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Test drove an Audi A4 and quickly saw everything I was missing. I've driven Hondas all of my life so I wanted to stay loyal when it was time to step up to something nicer. Leased my TLX in May 2017 and ended up getting a deal for an Audi A4 2.0 Premium Plus. Liked my Acura but the A4 is in a completely different league. Nonetheless if Honda steps up their game with the next TLX I would go back, as I still feel a loyalty to them as a brand. Guess time will tell.
For anyone in a lease (even a new one like I was, only 11 months in), don't be dissuaded from getting out early - you will probably have negative equity but if you have the patience and basic negotiation skills you can always get into a new model without getting screwed over.
Even though I jumped ship to Audi I am still very interested in the future of Acura, things will only go up from here!
In last 5 cars, I have had 2 TLs, a tlx, a accord and with a Jeep Cherokee thrown in there. After the 2015 AWD tlx, I was so disappointed with the Acura brand I jumped ship to Lexus
Interesting how others have totally different impressions about the same car. I actually test drove an 2017A4 premium Quattro about a year ago because I was thinking of looking in a new direction. I was impressed with the reviews and ecu tuning potential. I actually was disappointed. The car drove fine. I did a quick u-tune and remember how much I hate turbo lag. In all honesty it felt cheap like maybe an upscale Jetta. I was not expecting that at all. The side mirrors looked horrible in my opinion like they would break off with a hand adjustment. I was immediately impressed with my in person feel of my TLX when I bought it. Again I reiterate I was not expecting that at all. I only had good thoughts going to the Audi dealership and walking to the car. After the test drive I actually felt better about the TLX again.
Interesting how others have totally different impressions about the same car. I actually test drove an 2017A4 premium Quattro about a year ago because I was thinking of looking in a new direction. I was impressed with the reviews and ecu tuning potential. I actually was disappointed. The car drove fine. I did a quick u-tune and remember how much I hate turbo lag. In all honesty it felt cheap like maybe an upscale Jetta. I was not expecting that at all. The side mirrors looked horrible in my opinion like they would break off with a hand adjustment. I was immediately impressed with my in person feel of my TLX when I bought it. Again I reiterate I was not expecting that at all. I only had good thoughts going to the Audi dealership and walking to the car. After the test drive I actually felt better about the TLX again.
Haha yeah, different strokes for different folks. LOL at the mirror comment, agreed. I do prefer the mirrors on the TLX. However the Audi mirrors came heated and with day/night adjusting glass. I do disagree on comparing an A4 to an upscale Jetta, though. I did love the clunk of the doors on my TLX compared to the Audi, but other than that, I do think Acura needs to majorly step up their fit and finish. I noticed this immediately with with the sheer weight of the trunk lid on the A4 vs the TLX,which felt flimsy in comparison.
I specifically chose the Premium Plus model with the "ultra' engine vs the higher output Quattro with the base "Premium". I personally didn't notice a huge handling difference with the Quattro and I frankly don't need AWD to commute in South Pasadena. Plus I loved the 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio (best sound system I've ever heard in a car) and the high-def screen on the dash and the central display. The Audi has the natural oak trim inside too, whereas the Acura has the laminate.
Anyway my point is more to say that if Honda/Acura really wanted to elevate their game in the premium market they could - it's obvious that the mainstream brand is their focus, and you can feel it in their products. Whereas with VW and Audi, the latter is their bread and butter. Toyota and Lexus seem to do equally well with making their respective customer bases happy. I just didn't realize what a real luxury/sport-sedan was until I went German. I feel like Acura always holds back just a tad - for example, I LOVE the RDX front end and interior, but I feel like they took the safe route with the tail lights. The back of the RDX simply doesn't look 'premium' to me. I just see RAV4.
Good news is that it seems Honda is listening. I think (hope) that by 2020/2021, Acura will have a totally elevated position in the luxury market. I just didn't want to wait that long. haha
In last 5 cars, I have had 2 TLs, a tlx, a accord and with a Jeep Cherokee thrown in there. After the 2015 AWD tlx, I was so disappointed with the Acura brand I jumped ship to Lexus
Would you mind disclosing disclosing the details of the deal? I ask because I am currently leasing a 17 TLX. I like it but am getting a bit bored. I’ve been looking at the new MX-5 RF.
After the VW diesel fiasco I am letting the VW family correct themselves and show they can earn my business. I don't think the engine management issue is over......
I've also been looking very hard at an A4 or A5 SB. But now with Acura stepping up it's game, I'm going to wait to see what the new RDX looks like when it comes out this summer. I would love to stay in the Acura family and I'm really hoping that the new TLX comes out next summer. If it does, I'm thinking of delaying my purchase. My TSX still runs like a champ, but after 8 years I'm chomping at the bit for a new car with new tech. The current TLX just doesn't have the upgrades I'm looking for. The navigation is basically the same as my 2010 model. I think the new head unit in the RDX will be very good.
The A4 is an all around better car period, I just can't get over how much it looks like a Jetta from the side and rear. The interior and front is beautiful though.
Would you mind disclosing disclosing the details of the deal? I ask because I am currently leasing a 17 TLX. I like it but am getting a bit bored. I’ve been looking at the new MX-5 RF.
$2500 down, $486/mo for 36 mos. I was $2500 upside down on my TLX lease after Audi gave me more than KBB did for the trade in value. Def. more than my Acura every month but very worth it. You're bored bc unfortunately the TLX is just that... boring. Get something that is fun to drive. I'm much happier now.
I've also been looking very hard at an A4 or A5 SB. But now with Acura stepping up it's game, I'm going to wait to see what the new RDX looks like when it comes out this summer. I would love to stay in the Acura family and I'm really hoping that the new TLX comes out next summer. If it does, I'm thinking of delaying my purchase. My TSX still runs like a champ, but after 8 years I'm chomping at the bit for a new car with new tech. The current TLX just doesn't have the upgrades I'm looking for. The navigation is basically the same as my 2010 model. I think the new head unit in the RDX will be very good.
Great pics of your new car. Enjoy and good luck.
Love the A5 SB also. But yeah it sounds like it might be a good idea for you to hold off then. Personally for me if the new RDX had a more upscale looking tail-end/rear lights along with bigger exhaust tips I would have stayed with the brand. Shame Acura makes you switch to the ASPEC just to get decent sized exhaust pipes in the back. Not a fan of the grey wheels. But yeah Acura definitely is stepping up their technology game. Probably still won't be at European level but a huge step in the right direction. Can't wait for the reviews to come out next month. Good luck with whatever you choose!
04-08-2018, 11:50 PM
