jungy4

Hey all, good to be back on Acurazine.

I used to own a 2006 TL 6MT, traded that for a 2011 Cadillac CTS coupe, and now I drive a 2011 Infiniti FX35. I am shopping for a new car again.

I was interested in a 4G TL SH-AWD 6MT with low miles (I drive about 20,000 miles a year) but I realized they are very hard to come buy. Plus, if I want to get a car to keep for the next 4-5 years, I am not sure if I want a model that's almost a decade old now.

So I am looking at 2015-2016 TLX SHAWD with Tech package. Any major issues with the first year 2015 model that it would be a good idea to just avoid it?

I am also looking at 2014-2015 Lincoln MKZ AWD with 300HP 3.7L V6. They both drove pretty nice. I would think that the TLX would be more reliable. I personally like the looks of the MKZ better though, and it is also a bit cheaper due to its poor resale value.

Any comments?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the first year TLX had funny transmission shifting. most complainers complained about the V6 with the ZF9speed tranny. it would display an odd shift at an odd time. Slowing down to turn, give it a little gas, and there would be a hesitation or pause in the tranny logic. Most people said this was dangerous, as a slight hesitation while giving it the beans is odd and can cause an accident.


PLUS, the 2015's already look dated....them '18 Aspecs are the TITS

jungy4

I do like the looks of the TLX after MMC, but that will be more than I want to spend.

neuronbob

If you are looking at a 2015-2016, test drive is mandatory so you know whether the car shifts to your expectations.

ZipSpeed

I wouldn't even bother looking at 2015s. Start looking at 2016s and newer.

pyrodan007

Absolutely true, deals are omens to problems with 2015s

dezymond

I came from a 2008 TL to my 2015 TLX. In terms of transmission, the TL was way more responsive, even with the TLX in sport mode. The transmission does take a bit of getting used to, no matter what your driving style. I personally stick with normal 90% of the time, but sport mode is definitely more responsive. That being said, I've noticed lately once I passed the 30k mile mark that the transmission wasn't shifting as smoothly. I've brought it to Acura 3 times since and will be mentioning it again once I need an oil change.

Other than that I love my TLX. The transmission isn't the smoothest, but honestly I've gotten pretty used to it so it doesn't bother me so much anymore. If I were you, I would start my search on a later build 2016 model.

F23A4

Tardym

Hi Jungy4,

Like Neuronbob said, Make sure you do a very good test drive, not a 5 minutes drive around the block. A lot of us are having vibrations issue that can't be solve by Acura. And they are not doing anything else for it.
Like 2-3 members here , we are in court with this issue. Be carefull.

Thanks, Mickey.

CPR

I had the 2015 TLX SH-AWD/Tech
Long story short; transmission sucked; Acura balked for a year before they replaced it
Once it was replaced, the car was fine
Moral of the story: make SURE you get a CarFax, to see if the tranny was replaced, or take it to someone that knows
A test drive is a no-brainer
Good luck!

jungy4

Thanks for all the comments so far.

I wouldn't call the MKZ a sports sedan. Maybe the 2017+ face lift with the twin-turbo 400HP, but I am looking at 2014-2016 for how much I want to spend.
If you guys want to recommend avoiding the 2015 models, I am leaning towards the MKZ so I can spend a little less money. I see it as the direct competitor of the TLX. They are both FWD based with similar new car pricing.

I would definitely test drive at least a couple more times.

Saintor

The MKZ is certainly more striking. Ford has done a very good job, distinguishing it from the Fusion, giving it character - I really like the 2014-2016 (not the 2017 front-end). For an horizon of 4-5yrs bringing it to 8-10 years, my money is on the Honda even if it means +$3-4K initially. Probably that you'll recoup a good chunk of that at the resale. 2016+, though.

kurtatx

Saintor is right on this.

Don't even consider a Lincoln

jungy4

I can understand the thoughts on the resale value. But when either of these 2 cars become 10 years old with 150k miles, I would think the difference in trade in value then will be smaller than the cost difference now.

Any car I get, it would be CPO with extended warranty.

In the meantime, still checking to see if there is any 4G TL 6MT that popped up, because I do miss having 3 pedals.

Damn decisions.