Acura RLX Reviews (Sport Hybrid reviews pg 21)

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Old 05-22-2016, 07:51 PM
  #1241  
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
till the wheels come off.
?
Probably, had my V70 for 11 years and still in great shape w/128K miles cuz I pamper it.
The RLXSH is simply very intriguing if it executes as reported. I've been VERY impressed by the RL, more than the E3504matic and I don't need the MB cache
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Old 05-22-2016, 08:43 PM
  #1242  
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Originally Posted by stagefoursurvivor
?
Probably, had my V70 for 11 years and still in great shape w/128K miles cuz I pamper it.
The RLXSH is simply very intriguing if it executes as reported. I've been VERY impressed by the RL, more than the E3504matic and I don't need the MB cache
stagefoursurvivor, I'm repeating myself, but if you love the RL, you will really love the RLX Sport Hybrid. Your above statement puts you right smack in the middle of the RLX Sport Hybrid target market - this car was made for YOU.
Just my two cents.
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Old 05-23-2016, 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by hondamore
stagefoursurvivor, I'm repeating myself, but if you love the RL, you will really love the RLX Sport Hybrid. Your above statement puts you right smack in the middle of the RLX Sport Hybrid target market - this car was made for YOU.
Just my two cents.
As a previous owner of an '06 RL, I'll see that two cents and raise it two cents.
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Old 05-23-2016, 12:10 PM
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Another nod to the Sport Hybrid. A lot of Honda in the top 10....

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/be...RSAFb-FoH4xJPA
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Old 05-24-2016, 06:21 AM
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Yesterday, we spent our entire afternoon cruising around town with the RLX Sport Hybrid. It all happened after the Acura dealer we have been meeting handed us the keys to the car and we put up a fake smile to hide our disinterest in the vehicle. At the end of the day, our fake smiles turned real.

The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid might not look attractive, is severely lacking in the luxurious interior department and is not cheap to own. However, the $60,000 vehicle is able to offer a performance that we never expected at all.

We engaged in Sports mode at an abandoned road and were amazed by the power of the RLX Sport Hybrid. The car can sprint from 0-60mph in 5 seconds flat, which is about 0.5 seconds short of what the Audi S6 has to offer. The RLX Sport Hybrid runs on a 3.5L V6 engine with 3 electric motors that can generate 377hp and return up to 32mpg in fuel economy.

The best part about the car is that it handles extremely well thanks to the SH-AWD system. It makes the RLX Sport Hybrid fun to drive. Sure the RLX Sport Hybrid might not look good but this makes it a sleeper car like no other. Its attractiveness is with its performance and handling.
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Old 05-25-2016, 12:32 AM
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If these kind of reviews keep popping up who knows.....maybe the Sports Hybrid will finally get its due. Since the reviewers seem to end up agreeing with each other after the first few reviews come out (regardless of whether the initial reviews are good or bad) we may be ready to catch the break that the RLX Sport Hybrid dearly deserves. Having the positive (I hope) publicity that will likely come very soon when the first NSXs hit the streets will also help. Are things finally going Acura's way? Maybe the answer will be yes! 👍👍
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Old 05-25-2016, 11:06 AM
  #1247  
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I wonder if the most recent reviewers were told/repeatedly reminded to select sport mode and engage first gear for any accelerations tests?? This fellow reports a 5 second 0-60 run which is certainly one of the things about the Sport Hybrid that excites me. To me, the smooth, quiet ride and cozy, roomy interior of the Sport Hybrid is exceptional and very pleasant, but the acceleration in sport mode gives a much more visceral pleasure, the type that excites those writing car reviews as well.
Old 05-26-2016, 12:11 PM
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I'm new here, so please excuse me if this has been asked before.

What about the hybrid battery. When is it expected to need replacement, and how much does replacement cost?

Thanks!
Old 05-26-2016, 12:33 PM
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I believe this battery warranty includes the hybrid lithium batteries:

Replacement Battery Limited Warranty
This warranty, unless changed by
American Honda in a document
provided to you prior to your
purchase of a replacement battery
for your 2014 vehicle, applies only
to replacement batteries (other than
IMA batteries) purchased from an
Acura dealer in the United States,
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, and the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands.
Time and Mileage Period
Replacement batteries are covered
by a 100-month (8 years and
4 months) limited warranty.
Warranty Coverage
During the first 36 months
(3 years) of service, a defective
replacement battery will be replaced
at no cost for the new battery, labor,
or installation.
For the remaining 64 months
(5 years and 4 months), you receive
a credit toward the purchase of the
battery. This credit is based on the
then-current retail price:
• Months 37 to 45: 60 %
• Months 46 to 55: 50 %
• Months 56 to 65: 40 %
• Months 66 to 75: 30 %
• Months 76 to 85: 20 %
• Months 86 to 95: 10 %
• Months 96 to 100: 5 %
The battery is warranted for the time
remaining in the 100 months of the
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty. No cash reimbursement
will be made. You are responsible
for the labor or installation charges.
Old 05-26-2016, 12:51 PM
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I'm trying to think worst case scenario (Murphy's law which I am constantly under). After the warranty runs out, my battery would probably fail. So I'm trying to see how much it would cost to replace. Does anybody know?

Thanks again!
Old 05-26-2016, 12:54 PM
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I think this is what you are looking for.....




HTH
Old 05-26-2016, 01:11 PM
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Yes, thank you !
Old 05-26-2016, 01:32 PM
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I stand corrected. The hybrid batteries are part of the IMA [integrated motor assist system] There are Federal as well as State warranties since they related to the local air quality regulations. In California the batteries are covered for 7 years or 70,000 miles.

Federal Emissions Systems Coverage
Your Warranties in Detail 17
The Federal emissions warranties
cover these emissions systems on
your Acura:
• Crankcase Control System
• Evaporative and Refueling
Emissions Control System
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) System
• Exhaust System
• Ignition System
• Fuel Injection System
• OBD System
• Transmission Control System
• Intake Air System
• Valve Control System
• Air Conditioning System
• Integrated Motor Assist System
(IMA)
Coverage on components in these
systems may vary by vehicle model
and location. The coverages are:
• 4 years or 50,000 miles basic
coverage, with extended coverage
on selected components
• Air Conditioning System is
covered for 4 years or 50,000
miles, whichever comes first, with
the exception of air conditioner
refrigerant which is limited to 2
years or 24,000 miles, whichever
comes first, unless required as part
of a warranty repair.
In the back of this booklet is the
Emissions Warranty Parts Lists. This
contains a detailed list of covered
components and the warranty
duration for your vehicle. For a
replacement or updated list:
• go online at owners.acura.com
and register with My Acura
• contact your authorized Acura
dealer
• contact the Acura Client Relations
office (see the inside front cover)


California Emissions Systems Coverage
Your Warranties in Detail 25
The California emissions warranties
cover these emissions systems on
your Acura:
• Crankcase Control System
• Evaporative and Refueling
Emissions Control System
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) System
• Exhaust System
• Ignition System
• Fuel Injection System
• OBD System
• Transmission Control System
• Intake Air System
• Valve Control System
• Integrated Motor Assist System
(IMA)
Coverage on components in these
systems may vary by vehicle model
and location. The coverages are:
• 7 years or 70,000 miles basic
coverage in California and other
specified states, with extended
coverage on selected components
In the back of this booklet is the
Emissions Warranty Parts Lists. This
contains a detailed list of covered
components and the warranty
duration for your vehicle. For a
replacement or updated list:
• go online at owners.acura.com
and register with My Acura
• contact your authorized Acura
dealer
• contact the Acura Client Relations
office (see the inside front cover)
Old 05-26-2016, 01:57 PM
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"Yesterday, we spent our entire afternoon cruising around town with the RLX Sport Hybrid. It all happened after the Acura dealer we have been meeting handed us the keys to the car and we put up a fake smile to hide our disinterest in the vehicle. At the end of the day, our fake smiles turned real.

The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid might not look attractive, is severely lacking in the luxurious interior department and is not cheap to own. However, the $60,000 vehicle is able to offer a performance that we never expected at all.

The best part about the car is that it handles extremely well thanks to the SH-AWD system. It makes the RLX Sport Hybrid fun to drive. Sure the RLX Sport Hybrid might not look good but this makes it a sleeper car like no other. Its attractiveness is with its performance and handling."



I continue to be befuddled by the comments about this car "not looking good." It's a classic, refined style, befitting its price range and niche. Parked next to others in its class, it's better than most, and in many instances it's not even close.
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Old 05-26-2016, 03:45 PM
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The Acura RLX Sport Hybrid might not look attractive, is severely lacking in the luxurious interior department and is not cheap to own. However, the $60,000 vehicle is able to offer a performance that we never expected at all.


I continue to be befuddled by the comments about this car "not looking good." It's a classic, refined style, befitting its price range and niche. Parked next to others in its class, it's better than most, and in many instances it's not even close.[/QUOTE]

Most reviewers seem to think that anything with the word "Sport" requires more distinctive and aggressive styling. Aesthetics are always in "the eye of the beholder" and therefor very subjective. I tend to take reviewers opinion of the exterior appearance of the car with a large grain of salt while more objective topics about performance, handling and quality of materials etc. I pay more attention to.
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Old 05-26-2016, 04:19 PM
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Most auto 'journalists' are lemmings. They repeat what has already been said. Few are courageous enough to write 'despite what other's have report, I find....'.

Second, most of these 'journalists' do not fit the demographic for whom the car is targeted. Why WOULD they find it appealing?

What is sad, is that these reviews seriously steer the market, valid or not. More sad is Acura surrendered on this car before it really got started.

I believe I fit into the Acura target market for this car. I like well tailored, proportional and time enduring styling. Check (Translation: 'boring' to those who think only they know what the world needs and wants). I am impressed with sophistication in engineering, maybe leading edge, yet I want reliable. Check. I work in technology, so yes, I like tech features, even those I do not use. Check. I prefer brands with substance over flash and hip. Check. I recognize I typically do not align to the masses. Check. I want a car that feels premium to ME and not really interested in those who did not write the check. (I find it is usually more sour grapes than thoughtful reaction). Check. I hate 3 million configurations of a car....it stresses me too much to find the right mixture. Check. So in my world, this car is an exclusive exotic. The RLX SH will be more rare than the NSX. I am cool with that.

Do I like hyper stylish cars? Well the most beautiful car IMHO is the Aston Martin Vantage & DB series cars. But if I owned one, it would not be my daily driver. So if you find an auto journalist that aligns to MY desires, I will pay more attention. And to be honest, most of the RLX SH reviews I read do come close. But each time I hear 'boring' I can only imagine how narrow that person is. And I also believe the Accord is a beautiful derivative of the RLX, so I seen nothing wrong with that.

Have you seen the new Mercedes C Coupe? First thing I thought was it was the next Accord Coupe. But I bet the 'journalists' will gush over the modern, exciting styling. And I will read that as a compliment to Honda.
Attached Thumbnails Acura RLX Reviews (Sport Hybrid reviews pg 21)-merc-c-coupe.jpg  

Last edited by TampaRLX-SH; 05-26-2016 at 04:22 PM.
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Old 06-01-2016, 07:08 AM
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^^^^
Honda should sue for design infringement, LOL! My very first thought when I saw the MBZ C Coupe was "that's an Accord!" It gives me hope for Acura, that folks are copying Honda designs periodically now. Maybe some of that mojo wil rub off on Acura. I say that as a FAN of the RLX's look. While it could be jazzed up a little, I rather like this understated look. I don't need behavior like that exhibited when I'm out in my NSX. People have yelled at me, on the freeway, at speed, to talk to me while I'm in my NSX. No such danger in the RLX unless people are freaked that they see my Legend badge.
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Old 06-01-2016, 09:44 PM
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I think it is safe to say Lyndon Bell thinks highly of the Sport Hybrid. It shows up in these three Best lists....

2016 Acura RLX Sport Hybrid Reviews and News | Autobytel.com
Old 06-03-2016, 10:48 PM
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YAY... Do you think this guy reads our forum?

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Old 06-04-2016, 08:36 AM
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^^^ Nailed it.
Old 06-05-2016, 10:57 AM
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That guy must have been reading this forum. I approve!
Old 06-08-2016, 05:15 PM
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I do not think this one has been posted. Reasonable viewpoints and he knows where the car sits market wise. He also understands the complexity of SH, the benefits of it and predicts it will be the Hybrid format of the future. And like the original insight, 1st Accord Hybrid (V6) the RLX SH is ahead of it's time and will never have recognition for it.

I only disagree on styling (although I agree on Acura's ugly phase) . I am sooooooooo tired of the 'boring' critique. That is lazy and non descriptive. I think for every person that dismisses the car for being boring they should be required to offer styling solutions. Maybe then I will give rats ass of their subjective styling point of view. I am simply not a subscriber to the 'look at me' needy.

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Old 06-09-2016, 05:24 AM
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Wait, "near-luxury"? So what does he call "luxury"? Otherwise, that review was on target including the look, which to most is not distinguished. Let's face it, those of us who appreciate the understated look are too few to maintain sales and more than likely, to sell more, Acura has to do it differently next time.
Old 06-09-2016, 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
Wait, "near-luxury"? So what does he call "luxury"?
A car that is expensive to service and repair? A pedicure at the dealership? A brand with a high percentage of counterfeit logo items found at the flea market? RWD only platforms (I guess that nixes MB, BMW & Audi)?

Luxury is a gray area descriptive. Luxury is no longer defined by engine size, features / content, dealer experience or exclusivity.

A Hyundai Elantra has standard features not found (or only as options) in luxury brand models. My local KIA dealership has more customer attractions and services than a Disney resort. Volvo will now ONLY offer 4 cylinder engines in the model line up. Some zip codes are so saturated with BMWs or Mercedes it is a requirement of residency.

Old 06-09-2016, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by neuronbob
Wait, "near-luxury"? So what does he call "luxury"?
Something that costs a hell of a lot more than 66,000. Probably about twice that, like an LS460 with options. :-)

The overseas Legend is closer to "luxury" with the full HVAC and Krell Audio controls in the back.

But full luxury would very likely include adjustable and reclining rear seats, footrests in the rear, plus one or two iPad-type interfaces for communications and entertainment.

Otherwise, that review was on target including the look, which to most is not distinguished. Let's face it, those of us who appreciate the understated look are too few to maintain sales and more than likely, to sell more, Acura has to do it differently next time.
I'm not sure they gave a damn. I still say that Saiyama doesn't look like it was *ever* configured to sell thousands/month. The way the line's set up, it's nearly impossible.

Too many people involved, not enough robots, and the motor and battery placements require humans.

I think we were just a year-ahead test bet for the Sport Hybrid concept.
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Old 06-13-2016, 07:16 AM
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I quickly feel in love with driving the new Acura RLX Hybrid, a sport sedan that does everything right from a performance standpoint.

1 could argue that its looks are pedestrian. But even though the RLX does not stand out visually, it manhandles the road.

The Crystal Black RLX Sport Hybrid I tested was the top-end model with the Advance package and hit $66,870 including delivery. There were no options left to add.

The Advance package hybrid comes with the standard RLX engine, a strong 310-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing. To that it adds a hybrid system consisting of 3 electric motors, two working directly to power the rear wheels. That electric power extends gas mileage and boosts power by 67 horsepower for a total of 377.

In standard mode, the car has generous power from a stop, but punch the Sport button on the console and the car is noticeably faster from a stop.

Helping put the power to the pavement is Acura's smooth 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the car's all-wheel-drive system. The car puts the proper power to each wheel no matter the road surface or weather condition.

I drove the car between Milwaukee and Indianapolis, and it was a delight on the highway; and in town, it was a perfect mix of sport and luxury.

Braking is tremendous, and the ride from the double-wishbone front suspension and rear multilink leans toward the comfortable luxury end, yet with just enough firmness to retain the sport-sedan feel.

My only mechanical issue is 1 that an owner might solve over time. It regards the push-button transmission.

I'm all for push-button simplicity, but the park button at the head of the console provided no feel or feedback once engaged. I had to watch the dash to be sure a "P" was displayed to know I was truly in park.

A small lever, when pulled back, in the console is fine for putting the car in reverse, while a "D" button closer to the driver puts the sedan in drive. There's no good feel to the "P" or "D" to assure a driver is in the proper gear, just the readout on the driver's main gauge pod. The "P" and "D" need a more distinct tactile feel.

Yet no adjustment is needed to feel comfortable in the RLX's quiet, well-appointed interior.

The power seats are supportive and easy to adjust. They also include three levels of heat and cooling up front, and the rear seats are heated, as is the steering wheel.

Acura creates an attractive dash and trim, the test car's being dark gray leather with pewter-look trim on the wheel and dash; it also featured a faux-wood dash face and console trim.

The RLX is technologically rich, and that starts with a power tilt/telescope steering wheel, two-setting memory driver's seat, heads-up display and blind-spot warning system. There's also a road-departure-mitigation system along with collision mitigation.

There's dynamic cruise control and Acura Watch, which includes cross-traffic alerts for when you're backing up. Windshield wipers are rain-sensing.

From an entertainment perspective, the RLX adds a fancy Krell sound system with 14 speakers.

There's a surround-view camera that shows you an overhead view of your car when you put it in reverse. This is helpful in tight parking spots.

Other premium features include a power rear sunshade that rear-seat passengers control, plus manual side-window sunshades. The car's side mirrors fold flat against the body once the car is turned off and locked.

As with many luxury cars, the steering-wheel hub is a virtual airline captain's dream of buttons and switches to control phones, cruise control, radio/stereo and the trip computer. The thumb rollers on the wheel are extremely easy to use. There are 2 screens mid-dash, too, one for radio and other functions, with the top 1 for navigation.

Acura delivers push-button start and a push-button glove-box release, while overhead is a big sunroof and sun visors that slide.

The RLX will easily carry 5 adults with extremely generous rear legroom, plus it's 2 inches wider than the former RL model, which improves shoulder room. The hybrid model has limited trunk space, just 11.6 cubic feet compared with about 15 cubic feet in the standard model.

The test car is rated 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway by the Environmental Protection Agency. I got between 29.1 mpg and 33.1 mpg in city and highway driving, the latter being all highway.

Acura also offers an RLX with standard power, the same 3.5-liter V6 as in the hybrid. That model starts at about $52,000, but does not include all the tech and comfort items on the hybrid.

As it is, the hybrid RLX is a fun drive and comfortable car that blends in anywhere. Performance is what makes it stand out.

Mark Savage welcomes your questions and comments regarding new vehicles at www.facebook.com/savageonwheels/.
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Old 06-13-2016, 08:17 AM
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Nice review. It would also be nice if they pictured a Sport Hybrid and not the PAWS model.
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Old 06-13-2016, 08:35 AM
  #1268  
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I don't know how you can miss the fact that you've pushed that big fat D in the middle, so I don't know why we need better "feel" to it.

As for going into Park, he's evidently missed that you go into parts when you push the big red button to turn off the car.

I cannot remember the last time I pushed the "P" manually.

Oh, wait: Yes, I do remember. It was at the car wash. :-)
Old 06-13-2016, 08:36 AM
  #1269  
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And if that's all he can find to complain about, he loves it.
Old 06-13-2016, 08:41 AM
  #1270  
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Originally Posted by George Knighton
I don't know how you can miss the fact that you've pushed that big fat D in the middle, so I don't know why we need better "feel" to it.

As for going into Park, he's evidently missed that you go into parts when you push the big red button to turn off the car.

I cannot remember the last time I pushed the "P" manually.

Oh, wait: Yes, I do remember. It was at the car wash. :-)
Car wash? CAR WASH!!!!! Just kidding. Not everyone is nuts like me.
Old 06-13-2016, 10:51 AM
  #1271  
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The complaint about needing more feedback from the pushbutton gear selector is odd since the buttons light up when depressed - no need to check the dash display to see what gear you are in as he suggested. At least he did qualify the complaint by stating that the push button system would become second nature with more time in the car.
Old 06-13-2016, 11:10 AM
  #1272  
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^^^

Further, depending on the personalized setting the driver uses, when I select PARK the doors unlock with an auditory confirmation of the selected gear. When I select reverse, the review cam engages. Another alert is through the HUD, depending on the display chosen.

As typical Acura offers double, even triple redundancies with many features. What it does enable is customization to each driver's preferences. What it does not offer is clairvoyance.

If the car did not have all these features and alternative use of them, they would whine what the cars does not have. If the car does have them they will not invest any to learn how the features work. If a push button tranny selector is too much a challenge for an auto 'journalist' what would be the experience between adapting to a 70's truck with a column mounted shifter and the click click S2000?
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Old 06-13-2016, 04:51 PM
  #1273  
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Love these latest reviews! "Manhandles the road". That about says it right about the Sport Hybrid. It's the S2000 of luxury cars. The only thing better is driving a NSX, IMHO.

His comments about the push-button transmission are a minor quibble.
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Old 06-14-2016, 09:23 AM
  #1274  
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Need some advice guys.
Currently driving 2014 RLX P-AWS Advanced. 35000miles on it, and I really really love my car.
Yesterday, I was browsing inventory, and my local Acura Dealer has 2016 RLX SH-AWD Advanced.
I know that RLX Sports Hybrid is superior, so it's very tempting.

My question is what's the fair price for 2016 RLX Hybrid now?
Should I pull the trigger even though they give me MSRP($66,890) or should I wait for 2017 RLX SH-AWD comes out?(Should be soon...right?)

Thx!

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Old 06-14-2016, 12:03 PM
  #1275  
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Originally Posted by Guitaryojedi
Need some advice guys.
Currently driving 2014 RLX P-AWS Advanced. 35000miles on it, and I really really love my car.
Yesterday, I was browsing inventory, and my local Acura Dealer has 2016 RLX SH-AWD Advanced.
I know that RLX Sports Hybrid is superior, so it's very tempting.

My question is what's the fair price for 2016 RLX Hybrid now?
Should I pull the trigger even though they give me MSRP($66,890) or should I wait for 2017 RLX SH-AWD comes out?(Should be soon...right?)

Thx!
Well, I'm not sure I'd call the Sport Hybrid "superior", other than in power and handling. The interior features are about the same.

A member here recently got four thousand off MSRP for the Sport Hybrid Advance. You'll be waiting a while for the 2017 RLX Sport Hybrid. Since there was just a content update, I expect that the 2017s will begin selling in November or so, and that they will be the same as the 2016.

Your primary worry will be the trade-in value for your PAWS, unless you leased it.
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Old 06-14-2016, 12:05 PM
  #1276  
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My opinion is you should pay around $62,000-$63,000 max, since they have been out a little while now. I have no idea if and when the 2017s will be out.
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Old 06-14-2016, 12:29 PM
  #1277  
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Thx guys. Well, I think I will go for 2016 SH-AWD then.
neuronbob is right. Once you know what car you really want, then it's about the trade-in value.
I think I will go to my local dealer to appraise my current P-AWD RLX.
Hopefully getting close to $30K, that would be enough amount to convince my wife
Old 06-14-2016, 12:53 PM
  #1278  
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Somebody posted a link to the Black Book Value calculator over to the TLX forum, and it gives you this:



HTH

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Old 06-14-2016, 02:02 PM
  #1279  
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Originally Posted by pgeorg
My opinion is you should pay around $62,000-$63,000 max, since they have been out a little while now. I have no idea if and when the 2017s will be out.
That is what most online 'best price' vendors are estimating for the Advanced model. Dealer cost is $61.5. There are a healthy number of Advance models (about 75) on Cars.com and only a handful (8 last I checked) of Tech model SHs.

However, if you are open to slightly used and perhaps travel, Cars.com has a few listing for used 2016 SH Advance in the mid $50K range. An example: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9469/overview/
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Old 06-14-2016, 02:25 PM
  #1280  
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Whoa! Suddenly I have several options.(in a good way)
Thanks for all helpful info, guys.

Seems like I can get $30k for my current RLX P-AWS.(Graphite/Ebony)
So it's getting closer and closer now.

I don't really mind "Slightly Used" especially if it's only 5 miles(lol), but sorry, I forgot to mention that,
what I'm looking for is "Ebony" interior. Still, that was very tempting deal indeed.


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