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The 18 TLX AWD ASPEC is the first Acura sedan I would consider purchasing in 12 years to replace my beloved third gen 06 TL 6 speed manual. But...there is so much evidence of cost cutting on the AWD ASPEC that I simply cannot consider purchasing one until my negotiated price meets the value proposition Acura is offering on the ASPEC. Hence, my focus on price. Thank you all for continuing to share your prices so we can be very educated consumers.
My top cost cutting concerns: None of these are deal breakers; but they motivate me to continue bargaining very hard.
1: The continued use of the ZF designed and manufactured 9 speed transmission. This transmission was not ready for prime time in 2015, and sullied the Acura brand. It should have been discontinued immediately for the 18 model year, especially since the new Honda designed and manufactured 10 speed transmission is already in use in the Honda Odyssey.
2: The 2018 J35 produces 290 HP in TLX trim. The 2007 J35 in the TL S-type produced 287 HP. Only a three horsepower improvement in 11 years. The bones of the J35 go back to the J30 of 1996 from 22 model years ago. Honda is known as an Engine company. There is no excuse to not be using the 310 HO J35 from the RLX in the ASPEC. Except for cost!
3: The head unit in the 2018 TLX produces GPS graphics no better than my 06 TL. The unit in the 2018 Accord is far superior. Another cost savings.
4: The platform used by the TLX is a full generation behind the 10th generation Accord. With the 4th gen TLX covering 6 model years, its possible we won't see a TLX using a new generation platform until the 2021 model year, three years behind the Accord, and 5 years behind the Civic upon which it is based.
These 4 examples are simply unacceptable for a car designed as "Precision Crafted Performance". Acura can and must do far better. I would pay $45750 (ASPEC AWD sticker) for a 320 HP AWD ASPEC with updated head unit and 10 speed Honda designed transmission. Until Acura quits focusing on cost cutting, and instead delivers true performance focused driver's cars, I'll wait until the deal matches the car. In my opinion, about $37K for the AWD ASPEC.
Excellent points, I am with you, I have a 2008 TL-S 6 speed w/ Aspec total kit. I also really like the 2018 Tlx , but for the same reasons am holding back from buying one, even though my 08 TL-s seems to be falling apart little by little....I really agree with #2 above, the 2018 RLX has the engine that we want, but is too expensive, and not sporty enough. They say the 310 HO J35 will be in the 2018 Accord!?
Last edited by StealthTL-S; Nov 12, 2017 at 09:37 PM.
That time of year again. Those of you on the fence may consider pulling the trigger now. This sounds like a great deal. I checked with the dealer here in Northern California, $2499 down+license/registration (totaling $2979). With tax, payment is around $399 per month for a TLX ASpec FWD, 36 months and 10,000 miles. I'd never put anything extra down on a lease, so the payment may bump up to $450-$475 with zero down.
Just checking on current offers/deals. One of my local Acura dealers is finally offering 2018 TLX Aspec AWD V6s for $39,900, first time below $40K. Acura is clearly providing additional $$ to dealers to move 2018 TLXs.
Another member stated paying $38,100 for this same model that retails for $45,750. Who else is getting deals in the high 30s?
Just checking on current offers/deals. One of my local Acura dealers is finally offering 2018 TLX Aspec AWD V6s for $39,900, first time below $40K. Acura is clearly providing additional $$ to dealers to move 2018 TLXs.
Another member stated paying $38,100 for this same model that retails for $45,750. Who else is getting deals in the high 30s?
I did get a deal similar to that. Newbie here to the forums, I picked up my Tlx A-Spec AWD a little over a week ago now and they gave me a good lease deal.
I put $3500 down
15/45k miles
$456 a month including tax
I traveled all the way down south to Orange county to pick it up since it was the last white AWD A-Apec with red leather in California for the 2018 models. I negotiated at one dealer and they couldn't get the car for me unless I paid $2000 more to have it delivered. I ended up calling the dealership in orange county and they matched the price. Well worth the flight and drive back since I am very happy with it.
I called my local dealer to see what they could offer for financing compared to my credit union to buyout my 15 AWD tech. They convinced me to trade in to get an Aspec. I told them I don’t see how since the mods I put in. I leased my 15 AWD tech originally 41,500 zero down 10k a year for $571 for 39 month lease. Yes my bad I didn’t work a deal for that one. I have $25,300 for the buyout and the blue book for great private party is about $24,000. So return lease picking this up would be $569 a month with 10k a year zero down 36 month lease. For an additional $2000 they agreed to return my car to stock with my parts(stock springs, wheels, HFPC/jpipe, bored throttle body) and then swap them onto the apsec. I feel that is pretty good deal. That is about $500 for springs for each car and $500 for the HFPC/jpipe for each. They said they could swap my wheel spacer and wheel sensors too(18 not compatible with previous years) and other odds and ins or I could do the small stuff myself but if they are willing to do it all for one price then heck yea. I am going to see if I can get them to swap my alignment kit in for the same price (paid $300 for the kit and $500 for install originally) too otherwise I will have some negative camber on the ASPEC.
Last edited by ultrapogi; May 7, 2018 at 09:37 PM.
Just checking on current offers/deals. One of my local Acura dealers is finally offering 2018 TLX Aspec AWD V6s for $39,900, first time below $40K. Acura is clearly providing additional $$ to dealers to move 2018 TLXs.
Another member stated paying $38,100 for this same model that retails for $45,750. Who else is getting deals in the high 30s?
I got mine two days ago , Aspec, FWD,V6 for $39,300 with tinted windows, side door moldings, cargo tray and wheels locks.
^^ THAT's the way to buy a car these days. Pricing/cost/incentives info is all out there. Why sit around in a cubicle somewhere and let people waste your time. Good job/good price.
Honda has limited production so far of the 2019 TLX, and accordingly there are fewer incentives currently offered. They blew out the 2018's in February/March with $5,500 in incentives. I leased a 2018 AWD Tech in February and the cap cost was $8,000 less than sticker as an example.After being caught with so many cars in inventory-they have adjusted production of the 19's. Not sure if that will hold going forward but no manufacturer wants to have to take that kind of hit.
Honda has limited production so far of the 2019 TLX, and accordingly there are fewer incentives currently offered. They blew out the 2018's in February/March with $5,500 in incentives. I leased a 2018 AWD Tech in February and the cap cost was $8,000 less than sticker as an example.After being caught with so many cars in inventory-they have adjusted production of the 19's. Not sure if that will hold going forward but no manufacturer wants to have to take that kind of hit.
This is a very bad sign. Limiting production due to slow sales, then limiting it more and more, and before you know it the model is discontinued.
This is a very bad sign. Limiting production due to slow sales, then limiting it more and more, and before you know it the model is discontinued.
The TLX is selling well enough to keep it in production. Meanwhile sedan sales are soft in comparison to SUV sales in the US so it's no surprise they're scaling back - especially as the 19 RDX will certainly take some sales away from the TLX.
Some dealers here still have 18s so I am sure the 19s are ramping slowly to allow the 18s to get sold. Makes sense and why they are only giving me $4K off a 19 APEC AWD. And as rare as the Red leather is I am likely to jump on this.
Some dealers here still have 18s so I am sure the 19s are ramping slowly to allow the 18s to get sold. Makes sense and why they are only giving me $4K off a 19 APEC AWD. And as rare as the Red leather is I am likely to jump on this.
