2021 Acura TLX vs The Competition
#1201
#1202
By the way, reading your signature you are confirmation of what I said before, it is hard to put people inside specific "boxes"...you almost pulled the trigger on a Scat Pack but you owned Porsche and BMW in the past and they were not basic models either.....
At my SRT Driving Experience event, couple of guys owned quite few exotics....
Last edited by 4G-Lover; 09-10-2021 at 05:58 PM.
#1203
Senior Moderator
.....couple of compilation of "nice" hoods in Detroit and LA.....I do not see a definite higher presence of Dodge cars....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpWNUz3P0I0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otwgkeJyuSo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpWNUz3P0I0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otwgkeJyuSo
#1204
Senior Moderator
….and this:
#1205
#1206
#1207
#1208
#1209
A word about dealer experience.....the only real good ones above the crowd in my personal case are Lexus and Audi, very well trained personnel, very knowledgeable and professional.
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
#1210
Burning Brakes
We don't buy a lot of cars, but we do like to use and support the local dealers. Both have free coffee, bottle-water, and snacks.
Unlike Acura, most new cars are stored in multi-level covered parking garage.
Our Acura sales-people knew an acceptable amount about the (all new models) 2014-MDX and 2021-TLX ... but there was a few things I showed him (because I had been reading-up the models and researching).
The whole Audi sales/delivery experience is definitely a step above Acura. At our Audi dealer, they work in sales-teams of two. A Model Specialist helps you pick the right vehicle (they have many) and options. This guy was impressive. We even asked for him and bought the A5 from him also. He even bought us some nice/genuine Audi hats from Parts/Accessories dept. The other guy really just does "the money part" (before going to Finance Offices to finish-up). He was nice too, didn't mind haggling a bit, and final price was acceptable/fair. Nothing bad happened in Finance Office on final-close.
Audi has a 3rd guy ... a Audi Technologist. If you need help with setting-up and using any Tech or advanced options in your new Audi Vehicle, he helps you. They will setup an appointment and come to your house if you want (they were doing this before COVID also). He said he's just there to help, and takes my emails/calls months after purchase.
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ESHBG (09-11-2021)
#1211
I have to agree.
We don't buy a lot of cars, but we do like to use and support the local dealers. Both have free coffee, bottle-water, and snacks.
Unlike Acura, most new cars are stored in multi-level covered parking garage.
Our Acura sales-people knew an acceptable amount about the (all new models) 2014-MDX and 2021-TLX ... but there was a few things I showed him (because I had been reading-up the models and researching).
The whole Audi sales/delivery experience is definitely a step above Acura. At our Audi dealer, they work in sales-teams of two. A Model Specialist helps you pick the right vehicle (they have many) and options. This guy was impressive. We even asked for him and bought the A5 from him also. He even bought us some nice/genuine Audi hats from Parts/Accessories dept. The other guy really just does "the money part" (before going to Finance Offices to finish-up). He was nice too, didn't mind haggling a bit, and final price was acceptable/fair. Nothing bad happened in Finance Office on final-close.
Audi has a 3rd guy ... a Audi Technologist. If you need help with setting-up and using any Tech or advanced options in your new Audi Vehicle, he helps you. They will setup an appointment and come to your house if you want (they were doing this before COVID also). He said he's just there to help, and takes my emails/calls months after purchase.
We don't buy a lot of cars, but we do like to use and support the local dealers. Both have free coffee, bottle-water, and snacks.
Unlike Acura, most new cars are stored in multi-level covered parking garage.
Our Acura sales-people knew an acceptable amount about the (all new models) 2014-MDX and 2021-TLX ... but there was a few things I showed him (because I had been reading-up the models and researching).
The whole Audi sales/delivery experience is definitely a step above Acura. At our Audi dealer, they work in sales-teams of two. A Model Specialist helps you pick the right vehicle (they have many) and options. This guy was impressive. We even asked for him and bought the A5 from him also. He even bought us some nice/genuine Audi hats from Parts/Accessories dept. The other guy really just does "the money part" (before going to Finance Offices to finish-up). He was nice too, didn't mind haggling a bit, and final price was acceptable/fair. Nothing bad happened in Finance Office on final-close.
Audi has a 3rd guy ... a Audi Technologist. If you need help with setting-up and using any Tech or advanced options in your new Audi Vehicle, he helps you. They will setup an appointment and come to your house if you want (they were doing this before COVID also). He said he's just there to help, and takes my emails/calls months after purchase.
With no previous relationship, the (extremely knowledgeable) Audi salesman gave me the key of an RS7 we were considering for my wife and said "have fun, just bring it back with the same level of fuel". They had sales staff specific for S and RS models, and the dealer showrooms are impressive.
Obviously I do not have any experience with Bentley, Rolls and the like......
I did with Maserati...pretty bad too like the rest of them.
I negotiated a Macan Turbo on behalf of my wife's friend and they were on par with Audi.
While the Genesis dealer network is spotty, I heard of test drives where the salesman come to your house and home pick up and delivery of loaners for service.
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Tesla1856 (09-11-2021)
#1212
Burning Brakes
They offered it to us, but I declined. I was looking forward to "checking out" the (new to us) Audi dealer.
We are probably in the minority, but we actually LIKE going to the car dealers (once every few years). See what it's like there, the employees, and of course ... all the latest-model new cars to choose from (or decide to order one instead).
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MarcoTLX (09-11-2021)
#1213
Three Wheelin'
A word about dealer experience.....the only real good ones above the crowd in my personal case are Lexus and Audi, very well trained personnel, very knowledgeable and professional.
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
My Cadillac experience has not been any better than FCA/Stellantis, the only difference was fancier buildings and decor and free soda drinks and cookies vs. just water and coffee. Same for Acura, the guy that sold me the 4G did not know absolutely nothing about the cars he was selling, his co-workers no much better. I have to say that actually Infiniti offered finger foods and wrap at lunch time. BMW and Mercedes nothing to write home about it either.
Obviously the premium brands offer free loaners but in my case, as SRT/Hellcat owner, I'm entitled to a loaner compared the the regular models. Actually I believe that now every Jeep owner is entitled to a loaner, part of the strategy to "premiumize" the Jeep brand
#1214
Senior Moderator
My Acura dealership has been exemplary….probably not as exceedingly concierge as the Audi stores referenced earlier. But, far better than what one can expect from Honda stores in the area. Granted, my dealer is a relatively ‘small’ operation in an affluent area (Hunterdon County, NJ).
Last edited by F23A4; 09-11-2021 at 04:15 PM.
#1215
Air Vice Marshal
My Acura dealership has been exemplary….probably not as exceedingly concierge as the Audi stores referenced earlier. But, far better than what one can expect from Honda stores in the area. Granted, my dealer is a relatively ‘small’ operation in an affluent area (Hunterdon County, NJ).
The Acura dealer is short on knowledge, quality service and amenities. It's collocated with a Chevy dealer and under the same ownership and management.
#1216
Ditto here, there's hardly anything premium about the Acura experience compared to Honda in my area too. I guess at least mine offers loaners, but they charge $35 for it.
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ESHBG (09-12-2021)
#1217
Burning Brakes
Maybe since Honda dealer was so good, their Acura store was only a little better. Snacks were better, service a little more personalized, and we really liked the (new or late model) FREE Loaners at Acura.
Like the jump to Audi, we really only switched dealers back then because that's where the (next level up for us) vehicles were.
#1218
For me it's the opposite. My wife's Honda dealer is a first class operation in everyway. Perhaps because they are in an autopark with Jaguar, Porsche and several other makes, and right at the border between the two wealthiest counties in the US. My local BMW dealer is also first class and has Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati as neighbors.
The Acura dealer is short on knowledge, quality service and amenities. It's collocated with a Chevy dealer and under the same ownership and management.
The Acura dealer is short on knowledge, quality service and amenities. It's collocated with a Chevy dealer and under the same ownership and management.
#1219
Adept Acura Enthusiast
My experience at my Acura Dealer in VA is exceptional from sales to service, great customer service overall. Always willing and ready to help and work with me, and answer any questions I have. I will always prefer to buy any Acuras from that dealer.
#1220
Senior Moderator
Same here, totally agree. I’m on my 8th and 9th Acura from my dealership so, I know how you feel.
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MarcoTLX (09-12-2021)
#1221
Burning Brakes
I'd say overall the experience at Audi is better for both purchase and servicing. But I'd prefer not going at all lol
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#1222
Burning Brakes
Will be interesting to see how that new 9-speed Jatco will do for RWD duties. At least Nissan is trying, that 3.0 V6T is pretty good. At least from what I remember when I tested the Q50 Red Sport.
https://www.jatco.co.jp/english/rele...0330_1138.html
https://www.jatco.co.jp/english/rele...0330_1138.html
Infiniti does have some "nice lookin" cars. Our old V6-RWD Maxima was fairly trouble-free.
Last edited by Tesla1856; 09-20-2021 at 01:34 PM. Reason: typo
#1224
Family Hauler
Exactly; the Q50S’s interior and transmission are two of its biggest downfalls. The engine is great and there’s plenty of aftermarket support but the transmission is what’s holding it back. Infiniti has really pushed the limits on not redesigning a redesign of this vehicle; they keep pushing the limits by refreshing a thing or two but it’s ultimately the same platform with the same engine.
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vhtran (09-21-2021)
#1225
Burning Brakes
Infiniti will probably scrap the Q50 &60
#1226
#1227
Burning Brakes
I guess I saw the AWD badge and got over impressed.
Yeah, we passed on the 7-passenger Infiniti SUV back in 2012-2013 due to the Nissan CVT. That thing was boat-like and slow. MDX was like a race-car compared.
#1228
Burning Brakes
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
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#1229
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
#1230
Burning Brakes
Me too that was my Japanese car of choice growing up. I always wanted an S14 Silvia. My first car I bought myself was an Altima. Then I moved up to an Altima SER, then a G35 Sedan and Two Q50’s , one a Hybrid the other a Red Sport 400.
#1231
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Was a long tern Datsun/Nissan owner. 1982 till 2013 or so. Bought a 1981 280ZX out of a corporate bankruptcy. Since it was very cheap became an experiential car for my brothers in law & myself. The 280 was an N/A I6 with MT & "T" top. We took off the roof at the door level belt line, filled in the hatch with sheet metal for a trunk lid & modified a set of Triumph TR8 bows to support the folding top.
Car served as a daily driver along with the StingRay & was the girls high school & college transportation. Youngest daughter took it for a commuter car for her first job before it came back to me. Needed the garage space to build a car & gave it to make a wish with the original engine & transmission still going strong.
For an unremembered reason still have the original factory mags in the garage.
Car served as a daily driver along with the StingRay & was the girls high school & college transportation. Youngest daughter took it for a commuter car for her first job before it came back to me. Needed the garage space to build a car & gave it to make a wish with the original engine & transmission still going strong.
For an unremembered reason still have the original factory mags in the garage.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-20-2021 at 07:06 PM.
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vhtran (09-21-2021)
#1233
Three Wheelin'
That’s a damn shame, the Q60 makes sense with the new Z dropping but I’m very disappointed how they handled the Q50. That could have been a major competitor. Offer a ZF 8 speed and a 6 speed limited option and update the interior and you’d have a winner. But no. They are run so poorly it’s sickening.
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ESHBG (09-21-2021)
#1234
Sedan sales are dropping but theres still a market for them for sure. I traded a 2014 Q50S in for the Type S and would have considered whatever infiniti had comparable if that was an option, but id never consider buying the same car just updated a bit a decade later. They are losing a lot of their resale customers by not having a FMC in the q50 in what is going on 10 years. Thats just unacceptable.
#1235
...Nissan probably will scrap the entire Infiniti brand for good.....LOL
They run it into the ground...I remember when during the heydays of the G, the FX and the M sedan, they were considered a threat to the Germans....long long time ago....
#1236
Car Enthusiast
Yes, sir, I was about to mention the Nissan side with their reintroducing the traditional auto. I hope they do well and carry that to Infiniti. Back in the day when they introduced the CVT and I had high hope for that and even made a statement "it's here to stay", little that I know they mated them to SUVs and big sedans.
#1237
Burning Brakes
I’m not so sure that indicates they are poorly run. Sedan sales have absolutely collapsed, at least in the US. US car makers have abandoned the market almost altogether. I lost my ass on the 2017 BMW 540 I traded six months ago. The only way I’ll buy a sedan any more is a really good lease deal.
#1238
Burning Brakes
Not sure I've ever even seen a retro 280zx convertible. The used one I almost bought when I was younger had the T-tops. I ended-up with a used Camaro instead.
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BEAR-AvHistory (09-22-2021)
#1239
They aren't ditching the CVT. They got feedback about certain vehicles and are adjusting those specifically, Pathfinder anyone. Had tons of CVT failures and it until last generation was still a real truck. This new model is putting it back into a real truck rather than a tall car.
All those hybrid utility whatever vehicles(Muranos and Rogues etc) will keep running that CVT because it gets good mileage.
All those hybrid utility whatever vehicles(Muranos and Rogues etc) will keep running that CVT because it gets good mileage.
#1240
Suzuka Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
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Some of the T-Top front roof section was used & various Triumph parts. With the roof down you could still see the curved sections where the T to fit in. Some TR-3 hood locking units that were used to secure the roof to the front header when the roof was up. Had this big T shaped handle that fit into the locks & was used to turn the locking fittings open & closed. Part came with the Triumph sports cars back in the '50 & '60
Little more off topic. Took the younger grandson out fishing for the first time last week. This was his first catch.
He asked what it was - told him it was a StingRay - response "Gramps a StingRay is a fast car, what kind of fish is this?" Strange things that happen. My oldest grandson caught a 4ft Shark as his first fish about 15 years ago. All the grown-ups caught regular non interesting fish in both cases.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-22-2021 at 01:31 AM.