Please provide your thoughts on the car so far.

 

Yes. I got an ILX 2.4 6MT on 6/12/12 and have driven it 9,600 miles. Fun ride, just got its 2nd oil change today. Getting 32+ MPG. Zero issues. Sporty ride, nice technology, attractive looks, overall a great driver. In fact, I've driven it through 14 states already.

On my blog I've shared pics and stories for all my experiences with the car so far, including a write-up from this past weekend where I shared my perspective on how I feel about my new ILX in comparison to my tried and true 515k mile 6MT 1994 Legend.

http://drivetofive.wordpress.com

Enjoy!

 

 

I guess I should have said anyone aside from Tyson Thanks for sharing.

 

how's the clutch? Where's the engagement point?

 

Clutch effort is very light but I found the engagement point a little on the high side with a small(ish) engagement 'sweet spot'

 

damn...that's what I hated when I test drove the new si. I'm hoping I'll get used to it because the dealer I'm going to only has the A/T model for me to test drive. The only other manual is 30+ miles away. How do you do a smooth shift when driving casually, just release the clutch gradually from the half way point?

 

Hard to really describe, but after 50 miles with my manual TSX you just get accustomed to it. The TSX gives me quite a bit of rev hang which allows for smooth shifting, it is a bit annoying though. Any of the ILX guys experiencing mad rev hang on their 6 speeds?

 

It appears there are more Bugatti's out on the road than 6 speed ILX's at the moment. Is Tyson the only one here with a 6 speed so far? I need some additional feedback on the 2.4 in order to get one.

 

there are two other users on here that have one...one is owned by someone who posts on here regularly (he's got a grey one) and the other is owned by a forum member's son...he's in the tsx forums.

 

It seems like the universe is telling us that you need to be the 'early adopter' so you can tell us about it!

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/ilx-382/new-owner-polished-metal-metallic-6mt-pics-861560/

 

Very nice. That is my fav color and the one I am looking to get. Can you please provide us with an updated review on the 6 speed. Some pros/cons and handling...

Thanks

 

I'd appreciate that, too

 

Well I don't have nearly as many miles under my belt as Tyson and if you haven't already you should visit his drivetofive blog. I have had 2 first gen TSXs, one mt and one auto, CL typeS, RSX typeS, 2 first gen RDXs and a ZDX. We actually went from the ZDX to the ILX as a matter of economy as I am retired and my wife retires this month.

Does it handle as well as the RDXs and ZDX, no, SHAWD is a distinct advantage. Does it handle as well as the 1st gen TSX or RSX typeS, probably not but very close with a much smoother and civilized ride and obviously more Tech. The 6mt is great and the power is very good imo and the gas mileage is excellent compared to all of my previous Acuras. The 6mt is noisier than the 2.0L, both the engine and the exhaust. I am surprised at the nice sounds the exhaust makes it burbles when you down shift and or let off the gas but I am sure a lot of people would not like it.

Running through the gears, shifting at 7000 rpm lets it move quite nicely, yet shifting at 2500-3000 rpm makes for a smooth civilized ride. Have I pushed it through the corners as hard as my RDXs and ZDX, not really as the shawd does really spoil you and I still have to adjust to the new driving dynamics. Bottom line I don't regret getting it and as we paid about $4000.00 less than a similarly equipped TSX. It was the only choice for us if we were to downsize. I had no intention of buying any other auto makers vehicle as nice as they might be. I have had 13 Acuras over 20 years and the service I get from my Acura dealer is second to none so for us it was stick with what you know not what might be.

You really need to drive it yourself, but you need to get more than a 5-10 min test drive. My dealer just gives me the keys and lets me take it all day if I want and or over night which gives you a much better idea of the car and its handling than a short test drive.

 

Yea, my dealer treats me really nicely, which is why I've acquired 2 Acuras from them and soon to be a third. Glad to see that you're happy!

 

5,000 mi 2.4L owner reporting in. I have a question for the two of you that own one. I think my engine inside the cabin sounds completely and utterly awful. It sounds like there's a lot of unwanted engine noise coming in through the A/C vents or something that ruins the experience. If I build the engine up to about 4K RPM and let off the gas, it sounds like a really loud coffee brewer. Not sure if there's something going on with my car specifically. When I roll the window down, different story. Motor sounds like a diesel engine in low RPM though going uphill. Kinda took me off guard at first.
I also have issues with the suspension making popping sounds from a loose bolt that seems to loosten itself every time a mechanic tightens it.

 

The rev hang is pretty annoying. For some reason my car just started doing that. It wasn't doing it before this week. I had to adjust my driving style around that. I think the clutch is really nice though. VERY easy to learn if you're a newbie to manual. This was my first MT car and I found it effortless to learn. The hill-hold assist takes the difficulty out of steep hill starts. Other than the engine and suspension noises I mentioned above, its a great car.

 

Sounds like my S2000. I guess I'd get used to that with no trouble.

 

I've put about 350 miles on my 2.4 MT in the last two weeks since I purchased it. The clutch is light and short, but I love it. My first Acura so nothing to compare it against except a couple of old Civics I've had in the past. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a nice amount of power between gears when shifting at ~4000 RPM. So casual driving still has a good amount of fun. As for the engine/exhaust noise, also pleasantly surprised. Can't say mine makes any strange noises at low RPMs though.

 

I just wish they had the exhaust tips showing on the car.

 

Specifically AP2 clutches. IMO, the change in 'feel' is caused by the check valve that they've all had to some degree since ~2004. Earlier AP1 clutches were much more progressive and easy to modulate.

 

Definitely agree Colin. I got used to it, but the early AP1's I drove years ago were 'ideal' to me.

 

Yup, we had two AP1s and two AP2s and recall each fondly. Especially the debate on the merits of each one. IMO the 2.4 clutch would be too different from the CR-Z to make jumping back and forth much fun (muscle memory being what it is). Actually considering a base ILX Hybrid to replace my totaled RSX. It would be my first automatic ever... EVER in 35 years of car ownership. (sad)

 

the 8th gen si had a great progressive clutch that made modulation so easy...I want something like that

 

Don't fall into the trap of passing judgment before you've driven one. "Easy to modulate" is something that is difficult to describe in the best of times. These things are all relative. However, it seems that the cars with higher torque output are getting a different clutch arrangement then the lower powered cars, or ones with little torque (the K20 engine for example).

 

Hmm i've never put a lot of thought in that.

 

I drove the newest si, which has the same clutch arrangement from what I've been told.

 

You're going to 'trust' the (somewhat) anonymous folks on the internet or try it for yourself? "Everyone" on the internet is saying the drivetrains are identical (not counting the LSD) but Acura says they've changed the shift linkages for better feel and it hasn't been well reported. I haven't driven an Si so I can offer any comparison, but it's possible the clutch may feel different.

 

I got a great deal from a dealer that doesn't have a manual in stock...how do I go to a dealer and test drive a car knowing I won't buy from them? Do I say I'm gonna think about it? I just don't wanna pull the salesman's/woman's strings.

 

I was just gonna test drive the auto

 

I appreciate your ethical dilemma. Personally, I would be upfront with them. Number one, you're not buying anything from any dealer without trying it first. Couldn't you give the first dealer another opportunity to get your business? (In exchange for a test drive of a car you might purchase) I think you mentioned earlier that you have a good relationship with this dealership.

Another thing to consider with "dealership B" is that it's very easy to give an outstanding price quote when you don't have the product in stock. And I'm certainly not suggesting that they might "change their mind" but stranger things have happened.

 

Yea, I'll go in and speak with the girl tomorrow. I'll tell her I'll reconsider once / if I'm comfortable with the test drive...I'll tell her there's no point throwing numbers sans exposure to the car.

I'm concerned about dealership b because I'm doing a trade in and am worried that my car will get "devalued" as I'm driving it around while they try to source my car. I want a BWP ilx and there seem to be only 3 listed in the country right now (or at least that what cars.com says).

 

I don't have any problem with the engine noise, not sure what you are hearing. I am assuming you are talking about the muffler when you let off at 4000 rpm, I kind of like it myself.
Diesel engine??? Sorry don't understand what you are getting at all there.

 

I haven't noticed this rev hang I keep hearing mentioned. Maybe I just don't know what I am looking for.

 

Picking up my ILX next week, but I test drove it today. Whoever is complaining about the car should see it in person. Looks GREAT inside! The chrome accents, coupled with the feature set, give it a more premium feel the the tsx...the only complaint about the interior is some of the angles on the dash (namely on the passenger side) could've been better sculpted.

Steering is VERY light and not as dynamic as the TSX's....in other words, the tsx has a sportier steering feel. Clutch is light, a little too light, but the shifter is butter. Clutch engagement is a little high, but nothing I won't get used it. Car could def use stronger motor mounts, felt as if the motor was moving hard during hard shifts.

All in all, I'm excited and happy to have bought it. We'll see how I feel after a couple of thousand miles.

I should also note that the TSX auto "feels" faster, it might not necessarily be the case, but it certainly feels like its got more torque...it could be the torque converter working magic, but yea...ilx ftw

 

Good deal.

 

I may pick up a metal metallic 6 speed next week.

 

 

i love the 2.4, such a great car! Coming from a TSX, I can say no regrets at all. Too bad I have second gear grind, as confirmed by three friends and I driving the car.