Brief Reactions from a New Owner
06-27-2018, 09:30 AM
#161
I agree. Mercedes gives you both a hard copy and an interactive copy on the COMMAND system. You can also download a full pdf version to your tablet or computer. It's how it should be in 2018.
06-27-2018, 09:59 AM
#163
Hello World
I never read those manuals except when I'm looking for something specific.
Last time I had a flat tire I couldn't find the damn air compressor neither the damn manual which would have told me where the damn compressor was hidden. The manual was in the house because I had good intentions to read it but I never did. LOL
06-27-2018, 10:39 AM
#164
06-27-2018, 11:51 AM
#165
I downloaded a copy from Acura Link of the manuals to my iPhone and iPad. It’s available to me anytime now
06-27-2018, 12:49 PM
#168
Team Owner
The following users liked this post:
37tzee (06-28-2018)
06-27-2018, 01:14 PM
#169
Burning Brakes
06-27-2018, 02:22 PM
#171
forget about the price of the car, it’s about the quality of sales and professionalism. I’m in sales and we don’t print manuals for our products anymore, but I email all of my customers pdf copies even before they take delivery of their order. I also offer product training on site free of charge. Whether it’s a $5k or 250k order they get that same level of detail and professionalism.
06-27-2018, 05:48 PM
#172
With M2018, I signed up at owners.acura.com and there I was given the option to receive a free printed version of the manuals.
06-27-2018, 06:09 PM
#173
Suzuka Master
A FULL printed manual SHOULD BE included with each car..."no ifs, ands, or buts" about it. No reason it must be kept in the glove box, afterall there is plenty of storage in the rear.
BUT this sort of begs the point.....WHY DOES IT TAKE 600 plus pages to explain this car to the owner?? I bet a good editor (not product designers) could write a comprhensive manual that's half of that. A 600 page manual is insane....BUT should still be included with each car!
BUT this sort of begs the point.....WHY DOES IT TAKE 600 plus pages to explain this car to the owner?? I bet a good editor (not product designers) could write a comprhensive manual that's half of that. A 600 page manual is insane....BUT should still be included with each car!
06-27-2018, 06:17 PM
#174
Advanced
It’s poor marketing to suggest a new owner should print 600 plus pages IF they want a hard copy or that one could “request ONE copy to be mailed”. The cost or the time it would take or how you’d even bind together the 600 pages isn’t my point..... it’s just stupid to not have a printed manual(s) in the car when delivered. I pay my money, I take delivery and I expect to have everything I need to learn about all of the systems in the car.
Come on Acura......are you saving a few bucks by not printing a manual? Do you think a 600 page manual would scare away potential customers?
I know it’s fashionable to just tell customers to “go to the Internet” but many like to read off paper , turn the pages, mark important passages, highlight stuff etc. Yes, I know all of the electronic ways of reading are great but, once again, there’s nothing wrong with still including a printed manual. ....... by the way the 2019 printed manual isn’t even available yet....... stupid!
Come on Acura......are you saving a few bucks by not printing a manual? Do you think a 600 page manual would scare away potential customers?
I know it’s fashionable to just tell customers to “go to the Internet” but many like to read off paper , turn the pages, mark important passages, highlight stuff etc. Yes, I know all of the electronic ways of reading are great but, once again, there’s nothing wrong with still including a printed manual. ....... by the way the 2019 printed manual isn’t even available yet....... stupid!
06-27-2018, 06:20 PM
#175
Drifting
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: New Yorkie, Hudson Valley
Posts: 3,001
Received 1,024 Likes
on
714 Posts
HOWEVER, when you read the FM, make note of those few pages you might need in case of a roadside breakdown (car wash procedure, for example), print those pages out, and stick em where the jack and tools are.
You don’t want to find yourself with a flat tire on the side of the road and your iPad at home.
(where is the manual release for the fuel filler door?)
As the saying goes, you never need the manual until you really need the manual.
Last edited by Madd Dog; 06-27-2018 at 06:34 PM.
The following users liked this post:
acuraada (06-27-2018)
06-27-2018, 07:46 PM
#176
That's some pro tips there.
600 pages manual is a joke... In comparison, Tesla model X has only about 200 pages.
600 pages manual is a joke... In comparison, Tesla model X has only about 200 pages.
06-27-2018, 08:26 PM
#177
Advanced
I just watched the new HBO version of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradberry..... about a society that no longer allows books and its eventual demise. Nothing wrong with a manual on a CD or in PDF form kept on your smart phone or tablet BUT there’s also nothing wrong with the same printed on paper with ink. Come to think of it the paper printed version doesn’t depend on how much battery power you have, never becomes unreadable in bright sunlight and there’s no need to zoom-in or maneuver with your fingers to see details.....what a wonderful invention it’s just too bad it isn’t “modern tech”........LOL
06-27-2018, 08:52 PM
#178
FYI From date of purchase at the myowners acura website you have 6 months to request your hard copy of the owners / navigation / warranty manual or else you have to pay $$$ for it.
06-27-2018, 10:13 PM
#180
I just watched the new HBO version of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradberry..... about a society that no longer allows books and its eventual demise. Nothing wrong with a manual on a CD or in PDF form kept on your smart phone or tablet BUT there’s also nothing wrong with the same printed on paper with ink. Come to think of it the paper printed version doesn’t depend on how much battery power you have, never becomes unreadable in bright sunlight and there’s no need to zoom-in or maneuver with your fingers to see details.....what a wonderful invention it’s just too bad it isn’t “modern tech”........LOL
Understood but the effort is to be green. I read an article some where that Acura wanted to remain green in that effort since many manuals just sat in the glove box and never used after purchase. However, for those that are not interested in saving the tress or whatever the reason may be, they still allow the option to order a manual. They know that eventually those that prefer a manual will be gone eventually and they wont have to worry about manuals in the future.It is the future of manuals just like many other things are gone.
06-28-2018, 12:07 AM
#181
Valid arguments for saving paper, but I kind of like getting that leatherette/genuine leather owners manual pouch with a real printed manual, tho I haven't purchased new in a long time. My last few cars have been used. Maybe dealerships should keep some printed manuals on hand for those old-schoolers that request them upon car delivery.
06-28-2018, 12:16 AM
#182
Pro
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania
Age: 71
Posts: 561
Received 219 Likes
on
134 Posts
Valid arguments for saving paper, but I kind of like getting that leatherette/genuine leather owners manual pouch with a real printed manual, tho I haven't purchased new in a long time. My last few cars have been used. Maybe dealerships should keep some printed manuals on hand for those old-schoolers that request them upon car delivery.
The following users liked this post:
HONDAFIXER (06-28-2018)
06-28-2018, 07:13 AM
#184
06-28-2018, 08:00 AM
#185
Burning Brakes
I make jokes about electronic vs printed manuals but the truth is the printed manuals have gone totally unused for my last 2 vehicles.
When I traded my previous ride I couldn't even remember where the printed versions were (found them tucked in with the jack and tools) and my current vehicle they are stuck in one of the under floor storage compartments still in the shrink wrap. I don't even own a '19 RDX yet (that may change later today) but I've read the QRG cover to cover and skimmed the entire OM pdf versions.
Easy enough to print the few pages that might be necessary on the road and keep them in the vehicle. Haven't yet put a PDF version on my phone but that doesn't seem like it would be an impossible task.
When I traded my previous ride I couldn't even remember where the printed versions were (found them tucked in with the jack and tools) and my current vehicle they are stuck in one of the under floor storage compartments still in the shrink wrap. I don't even own a '19 RDX yet (that may change later today) but I've read the QRG cover to cover and skimmed the entire OM pdf versions.
Easy enough to print the few pages that might be necessary on the road and keep them in the vehicle. Haven't yet put a PDF version on my phone but that doesn't seem like it would be an impossible task.
06-28-2018, 08:27 AM
#186
My wife still has trouble with the electronic shift lever in my BMW. You can see her thinking through when to push the side button or the top button, and which way is drive and which reverse. We drove MTs for thirty years, and she never had a problem, and never had a problem with any other ATs along the way either. She has a problem with the non-standard cruise control as well, and must specifically remember which hidden stalk it is and how it works.
I think the two-screen in her current Accord is dumb, but it is not a problem. The unusual shifter in the Bimmer is a problem for her. The various control idiosyncrasies are why she still does not like to drive the car. When she does drive the car, it is usually to spell me on long trips, and when she gets going, she enjoys the power, ride, brakes, and the actual driving experience. But she is never comfortable. This is a concern for me in this RDX.
I think the two-screen in her current Accord is dumb, but it is not a problem. The unusual shifter in the Bimmer is a problem for her. The various control idiosyncrasies are why she still does not like to drive the car. When she does drive the car, it is usually to spell me on long trips, and when she gets going, she enjoys the power, ride, brakes, and the actual driving experience. But she is never comfortable. This is a concern for me in this RDX.
06-28-2018, 09:17 AM
#187
There is something to be said about the true and tried zic zac shifter. You never have to look down to know if you have hit R or D or P.
Push button is just “redesign because they can”. I have yet to hear any one citing any benefits. It doesn’t even save space! Oh wait, Acura did argue that you won’t hit a stick if you swing bags over to the passenger side.....
Push button is just “redesign because they can”. I have yet to hear any one citing any benefits. It doesn’t even save space! Oh wait, Acura did argue that you won’t hit a stick if you swing bags over to the passenger side.....
06-28-2018, 09:54 AM
#188
Team Owner
Yup, just like pushing and holding a button for 3 seconds to disengage the AS/S feature. Some people just like to complain for the sake of complaining.
06-28-2018, 09:57 AM
#189
It’s call settling or overlook or accustom to or 80/20...
it it doesn’t mean it’s good design.
it it doesn’t mean it’s good design.
06-28-2018, 10:09 AM
#190
Pro
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania
Age: 71
Posts: 561
Received 219 Likes
on
134 Posts
I had a 2016 TLX with the push button gear selector and liked it right away. I like the one in the TLX even better because it's up higher.
Seems perfectly natural to me and I don't miss the old gear lever at all.
I find the little stick control in BMWs unintuitive and weird.
We all have different preferences.
Seems perfectly natural to me and I don't miss the old gear lever at all.
I find the little stick control in BMWs unintuitive and weird.
We all have different preferences.
06-28-2018, 10:19 AM
#191
Do you still look down at the buttons to select or see what mode you are at?
As I do parallel parking a lot in NYC, I never have to look down to search for the shifter or know which gear I am selecting. But I dont know if that’s from muscle memory or intuition anymore....
i have test drove the car twice and this is the only thing that’s making me think twice.
As I do parallel parking a lot in NYC, I never have to look down to search for the shifter or know which gear I am selecting. But I dont know if that’s from muscle memory or intuition anymore....
i have test drove the car twice and this is the only thing that’s making me think twice.
06-28-2018, 10:33 AM
#192
Pro
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania
Age: 71
Posts: 561
Received 219 Likes
on
134 Posts
No need to look down but, if you do, it's easier than if they were lower on the console.
Park is at the top.
Reverse pulls back rather than pressing and feels different.
Neutral is flat and in the middle.
Drive/Sequential is round.
They all feel different from one another.
The gear indicator is also in the instrument cluster.
The only issue with parallel parking might be the brief delay in the reverse camera but, that would likely be the same with a regular gear lever.
As I said, 3 years of experience makes it all feel very natural. When I drive a different car, the gear lever feels oddly intrusive to me.
The dial-type control used by Jaguar, Ford, and Chrysler/Jeep looks strange to me but, I assume I would get used to it after a few days as well.
Park is at the top.
Reverse pulls back rather than pressing and feels different.
Neutral is flat and in the middle.
Drive/Sequential is round.
They all feel different from one another.
The gear indicator is also in the instrument cluster.
The only issue with parallel parking might be the brief delay in the reverse camera but, that would likely be the same with a regular gear lever.
As I said, 3 years of experience makes it all feel very natural. When I drive a different car, the gear lever feels oddly intrusive to me.
The dial-type control used by Jaguar, Ford, and Chrysler/Jeep looks strange to me but, I assume I would get used to it after a few days as well.
06-28-2018, 12:22 PM
#193
Burning Brakes
No need to look down but, if you do, it's easier than if they were lower on the console.
Park is at the top.
Reverse pulls back rather than pressing and feels different.
Neutral is flat and in the middle.
Drive/Sequential is round.
They all feel different from one another....
Park is at the top.
Reverse pulls back rather than pressing and feels different.
Neutral is flat and in the middle.
Drive/Sequential is round.
They all feel different from one another....
06-28-2018, 01:49 PM
#194
Of course people like to complain. (And that includes people complaining about other people complaining.) Traffic around here would be pretty slow if they didn't. But that doesn't change the fact that some complaints are legit. Why not just have the ASS remember its last setting so owners can turn it off and leave it off if that's their wish?
06-28-2018, 02:01 PM
#195
Burning Brakes
ex: With no S/S system there is 0MPG credit; S/S that 'remembers' the last setting might be a .2MPG credit; S/S that defaults to 'ON' and does not remember a .4MPG credit; S/S that's always 'ON' and cannot be turned off (as in the new GM systems) gets a .6MPG credit. It's a big deal for manufacturers and not something they implement on a whim.
Note: The above numbers are just an example, the actual credits are determined by a fairly complex formula but you get the idea of why the different methods may varying from one manufacturer to another depending on their total model mix.
06-28-2018, 02:47 PM
#196
It has to do with the CAFE MPG 'mileage credits' from the EPA. The less flexibility there is for owners to control the system the more CAFE credits the manufacturer gets.
ex: With no S/S system there is 0MPG credit; S/S that 'remembers' the last setting might be a .2MPG credit; S/S that defaults to 'ON' and does not remember a .4MPG credit; S/S that's always 'ON' and cannot be turned off (as in the new GM systems) gets a .6MPG credit. It's a big deal for manufacturers and not something they implement on a whim.
Note: The above numbers are just an example, the actual credits are determined by a fairly complex formula but you get the idea of why the different methods may varying from one manufacturer to another depending on their total model mix.
ex: With no S/S system there is 0MPG credit; S/S that 'remembers' the last setting might be a .2MPG credit; S/S that defaults to 'ON' and does not remember a .4MPG credit; S/S that's always 'ON' and cannot be turned off (as in the new GM systems) gets a .6MPG credit. It's a big deal for manufacturers and not something they implement on a whim.
Note: The above numbers are just an example, the actual credits are determined by a fairly complex formula but you get the idea of why the different methods may varying from one manufacturer to another depending on their total model mix.
Regardless of the reason or justification, I dislike the systems immensely. I am less likely to purchase a vehicle that engages ASS automatically at every start, and unlikely to purchase one that has one that can't be turned off at all.
06-28-2018, 03:15 PM
#197
I did a test drive today and the salesman indicated that Acura is looking to remove the ASS button. I find that hard to believe but that is what he told me.
btw.....great test drive.
btw.....great test drive.
06-28-2018, 03:23 PM
#198
Drifting
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: New Yorkie, Hudson Valley
Posts: 3,001
Received 1,024 Likes
on
714 Posts
I had a 2016 TLX with the push button gear selector and liked it right away. I like the one in the TLX even better because it's up higher.
Seems perfectly natural to me and I don't miss the old gear lever at all.
I find the little stick control in BMWs unintuitive and weird.
We all have different preferences.
Seems perfectly natural to me and I don't miss the old gear lever at all.
I find the little stick control in BMWs unintuitive and weird.
We all have different preferences.
Other than that, piece of cake.
The following 2 users liked this post by Madd Dog:
catbert430 (06-28-2018),
GW208 (06-28-2018)
06-28-2018, 03:45 PM
#199
The system can be coded so that it remembers the last state of the ASS off button.
Supposedly in 2019/20, ASS will be non-defeatable.
06-28-2018, 05:07 PM
#200
Drifting
I agree, it happens on many cars--but I drove an MDX from 2005 until 2012 and never encountered that problem--only when I bought the 2013 RDX did I see it. I believe it has something to do with how far back the camera is mounted, under the overhang for the license plate--it is a lot more exposed to water in the later models than it was in the old MDX (not sure about newer MDXs). To me it seriously degrades safety if you can't see anything, so I've got to figure out some kind of "fix" for it, just as a matter of principle-- some additional "drip edge" or something that doesn't interfere with the image.