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I have the new 2018 A-Spec Awd. Have also had 2017 v6 Tech TLX and prior to that and 07 Type S. For me having owned the three it is my opinion that anyone with a type S will be well served to keep their car. I would also put anyone in a 4th Gen TL in that category. I do think the 2018 is a nice upgrade looks and handling wise from the 15-17 TLX's. Looks wise the 2018 is by far better and the A-Spec suspension with AWD has a way different feel and handles well although doesn't feel as nimble as the Type S.. The trans still has the lag, i don't care what anyone says, it is there. That is the major downside to anyone going from a 3rd or 4th gen TL. If I had a time machine I would go back to my Type S. I do think any TLX owner with a pre 2018 TLX will enjoy the A-Spec more but the trans is still the weak link. The styling is there but the trans is a real downer. I don't think the tech upgrades are that significant and for me personally I would love to be able to turn off the anti-collision braking as it on rare occasions kicks in when i am looking to accelerate around another car. The manual shift mode paddle shifters are horrible as in almost all cases the car lurches forward on downshift in anything other than Sport Plus mode which is not a mode you can use in any sense of everyday driving.
To me bottom line is the car is nice but in hindsight I would have rather not made the leap to the TLX. The A-Spec as far as the TLX goes is the best version of this generation but will not be an upgrade for anyone looking for equal performance from prior generation TL's. My opinion is probably in the minority but for those looking to upgrade be aware.
Fully agree with you, hands down. Almost in the same situation as you related to previous TLs.
Expect Saintor's response about the 9ZF being flawless only in Sport+ in 3,2,1.... which is stupid btw since a transmission should be ok in any situation, just faster.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 09-11-2017 at 09:36 PM.
Fully agree with you, hands down. Almost in the same situation as you related to previous TLs.
Expect Saintor's response about the 9ZF being flawless only in Sport+ in 3,2,1.... which is stupid btw since a transmission should be ok in any situation, just faster.
+++
The Sport+ mode is more like a track mode and is in no way any mode you can realistically want to drive in for more than any time it takes to level off to a steady speed unless you enjoy cruising at in gear two to three gears to low. When going at a steady speed and you decide to make a quick pass forget about it, wait, wait and then the downshift. The older gens and even the RDX have no lag. It is what it is but it's not great.Early reviews of no lag seem to either be from people just didn't know it when it happened or think its normal.Perhaps the 15 models were much worse that the current lag seems to not exist. Worst part is you get it at the exact times when you least want it which now gives me hesitation on what should be routing passing and merging in traffic. Again, at least it looks good and handles decent.
As for Saintor his response on a prior thread was "get educated" but having driven multiple TLX's and the type S I don't need to get educated as I have driven them hands on for many miles. You can educate yourself by reading or know the facts by driving them.
Wow, funny you guys say that. I was at the dealer getting mine serviced just now and even though I saw a nice blue 2018 aspec on the lot, there was nothing compelling me to want to take it for a spin. Especially since they aren't offered in a manual anymore - I will keep mine for as long as I can.
Appreciate the review. The chance of me moving from my 4G FWD TL to a TLX isn't very good, but it's still helpful to get information. I was given a '17 TLX V6 AWD for a loaner for a day while the air bag recall and torque converter software update was done on my '12 TL. It's not like I hated the car or something. It was very nice. But I was happy to get back into my TL.
Question - There's a lot of talk about downshifting the tranny, but what about upshifting using the paddle shifters? I almost exclusively use the paddle shifters on my 6AT and I find them to be quite responsive. Granted, this is the first DD I've had with an AT so I don't have much to compare it to, but I don't find the upshifts it to be that bad compared to a manual. I rarely downshift though. I let the transmission do that automatically when I slow down. When I do downshift to get some better acceleration, I find it to be obviously slower than a manual but it's certainly not slow enough to bother me. Is it that painfully slow in the TLX? It's hard to understand why it would have more lag than previous generations of their cars. That's kind of a step backwards.
The trans still has the lag, i don't care what anyone says, it is there
...
The Sport+ mode is more like a track mode and is in no way any mode you can realistically want to drive in for more than any time
Not really. I do it daily, most of the time, in S+ or M modes. In S+ mode I don't mind it letting the transmission doing its job.
The ZF9 is a great transmission. I would be the 1st to whine, believe me. Don't let the throttle mapping fool you.
Not really. I do it daily, most of the time, in S+ or M modes. In S+ mode I don't mind it letting the transmission doing its job.
The ZF9 is a great transmission. I would be the 1st to whine, believe me. Don't let the throttle mapping fool you.
Really great at piling up the TBS'S
TSB 17-011 - Product Update: TLX 9-Speed Transmission Warmer.
TSB 17-012 - Product Update: TLX 9-Speed Transmission Warmer (Transmission Previously Replaced for Transmission Warmer Leaking).
TSB 17-027 - Warranty Extension: TLX Transmission Chirps During 3-4 Shift, Poor Shift Quality, or Engine Overheats Because of Defective ATF Warmer
BACKGROUND
Some 9-speed transmission warmers were improperly manufactured and allow the engine coolant and ATF to mix. If the fluids mix, the engine and transmission may be permanently damage.
Interesting that you are telling everybody the shifting problems are a throttle mapping issue & HONDA is extending the warranty on the transmission for poor shift quality.
Who is correct Saintor or HONDA?
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-26-2017 at 11:54 PM.
I came from a 3G TL (non Type-S) and got a 2015 TLX SHAWD. I agree with you, I love the look of the TLX and I love the interior (I have the black with brown interior) but as soon as I drive the car, it really feels disappointing. I'm ok with putting up for it now and it's good to know that in terms of performance and feel, the bar isn't set that high for my next car.
I have had 2 TLX loaners in the last year while my 2010 TL AWD was in for oil changes. They were both very nice, solid, feature-laden cars (I think both were V6 FWD Techs). The first one, especially, seemed very quick and responsive. The second one did have a bit of a lag in the acceleration both from a stop and in highway passing situations. My overall reaction to both cars was that they were very nice cars for the money, but they were certainly "detuned" from the performance level designed into the TL AWD (mine is a 6MT). They rode softer, turn-in was less sharp, seats were less heavily bolstered, etc. If you are coming from a TL-S or a TL SH AWD, you might be disappointed if you're looking for that performance orientation. Additionally, while the HD radio was nice, the ELS sound system did not seem quite as pure and powerful as the set up in my car. But I have not driven a TLX SH AWD, nor have I driven yet (but hope to) an '18 A Spec.
My overall reaction to both cars was that they were very nice cars for the money, but they were certainly "detuned" from the performance level designed into the TL AWD (mine is a 6MT). They rode softer, turn-in was less sharp,
Really great at piling up the TBS'S
TSB 17-011 - Product Update: TLX 9-Speed Transmission Warmer.
TSB 17-012 - Product Update: TLX 9-Speed Transmission Warmer (Transmission Previously Replaced for Transmission Warmer Leaking).
TSB 17-027 - Warranty Extension: TLX Transmission Chirps During 3-4 Shift, Poor Shift Quality, or Engine Overheats Because of Defective ATF Warmer
BACKGROUND
Some 9-speed transmission warmers were improperly manufactured and allow the engine coolant and ATF to mix. If the fluids mix, the engine and transmission may be permanently damage.
Interesting that you are telling everybody the shifting problems are a throttle mapping issue & HONDA is extending the warranty on the transmission for poor shift quality.
Who is correct Saintor or HONDA?
Both.
First, you won't see the Germans support their customers like this. Honda is exemplary. I had to deal with BMW and zillions of nonsense that I spent money on. I wished BMW was supporting my car like this - they actually prefer to cover things than make right.
Second those bulletins cover early series TLX, absolutely not 2017-2018. Just drivel.
First, you won't see the Germans support their customers like this. Honda is exemplary. I had to deal with BMW and zillions of nonsense that I spent money on. I wished BMW was supporting my car like this - they actually prefer to cover things than make right.
Second those bulletins cover early series TLX, absolutely not 2017-2018. Just drivel.
Germans sometimes don't need TSBs for stuff that's not broken
Germans sometimes don't need TSBs for stuff that's not broken
Funny. That's a good one. They actually broke much more.
To bring my POS BMW to 85000 miles I spent $8233CA for expenses normally covered in a new car. And I declined the 50% $1800 (ouf of $3600) "goodwill" to change my rear differential on my then 6yo car.
Funny. That's a good one. They actually broke much more.
To bring my POS BMW to 85000 miles I spent $8233CA for expenses normally covered in a new car. And I declined the 50% $1800 (ouf of $3600) "goodwill" to change my rear differential on my then 6yo car.
First, you won't see the Germans support their customers like this. Honda is exemplary. I had to deal with BMW and zillions of nonsense that I spent money on. I wished BMW was supporting my car like this - they actually prefer to cover things than make right.
Second those bulletins cover early series TLX, absolutely not 2017-2018. Just drivel.
Maybe HONDA/ACURA came to Jesus after denying, lying, stalling & finally getting whacked with class action suites filed against them over the transmissions. IIRC they started the same old tap dance with the initial troubles broke over the TLX V6 9 speed. Someone started a class action over it. Lots of bad reviews & press what could they do other than man up to the problem.
As for dealing with BMW maybe its just you. Have not had a bad service experience since 2004. Did have to fight to get my TL transmission rebuilt under the TSB. Also took them 3 come backs for them to see my left rear light was not working.
My 125K mile 2004 BMW 330Ci ZHP 6MT cost me under $1500 out of pocket, excluding tires, over 10 years.
Kurtatx. IIRC he had an old 325 4 door.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-29-2017 at 08:43 PM.
First, you won't see the Germans support their customers like this. Honda is exemplary.
Forgot to mention, did you see the thread related to the 9ZF problems? How many times did people have to go to be told it's normal, only to have TSBs being multiplied. What's the point of having a TSB if it's not even valid, not even mentioning Canadian support? You have no idea how happy I am to abandon by POS soon. I keep on hearing new noises from it on a daily basis, now I get a screech when shutting down engine. Pretty sure it's the transmission, yet zero recalls on mine.
Counting down the minutes for my loaded 'unreliable' Manhattan grey A4 Technik to be delivered from Toronto.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 09-29-2017 at 09:10 PM.
The guys turbo broke....stuff happens why should I say it didn't. Never said you did not spend $8800 to fix your car, just that what happened cars built 8 years ago or so is not relevant anymore than the old road test links you constantly refer too.
Another post in the same thread "Uggh. Frustrating. I feel very fortunate in that I have an N54 and 134k miles on the car and not a single turbo issue...of course, now that I've said that I'll probably have both blow up on me on the way home today."
The guys turbo broke....stuff happens why should I say it didn't. Never said you did not spend $8800 to fix your car, just that what happened cars built 8 years ago
Wrong. It went from 2011 until 2016, out of warranty.
Wrong. It went from 2011 until 2016, out of warranty.
Keep leasing.
Gee thats too bad, thought your 325 you always talk about was the one that they stopped making a while ago.
2011 was not that bad of a year. My 2011 335IS is still running strong with its original turbos & no issues as far as I know. The guy who bought it is in the same sports car club as I am & runs the same Auto-X series but in a different class. So I do still see it on occasion, very nice looking car still IMHO.
Will do on leasing my DD. Most of the cars/trucks are bought because I will have them for a while. My DD's are generally leased because I like new cars especially performance versions. Since they tend to improve quickly & its no big strain for me why not get a new toy every few years.
Forgot to mention, did you see the thread related to the 9ZF problems? How many times did people have to go to be told it's normal, only to have TSBs being multiplied. What's the point of having a TSB if it's not even valid, not even mentioning Canadian support? You have no idea how happy I am to abandon by POS soon. I keep on hearing new noises from it on a daily basis, now I get a screech when shutting down engine. Pretty sure it's the transmission, yet zero recalls on mine.
Counting down the minutes for my loaded 'unreliable' Manhattan grey A4 Technik to be delivered from Toronto.
test drove the Premium Plus with additional packages in the same color last weekend, the wife and I really liked it and are leaning towards it over the A-Spec.
test drove the Premium Plus with additional packages in the same color last weekend, the wife and I really liked it and are leaning towards it over the A-Spec.
It really is a great all around car. Being a 2017, I got a great deal where for only $40 more per month over the Elite Aspec, I'm only missing 3 features for it to be completely equipped (missing heated steering, heated rear, Audi Connect). Originally getting blue with no HUD and adaptive suspension but with heated steering, unfortunately was already sold... too bad.
Last edited by pyrodan007; 10-01-2017 at 01:19 AM.
It really is a great all around car. Being a 2017, I got a great deal where for only $40 more per month over the Elite Aspec, I'm only missing 3 features for it to be completely equipped (missing heated steering, heated rear, Audi Connect). Originally getting blue with no HUD and adaptive suspension but with heated steering, unfortunately was already sold... too bad.
I drove the Audi after the A-Spec and liked both. The A-spec felt larger and very stable. The A4 felt a little more nimble, quicker, and smaller.
I really liked the A4 but still have concerns about the long term reliability on it though, I plan to keep either car long term.
I drove the Audi after the A-Spec and liked both. The A-spec felt larger and very stable. The A4 felt a little more nimble, quicker, and smaller.
I really liked the A4 but still have concerns about the long term reliability on it though, I plan to keep either car long term.
You’ll be happy with both cars. If you go for the Audi, make sure you get either the Continentals or Pirellis on your car, and not the Hankooks. The new Pirelli P Zero Z4 is getting excellent reviews. Also, see if the dealer can include the USB cable package for free. They’re the best phone cables I’ve ever come across.
You’ll be happy with both cars. If you go for the Audi, make sure you get either the Continentals or Pirellis on your car, and not the Hankooks. The new Pirelli P Zero Z4 is getting excellent reviews. Also, see if the dealer can include the USB cable package for free. They’re the best phone cables I’ve ever come across.
The stock Pirellis on my A4 kind of suck, honestly. If it weren't a lease I would be looking elsewhere. Already had to replace one a month into ownership. Got more than one opinion because I didn't want to replace all four tires a month into ownership.
The stock Pirellis on my A4 kind of suck, honestly. If it weren't a lease I would be looking elsewhere. Already had to replace one a month into ownership. Got more than one opinion because I didn't want to replace all four tires a month into ownership.
I drove the Audi after the A-Spec and liked both. The A-spec felt larger and very stable. The A4 felt a little more nimble, quicker, and smaller.
I really liked the A4 but still have concerns about the long term reliability on it though, I plan to keep either car long term.
Go with your gut instinct, rationalize with your wallet
The Aspec will probably be cheaper to maintain, but if leasing can be an option, you'll have peace of mind to walk away from both no matter what.
A puncture that basically compromised the whole tire. I have never seen that before.
Sorry to hear that. I’m really liking the Yokohamas on my TTS. *fingers crossed*
I’m tempted to get back into an S4 in the future, but I’m still enjoying the A-Spec...on those rare occasions I get to drive it (wife really likes it now and won’t even touch her Evoque).
It's amazing though, Honda already has a bad wrap related to transmissions yet even when they outsource it they screw it up ... it's in their blood
Haha yea. I think Honda at that time was desperate to differentiate Acura from Honda. The TLX was already using the same J35 in the Accord. So perhaps they wanna go with a different tranny.
The 6AT has been reliable and it's also a decent performer. It would have done a fine job on the TLX I'd imagine.
I too had a TLX 2018 loaner (I4 engine w/ navi). I drove it around a day, it wasn't a bad car, but it had no personality. Even if forced to get rid of the TL (Accident / total loss) I don't think I would consider a TLX. I've not driven the Aspec, but it's a shame it doesn't have a manual transmission.
I too had a TLX 2018 loaner (I4 engine w/ navi). I drove it around a day, it wasn't a bad car, but it had no personality. Even if forced to get rid of the TL (Accident / total loss) I don't think I would consider a TLX. I've not driven the Aspec, but it's a shame it doesn't have a manual transmission.
Well, and to get the SH-AWD and the better driving experience drives up the price quite a bit. You can get a really neutered RWD BMW for a lot less. Not a lot of power, but the proper driving wheels and a more engaging experience. In the $40,000+ price mark, the TLX is competitive from a driving standpoint, but on the budget luxury end, the TLX I4 FWD just doesn't have the drivability of even a 320i
09-11-2017, 09:02 PM
