Really wanting to give Acura another chance
08-02-2018, 12:35 PM
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Really wanting to give Acura another chance
I struggled to come up with the title for this post, because it wasn't something Acura did wrong that made me leave, but more-so something they are doing wrong IMO that is keeping me from coming back. 13 years ago, I experienced my first taste of a luxury brand with my 2005 RSX in Vivid Blue Pearl, and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. Over the next few years, I had an 06 TSX, and finally an 08 TL Type-S in beautiful Kinetic Blue Pearl. The only reason I got rid of that car was due to some financial difficulties after the birth of my daughter. Once I got back on track a few years later, I was looking into the 4th Gen TL, but was a bit turned off by the styling. I ended up getting into a 2013 BMW 328i, and fell in love with the brand. As I am coming up on 5 years with my current car, I was looking towards replacing it with either a 5-series or the new X5. However, today I caught an article about the redesigned RDX that got me back looking at the Acura brand again.
After reading the article, I went to the Acura website to see what the build and designs on the RDX, MDX, and RLX look like. The styling is much better than what it was in the early 10's, and the technology seems comparable for the most part to BMW, which is important to me as I love features and gadgets. The biggest issue I have is with color combinations/styling, and not being able to combine packages. I like the higher-end luxury feel inside with the sportiness outside, and that is where I struggle with what Acura offers. I cannot get the Advance package in combination with the A-Spec packages, and with certain colors(i.e. Fathom blue), you are limited to one interior color choice, which I do not like/want a gray or black interior.
Obviously the majority of people don't seem too fazed by these choices, as Acura doesn't seem to be struggling with sales, but it makes me wonder how much better they could be if they allowed more flexibility in some of these options. Since I haven't been to an Acura dealer in a while, is it possible to have them custom order certain features/color combinations, or is it take it or leave it when it comes to what they offer? If I could get over that hurdle, I would be willing to seriously consider coming back to Acura when I look for my next car.
After reading the article, I went to the Acura website to see what the build and designs on the RDX, MDX, and RLX look like. The styling is much better than what it was in the early 10's, and the technology seems comparable for the most part to BMW, which is important to me as I love features and gadgets. The biggest issue I have is with color combinations/styling, and not being able to combine packages. I like the higher-end luxury feel inside with the sportiness outside, and that is where I struggle with what Acura offers. I cannot get the Advance package in combination with the A-Spec packages, and with certain colors(i.e. Fathom blue), you are limited to one interior color choice, which I do not like/want a gray or black interior.
Obviously the majority of people don't seem too fazed by these choices, as Acura doesn't seem to be struggling with sales, but it makes me wonder how much better they could be if they allowed more flexibility in some of these options. Since I haven't been to an Acura dealer in a while, is it possible to have them custom order certain features/color combinations, or is it take it or leave it when it comes to what they offer? If I could get over that hurdle, I would be willing to seriously consider coming back to Acura when I look for my next car.
08-02-2018, 12:58 PM
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The new RDX looks really nice. I agree with you the Aspec version is the first thing that has caught my eye from them in a long time.
08-02-2018, 03:02 PM
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Well the NSX is a given
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juniorbean (08-02-2018)
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rockstar143 (08-02-2018)
08-02-2018, 05:48 PM
#9
Team Owner
Who knows, you might be looking at them sooner than you think.
That is, assuming they knock our socks off with that TLX-S Acura has been rumoring about. It should be here sooner than later, though. I believe Acura intends on launching the Type S right off the bat, or a couple months after the initial 2G TLX release.
I mean, the Type S surely won't be any M3/M4 slayer, but I'm hoping it's on par with the S4 in terms of engine performance, with slightly better handling characteristics than the S4, simply due to how far Audi pushes their engines in front of the front axle, compared to anyone else.
That is, assuming they knock our socks off with that TLX-S Acura has been rumoring about. It should be here sooner than later, though. I believe Acura intends on launching the Type S right off the bat, or a couple months after the initial 2G TLX release.
I mean, the Type S surely won't be any M3/M4 slayer, but I'm hoping it's on par with the S4 in terms of engine performance, with slightly better handling characteristics than the S4, simply due to how far Audi pushes their engines in front of the front axle, compared to anyone else.
Last edited by TacoBello; 08-02-2018 at 05:51 PM.
08-02-2018, 06:33 PM
#10
Rooting for Acura
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Obviously the majority of people don't seem too fazed by these choices, as Acura doesn't seem to be struggling with sales, but it makes me wonder how much better they could be if they allowed more flexibility in some of these options. Since I haven't been to an Acura dealer in a while, is it possible to have them custom order certain features/color combinations, or is it take it or leave it when it comes to what they offer? If I could get over that hurdle, I would be willing to seriously consider coming back to Acura when I look for my next car.
08-03-2018, 08:06 AM
#12
Who knows, you might be looking at them sooner than you think.
That is, assuming they knock our socks off with that TLX-S Acura has been rumoring about. It should be here sooner than later, though. I believe Acura intends on launching the Type S right off the bat, or a couple months after the initial 2G TLX release.
I mean, the Type S surely won't be any M3/M4 slayer, but I'm hoping it's on par with the S4 in terms of engine performance, with slightly better handling characteristics than the S4, simply due to how far Audi pushes their engines in front of the front axle, compared to anyone else.
That is, assuming they knock our socks off with that TLX-S Acura has been rumoring about. It should be here sooner than later, though. I believe Acura intends on launching the Type S right off the bat, or a couple months after the initial 2G TLX release.
I mean, the Type S surely won't be any M3/M4 slayer, but I'm hoping it's on par with the S4 in terms of engine performance, with slightly better handling characteristics than the S4, simply due to how far Audi pushes their engines in front of the front axle, compared to anyone else.
08-03-2018, 08:20 AM
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Thank you all for the thoughts/feedback. I will definitely have to stop by and ask, but it is slightly reassuring knowing that many others have left as well. As odd as it sounds, driving style/handling isn't at the top of my list when it comes to what I look for in a car, especially since I'm still used to the Honda style from driving my fiance's Odyssey, which honestly isn't that bad as far as driving and comfort. I'm more about gadgets and features. One thing I love about BMW is that I can use a computer to code the car so I can enable features that aren't available in the US, like video in motion for passengers, adaptive high beam assistant instead of just on/off, etc, and it is very easy to add options that weren't originally on the car. For example, I retro-added the OEM parking sensor system and rear-view camera on my 328i with no issues. I tried looking up how to do the same on the 2018 Odyssey and got no where, other than the "add-on, rear-only" parking sensor system they will sell you. I find that most other brands are like that too, with it being difficult to find software for the cars or wiring diagrams, schematics, and so on.
08-03-2018, 11:30 AM
#14
08-03-2018, 06:27 PM
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after looking at this thread, I got online and built an RL, the most satisfying not including the NSX, Acura I could stomach. $63K for a car that is underwhelming stylishly to me is too much to bear. So long forever Acura, I loved my Acuras, even the shit-tranny equipped 2001 CL-S I owned. Just not enough to bring me back, not even close.
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00TL-P3.2 (08-06-2018)
08-04-2018, 07:36 AM
#16
Instructor
after looking at this thread, I got online and built an RL, the most satisfying not including the NSX, Acura I could stomach. $63K for a car that is underwhelming stylishly to me is too much to bear. So long forever Acura, I loved my Acuras, even the shit-tranny equipped 2001 CL-S I owned. Just not enough to bring me back, not even close.
it's design and tech was ahead of it's time and if you keep it in top condition, it still looks very sharp for 10+ year old car vs newer cars on the road.
it's purely subjective, but compare it to similarly aged A6/535/E350/CTS/GS350/M35/etc, i think it comes out at the very top.
I'm loving my Giulia & F-Type at the moment tho. if Giulia is proven to be reliable w/o trouble, next stop is QV(quadrifoglio)
everyone said Jag's are nightmare to own, F-Type has been trouble free track toy for last 4 years.
08-04-2018, 08:44 AM
#17
Race Director
Will be curious to see what they do for the engine and drivetrain in the TLX-S ... whenever that actually comes to market (2021?!) ....
08-04-2018, 09:09 AM
#18
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08-04-2018, 09:15 AM
#19
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Can't they just drop the 3.5 twin-turbo V6 from the 2nd gen NSX in there?
I know ...
to hope for that ....
08-04-2018, 09:49 AM
#20
Instructor
I think you're probably right, but was hoping (against hope?) that they'd at least keep a V6 option on the menu ... but then again, that naturally aspirated J35 is pretty long in the tooth ....
Can't they just drop the 3.5 twin-turbo V6 from the 2nd gen NSX in there?
I know ... to hope for that ....
Can't they just drop the 3.5 twin-turbo V6 from the 2nd gen NSX in there?
I know ...
to hope for that ....340 = i-6 turbo 355hp
q50rs = v6 tt 400hp
s4 = v6 t 354hp
xe-s = v6 supercharger 380hp
it's not out of option, but with given what honda/acura's been doing lately, i highly doubt v6-tt would be possibility as you'd need lot more component for cooling the engine down as well from extra heat it produces.
08-04-2018, 02:26 PM
#21
Oh boy...
not everything can be explained with spreadsheets.
Cars have so many different systems that work together to create the machine that creates the driving experience.
Go sit in whatever your options are...drive it in traffic to see how comfy you are. Go beat the shit out of it a little to see if it makes your weenie wiggle...
then see if you can afford the one that does both and buy it. Tada!
not everything can be explained with spreadsheets.
Cars have so many different systems that work together to create the machine that creates the driving experience.
Go sit in whatever your options are...drive it in traffic to see how comfy you are. Go beat the shit out of it a little to see if it makes your weenie wiggle...
then see if you can afford the one that does both and buy it. Tada!
08-04-2018, 08:30 PM
#22
Punk Rocker
I actually test drove a 2015 TLX today at Carmax and it was surprisingly nice, especially inside. Now, I don't actually have any real interest in the TLX (mostly because I'm wanting more modern features like a full color TFT display in the gauge cluster, higher resolution nav screen, adaptive cruise, Android Auto, etc) but in terms of driving dynamics, power, and exterior features like the full LED headlights etc, the TLX makes I strong case. For me personally though, I'd much prefer the new 2018 Accord Touring which does have all of the updated tech features along with being a brand new platform, but the TLX I drove today is certainly a good enough car for consideration.
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00TL-P3.2 (08-06-2018)
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Chief F1 Fan (08-05-2018)
08-04-2018, 08:56 PM
#24
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It's been leaked long ago the TLX-S will have the 3.0L V6T, equipped with a new VTEC system of sorts (I don't remember the details of it). No idea on output though. The turbo is supposedly electrified too, to help with instant boost. The patent drawings also showed a 11 speed triple clutch transmission.
It sounds promising. We shall see what reality brings. Either way, I'd avoid the first year like the plague. The new 3G RDX is enough proof that first year Hondas/Acuras are often a troublesome proposition.
It sounds promising. We shall see what reality brings. Either way, I'd avoid the first year like the plague. The new 3G RDX is enough proof that first year Hondas/Acuras are often a troublesome proposition.
Last edited by TacoBello; 08-04-2018 at 09:01 PM.
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juniorbean (08-06-2018)
08-04-2018, 09:05 PM
#26
Team Owner
I'd imagine it would be in line with the Infiniti Q50 RS 400. That car is on par with certain German offerings, but I believe the Infiniti is still the better bargain in terms of what you get for the price. There's no doubt Acura will be stepping up, but so what? Isn't that what we want? I don't think they fear trying to be great (or desirable at least) again- the A-Spec lineup seems to prove that people want Acura to return to its sporty roots.
08-04-2018, 09:51 PM
#27
Senior Moderator
Dealer may be able to order it depending on their allocations. Put a few feelers out, sometimes dealers in the other side of the country may have it ordered on their lot. With that said, I 100% agree with OP that Acura has been pretty steadfast in limiting choices for no reason. Want a blue car with brown or ivory interior, probably not going to happen. Simple color/interior combo's shouldn't be prohibited.
08-05-2018, 03:52 AM
#28
Race Director
It's been leaked long ago the TLX-S will have the 3.0L V6T, equipped with a new VTEC system of sorts (I don't remember the details of it). No idea on output though. The turbo is supposedly electrified too, to help with instant boost. The patent drawings also showed a 11 speed triple clutch transmission.
It sounds promising. We shall see what reality brings. Either way, I'd avoid the first year like the plague. The new 3G RDX is enough proof that first year Hondas/Acuras are often a troublesome proposition.
It sounds promising. We shall see what reality brings. Either way, I'd avoid the first year like the plague. The new 3G RDX is enough proof that first year Hondas/Acuras are often a troublesome proposition.
Below is a story in C&D reporting on this back in Jan. of this year.
Sounds like the Acura bosses ARE going to borrow from the 2nd gen NSX's 3.5 tt V6 and put the power down via (SH?)-AWD, all of which is very encouraging ....
Acura Confirms Return of Type S Nameplate Plus a New (and Exclusive) Turbo V-6
Along with the return of Type S, Acura also announced that it is developing a new, turbocharged V-6 engine that will come exclusively with all-wheel drive, which will find its way into multiple products. Although no specifics about the engine’s displacement or power figures have been released, we imagine it will share elements with the 500-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Acura NSX supercar.
08-05-2018, 07:53 AM
#30
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08-05-2018, 11:46 AM
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08-06-2018, 09:31 AM
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plus another year if you're like me: I never buy a car in its first year of production. The last time I did that (against my better judgment) was my 01 CL-S that had 4 transmission failures
08-06-2018, 09:33 AM
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When I was shopping, I really tried hard to give Acura a chance. I drove the TLX V6 AWD A-Spec, and I was just straight disappointed. It was like paying 45k to get a new version of my 2G RL with worst interior finish. And the RLX Sport Hybrid was just "blah" when I drove it. Wasn't really as inspiring as my RL.... The only car I'd consider getting from Acura is a new or old NSX at this point. One is out of my budget and the other isn't practical for me.
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projektvertx (08-06-2018)
08-06-2018, 10:22 AM
#37
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When I was shopping, I really tried hard to give Acura a chance. I drove the TLX V6 AWD A-Spec, and I was just straight disappointed. It was like paying 45k to get a new version of my 2G RL with worst interior finish. And the RLX Sport Hybrid was just "blah" when I drove it. Wasn't really as inspiring as my RL.... The only car I'd consider getting from Acura is a new or old NSX at this point. One is out of my budget and the other isn't practical for me.
that's why i'm in Jag & Alfa lol
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projektvertx (08-06-2018)
08-06-2018, 03:21 PM
#38
Yes, that's when the next decade starts, but the headline says SOMETIME in the next decade... so likely not January 1, 2020...
Look for both the Type S trim and the new turbocharged V-6 engine to come to market sometime next decade, with the two possibly debuting together in a TLX Type S sport sedan.
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projektvertx (08-06-2018)
08-06-2018, 11:24 PM
#39
Punk Rocker
After all these years of Honda/Acura fans screaming at them and of watching the incredible success that Hyundai/Genesis has had with V8's and RWD platforms, it does boggle my mind that they still to this day steadfastly refuse to go down that route at least with their luxury brand. I mean, they've seen what Lexus has done over 3 decades as well and yet they have always failed to understand the legitimacy and gravitas that their luxury brand has to gain by offering actual competition for the established luxury brands. The TLX is in no way a bad car, but it is an ES competitor, not a GS/LS competitor. Obviously Honda feels that Acura's focus should be SUV's and EV's/Hybrids which is a real shame for the enthusiasts among us who have dreamed of a Genesis-like response from Acura for well over 10 years at this point. But it is what it is and its simply never gonna happen. The best Acura sedan remains the 3rd Gen TL-S IMO and they've never quite hit that mark since.
08-07-2018, 04:54 AM
#40
Race Director
