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Recently purchased a 2019 TLX A-Spec V-6 SH-AWD (Black/Red). Currently, the car is receiving a front-end clear wrap, ceramic coating, and tint job at my local detailing shop. I can’t wait to get it back!
This is my 2nd Acura, my first being a 1997 Integra LS I bought new. I traded it in for a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5SE when my 2nd kid was born. I wouldn’t go as far to say the Altima was a mistake, but although it was a lot more fun to drive than the equivalent Accord at the time, I do have some mild regrets for straying from my Honda/Acura favoritism.
So, I’m back in the fold, and really happy to be an owner of a TLX. I test drove Audi S5, Audi A5, and BMW 330i. The S5 was great, but I had a psychological block about paying $67K for a car that would be super expensive to maintain once off warranty (I like to keep cars for 10 years). The A5 was nice, but not worth the price premium over the TLX (they drove and felt similarly, although the Audi’s tech was way ahead of the TLX, IMHO). The 330i was the most responsive handling vehicle of the 4 I tested, but it was also the smallest, least comfortable, and had the goofiest-looking virtual cockpit (plus, it wasn’t worth $10K more than a TLX).
I chose the TLX because it was the best balanced vehicle for performance, comfort, functionality, cost of ownership, and reliability. I admit that I applied much weight to CoO and reliability, so that likely tipped the scales heavily in favor of the TLX. Regardless, no regrets. Perhaps next time, in the years before retirement, I’ll lease one of those German sports sedans. That way, it doesn’t end up being my problem once out of warranty!
Acura could really disrupt the marketplace if they can maintain a high level of reliability, good looks, all while goosing performance numbers. I’d like to see them give the 4-cyl model another 45-50 hp with a turbocharger (while checking it at combined 26-27 mpg and giving it a similar boost in torque). I’d like to see two V-6 models - one with a single turbocharger that puts out >=320 hp, and one with a dual turbo putting out >=380 hp. If so, they could increase pricing and still undercut the Germans, all while going toe-to-toe on specs. THAT would be sick! Their lineup would mirror the A4/S4/RS4 of Audi and the 330i/M340i/M3 of BMW (TLX/TLX A-Spec/TLX Type R).
gorgeous car. congrats! i can definitely understand where you're coming from.... if only acura could measure up to the germans in their performance lineup.. hopefully with the type s... we will see eh?
Acura is capable of so much more. That, in and of itself is amazing, considering I think the TLX is a fantastic car. I hear really good things about the MDX and new RDX, too. Personally, I would have been willing to spend 10% more on the A-Spec I purchased if it came with 10% more hp and a corresponding bump in torque. However, I'm really happy with what I have, but I just know they can do so much more.
