sports sedans.
- Read + watched videos of reviews of those cars from my trusted car reviewers.
- Went to those top contender's online forums to check out issues that car owners were actually having.
- Test drove the top few(in terms of road test score) on the same test route back to back(Stevens creek blvd in Bay Area has all car dealerships on the same road) & then immediately drove my TLX on the same route to note differences.
- Came up with top contender(road test+reliability+costs etc)
- Rented the top contender (Audi A4 Quattro) in my case for a day from silvercar. Made sure a day's drive is satisfactory & noted pluses or minuses.
- Minuses in my case - possible higher cost of maintenance & be aware of it and ready to handle it if necessary.
- On to patient(1 month) car looking(test drive & check out specific units) + negotiations(ready to walk out if no good deals).
- Get a nice deal and on to your car!!
Finally, Acura TLX is a great car for lots and lots of people & I love this forum for how helpful it is to it's members.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 30,487
Likes: 4,417
From: In an igloo
It blows my mind how many former Acura owners have moved to Audi. And how many more Acura owners talk about moving to Audi, eventually.
I wonder if on the Audi forums, if people talk about switching to Acura?
I wonder if on the Audi forums, if people talk about switching to Acura?
Senior Moderator
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,461
Likes: 616
From: Long Island, NY
Actually Audi is bucking the trend, and seems to be selling more sedans. Those buyers are coming from mainstream brands, but also the competition of BMW, Mercedes, and of course Acura.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 424
Likes: 69
Sometimes a switch is not easy but when the brand isn't putting out what people want. Then you gotta do what you gotta do.
Don't just want to settle with a hybrid wannabe (daydreaming, exhaust tucked in the booty)
Don't just want to settle with a hybrid wannabe (daydreaming, exhaust tucked in the booty)
Last edited by nothome17; Feb 28, 2018 at 01:33 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 386
From: North Carolina
I think Audi happens to be on a roll. They're putting out some very desirable vehicles right now. I'm sure it isn't just Acura customers who are migrating to Audi. Audi is stealing customers from a number of makes, including BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus and Volvo. They're at the top of their game right now and I love their current fleet of vehicles. The S5 Sportback is sweet! Their whole "S" and "RS" offerings are sweet. What other make is currently putting out such desirable cars across their whole range of products? I can think of none. I think of it more as a "kudos" to Audi than I do an insult to any of their competitors.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,674
Likes: 2,600
From: Raleigh, NC - USA
I think Audi happens to be on a roll. They're putting out some very desirable vehicles right now. I'm sure it isn't just Acura customers who are migrating to Audi. Audi is stealing customers from a number of makes, including BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti, Lexus and Volvo. They're at the top of their game right now and I love their current fleet of vehicles. The S5 Sportback is sweet! Their whole "S" and "RS" offerings are sweet. What other make is currently putting out such desirable cars across their whole range of products? I can think of none. I think of it more as a "kudos" to Audi than I do an insult to any of their competitors.
Looks like a redo on the 1960's muscle car wars.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; Feb 28, 2018 at 07:15 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 775
Likes: 7
I had totally opposite view after driving the new A4 for 3 weeks in Germany.
issues
1. The manual gearbox throw and gates are too long and vague.
2. The steering response is very artificial and light at autobahn speed.
3. Excess of 100mph, the A4 floats and simply not stable.
4. I don’t like the virtual cockpit display. Way too bright.
I think it handles and drives probably among among the worst in the same group of cars. Even old F30 drives and more stable than A4.
Interior design is simple and elegant. I liked it more than the C(I think it too overly done).
issues
1. The manual gearbox throw and gates are too long and vague.
2. The steering response is very artificial and light at autobahn speed.
3. Excess of 100mph, the A4 floats and simply not stable.
4. I don’t like the virtual cockpit display. Way too bright.
I think it handles and drives probably among among the worst in the same group of cars. Even old F30 drives and more stable than A4.
Interior design is simple and elegant. I liked it more than the C(I think it too overly done).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 35
No clue on that one. Have the 7 speed dual clutch.
simply not stable ? for a car rated for 130mph in USA? Anyways didn't test it above 100mph.
There are 2 different ways to control that?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 775
Likes: 7
No clue on that one. Have the 7 speed dual clutch.
Firms up in the sport/dynamic modes. But you might be right, the Infiniti 2.0 steering was firmer while the Infiniti 3.0 steering with DAS was light IMO.
simply not stable ? for a car rated for 130mph in USA? Anyways didn't test it above 100mph.
There are 2 different ways to control that?
It's not as engaging to drive as an Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac ATS or Jaguar XE. But it's the whole package that worked for me, especially the fast & sharp cornering(quattro) and acceleration & not at the expense of a harsh ride on broken Bay area roads.
All sources that I have read say that C has the best interior.
Firms up in the sport/dynamic modes. But you might be right, the Infiniti 2.0 steering was firmer while the Infiniti 3.0 steering with DAS was light IMO.
simply not stable ? for a car rated for 130mph in USA? Anyways didn't test it above 100mph.
There are 2 different ways to control that?
It's not as engaging to drive as an Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac ATS or Jaguar XE. But it's the whole package that worked for me, especially the fast & sharp cornering(quattro) and acceleration & not at the expense of a harsh ride on broken Bay area roads.
All sources that I have read say that C has the best interior.
I prefer more spartan interior.
The A4 I got from sixt back in Jan. Really hated high speed cruising. The car was hard to keep straight and constant correction is needed. It reminded me of my mom RX300 (2001) on highway speed. Feels the cars center of gravity is much higher.
the brightness even tuned way down to me was still painful.
The S60 i got previously was much better. The C also drives and handled much better.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
Likes: 35
The experience you are describing is pretty unique. Not a single reviewer I read have mirrored your experiences.
Last edited by niray9; Mar 1, 2018 at 12:49 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 286
Likes: 42
From: MA
I'm not sure its unique because my girl owns an A4 and she's always complaining about her hands fatiguing because she always needs to hold her steering wheel and correct its course. Contacted Audi USA and they are aware of the issue and are working on a TSB.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 166
Likes: 49
Another defector here. Went from a 2014 TL SH-AWD Advance package to a 2018 S5 Coupe Prestige package. 6 months and 7,000 miles now and I am absolutely in love with the car. I think these threads may be helpful to Acura in seeing that a lot of their customers are switching to other brands because of what is being offered. Hopefully if enough people speak up, Acura will move in the right direction and offer what its customers seem to be looking for.
As far as maintenance costs on the Audi, Audi now offers a very reasonable package that covers all of the factory maintenance for the first 5 years. In the S5 case, it cost me $850 total and this covers the oil changes, rotates, air & cabin filters, brake flushes, inspections, and even the spark plugs at 45K (and I believe I am missing a few other items). To me that was a no brainier.
As far as maintenance costs on the Audi, Audi now offers a very reasonable package that covers all of the factory maintenance for the first 5 years. In the S5 case, it cost me $850 total and this covers the oil changes, rotates, air & cabin filters, brake flushes, inspections, and even the spark plugs at 45K (and I believe I am missing a few other items). To me that was a no brainier.
Last edited by heisnuts; Mar 1, 2018 at 09:37 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 1,405
From: Ohio
Another defector here. Went from a 2014 TL SH-AWD Advance package to a 2018 S5 Coupe Prestige package. 6 months and 7,000 miles now and I am absolutely in love with the car. I think these threads may be helpful to Acura in seeing that a lot of their customers are switching to other brands because of what is being offered. Hopefully if enough people speak up, Acura will move in the right direction and offer what its customers seem to be looking for.
As far as maintenance costs on the Audi, Audi now offers a very reasonable package that covers all of the factory maintenance for the first 5 years. In the S5 case, it cost me $850 total and this covers the oil changes, rotates, air & cabin filters, brake flushes, inspections, and even the spark plugs at 45K (and I believe I am missing a few other items). To me that was a no brainier.
As far as maintenance costs on the Audi, Audi now offers a very reasonable package that covers all of the factory maintenance for the first 5 years. In the S5 case, it cost me $850 total and this covers the oil changes, rotates, air & cabin filters, brake flushes, inspections, and even the spark plugs at 45K (and I believe I am missing a few other items). To me that was a no brainier.
You can go to every auto forum in existence and see similar posts "I just traded my Camry for an Accord - I sure hope Toyota reads this post so they can address these issues with the Camry" etc etc.
Bottom line - there are a metric ton of great cars out there today - buy what you like and enjoy it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 167
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However, I'll keep an eye out for this behavior.
CTSV,TL, Audi Q7 & A5SB
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 600
From: NYC / LI
What color combo is it?I spend a lot of time on AudiWorld, and I haven't come across it yet.
Last edited by JT4; Mar 1, 2018 at 11:33 AM.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,674
Likes: 2,600
From: Raleigh, NC - USA
The 3G sample size was maybe 2X 3X times larger but still not among the prime movers or was it? They were saying on their own what Acura is trying to portray in their current adds. This is solid gold for marketing a product.
Something is wrong at Acura & they should be scrounging up every bit of negative commentary they can find. Especially from those who are now with other brands.
If they are not doing this the marketing section involved with customer retention should all be canned.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 1,405
From: Ohio
Agree on the sample size here. Its shrunk & continues to shrink.
The 3G sample size was maybe 2X 3X times larger but still not among the prime movers or was it? They were saying on their own what Acura is trying to portray in their current adds. This is solid gold for marketing a product.
Something is wrong at Acura & they should be scrounging up every bit of negative commentary they can find. Especially from those who are now with other brands.
If they are not doing this the marketing section involved with customer retention should all be canned.
The 3G sample size was maybe 2X 3X times larger but still not among the prime movers or was it? They were saying on their own what Acura is trying to portray in their current adds. This is solid gold for marketing a product.
Something is wrong at Acura & they should be scrounging up every bit of negative commentary they can find. Especially from those who are now with other brands.
If they are not doing this the marketing section involved with customer retention should all be canned.
I think the reveal of the RDX may mark when Acura reversed the downward trend. We'll find out soon enough when the new RDX hits the streets this Summer.
CTSV,TL, Audi Q7 & A5SB
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 600
From: NYC / LI
Mostly agree with the caveat that you need to take anonymous posts online with a grain of salt. One of the competitors for the company I work for pays their customer base to post positive reviews to some sites - I'm certain that happens more than some people realize. That's why direct survey's of current/past owners is a much better way to get accurate information - plus it lets you sample a broad range of people - not just a select few enthusiasts..
I think the reveal of the RDX may mark when Acura reversed the downward trend. We'll find out soon enough when the new RDX hits the streets this Summer.
I think the reveal of the RDX may mark when Acura reversed the downward trend. We'll find out soon enough when the new RDX hits the streets this Summer.