Hello everyone, so a few weeks ago every warning light on my TLX started flashing at the same time. It showed messages saying emissions problems, P-AWS problems, transmission problems, LKAS problems. I posted a video at that time and asked for advice. So Acura kept the car for a week, spoke with engineering multiple times and ended up resetting everything and performing 3 software updates. They assured me this would solve the issue. Not a week after I got it back the same thing happened again! I was terrified and again had the car towed to the dealership, turns out they said the car needed a new transmission(!), covered under warranty of course. So here I am with a year old car that only has 28,000 miles on it and has already had to have the transmission replaced! I never expected such issues from an Acura.

So anyway I don't really trust the TLX anymore, and have been looking at possibly replacing it. I've found a fully loaded 2014 Lexus IS250, only has 19,000 miles on it and is certified. The dealership offered me $27,500 for the TLX, it's a 2015 V6 with tech and 28,000 miles on it. Does that sound like a good price? My total out of pocket difference would be $4,000 between the two. Does this sound like I'm getting a good deal? Does anyone have any experience with the IS250? Or should I just keep the TLX and wait for something else to break on it.

Sorry for the long post I'm just very confused by this whole situation. Any thoughts and/or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you're inclined to jump ship and go w/ the IS, IMHO, go with the 350 not the 250- F package if available.Sorry to hear about your situation and best of luck with whatever route you choose.

 

Weird symptoms occur and parts fail all the time on every vehicles and sometimes at the most inconvenient time. The good news it was fixed under warranty so your car is new again.

On the emotional side if you no longer like the car or do not trust it then it is your money so do whatever feels right, but hopefully no buyer regrets after. Personally, I would not trade it for anything but a brand new vehicle and certainly not for a car that is one model year older. But again, if the IS250 turns you on then go for it. Did you consider the IS250 to be a competitor or in the same class when you got the TLX? Maybe you can sell the TLX privately and then be right side up on the transaction.

 

Sorry to hear about your TLX. The Lexus is nice, but very different IMHO. I test drove several Lexus cars and they have a great feel, but the cabin of the IS is very small/tight unless you are "less American in size" than most. A friend had the IS250 and felt that it was very under powered....actually sold and bought a TL. I think that you would notice the difference in power unless you drive very conservatively.

As others have said, if you hate the TLX then it must go, but if Acura is giving you a new transmission, that makes keeping the TLX more appealing. The price for a used 2015 TLX is tough b/c of the issues with the ZF and b/c the 2016 and 2017 inventory.

Good luck.

 

Lexus IS is way too small IMO. GS is about as small as I'd go as far as Lexus.

You got a new transmission for free. Save your $4K for now enjoy the TLX.

 

If you really like the TLX then stay with it, whether it be your car or another TLX. Maybe wait for the '18 TLX? My transmission was just replaced in my TLX at 8,000 miles and I still totally trust the car. To each their own but a situation like yours wouldn't scare me off if I really liked the car I was driving.

 

I would never own a car I didn't feel comfortable in. That fear of it breaking down at any minute would always be at the back of my mind.

I've been fortunate enough throughout my life to be driving reliable cars and if a car that's a year old has had the symptoms yours had I would sell and move on.

9 months in and I'm lucky I haven't had any issues with my TLX.

 

Thank you everyone for replying. For me the IS doesn't feel too small, I never saw the need for a very large car. I actually really like the size and feel of it. As far as the TLX this isn't my first problem, I've already had an electrical issue at 7,000 miles and had to have the NAV unit replaced, then at 23,000 miles the cap less fuel system messed up wouldn't properly seal shut causing the entire car to smell very strongly of gas, that had to be replaced. So those things combined with having to have my car towed 2 times already just don't make me feel good about the future of this car. I looked into the IS350, I've actually had one before my TLX, a 2013. I love that car but for the price and for my typical commute the IS250 more than fits the bill. Also to me the interior quality of the IS definitely feels above that of the TLX. I do love the TLX but at this point I just don't see myself keeping it.

 

^^ I have an IS350 and I LOVE IT!!! I am not a big guy so the cabin feels really nice for me. I have had the car for 1.5 years now and ZERO issue. The car is tight, comfortable, powerful, nimble and while many on here dislikes the polarizing grill (I have the F Sport), I can barely go anywhere without people commenting on how sharp my IS looks like.

If you don't like your TLX, you might as well bite the bullet and get something you really like - Life is too short! I would say that if you can afford the 350, get it as it will bring an intoxicating smile to your face

 

Get rid of it

 

Im in agreement with Thoiboi... It saddens me to see that 20 years later, Acura is still having transmission problems. It doesn't really matter whether this is an Acura transmission, or ZF... The fact they can't do quality control and vet an ongoing issue for cars not even pushing 300hp is beyond mind boggling at this point.

Keep in mind, the TLX isn't even 2 years old yet... I have a sneaking suspicion we will be hearing about many more tranny issues, within the next 3 years. Hell, we already have two in this thread. Just brutal.

 

I had a 2010 IS250 for over five years. Had a few issues with it but in general really liked it. I was ready for a change and went with the TLX since it was larger, more quiet and comfortable, and I wanted to try a Honda product. Performance of the 2.4 TLX about the same as the IS250.

I'd say if the size of the IS suits you, go for it. Probably can't go wrong, unless the IS250 depreciates rapidly since it's been replaced (I didn't analyze any of the $ for this deal). But if you hate the TLX, ditch it.

 

I will surprise the ones that think I'm a "TLX hater" but I have to say no, I would not trade the TLX for an IS250......IS350 it's a different story.
Sure, the IS platform is more refined and sporty but the 250 engine is too much of a dog IMHO.
Stick with your TLX or get something else, there are a lot of choices out there.
On a final note, I decided that I will never ever own a modern car outside of bumper-to-bumper warranty (original or extended) no matter the brand. Current cars are terribly complex and very expensive to repair, especially the premium ones.

 

Well at least you got a new transmission out of it! But that wasn't the problem. The problem is a faulty wheel speed sensor. It has happened a few times on early model cars. If you want to trade it, that is your call. But all they need to do is find the faulty wheel sensor (I think the faulty ones have been on the rear wheels) and with a new transmission your car is better off than most 2015's.

 

Before getting the IS, have the dealership run the VIN for you -- it'll show you all of the service that was done at any Lexus dealership in the states plus what warranty work was done to the car (to see if someone was dumping the IS because of issues)

IS is definitely a smaller car, but imo, is better put together. the 2.5 isn't as terrible as I thought it would be (at least in the 2012 model). I think I'd personally hold the TLX for a bit to see how it feels after (and if you have any more issues under warranty). However, $27.5k is really not a bad trade in value imo - new 2015 V6 Techs went down as far as $33k at my area dealership last year (and 2016s are selling for 34k right now)

 

Would the dealer consider a buyback for a new TLX? I have heard here that other people have had that happen.

 

Sounds like you're referring to lemon law/Magnuson Moss Warranty act buy back? If so, then it technically won't be the dealership buying the TLX back, but Honda corporate buying the TLX back (usually having a dealership facilitate the exchange). I've dealt with Honda corporate because of my ILX Hybrid and they more or less blew me off and acted like I was making up stories about the issues I was having with my car. If OP is interested in going that route, I think a lawyer might be the best option since it isn't a cut and dry lemon law case (like my ILX Hybrid wasn't). My case is still pending, but my lawyer did get the car fixed (at least it seems for the last couple months). It seems like I'm pretty close to getting a settlement offer from corporate now (according to my lawyer)

The lawyers in this industry should only be paid by the manufacturer, separate from any settlement that you might get. If OP wants a referral to the firm I'm using, they have been pretty great so far and operate in many states.

 

I agree. The same thing happened to me and others. I'm assuming this is what has happened to you, as well (maybe).

I also wouldn't get an IS 250... I'd opt for an IS 350, if anything.

 

I'm surprised this wasn't addressed. Seems like exactly the same issue some early cars had with faulty sensors.

Agreed. After taking a big loss in power for my DD. (a 540 to an IS300, and then a TSX), what I gained in MPG, and utility made me miserable in drivability due to the drop in power levels. Everyone's different, but for me, I need a daily with the power levels of the TL/TLX V6 at a minimum to keep me happy. A 250 wouldn't even give you much better economy in trade, so I'd hold out for a 350 if you are going that route.

 

I got rid of a 2005 RL right after warranty for similar reasons. Bought it used in 2008 and it was nothing but trouble. Air conditioner, headlights, propeller shaft whine, transmission gurgles, among several other things. Any time I got in it I was afraid of what warning light would come on next. Traded it for a new TSX in 2010 and never regretted it one bit. If you have lost faith in your TSX then hell yea get out of it. To me it is worth it for peace of mind that what you are driving will not leave you stranded somewhere.

 

You should get $27,500-$28,700 for the TLX as its pretty new and under warranty. IS should retail for about $31K can be as high as 33K.

4K to swap including tax isn't a bad deal considering the IS is certified. If I were in your shoes I'd honestly keep the TLX a tad longer as it's depreciation is decreasing as time goes on. Sell it before the warranty is up (1-2 months before hand) and you'll probably save even more money towards a certified Lexus.

Also if you are considering a new car, many auto makers are offering a ton of incentives. BMW has average of 2K off a new car.

 

This sounds like a good price for the tech... I got rid of my TLX last week. It was a 2015 Advance with under 23,000 miles (excellent condition.. with a few accessories)... I got offered mostly between 27k-29k... but the higher end was apparently pushing it.

 

Thanks everyone for the comments. I realize I should have posted sooner but it completely slipped my mind. I did end up selling the TLX for the IS. Honestly I'm fine with the power the 250 has and the car has an overall much more stable and secure feel than the TLX did. I don't believe a sport sedan is defined by its 0-60 times but more of how the car feels to drive and to me the IS feels better. I did give up lane keeping assist, ELS audio, and a few other minor features but overall I've been much happier with the Lexus.

 

Congrats, Patrick!

 

^ + 1

 

Awesome pat!

 

Looking into a gs350 f sport. Resale on the car is surprisingly low. 34k for a cpo with 20k miles. Just trying to get more for my trade. 1 dealer only offered 26.5k. Another dealer said 28 to 29k without seeing the car yet. Will take it to them this weekend.

 

Congrats, Patrick. All that matters is that you like what you drive, and it seems you do. Hope you have better luck with your IS than you did with your TLX.

 

I traded in for Lexus. That price is decent, not great. I just wish I went Lexus in the first place.