I nearly spit out my coffee when I read the following on Edmund's latest review of the MY25 TLX:

"For the 2025 model year, the automaker has made almost no changes to the TLX, though the complimentary maintenance program is cut in half to one year or 12,000 miles."
https://www.edmunds.com/acura/tlx/

Is this only for the TLX or across the board for MY25 Acura models? Assuming this is a cost-cutting measure, I would have gotten rid of the scheduled maintenance completely (what does 1-year buy against the competition?)!

The TLX has truly become the red-headed step-child if it wasn't before!

 

I only had an oil change at around 10,000 miles the first 12,000 miles with my previous Acura's I purchased new. The sh-awd rear diff oil change isn't due until 15,000 miles minimum.

 

So they're sure to get you on the rear differential change out of pockete! When I had my TLX, I passed on that changeout since I wasn't driving an RDX and wasn't driving up steep inclines often. I'm sure a non-discerning customer would pay it since it's "scheduled"!

 

Lol and most Acura dealers will do your first scheduled maintenance for free anyways so the 1 year free maintenance plan is a moot point so-to-say

 

The complimentary maintenance was actually reduced by Acura and Honda from two years to one year for the 2024 model year. And it always only included oil/filter and tire rotation.

 

But why is the question, what is their reason for cutting it to one year but still have an MSRP increase. They are not beating their competitor's complimentary maintenance plans as most are doing 2-3 years of complimentary maintenance with the purchase of a new car and some even extending it to their certified pre-owned cars too

 

The free maintenance that started for MY23 was a misguided attempt to gain market share. I guess Acura cut their losses and in so doing, confused Acura customers (both new and old) with their slow takeaway of the free maintenance program.

Does parent Honda even have a free maintenance program?

 

Not sure where you're reading that, but that's not what I was told when I bought my '24, nor is that what the documentation I have states.

 

RDX, ITS, and MDX-S shows as 1 year. Maybe they didn’t roll out the changes yet to all models.

https://www.acurainfocenter.com/page...enance-program

https://www.acurainfocenter.com/page...ogram-overview

https://www.acurainfocenter.com/page...enance-program

 

According to this press release for MY24 TLX, it appears you're right that you have 2 years:
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...-quieter-cabin

Of all the models, TLX needed the most help so I'm not surprised the 1 year version of the maintenance program didn't take effect until MY25!

 

This is the kind of stuff that makes me frustrated. I've enjoyed their cars for 20 years but they seem to be doing less and less right. Tired designs that they refuse to update (looking at your 2025 RDX with no digital dash or push button screen). Quality issues. Going all in on EV when everybody else is going hybrid. Skimming down the maintenance programs. Supply chain issues.

 

The brand took a hard left years ago and is dying and going the way of Infiniti. They are still making some money from it so they will limp it along while spending less and less on it until whatever comes next. Honda cars are more interesting to me now (the new Civic hybrid is another winner and makes the Integra look even stranger on paper) and it's clear where the parent company is spending the money and focusing. Acura continues to be this odd jumble of luxury-ish and sporty-ish but yet not doing either incredibly well and there's no clear direction.

I would love to see them turn it around but at this rate I am not holding my breath.

 

The cars are dead, the brand is dead, everything’s dead. Dead, dead, dead!

 

That Civic Hybrid Hatchback got my attention. I'd honestly consider that before an Integra. As you said, they are struggling on what they want to be. The Integra is a perfect example. Are you trying to be luxury or sport? Instead, it's neither. The amenities feel cheap and the CVT keeps it from being a great driving experience.