Hi all,

I am contemplating the idea of stopping by Acura to look at a new Type S that just arrived. I am currently leasing a 21' RDX Aspec. I know leasing deals blow right now, but I'm just curious what your payment is for both a Type S and an Aspec TLX. I like the RDX, but I really don't need an SUV. I'd much rather have a TLX at this point.

Thanks for your help!

 

If you don’t have a family to haul around and you don’t need the additional space from the RDX, then definitely consider the TLX-S. I take my kids to school in my TLX-S, but my wife has an MDX which is the family hauler on the weekends. As for monthly payments, it will come down to how much you put down and your interest rate. Looking at posts from other users who recently purchased their TLX-S, you should be able to get one at MSRP and with no added dealer markup - if you manage to get one under MSRP, even better.

Good luck and let us know if you do end up deciding to pull the trigger. Test driving never hurts

 

I will definteiyl have to drive one. Is there a big difference in driving dynamic between the TLX and the RDX? I realize that one is an SUV, but overall, is it handling that much better? Also, given both vehicles use the same engine, which vehicle feels "faster"?

The dealership that I have been looking at has a TLX-S for $57,600. I'm not sure if they would budge on the price though.

 

well to be correct the TLX Type-S has a V6 Turbo the RDX has a I4 Turbo the TLX-S will definitely feel faster (unless you’re talking about a non-S TLX that has a I4 Turbo in which case the TLX will still feel faster)

as for payments, depends on money down, and interest rate and loan term length, those 3 will effect the monthly payment assuming all-in (meaning taxes tags, registration fees etc. added to the selling price) price wise on a TLX-S being sold at msrp should be around ~$60k-$62k

 

I'm really debating if I should just go with a TLX Aspec, or drop the cash for the Type S. I will have to drive both, but is the Type S really worth the extra money? Has anyone gone from a Aspec model to the Type S? If so, what are the noticeable differences (assigned from the 4 turbo to 6 turbo) engine?

Thanks!

 

Biggest difference for me is the much better engine/exhaust noise and quicker acceleration in the Type S. The A-spec 's 4-cylinder is a lot more droney, and its pumped in engine noise from the the speakers is a bit unsettling. The Type S on the other hand has the sweetest engine notes in this class. You can really hear the difference in the exhaust going from normal to sport mode. You even get just the right amount of crackles and pops with more spirited driving but nothing obscene. Also the power in the Type S feels much more linear and robust. The transmission and throttle is more responsive too. I felt the A-spec was a bit laggy when you give it the beans. However I would say the A-spec feels almost as planted in cornering. The non-adaptive dampers in the A-spec is firmer than the Type S's normal mode, but softer than the Type S's Sport and Sport+. The benefit of going Type S is the adaptive dampers in Comfort mode, especially on road trips.

 

Definitely drive both back-to-back. I had the older Aspec and it's night and day difference. You may regret not getting the S. Also you pay more upfront but the resale value is much higher due to limited numbers.

 

I will drive them back-to-back. I really like the Type S, and the V6 engine would definitely be nice to have!

Also, how bad is the turbo lag on the V6? I feel like I don’t get any real boost until 3rd gear on my RDX.

What kind of issues have you guys had with your Type S?

 

Having a 3G RDX myself, I don't think there's any way I'd opt for a non-Type-S TLX if I were to dump the RDX. The vehicles will be too similar IMO. Yes, a bit different driving dynamics, but not enough to where I feel the change is justified. The curb weights aren't actually that different between the RDX and TLX.

Go big and get the Type-S! I think you'll always regret not doing so. One thing I will say is, if you can, consider waiting, as the MMC TLX should be released relatively soon. It remains to be seen whether or not they'll change anything design-wise with the TLX-S, but even if they don't, there will likely be some changes (ie: better road isolation?) that will carryover to the Type-S.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I’ve been running some numbers on the Type S. I would be better taking the equity in my current lease and financing a Type S. The lease rates are ridiculous right now!

I'm going to try and stop by Acura tomorrow to take it for a spin

 

I think this is a very important point that many of us miss. TYPE S is more expensive, but the resale value will be awesome. Also, Honda/Acura like all other brands will eventually move to EV and TYPE S may not exist in the future with ICE. I think TYPE S is again ahead of its time like all other Acura products and it will only appreciate down the road.

 

I've actually been kind of tossing around the idea of going with a Type S or possibly a Tesla. I like the looks and features of the Type S, but the acceleration on that Tesla is crazy fast!

 

No doubt! If you want a 0-60 fast car, go with Tesla. TYPE S won't make you happy. But if you want a car that will bring a smile on your face each time your drive it in curvy roads, an excellent AWD system, and top notch interior quality with a sound system that belongs to cars above $100K then there is no comparison between TYPE S and TESLA. TYPE is the winner all the way!

 

This is exactly true! I really do like my RDX, I just don't need the extra space. I have always liked the Type S, and a sedan would make more sense for my current situation.

I can't imagine that I wouldn't have some equity in my current 21' RDX Aspec lease. I've really enjoyed the vehicle, but I'm ready for something new!

 

I think the best way to end this is to visit Tesla and Acura dealerships back to back. Request for an extended test drive. The one that touches your heart and financially makes sense. Go for it. I think Tesla has its own advantages compared to the TYPS S. Cannot ruled it out. I recommend to check Lexus IS as well. Honestly, it's a very solid car and looks great as well.

 

I'm also now eyeing a Lexus IS 350 F-Sport. I've never driven one, but I like how they look. They also seem to have pretty good reviews. Anyone else drive one?

 

I was cross shopping the IS350 (F-sport package 3) before I got my Type S. They were actually about the same in price at the time I was shopping and got to test drive one back to back.. It might be just a refresh but the exterior looks like an all new model to me.
The IS doesn't have much punch on throttle, but that was to be expected for a naturally aspirated engine. The transmission felt laggy like it was a generation too old as well, and the interior felt very narrow and cramped compared to the TLX. I'm only 5'11" and the width of the lower cabin (where your legs are) was too narrow. My right knee kept brushing against the center tunnel, it would've been infuriating on a road trip.
The biggest difference is the wider cabin and punchier acceleration in the Acura. The TLX's interior also feels like a generation newer but I actually don't mind the all the matte plastic of the Lexus (it's easier to clean and hide fingerprints).

EDIT: I should've added what also made be choose the Acura was that the IS350 essentially has a Camry powertrain, while the *base* TLX has an Accord powertrain. For the same cost, the TLX Type S was a much better performance car.

 

In December 2022, I test drove the IS350 for at least 45 minutes. Super nice car. Great daily commuter and the fit and finish were top notch. I went with two baby car seats and that car is very small. The back seat of the car is not for every day! But look, engine and quality = top!

 

so, what I’ve seen online between the IS350 and the Type S, shows the Type S edging it out.

I really do like the design of the IS, but I think the Type S is sharper looking. I’m going to drive both back-to-back and see which one I like better..

 

You may also want to check out the IS500 for more performance and the V8 sound. I wouldn't be happy with the IS350 knowing the IS500 is available.

 

Not exactly TLX-S, but between my MDX-S and RDX, the turbo V6 feels way more alerted unless I use comfort mode in MDX-S. Turbo/transmission/throttle response, any delay you see on RDX is at least cut in half if not to a quarter. The main differences to me between the two engines are more predictable throttle response, quicker turbo spool between 1-2rpm, and better non-boost torque on the 3.0T.

And my RDX already has got help from Hondata reflash and K&N filter.

 

Buying new, I’d spend the extra $6k for the Type S.

Buying used/CPO, there are deals to be had on A-Spec’s but not so much on Type-S’. I bought my A-Spec as a CPO for $8k less than MSRP, which made the decision pretty clear for me. I like it, it’s a good car, and with a KTuner and a Stage 2 tune, it’s decently quick.

 

Drive them both back to back, the Type-S will speak for itself. It's a very different animal than the A-Spec even if on paper the difference might not seem like that much. I also wouldn't be tooooo worried about the MMC as the changes will likely be subtle and the Type-S resale value is so strong I'm sure you could get a hell of a deal with a 2023 trade up to 2024 if the changes are that appealing to you. I'm guessing at best wireless carplay/aa (which you can solve today with a dongle anyways..) and maybe they add the missing advance features (360 Cam/HUD/Heated Wheel w/o paying extra) because I'm sure the dealer feedback will be that customers ask about it.

You should be able to get a fairly good deal by performance sedan standards. No more than MSRP, a few accessories maybe (I was able to get heated wheel and illuminated sills).

 

So, I drove a Type S today! Super cool car! I also drove an Aspec model. There is definitely a power difference between the two, but I actually found the Aspec to have plenty of power for me. My really pushing a cars limit days are long over!

I’m just trying to figure out if it’s even worth going from an RDX to a TLX (both Aspec models). Aside from the form factor, they seem almost identical. I also believe they get about the same fuel mileage.

I guess it’s just a matter of whether the Type S is worth the significantly bigger car payment.

Decisions, decisions!

 

What the heck? If you think the Aspec has plenty of power for you and have concerns about the car payment why would you even bother with a type S. Looks wise they are almost identical to the average person. Why pay for performance you are not going to use?

 

If you're trying to decide b/w the non-Type S TLX and RDX, I suggest you stick with the RDX (larger interior and more practical). I've said many times that had I leased the RDX instead of the TLX, I would probably still have an Acura now. If you don't feel you could ever use the interior/trunk space of the RDX, then get the TLX by all means (but don't say I didn't warn you!).

 

He said that he didn't need the extra space (3/13). So now he wants to down size a bit but what he is saying is that he doesn't need the extra power so I would go with the Aspec for the looks and not get killed with a Type S payment.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like the Type S. I just don't know if I like the Type S monthly payment. For the amount that I would actually use the extra power, I don't think the extra cost of having the "Type S" is worth it.

I was looking at the TLX Aspec, however, it doesn't seem like it would be worth going through the hassle of switching to a TLX Aspec from an RDX Aspec. I do like my RDX, but a sedan is rather appealing right now. I actually think if I do make the leap, I will go with an IS 350 F-Sport for something different.

I honestly think that between the TLX Aspec and the RDX Aspec, the RDX is the better deal. Honestly, handling seemed almost identical to me. I guess I'll stick with the RDX or maybe switch over to an IS 350 F-Sport.

 

to each their own, but for the amount you're paying for the IS350, the Type S is a giant performance upgrade. But if you're considering the IS350, you may want to consider the IS300 instead. According to MotorTrend, it's just as quick, looks the same, and costs less. Plus you still get the V6.

 

Not sure if OP lives in an urban area but he may also want a car that's easier to park (let the outside finally match the inside).

Back when I had a TLX, I remember the turning radius wasn't the greatest. One AZ member scratched their rims going through a drive thru!

 

I find my RDX difficult to park, so I can imagine a TLX would probably not be the easiest either. For whatever reason, I am always not pulled-up far enough or I somehow end up a little bit crooked in my parking stall.

I have also scratched my Aspec rim at a car wash (touchless) that had metal rails at the end of it. I managed to get a too close to it on the one side. I've never had that issue with any other vehicle, and I've taken a lot of them through that car wash.

 

One of my TLX pet peeves was the rearview camera wide-angle that made it extremely difficult to park, even with parking lines on the lot. A 1-minute park for any other car became 5+ minutes for the TLX.

Does your RDX suffer from this as well?

 

You’re able to toggle between wide angle and normal if you really don’t like wide angle…

 

I have the SAME issue! I always find myself pulling in, backing up, and then straightening myself out. Backing in is much easier for me. I really wish the RDX Aspec had a front facing camera!

 

Yeah, but I really want the wide angle view for maximum safety. No other car I've owned had this issue.

 

When you worry about the monthly payment you are probably looking at the wrong car. Just my opinion although I have only leased one car. All others I bought and the only thing I worried about was the sales price as I never looked at a car I was worried about affording. I also don't want to get stuck in a lease on a car that bores me.

will add you only live once so a wise person told me years back when I was considering a 911 he said buy it while you are young enough to enjoy it. I didn't think much of it at the time but it stuck with me.

 

Touchless car washes have no rails. You drive in, park and the washer goes back and forth over the car while you don't move. Hence touchless, nothing touches anything. Not many around as they can't can't do assembly line speed.

 

Actually, the Kwik Trip car washes do in fact have 2 metal railings at the end of the wash by the dryers. I’m thinking they are to protect the machine that cleans the car. I somehow managed to get too close to one when leaving the wash (I think I was on a weird angle from paying at the machine prior to entering the wash. Either way, I did scratch my rim and had to have it repaired by a wheel repair specialist.

 

I am on the fence buying the type s.. in one way I would love to buy it brand new and keep for a long time while I am younger and can enjoy it. The reptile car loving part of my brain loves how it looks, sounds and drives. But my human brain knows that buying a expensive vehicle financially is not great.

I am not really interested in the fastest car on the road the type s is plenty quick for a daily, I really love the shawd which i have on a older rdx and love how it feels and handles the snow.

 

The price gap between Aspec Tech and Type S is now less than $8K. It's not the money that worries me. I am a seasoned Acura/Honda buyer with over 20 of them under my belt and historically, Honda/Acura has never had good luck with a brand new engine design during the first model run. The new turbo V6 is uncharted territory. If you're not in any rush, wait a year for MMC, by then we'll have some data to go on as far as reliability of the new engine. But if you plan on keeping it 2-3 years like the RDX, it doesn't really matter what I just talked about.