Guitaryojedi

Man, my local dealer gave me the quote and it's $48,122 for Advanced Model.
I'm very very close to pull the trigger.

getakey

Great Deal!

Pitbull11

Well Lexus claims the ES is front wheel drive 3.5 liter and more of a luxury car and the GS is a rear wheel drive 3.5 liter, more of a sport luxury car. I see the RLX as a 3.5 liter front wheel drive luxury car. Actually the 2014 ES350 is built on the current Toyota Avalon wheelbase and is a bigger car then the original LS400. From what I have read the RLX is about 2 1/2 inches wider then the ES but the wheelbase and length within 1 inch.

getakey

Most reviews pit the ES against Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac CTS, Audi A4, MB C series, Acura TL, etc.

KeithL

With the vaporware SH-SH-AWD one has to think if they had offered a traditional SH-AWD version they might have gotten some more sales, surely far more than they will get from SH-SH-AWD sales since the assumption is there will only be a handful made a month, assuming they every get started.

Pitbull11

I guess I should buy a certified LS460

TSX69

http://acuranews.com/channels/acura-...rcent-in-april

05/01/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

CR-V sets new April record as Honda core models anchor on-going retail sales success
Acura light trucks set April record, continue unprecedented growth in 2014

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported April 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 132,456 units—an overall increase of 1.1 percent (-2.8 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*)compared to April 2013. The Honda Division also saw in increase of 1.1 percent with April sales of 118,334. Acura division gained 1.6 percent on April sales of 14,122, with light trucks increasing 35.9 percent for the month on sales of 9,536 units. Year to date American Honda sales reached 457,810.

Honda
In the first four months of 2014, Honda continued its retail sales momentum despite an environment punctuated by a handful of companies applying heavy incentives and a significant reliance on fleet sales. Honda enjoyed steady growth in April with CR-V setting a new sales record, and Accord and Civic enjoying gains.

CR-V recorded sales of 28,485, up 7.4 percent for a new April record
Accord posted April sales of 34,124, an increase of 1.7 percent
Civic was up 4.4 percent to 27,611 units vs. April 2013

"After a few truly chilling winter months, it's great to see the warmer spring weather begin to liberate our customers and spark record sales of CR-V and solid sales results across the lineup," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "More than any other automaker our success is based on one customer at a time going down to their Honda dealer to purchase a new vehicle, and in April, we see the power of our retail sales strategy at work."

Acura
Acura light trucks continue to sell well above last year's pace, led by the hot-selling MDX and RDX. However, vehicle supply is becoming a factor as Acura begins winding down production of TSX and TL models in preparation for the new TLX models, which are scheduled to hit the ground later this year.

Acura division sales increased 1.6 percent vs. 2013 with 14,122 units sold in April
Acura trucks set a new April sales record with an increase of 35.9 percent on sales of 9,536
MDX posted another major increase with sales up 80 percent in April
RDX sales increased for an unprecedented 24th month in a row, climbing 6.3 percent

"With RDX posting two solid years of continuous growth and MDX sustaining its hot sales pace, our Acura SUVs continue to set the standard in the luxury light truck segment," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "In a few short months, we will unleash the all-new 2015 Acura TLX to reestablish Acura's reputation for thrilling luxury performance sedans and establish the Acura brand as a force to be reckoned with in the luxury segment."

TSX69

April's Fastest & Slowest Selling Cars

Spring may not have sprung successfully for everyone in April, but even the slight thaw we did experience didn't stop people from snatching up SUVs and trucks quickly.

Sixteen of the 20 fastest-selling vehicles in April were SUVs or trucks. Luxury and sports cars rounded out the list, meaning not 1 mainstream or popular sedan, hatchback, station wagon or minivan was in extreme demand.

The average time it takes to sell a new car was also up in April to 56 days. Last month it took 51 days, and April 2013 sales also took 51 days on average.

The cars on our slowest-selling list remain similar to previous months.

We also found five solid picks of cars our editors generally like but found them to be too pricey in the competitive landscape, like the Fiat 500L. The fact that they take twice the time to sell as an average car should lead dealers to discount them more, negating their higher sticker prices.


April's Fastest-Selling Cars

2015 Subaru Forester: 7 days
2015 Subaru WRX: 7 days
2014 Land Rover Range Rover: 8 days
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: 10 days
2015 Lexus RX 350: 11 days
2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450: 11 days
2015 Chevrolet Suburban 1500: 13 days
2014 Toyota Highlander: 13 days
2014 Audi Q5: 14 days
2014 Chevrolet Corvette coupe: 14 days
2014 Nissan Rogue: 14 days
2015 Audi A3: 16 days
2014 Mercedes-Benz S550: 16 days
2014 Toyota Tacoma crew cab: 16 days
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD crew cab: 17 days
2014 GMC Sierra Denali crew cab: 17 days
2014 Lexus GX 460: 17 days
2015 Mazda CX-5: 18 days
2014 BMW X5: 18 days
2014 Toyota Tacoma four-door extended cab: 18 days

April's Slowest-Selling Cars

2014 BMW 640i xDrive coupe: 205 days
2014 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid: 179 days
2014 Jaguar F-Type convertible: 157 days
2014 Infiniti Q60 coupe: 157 days
2014 BMW M6 convertible: 143 days
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander: 141 days
2014 Jaguar F-Type S convertible: 140 days
2014 Acura RLX: 135 days
2014 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe: 133 days
2014 Mini Paceman: 129 days

Cars.com Picks

2014 Chevrolet Camaro convertible: 105 days
2014 Kia Cadenza: 108 days
2014 Cadillac XTS: 111 days
2014 Mini Cooper Roadster: 111 days
2014 Fiat 500L: 117 days

About the Lists

The Fastest- and Slowest-Selling Cars list reports the average number of days it takes to sell models from the day they arrive on the lot until the final paperwork is signed by a buyer. This is not a days-of-inventory list like you may find on other websites. With lots mostly clear of 2013 models, we look exclusively at 2014 and 2015 models.

For the fastest sellers, we only list vehicles that pass a certain threshold of sales in order to weed out limited editions, ultra-high-performance cars and others that might skew the numbers or otherwise inaccurately portray popularity. To highlight all slow sellers, slowest sellers have no such threshold.

Our Picks highlight cars that take a significant time before they're sold and might be overlooked by shoppers. Dealers could be more motivated to sell these cars. Cars.com

Colin

Sedan sales are going to get worse before they get better. The internet will have a field day in the coming 3 months. No TSX production since Jan. No TL production since Feb. No ILX production since Mar-April. No RLX production since ... not sure.

2015 ILX set to start in June, 2015 TLX starts in July and 2015 RLX not sure but assumed under way.

sotiri

They were a turn off for me at first; but after driving with them and noticing how much they illuminate, crisp, and the far beams are immediate and crisp, I'm happy with them.
IMO, they are like the old halogens when they first came out, and lights became square from round, I hated the look.
Now who cares.

T0L8

Guitaryojedi, did you pull the trigger? If so, can you post the dealership and contact person? PM if you prefer to be more private. I am hunting for a good deal on this car. Thanks!

neuronbob

He did, and he posted his purchase info in the RLX owner's thread. We hope to see you post as a new RLX owner soon!

TSX69

American Honda Sales Increase 9.0% in May

06/03/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda sets May record for light truck sales
Honda Accord, Civic and CR-V each post double digit gains, together selling over 100k units
Acura MDX shatters May record, lifts light trucks to best May in division history

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported May 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 152,603 units—an overall increase of 9.0 percent (5.0 percent based on the Daily Selling Rate, or DSR*) compared to May 2013, which showed a similar increase vs. the previous year. The Honda Division posted an increase of 9.8 percent with May sales of 137,928 units. Acura division gained 2.2 percent on May sales of 14,675, with light trucks increasing 32.9 percent for the month on sales of 10,301 units. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 610,413 units.

Honda
On the heels of strong retail sales in the 1st 4 months of the year, Accord, Civic and CR-V each topped 30,000 units in brisk May business, combining for sales of more than 100,000 units. The Honda division was up 9.8 percent overall in May.

Honda light trucks set a new May sales record, selling 57,835 units for a gain of 2.1 percent
Accord, America's best-selling retail car in the first quarter of 2014, was up 19.3 percent in May with 39,637 units sold
CR-V, the industry's most popular SUV, posted its best May sales ever with 32,430 units sold, an increase of 19.8 percent
Civic also had a strong May, with sales up 19.2 percent to 36,089 units vs. May 2013

"With spring finally in full force across the country, Accord, Civic and CR-V are really starting to bloom," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "With our 3 core models out-selling some entire brands and the all-new Fit starting to hit the ground next week, our dealers are preparing for heavy customer traffic in the coming months."

Acura
Hot-selling Acura light trucks continued their record-setting pace, combining to achieve the best May sales in division history. The MDX also posted its best May ever, topping sales of over 5900 for the month and up 115.6 percent for the year. After posting 24 consecutive months of record sales, the RDX netted May sales of 4,299 and gaining 3.8 percent for the year. Monthly sales of both the TL and TSX models reflect very tight supply with the anticipation of the launch of the all-new 2015 Acura TLX later this year.

Total Acura division sales increased 2.2 percent over last year on sales of 14,675 units in May
Acura trucks led the division with an increase of 32.9 percent on sales of 10,301 for a best-ever May performance
MDX also posted its best May with sales up 115.6 percent on sales of 5,997 units

"Acura light trucks continue to exceed even our high expectations, with the MDX posting another record increase in May," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "As dealers and customers anxiously await the all-new TLX, it's great to see models like the ILX having 1 of its better months and drawing a new, younger customer to the Acura brand."

KeithL

I wonder what Acura's plans are for the RLX? Are they OK with these numbers or do they plan on doing something to attract more sales?i still think they need to offer traditional SH-AWD in a Type-S trim or something to help a little.

TampaRLX-SH

Not to excuse the marketing (which TV ads have disappeared for the RLX) or some of the questionable decisions made with the RLX, but they are not producing them,,,,so how can they sell them? I have seen no evidence of the RLX being produced since end of last year. My dealership has not had one for two months. The few I searched in Florida have little to no inventory to sell. I have checked VINs on what inventory I can find and I have yet to find one assembled in 2014.

I can't help but wonder if this was intentional and the 2014 PAWS RLX was a toe dip in the water. It smells of re-strategizing and perhaps product repackaging. And it seems to be related to and affecting the SH RLX launch as well.

Sometimes a change in direction is best done when a product if off the radar.

Only a guess. And personally I think Acura is blowing it. My loyalty is tarnishing.

neuronbob

14% increase. I guess the fire sale is helping a little? Well, minimally? Inventory at my preferred dealer is down to one, and almost gone at the other dealers in town as of the last time I checked a few days ago. I almost bought a PAWS RLX before coming to my senses. Still awaiting the sport hybrid before deciding.

hondamore

If TampaRL's intuition regarding a change in strategy is correct, then my speculation would be that we might see the elimination of some of the current RLX models - seven trim levels/models is just silly.

Three levels, base (PAWS), tech(SHAWD) and hybrid SHAWD are enough to keep everyone happy (especially the dealers). I would personally cut down to two models - regular SHAWD and Hybrid SHAWD - load them both up with every bit of tech that they have and price them reasonably so they sell like hotcakes and lose the "nicest car that nobody buys" title. Once a reputation is reestablished, they can start to increase prices or just keep pumping out luxury cars that offer great bang for the buck a la the original Legend. My two cents.

TampaRLX-SH

I am tending to agree here. For some time I thought a SHAWD RLX was intentionally skipped as it is the overlap to the TL/TLX SHAWD Acura wanted to remove. But if the SH RLX will be as rare as rumors suggest a SHAWD RLX would sell better.

I assume there is room in the RLX rear end for the lighter, newer version of SHAWD that is bound for the TLX. I wonder if anyone has looked at the rear structure to speculate?

I never thought I would say this, but I have become a SHAWD snob.

getakey

I'd be shocked if they offered SHAWD in addition to Sport Hybrid unless they totally did away with FWD PAWS

KeithL

True, but then they should not be surprised at the low sales.

TSX69

Sadly, I think that Acura is relatively content with ~300 sales per month. They never seemed that committed to the product IMHO. Not just the lack of promotion but they never kept inventory that high. Most of the dealers in my state have been sold out for months & 1 of them had to beg for more & Acura finally sent them 2 (they did not get to choose & received both in the same color).

The Navi & Krell were unnecessary IMHO, 3 packages was plenty: Base, Tech & Advance. If need be, base probably could be axed as well - it is nice to have a low starting point but 1 dealership had 1 forever as everyone picked the higher end models over it.

SH-AWD option would have been nice - perhaps they thought that they did not need it with the SH-SH-AWD coming, remember that they thought it was going to be out by the end of 2013. Or they could be waiting for the new system that the TLX is getting. Do not know if this will help but Edmunds did a walk around of the suspension - perhaps it could help you determine if there is room for the SH-AWD system:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...alkaround.html

The RLX has been out now for 14 months; even the MDX, which debuted 4 months after the RLX, just launched the 2015 model. Perhaps this means that they are planning some changes for 2015 since we have not heard anything? The fact that they are still calling the hybrid a 2014 model despite debuting in June or later is another sign that 2015 might be different.

So what changes do you think could be in store? Perhaps the 9 speed auto from the TLX? SH-AWD? I would also like to see at some point a green hybrid: perhaps the 2 motor system that gets 40mpg or the sport hybrid with a smaller engine - not likely but I would be willing to give up some HP for MPG.

Unfortunately, the most change I can realistically see in the near future is Acura's usual reshuffling of features to add value - what they did for the ILX, RL & ZDX.

stagefoursurvivor

I cannot envision offering both SH-AWD AND SH-SH-AWD. Way too confusing for the average buyer. PLUS, how would they price the two? Would the long term gas savings offset the price differential?
Regrettably, we really don't know what the delay is all about with the RLXh. Where are all the test models provided to the reviewers?

KeithL

Agree on many points, but honestly I am willing to be that more people buy lower trim expensive cars that you think. When I bought my M37S and recently looked at GS350 most inventory was low to mid options. Same thing when I bought my A6, had to order it because most were low to mid options as well. I do think Base, Tech, Advance is more than enough.


True, Acura F***ed this car up from day one. One can only hope an early MMC that might help, but rarely do cars increase much in sales as the model cycle progresses.

Colin

That might be true for Europeans where you're (to a degree) buying the badge. But for Acura, I think the metric is different. Buyers expect (right or wrong) to have certain things standard as a tradeoff for not buying [insert Euro brand].

I've said it before and would say it again. More options in our brand does not increase sales or customer satisfaction. The RLX should have Base (with leather), Tech and Advance. I'm wondering if the Krell trim was a concession to Krell to get them onboard? Maybe Krell insisted on having a dedicated model to highlight their brand?

TSX69

http://acuranews.com/channels/acura-...une-2014-sales

07/01/2014 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda Civic and Accord post sales of more than 32,000 each in June for increases of 8.7 and 2.1 percent respectively
Honda CR-V posts best-ever 6-month sales performance with a gain of 6.1 percent YTD
Total Acura truck sales were up 6.1 percent in June
Acura MDX claims best-ever 6-month sales performance with an increase of 68.4 percent

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported June 2014 Honda and Acura vehicle sales of 129,023 units. The Honda division posted sales of 117,817 units in June while Acura sold 11,206 units in the same period. Year-to-date American Honda sales reached 739,436 units.

Honda
Honda's core models—Accord, Civic and CR-V—continue to set the retail pace through the 1st half of 2014, with the Civic up 8.7 percent and Accord increasing 2.1 percent in June. However, retail consumers appeared to take a breath last month coupled with an unusually short number of selling days, the shortest June in 5 years.

Bucking a recent market shift toward SUVs, Civic is up 8.7 percent in June and 5.3 percent for the 1st 6 months of 2014—its best such period in a decade
Accord sales rise 2.1 percent in June
CR-V, the industry's most popular SUV, posted a year-to-date gain of 6.1 percent for its best-ever 6-month sales performance
Despite low inventory as supply ramps up, the all-new 2015 Fit is driving new traffic at Honda dealerships

"Despite an easing of the pace in June, the larger sales trend throughout the industry remains robust," said Jeff Conrad, Honda division senior vice president and general manager. "Our core products remain strong and though we're still filling its supply pipeline, the new 2015 Fit is selling very well and we expect it to add yet another strong pillar to Honda sales in the near future."

Acura
Overall Acura sales continue to reflect the decreasing supply of TL and TSX models as the company prepares for launch of the 2015 TLX line of luxury performance sedans later this summer. With an unprecedented 1st half of the year, MDX and RDX continue to sell at a near record pace, pushing Acura truck sales up 6.1 percent for the month.

Acura truck sales rise 6.1 percent in June
MDX June sales rose 27.7 percent on sales of 4,890 units
Posting its best-ever 6-month sales performance, the Acura MDX led the division with sales of 30,644 units, an increase 68.4 percent over last year

"The MDX and RDX had a stellar 1st half of the year, certainly a good indicator that the Acura brand is moving in a strong direction," said Mike Accavitti, Acura division senior vice president and general manager. "While we expected the reduced supply of sedans to impact sales this summer, the upcoming launch of the all-new 2015 TLX lineup heralds a new era for the Acura brand."

TSX69

Please note that for May 2014, they had a hybrid sub-division for the RLX which disappeared for June. Not a good sign for the hybrid coming out anytime soon me thinks.

KeithL

Sad numbers and next month should be interesting as TL and TSX inventory is virtually gone soon.

Colin

Don't forget about the stop sale order on base ILX.

neuronbob

Acura overall is suffering the effects of low inventory.

The RLX is dwindling in inventory as well.

It's going to be a long summer for Acura dealers everywhere as they await inventory.

As for the SH-RLX....I noticed that the line item was gone, too. I think it only means they weren't planning to sell any in June and the person responsible for the sales report was quicker about changing it than last month.

TampaRLX-SH

Acura must be a multi-legged beast.

The have far passed the other shoe dropping.

*thunk*

Did you hear that?

What I find interesting is that Acura is creating a vacuum in the market segment that have been resident. There are succeeding in the small and mid size premium CUV segment, which I read is the fastest growing segment in the industry. But in sedans, good lord the house of cards has all but blown away.

This should be opportunity for Infinity to step up and fill that void. The new Q50 is a nice product and if the next Q70 delivers, they may exceed Acura in sedans. I believe Acura sedans of the last 3-4 years have also bolstered Audi to faster growth than even its Euro competitor brands. Last, if Acura's core consumer seeks premium vehicles with value packaging I think the Koreans are poised to succeed both Acura and Infinity.

Acura as a brand should be embarrassed. And the silence / pause of the RLX (PAWS and SH) does not produce fruit soon they might as well abandon the sedan loyalists they have onboard and hope they can start over building a base.

My dealership has NO sedans. NONE! And as much as some people vilify dealers, I for one worry for mine. They have been very good to me and I fear I will be moving to a sister brand of their ownership.

KeithL

I loved my M37S (Q70) and look forward to checking out the 15 when it arrives later this year as I love the tweaks they did. The thing that hurts them is a long outdated infotainment head unit. If they had brought some of the Q50 features to the Q70 I could easily see myself in another one.

Edward'TLS

Honda creates this low sedan inventory effect by shutting down the corresponding production lines. It is not caused by natural disaster like the earthquake/tsunami a couple years ago, that led to critical component shortage.

Just wonder what's on Honda's mind by idling those production lines, especially that the Honda auto factories are not running at full capacity to meet demands.

KeithL

They had a plan to introduce the TLX by Memorial Day, had they not had a last minute delay they would have had a good transiston as the current TL and TSX inventory suggests. I wonder how quickly they can fill inventory once they ship the TLX.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

What's causing the TLX delay ? Technical or factory ramp-up issues ?

acuranj18

It's sad that Acura is tanking RLX sales due to lack of production and inventory. Can't imagine how they think the RLX will not entirely lose sales momentum this way.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

Some new RLX owners have been reporting lately that they had been getting more than $10K off the MSRP in discount on certain FWD RLX models.

If Acura is not making or even losing money on each RLX sales, then it is a very wise decision to suspend the RLX production in order to stop bleeding money from the sedan line portfolio.

neuronbob

The current rumor is that the TLX is indeed being produced and that they might have had a software issue. If I lived close enough to the factory (I live two hours away from the factory ) I'd swing by and peek.

KeithL

They have not said. I have heard something around the SH-AWD and how it hooks up to front tranny, but that does not make sense, I am sure it is more likely something they are fixing with firmware.

Edward'TLS

^^^^^

If the FWD trim has no such problem, why not release the FWD TLX first, just like with the FWD RLX.

Acura is seriously in need of a competitive sedan for the dying sedan lineup.

TampaRLX-SH

From what I understand, the TLX delay is due to assembly issues mating the new tranny to the powertrain. That would affect both PAWS and SHAWD versions.