Well, after reading many of your guys’ post while offering very little assistance, I thought a good way to expand myself on AZ would be to do a 6 month review.



I was never really sold on the ILX. I test drove it right when it came out in 2012 but was never wooed. My original plan was to purchase TSX until I read the disappointment of its discontinuation. Anyways. The dealer cold called me one day and said that the 2014 ILX Base 2.0 had significant price reductions. After some hesitation over the road noise during my test drive, I bought the car anyways at 15% of MSRP (plus got the protection package and door sills for free). Good deal.

I’ve driven the over 9,000 miles already (!) and haven’t had any major issues. Contrary to the well-criticized rear noises, I have yet to hear such things.

Changes I have made (nothing dramatic):
DRL LED lights from ijdmtoys
HID 5k
OEM door sills (as mentioned)
LED interior lights … foot and rear
OEM all-season mats
Protection package that came with it.
Reverse LED lights ijdmtoys
Trunk cargo hooks
Perhaps do a dynamat on the doors and trunk? Still ambivalent.

The goods:
* Posh-y interior. I truly do love the interior. It makes a BMW 3 series (at least the one i sat in) look bland.
* Paddle shifters. These are truly helpful and are not there just for display. When wanting to overtake a 70 year old grandpa, they do come in handy! In fact, with the usage of the paddle shifters, I do think the 2.0 base is sufficient.
* Base stereo system. While i do not have the Tech package, the 7 speaker system does quite well. Clear, loud, and rich. My only pet peeve about the stereo is that when i sit in the back, it is quite disappointing to not here anything but the subwoofer from the rear.
* Gauges. Sure, the new Lexus IS offers some innovative gauges, but our ILXs’ do quite well too. Very rich and classy.
* Seats. Good, classy feel.


The bads:
* The engine! (just kidding). The 2.0 is just fine.
* Road noise. Can't tell the difference if a 2012 Civic sedan is quieter.
* The 5-inch display screen. So i saw that the Civic almost has — if not — the same screen as us. At a time when the ILX is suppose to head over shoulders over its little brother, having the same display screen is troubling.
* My biggest regret (and boy do i think about it everyday): Not getting a Tech package. Not only do i wish i had the award-winning ELS system but also the fact that my resell value would have been better. I’ve already spent about $1000 in upgrades, such as fog lights, dim view mirrors, and an HID kit. Could’ve saved that with the Tech and could have gotten better trade in offers. Oh well. Man, i sure do want that ELS system too. Meh.
*Passenger manual seat. My friends are like "great looking car, bro! this is big boy status!" **walks in and has a seat in the passenger side** then says, "this is manual? thats cool too, i guess."
* Brakes. Every morning i depart my house, those brakes makes that odd noise (not squeaks) — like it sounds cheap. Idk
* Engine noise. Wish it had more of an aggressive sound, possibly a speaker.
* Siri Eyes Free. The Base models are not eligible, even though we have the same system to the Premium. Such a disgrace, Acura.
* Side mirror lights. Of course.
* Needs more of a refined look in terms of the back lights. Too plain. Reminds me of the Accord…three generation models ago.


Overall, I am content. I like the car. Because i got a great deal (at least that’s what i would like to think), I feel as if I’m getting good value for the features and style. Not too bad.

If there one suggestion/regret i have (especially if you are a prospective buyer)… get the Tech package. Just do it (unless it’s 2.4 model, of course). And… when purchasing the car, be very aggressive to have the OEM parts included so that you don’t have to go searching on Ebay. More likely than not, the dealers will give a lot of the products for free after some courageous negotiations. In other words, get as much as you can for a deep discount, because once you drive you off, they do not give any reasonable discounts.


I will try to post some pictures soon. Thank you all for your insight and the periodical help that you provide.

 

awww I still got TSX despite discontinuation tho.. haha

hope to see your updates with pics soon