Test Drove a Couple of A-Specs Yesterday...
#1
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Test Drove a Couple of A-Specs Yesterday...
I am seriously considering picking up an A-Spec (SH-AWD) likely in Bellanova White Pearl in the next month. I've owned an 06 3G (new), 09 4G SH-AWD (new) and went back to an 06 3G about 4 years ago (my current daily). The 5G hasn't done anything for me from a styling or performance perspective to make me seriously consider upgrading and I've toiled with leaving the brand altogether... Until I caught a glimpse of the A-Spec.
I decided to go into the dealer yesterday and give them a look. I test drove both the FWD and SH-AWD, and I really enjoyed the SH-AWD much more (one of the high-points, coupled with the 305HP engine in my previous 09 4G).
I'm still a bit hung up on the interior--I did not get a chance to see the Alacantara; but, the red leather is beautiful (I had Umber in my 4G and it always received compliments, I'd suspect this red would garner the same)--at any rate, the two displays, dated-looking maps and cockpit just feel out of place. I prefer the analog over digital in some cockpits (like the new Audi lineup), but everything else is kind of bland for 2018. This is also my first experience without an actual shifter--this will take awhile to get accustomed to.
The sales member I spoke with did say that a lot of the interior and computer will be updated in a coming model--do we have any insight into when that might be coming? The engine gave a little bit of pause as well, no performance upgrades with the A-Spec, only cosmetic? I asked if a Type-S is coming, he said it was; but didn't have details as to when.
I'm not in a huge rush and willing to wait, although my 3G maintenance tab has started to pick up as I'm approaching 160k miles.
I'm trying to decide between pulling the trigger or waiting--any news on interior updates, performance enhancements or a Type-S? I'm assuming an MT is never coming back.
A side note, the new RLX is beautiful as well--much to my surprise it is not updated with the newest computer system.
Some photos from yesterday:
I decided to go into the dealer yesterday and give them a look. I test drove both the FWD and SH-AWD, and I really enjoyed the SH-AWD much more (one of the high-points, coupled with the 305HP engine in my previous 09 4G).
I'm still a bit hung up on the interior--I did not get a chance to see the Alacantara; but, the red leather is beautiful (I had Umber in my 4G and it always received compliments, I'd suspect this red would garner the same)--at any rate, the two displays, dated-looking maps and cockpit just feel out of place. I prefer the analog over digital in some cockpits (like the new Audi lineup), but everything else is kind of bland for 2018. This is also my first experience without an actual shifter--this will take awhile to get accustomed to.
The sales member I spoke with did say that a lot of the interior and computer will be updated in a coming model--do we have any insight into when that might be coming? The engine gave a little bit of pause as well, no performance upgrades with the A-Spec, only cosmetic? I asked if a Type-S is coming, he said it was; but didn't have details as to when.
I'm not in a huge rush and willing to wait, although my 3G maintenance tab has started to pick up as I'm approaching 160k miles.
I'm trying to decide between pulling the trigger or waiting--any news on interior updates, performance enhancements or a Type-S? I'm assuming an MT is never coming back.
A side note, the new RLX is beautiful as well--much to my surprise it is not updated with the newest computer system.
Some photos from yesterday:
Last edited by hdcolumbus; 03-18-2018 at 10:55 AM.
#2
Great pics!
I would not anticipate a full model refresh until 2020 or 2021 MY. No car will ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time, same thing with cell phones, laptops, etc. Buy what you like, you know already what you don’t like about the current TLX, can you accept this or are you the type to come back here and b!tch about it after your purchase, like some on these boards continuously do?
Good luck in your search!
I would not anticipate a full model refresh until 2020 or 2021 MY. No car will ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time, same thing with cell phones, laptops, etc. Buy what you like, you know already what you don’t like about the current TLX, can you accept this or are you the type to come back here and b!tch about it after your purchase, like some on these boards continuously do?
Good luck in your search!
Last edited by Gen4MDX; 03-18-2018 at 11:51 AM.
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#3
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If you are not in a hurry wait. This car is at the end of its life cycle. The new generation will have a lot of upgrades.
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#4
#5
There are four lights!
Yeah, this year’s new model is the RDX. MDX is next year and TLX will be 2020 is my guess.
#6
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Great pics!
I would not anticipate a full model refresh until 2020 or 2021 MY. No car will ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time, same thing with cell phones, laptops, etc. Buy what you like, you know already what you don’t like about the current TLX, can you accept this or are you the type to come back here and b!tch about it after your purchase, like some on these boards continuously do?
Good luck in your search!
I would not anticipate a full model refresh until 2020 or 2021 MY. No car will ever satisfy 100% of the people 100% of the time, same thing with cell phones, laptops, etc. Buy what you like, you know already what you don’t like about the current TLX, can you accept this or are you the type to come back here and b!tch about it after your purchase, like some on these boards continuously do?
Good luck in your search!
I'm not one to find a small thing to nitpick and then complain if I make a decision--I think there is a lot to like about the 2018s, I was moreover asking if there were any definitive dates on performance/interior upgrades. I'd kick myself if I get into a long-term commitment only to find that, had I waited 6 months, there were updates.
That's the decision I'm weighing at the moment--wait and continue to drop more maintenance into my 3G, or leap now as I'm generally happy with the overall aesthetics and performance of the A-Spec.
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#8
I am seriously considering picking up an A-Spec (SH-AWD) likely in Bellanova White Pearl in the next month. I've owned an 06 3G (new), 09 4G SH-AWD (new) and went back to an 06 3G about 4 years ago (my current daily). The 5G hasn't done anything for me from a styling or performance perspective to make me seriously consider upgrading and I've toiled with leaving the brand altogether... Until I caught a glimpse of the A-Spec.
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hdcolumbus (03-18-2018)
#9
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Your looking at least 2 years out for any real changes. The MMC update has all the changes that you are likely to see until the next gen is released in 2020/21. With android auto/apple car play you don't even need to use the acura maps. I use waze on trips and don't even have the maps up for daily driving. There are a few things I don't care for on the car but the interior is not something that really bothers me at all at this point. My guess is even if they came out with the next gen model in june/july of 2020 you would be looking closer to end of 2020 before some decent discounts kicked in. I just got tired of waiting after 10 year driving the 3rd gen type S. I do like the AWD and the styling is very nice on the Aspec. Anyway if buying one now means you won't be able to trade up in 2020 or 21 then that to me would be a factor.
#10
I've had my Aspec (blue with black interior) for about 6 months and really love it. As far as the interior I wish there was real metal instead of the fake metal. (I think my parents 3rd gen TL has real metal). As far as the NAV i've only used it once on purpose just to see what it's like. I find with Android Auto and waze or google maps the experience is much better. I am i the minority but I like the dual screen approach.
#11
I am definitely happy about Android Auto--and assuming my phone is connected via USB, would I be able to simply use Google Maps on the screen? I'm also interested in what you mean by using Waze--that's what I use daily (I commute into downtown traffic)--are you able to use Waze with the screen as well?
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hdcolumbus (03-18-2018)
#12
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#13
if you aren't in a big hurry you can wait until the new RDX is released in a few months and see what the new precision cockpit and electronics are like, that will give you an idea of what is coming in the future.
I know with current chip technology that the next wave of upgrades is expected around 2019 - 2020. It is unrealistic to expect car navigation or capabilities to mirror phone abilities, the software and chips are upgraded frequently on phones but can take several years to catch up in cars..
Anyway, I am waiting to see the new Acura precision cockpit before I make a similar decision.
I know with current chip technology that the next wave of upgrades is expected around 2019 - 2020. It is unrealistic to expect car navigation or capabilities to mirror phone abilities, the software and chips are upgraded frequently on phones but can take several years to catch up in cars..
Anyway, I am waiting to see the new Acura precision cockpit before I make a similar decision.
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hdcolumbus (03-18-2018)
#14
not accurate as it just crossed its 50% of it cycle and is one year into its mid model refresh, you probably should see two more production years, but nobody but Acura knows for sure!
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hdcolumbus (03-18-2018)
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#16
Racer
It's difficult to want a boring ebony interior after seeing the red. Very nice contrast and not too bright. A classy, muted red that pictures usually won't do it justice.
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SDSilverM3 (03-21-2018)
#18
correct, 2018 MY began in 2017. TLX run was/is MY’s 2015-2017 and 2018-2020. 2017-2018 MY(s) were the halfway point. I think we are both saying the same thing, just different perspectives.
Last edited by Gen4MDX; 03-19-2018 at 08:28 AM.
#19
If your at 160k and only drive 10-12k a year. You should be okay to hold off. From the maintenance side, you have a few more oil changes and maybe a few transmission fluid flush before you hit the 180-200k major maintenance. Which will be the water pump and cam adjustment. Or maybe the engine mounts or tranny mount since they only last about 90k to 120k.
#20
Burning Brakes
If your at 160k and only drive 10-12k a year. You should be okay to hold off. From the maintenance side, you have a few more oil changes and maybe a few transmission fluid flush before you hit the 180-200k major maintenance. Which will be the water pump and cam adjustment. Or maybe the engine mounts or tranny mount since they only last about 90k to 120k.
#21
Racer
I'm in the same boat. I want to buy this Spring but hate the Aspec head unit so I'll be looking at Audi's most likely and leaving the Acura family after many years. If the new models came out in 2019 I would hold off, but it's looking more and more like 2020. I'm at 140K and really want to unload around 150K. My TSX has pretty much been issue free.
#22
Racer
#23
Burning Brakes
New ZF9 is light year's better than the crappy 2015 version; (which, by the way they replaced)
Smooth, & powerful, throughout
LOVE my A-SPEC/RED
Smooth, & powerful, throughout
LOVE my A-SPEC/RED
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KeithL (06-22-2018)
#25
Is there a 2 year lease option? I anticipate a much more exciting TLX coming in a couple years.
The 3.0T V6 engine option [that we expect to be available in at least the upcoming Type S TLX, perhaps 2020 or 2021?] should finally put the nail in the coffin for those few holdouts saying that they liked the old TL better than the TLX.
I enjoy my TLX for what it is: a very nice car that has 90% of what I want for more than 90% of the time that I drive it. I like it so much that it makes me look for excuses to go out and drive somewhere. That being said, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't at least try the SH-AWD before purchasing, and, really wish that I could have gotten it with a 2.0T engine option to get the combined benefit of more low end torque with slightly lower weight and the ability to do a "level 2 tune" w/Hondata.
The 3.0T V6 engine option [that we expect to be available in at least the upcoming Type S TLX, perhaps 2020 or 2021?] should finally put the nail in the coffin for those few holdouts saying that they liked the old TL better than the TLX.
I enjoy my TLX for what it is: a very nice car that has 90% of what I want for more than 90% of the time that I drive it. I like it so much that it makes me look for excuses to go out and drive somewhere. That being said, I'm a little disappointed that I didn't at least try the SH-AWD before purchasing, and, really wish that I could have gotten it with a 2.0T engine option to get the combined benefit of more low end torque with slightly lower weight and the ability to do a "level 2 tune" w/Hondata.
#26
Drifting
While I had my TL in for routine service yesterday, my SA (who is a real car guy and owns a beautiful GLM A Spec SH-AWD) told me the Type S will be coming out in 2019 as a '20 model and confirmed what we've heard about the 3.0 TT V6.
He said the numbers would be around 350 HP/400 TQ and that the body style would be brand new (FMC). I assume the car will be based on the '18 Accord platform. He had no info on transmissions or whether the Sport Hybrid powertrain would be offered.
Could be very interesting.
He said the numbers would be around 350 HP/400 TQ and that the body style would be brand new (FMC). I assume the car will be based on the '18 Accord platform. He had no info on transmissions or whether the Sport Hybrid powertrain would be offered.
Could be very interesting.
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a35tl (03-23-2018)
#29
Racer
Sounds promising, but $60K is on the very upper end of Acura buyers. I wouldn't see it being huge numbers in units.
#30
#31
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#32
Team Owner
S5 may start at 55K, but that's a roughly 12K premium over the A5. If Acura can pull off a 5-6K near-S equivalent, they will have a giant hit on their hands as long as the interior and tech is up to date (and the RDX redesign is a good harbinger that it will be).
#33
Right but the base A5 is close to the top of the line Aspec SHAWD in price (i think 2k less or so). A base tlx is just over 30k so that would make a type S near 60k a 25K premium by the same process. I just don't see many TLX buyers in the 55 to 60K price point. Ultimately they want to sell cars and will need some value performance mix to do that. Adding 50 hp at a cost of $500 for each 1HP improvement will be a disaster. They already have the RLX as a low volume high priced sedan.
#34
Team Owner
Right but the base A5 is close to the top of the line Aspec SHAWD in price (i think 2k less or so). A base tlx is just over 30k so that would make a type S near 60k a 25K premium by the same process. I just don't see many TLX buyers in the 55 to 60K price point. Ultimately they want to sell cars and will need some value performance mix to do that. Adding 50 hp at a cost of $500 for each 1HP improvement will be a disaster. They already have the RLX as a low volume high priced sedan.
Now if you can get down near $50k for that after deals, that's a lot of car for the money from an established brand.
#35
If you take an A-spec at $45k MSRP and add $12k to it to upgrade to the V6T with all the other goodies that should go with it (higher capacity brakes, etc.), you are at $57k MSRP.
Now if you can get down near $50k for that after deals, that's a lot of car for the money from an established brand.
Now if you can get down near $50k for that after deals, that's a lot of car for the money from an established brand.
#36
Moderator
The sedan market is far too weak to come out with a pricing model that wants 60K for a TLX - even with a super nice interior and a 3.0TT.
#37
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I could easily see the price being between 55 and 60K - how much do you have to spend to get an Audi or BMW with 400bhp? The difference with Acura is that it will be a fully loaded model, whereas the Germans will still nickel and dime you for every feature. Having a high end model is necessary for brand identification. How many Hellcats do you see compared to the lower models? Its the idea of the top trim that sells the lower trims. Check out the Type S - don't like the price, how about this A-Spec? IF Acura can deliver a sub 5 second 0-60 , a decent transmission, and maintain/improve the aesthetics of the A-spec there will be plenty of folks willing to fork over the cash
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#38
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You already have 400BHP cars going for Infiniti Red $51-58K & Stinger $38-49K so the best Acura could hope for is to split the difference between a mid priced Stinger & a full Infiniti Red.
BMW will release a 380BHP (read 400+ performance) for about $55K next year & Audi/Mercedes are also bulking up at the lower end with more power.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 03-25-2018 at 12:10 PM.
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#39
New Type S will compete directly with Q50 Red Sport and should be priced the same way. This thing must push 400hp or it will be an automatic FAIL. You can't have a Type S come out after all those years demand a premium and be slower than KIA Stinger. Not going to fly.
#40
Burning Brakes
60k US$?! No way in hell this thing will sell in Canada. For 60k CAN, not that bad since it competes directly with the red sport. As long as the tech comes with it, should be a decent seller with respect to German sport models. Not cheap, but neither is its market.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 03-25-2018 at 09:30 PM.
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