Sean F1

Son taking 2009 Accord 4cyl to school.

Getting ready to pick up a new car (to me). Been thinking of the TLX and BMW 4-series (sporty, more power, etc. than current DD). I know about the BMW maintenance costs and I'm leaning towards the TLX.

However, with all the speculation about the TLX Type-S with a 3.0 Turbo V6, 350 HP, etc. I'd rather not buy a 2019 A-Spec SH-AWD car now, and then be wishing I'd bought something cheaper in 2021 when I'll be thinking of the Type-S.

So I'm looking at 2018 TLX with the Tech package and 2.4L (Loaner car with 6,500 miles). Asking is $31k but I'm sure I can get them down off that price. Prefer the 18's for the updated tech and transmission. Seems to be some gremlins with the 2015/2016 TLX SH-AWD cars.

Anyway, I test drove both V-6 A-Spec SH-AWD and the 4-cyl Tech models back to back and the 4-cyl just felt a bit dead to me. It's only 20 HP more than the current car, obviously much newer and better tech, but just didn't not feel like a huge upgrade performance wise.

Anyone buy the 2.4L and wish they'd opted for the V-6?

wlkeel

Not me.Not even once. A little searching will explain why some of us like the 4 cyl.

Good luck on your purchase.

theredia92

Never. A ton of early reviews said the 2.4 was the TLX model to get. It has less weight over the front tires so it feels lighter on its feet. The 8 speed DCT is a better transmission then the 9 speed ZF unit in the V6 models. No vibration issues that the V6 SHAWD model suffered from. Im my opinion, if you can live with less power, the 2.4 blows the V6 version out of the water.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

No regrets at all. Been happy with mine except for a few minor nits.

ntmera

If you read the vibration thread, there are vibration symptoms across all models. I4 and V6 with or without SH-AWD. FWIW my 15 SH-AWD has 0 vibrations at any speed @ 50K miles

fiatlux

Sometimes on the freeways when I'm trying to pass, I do wish it had more grunt. But then every time I get a V6 as a loaner, I remember why I didn't get it.

noclue02

Not regretting at all, but do wish it got more power though. couple negative on my 4cyl; idle vibration sometime can be strong, lkas system sometime does not work, and when it worked, it doesn't work well on a right curve (work great on left curve). Other than that, love it.

robscharp05

Despite all the conundrum of the V6 9spd, I would have definitely bought that over my I4 DCT. The I4 isn't as refined as the V6, the motor vibrates, and the DCT is very rough in the cold if that matters. Acceleration is decent, but the V6 as a whole is just more refined, I have tested the V6 in the cold and the transmission was silky smooth even in the coldest of temperatures. I do not enjoy my I4 TLX, and I can't wait to get back into a V6...

dmski

Skip the 4. That car is apsolutely gutless. Yes, the tranny shifts fast but the car just doesn't move. Buying a slightly used V6 is a no brainer.

TLXinBWP

Just bought a '15 2.4L FWD Aug 7th. CPO at Acura Tempe. Not had any problems with anything. Already taken it on a 800 mile road trip to Idaho. Felt good compared to my 06 Lexus IS 250 AWD. I didn't like the buttons on the V6 model cause I rest my hand on the shifter. Thats one of my reasons I bought the 4 cyl.

nanos

Coming from a 4g TL SHAWD, I don't regret getting the 2.4L. It feels light on its feet and the DCT is pretty cool.

Robs252

theredia92

Recently I've been seeing comments and complaints about the 2.4 vibrating at idle with the A/C on. I was idling in a mall parking lot this afternoon with the A/C on for around 20 mins and couldn't feel any vibration from the motor. Ive definitely felt the vibrations in all my other 4 cyl Honda's and Acura's but my TLX seems to be free of them.

F23A4

CheeseyPoofs McNut

My 2013 Accord EXL would vibrate a bit when the AC kicked on. You only noticed it when sitting still.

hadokenuh

I had a 2018 TLX 4cyl loaner and really enjoyed it. Very smooth and quiet. The power is enough around town. There was a little vibration at ilde but I do realize that 4cyl tends to vibrates more than V6 as it gets more miles. Keep that in mind.

When you test drive the TLX, just make sure it doesn't have any vibration at 60-70mph.

mdc26

2018 TLX 4 cyl Tech here. Love the car! Changing the driving mode to Sport makes a huge difference.
Only thing you need to do is to go to a BMW dealer for a BMW 320i test drive. Right after that go for another TLX test drive. Compare the cars on: power, handling, road noise, car price & maintenance cost. For me TLX beats a 320i at any of these.

noclue02

My then 2013 Accord LX 4 cyl, even with 48k miles on it, has no vibration during idle even with AC on. My 16' TLX vibration during idle is there 90% of the time. When AC is on, it reduce the vibration to a comfortable level. Had 2 18' TLX loaner and there were no vibration at all!

CheeseyPoofs McNut

I don't feel any noticeable (or excessive) vibration from my TLX - AC running or not.

wlkeel

Same here - nothing noticeable. My AC is always on auto.

noclue02

You're lucky that your car didn't vibrate like crazy during idle. My rpm dropped to nearly 500 rpm, which is where the vibration start to kick in. Have to move the steering wheel to get the rpm jump up a bit to reduce the vibration or had to put the car in neutral if I know I will stay at the light long enough =\

aggybong

The 15-16' 2.4L also had transmission issues, just not the same ones as the 3.5L. I had a '16 and luckily those issues were fully resolved with firmware updates performed at the dealer. Post-fix, I liked it so much that I purchased a 19' 2.4L A-Spec when my lease was up. Also, I never experienced any vibration issues, either from the A/C or when going above 70mph.

daschwa

Bought a used 2015. It does shift rough when cold, about to change trans fluid to see if that helps I consider it more of an annoyance than a deal breaker. I used to drive an '04 TSX and comparatively the trans on the TLX and increased torque makes this feel much "quicker", not fast but quick.

In between I did own a 2012 TL AWD and it just didn't align with me, never drove a 5th gen 6 cylinder so can't comment on that.

wlkeel

Make sure your dealer has performed the latest TSB for this issue (TSB 17-015 dated Sept 2017 - it replaces TSB-021 which was specifically for your problem as I recall).

I've had two minor issues with the DCT, both of which were resolved by TSB updates which I had done during routine service appointments. No inconvenience at all.

joflewbyu2

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

OP is looking at the 4-series, which doesn't offer the detuned 20i engine. And the two engines that are offered both beat a comparable TLX. Factor in CPO warranties and the maintenance difference will also be negligible.

Sean F1

Thanks for all the replies.

Now I'm stuck with too many choices...(that's a 1st world problem, right)....

Yes, I'm only looking at the 430 or 435i X-Drive vehicles, not the 320. The warranties are great on both the CPO and new TLX, but it's when those run out that the costs start to hit. I keep my cars 8-10 years or more so maintenance is going to be a factor.

Unfortunately (or fortunately I drove a friend Mercedes C400 last week. Holy Cow that was a blast. Then found a C450 in an awesome color for $45k so same price as the new TLX. Yes, maintenance on those is expensive too....but man it was a rocket ship.

F23A4

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

FWIW, my dad's E350 and my own C300 have both been trouble-free for the past 9 and 10 years (respectively).

Granted that's just a tiny sample, but enough to make me trust the brand long-term if I were to consider MB again.

In other words, go for the C450

technocrat

Since you are checking quite a few cars, have you TDed the Kia Stinger GT with the twin turbo V6? That thing flies. Give it a try. I bought a 2015 CPO for reasons too long to type else was sold on the Stinger.

Rocktman1

Hate the DCT.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

I have a couple minor issues with it but overall I think it's terrific - what do you hate about it?

noclue02

DCT has its up and down, but more up comparing to the 9 speed ZF tranny the V6 has. That tranny is the worst. I drove 17' and 18' model loaners, and I hated it during the first 3 gears. Not a smooth shifting tranny, always got a bit headache when driving it.

Gen4MDX

mapleloaf

The 8 DCT is considered equal to or better than most competitors by the most well respected reviewers (eg. Alex on Autos). I adore my - and the car is only "gutless" if you choose to drive like an AH. The pick-up on the highway is as good as many 6 cylinders in the 50 - 80k area - and has been documented as such.

mapleloaf

And since I love it so much I just agreed to a lease deal on a 2018 2.4 Elite ASpec

CheeseyPoofs McNut

Congrats!

Curious - did you consider the new RDX?

Gen4MDX

mapleloaf

I did. Drove it early on and then had one that was displayed in a Charity Golf tournament I help organize as a hole in one prize. I drove it over 2 days and quite liked it. We also had a Q% at another hole, and I thought the White ASpec model we had more than matched up on many levels, IMHO. However as a mainly retired guy, I really don't need an SUV, especially one that would cost 52K. It was tempting, and maybe next time, but I still enjoy driving a nice sedan.

mapleloaf

Thanks. I will after I pick up, likely Saturday. Getting tint, undercoating, and paint protection.