[technovelist]

I honestly wonder how people look at and buy a car without checking obvious things.

Spare tire? Open the trunk and look to see if it’s there or not. I bought one from my dealer for $300. Most new cars come with fix-a-flat kits now because of the weight savings and CAFE requirements.

Interior size. Sit in the car. Have someone sit in the front seat, and you sit in the back seat. Pretty easy to test to see that yes, the TLX has a cramped back seat.

The TLX is a wide car, that’s part of what makes it visually appealing. If your wife can’t keep the car in her lane, that’s a personal driving issue. I’ve had no issue managing to keep my TLX between the lines. If she really struggles that much, in addition to having the Lane Keep on, make sure she turns on lane centering on the steering wheel.

I still really can’t fathom how people will spend $40, $45, $50k on a car and not do their due diligence prior to test driving the car.

For both of the vehicles my wife and I have, we drove multiple vehicles, some multiple times, to make sure we bought the right vehicles.

I've already admitted it was a mistake.

As to your specific points:
I have never before had to check whether a car has a spare tire because every car I had ever bought came with one.
However, I did in fact open the trunk and saw that there was no spare tire. When I brought this up to the salesman, he told me I didn't need one because the car had run-flat tires, which of course was a lie.
When I went back to the dealership after finding this out, he claimed he had never said that.

And in fact we did a LOT of research before even thinking of buying this car, all of which indicated that it would serve our needs well. Also, our previous Acura purchase experience, at the SAME dealer, was very pleasant, with no high-pressure tactics unlike this purchase. I had owned an Integra a long time ago and liked it, and our previous car was, as I said before, a 2008 TL-S, which we liked a lot.
But even with all that, had we not been in a pickle due to our other car mysteriously acting up that day, we wouldn't have bought it then.

 

[Ryansoltani]

I honestly wonder how people look at and buy a car without checking obvious things.

Spare tire? Open the trunk and look to see if it’s there or not. I bought one from my dealer for $300. Most new cars come with fix-a-flat kits now because of the weight savings and CAFE requirements.

Interior size. Sit in the car. Have someone sit in the front seat, and you sit in the back seat. Pretty easy to test to see that yes, the TLX has a cramped back seat.

The TLX is a wide car, that’s part of what makes it visually appealing. If your wife can’t keep the car in her lane, that’s a personal driving issue. I’ve had no issue managing to keep my TLX between the lines. If she really struggles that much, in addition to having the Lane Keep on, make sure she turns on lane centering on the steering wheel.

I still really can’t fathom how people will spend $40, $45, $50k on a car and not do their due diligence prior to test driving the car.

For both of the vehicles my wife and I have, we drove multiple vehicles, some multiple times, to make sure we bought the right vehicles.

Fully agree, if im spending that much money on a car I’m doing all the research I can. All the problems people are mentioning are very well known and easy to spot on a test drive. It amazes me how people just spend money without any thought.

 

[frainc]

The AWD will change your opinion.

You are correct. My impression was based on the previous gen and I did not test the car properly. I just waned it. It turned out to be poorly designed. Not a bad car but it doesn't meet expectations.

I did have an Acura MDX with AWD and it was great. Never a problem. You made a mistake so when the time comes to get out of the lease or do it early with another car brand.

 

[rbmorse]

I have found that if I have my phone in the same pocket pocket as my key fob, especially if the phone is on the outside (phone is between the car and fob) that the signal to unlock the doors can be blocked.

Also, if you keep your phone in your purse, any electronic devices you also have in your purse can also interfere with the signal. Also, Also - they are making some purses with RF shielding now that will block your keyless entry signal.

So - keep your key fob away from your phone when it's in your pockets and probably not store your fob in your purse when you plan to use it for entry (or perhaps store it in an outside purse pocket). My keyless entry works flawlessly.

READ and HEED!

My iPhone does not get along with the Acura's remote key. Not anywhere near as much a problem with our '14s key, but the '21 TLX and the phone get locked into some sort of deathmatch where the phone wins every time.

As the OP has indicated, the remote trunk and door locks are most severely affected, but I've been caught out trying to start the car a couple of times, too.

The key (sic) to success seems to be to keep them apart.

 

[ijm5012]

Fully agree, if im spending that much money on a car I’m doing all the research I can. All the problems people are mentioning are very well known and easy to spot on a test drive. It amazes me how people just spend money without any thought.

I test drove 6 different cars including the TLX, and drove a TLX three times, before purchasing mine.

Rear seat space was noticed as soon as I sat in the car, as was the lack of a spare tire. But my wife has a pretty large SUV with a spacious second row in it.

Before I dropped $45k on a car, I made damn sure to do my research, test drive other cars to evaluate the pros/cons of each, and make sure I was comfortable driving the car, and it was the same thing when we bought my wife’s car as well.

 

[MarcoTLX]

I test drove 6 different cars including the TLX, and drove a TLX three times, before purchasing mine.

Rear seat space was noticed as soon as I sat in the car, as was the lack of a spare tire. But my wife has a pretty large SUV with a spacious second row in it.

Before I dropped $45k on a car, I made damn sure to do my research, test drive other cars to evaluate the pros/cons of each, and make sure I was comfortable driving the car, and it was the same thing when we bought my wife’s car as well.

Wow what a thread lol, but I wholeheartedly agree with you, it’s so important to do thorough research and evaluate what needs & wants it meets for you and what it doesn’t meet for you when buying any car especially a $45k-$55k car.

I test drove the TLX Type-S several different times between its launch in 2021 and 2023 and even test drove it’s “competitors” in the segment to see what I was missing or if the other side was better. Compared and contrasted with my 2019 TLX A-Spec SH-AWD what I would gain and lose by moving into the 2nd Gen TLX. Took time to deliberate if it was worth losing a CD player, having a slightly smaller gas tank capacity, and not having HUD and 360 camera was worth it. I deliberated and decided it was worth trading up to a Type-S and did just that.

Hell, even for laughs and giggles I test drove a 2022 TLX A-Spec AWD

idk about others but I HEAVILY research any car I plan to purchase even if i’m familiar with the brand. I researched the TLX Type-S so much the past year and a half that I know just about everything about it. I even know how to do the “lesser known“ launch control on the Type-S

 

[flatlandTLX]

I get a lot of the frustrations being expressed here but I also completely with the notion that most of the complaints on here were things that should have been noticed during a test drive. My biggest frustration with people is how often they buy things based on emotion of the moment rather than logic.

Personally, I'm unlikely to buy another Acura, but it's because I have what I consider to be significant issues with the infotainment system (crackling sound in the speakers, failure to handoff properly, microphone issues using bluetooth and carplay, etc.) and I know that there are thousands of other people experiencing the same issues and Acura's response is, "If we can't replicate the issue in the shop, we can't help you". Again, this despite the fact that all of the issues are well documented by others.

When I bought my car, I had no way to know that there would be a future issue with the infotainment system and I had an expectation that Honda and Acura would take quality issues seriously....and they don't. The days of Honda built cars being dependable and durable are in the past. The good news is that the issues in my car are intermittent and I've learned the workarounds when it is messing up. There are other minor issues with the car and choices made by Acura that I don't buy, but in themselves I wouldn't pass on an Acura because of them.

If not for the fact that I've made a personal commitment to keep this car until I feel comfortable buying an electric vehicle, I would already be walking away. The people above who are expressing as much frustration as they are should also be deciding what their exit plan is. If you can't feel good about your car, why subject yourself to it unnecessarily?

 

[TA4Homes]

We may be getting off-topic for this thread, but it's unfortunate to buy a car and realize it doesn't meet the expectations. It's happened to me before.

I've not been fully impressed with what I've read regarding the 2.0 turbo as the only option for the new TLX - especially considering the size (and weight) of the new TLX (and yet still cramped cabin). Unless you want to spend close to 60k for the Type S, which IMO is still underpowered for a badge car (and that still doesn't give you all the options in the TLX line so Acura can keep the price point). The Type S performance would be more than adequate for me, but I'm not paying $50-60K for a car that doesn't have all the options available. I'll be sticking with my 3.5 V6 Advance until the next spun bearing is scheduled to occur. Should have another 50k miles. lol.

Hi, I have a 2018 V6 Advance with almost 50k. Is 50k the tragic #! Do all of them have the same problem with bearings? Btw, I agree. That's why we bought the Advanced model "All options included". Good luck selling my car if all V6 models have bearing issues.

 

[Kevinmac]

I have the 2020 V6 tech, bought the 2020 since it was the last year for the v6, and have enjoyed the car immensely. It has power, a joy to drive, and has a very quiet smooth ride! Fills every need, has an ample trunk space and enough rear seat room. Great car.

 

[TheHumungus]

Hi, I have a 2018 V6 Advance with almost 50k. Is 50k the tragic #! Do all of them have the same problem with bearings? Btw, I agree. That's why we bought the Advanced model "All options included". Good luck selling my car if all V6 models have bearing issues.

It apparently has occured enough for it to be possibly considered a trend. Will every V6 TLX suffer from the 'dreaded' bearing failure? Obviously not. It certainly isn't as prevelant as the dreaded Subaru Outback head gasket failures of those early 2000 models.
But check the forum. You'll see a few of us here have suffered from this defect. Would I avoid buying the V6 because of it? Nope. Does it impact resale value? Not from what I've seen. But I would just be mindful of the potential.

 

[Richard6229]

This is not a sports sedan, nor a luxury sedan, nor a family sedan. I have a 2022 A-Spec SH-AWD (black on black, just like the OP, which prompted me to respond). A-Spec - no remote start, no heated steering wheel, no folding or heated mirrors, no heated windshield (I don't have a garage now, so not happy). The TLX used to be a quiet car. Not anymore. And the quality of the workmanship coming out of Ohio seems to be lower as well.
The 2.0 liter turbo is anemic for a car that heavy and when paired with an AWD the lack of torque on the low end is a real buzz killer (I am hoping that the Ktuner will fix that).
The car is as large as an Accord but with a smaller trunk and less legroom in the rear seat. But open up the unnecessarily large hood and you'll find where all that space went - empty and useless. Utility has been sacrificed for looks.
Tiny glove box, no tray in the center column to quickly store small items. No, the side pocket is not convenient.
The wireless charger does not charge all phones. There's no wireless Android Auto so you have to use a cable but once you attach the cable - the phone does not fit easily in the wireless charger spot and there is no other place to put it (solution was to add an AA wireless dongle).
The infotainment system is a disaster - starting with having a touch pad instead of a touch screen, through the single data USB port (arguably, this BS may be coming from Google), awkward Android Auto interface due to the touch pad (though better now with the latest AA version), steering wheel controls that don't let you navigate your audio collection with ease (PowerAmp doesn't do it for me), to the lack of a CD player. Are we all expected to stream low quality audio from YouTube? Navigating the infotainment system is distracting and makes me feel uncomfortable.
Why can't it start in individual mode where I left it? How do I turn off the display after turning off the engine?
The brakes make me feel a little uneasy.
The seats are hard and not comfortable on long trips.
The car has blind spots and one has to trust the radars (the Accord that I gave away had a two segment driver side mirror and a camera on the passenger side, virtually eliminating the blind spots).
Did I say that I average less than 21 mpg combined? Bring back the V6!
MSRP 48k - what a joke!
Overall, the car has caused me plenty of disappointment, frustration, and time spent researching - not what one would expect from this segment of vehicles.
Bottom line is - unless you is getting Type S, just don't bother. There are other options.

Agreed that is why I got the Type S. Thank you.

 

[Epheezy]

This is not a sports sedan, nor a luxury sedan, nor a family sedan. I have a 2022 A-Spec SH-AWD (black on black, just like the OP, which prompted me to respond). A-Spec - no remote start, no heated steering wheel, no folding or heated mirrors, no heated windshield (I don't have a garage now, so not happy). The TLX used to be a quiet car. Not anymore. And the quality of the workmanship coming out of Ohio seems to be lower as well.
The 2.0 liter turbo is anemic for a car that heavy and when paired with an AWD the lack of torque on the low end is a real buzz killer (I am hoping that the Ktuner will fix that).
The car is as large as an Accord but with a smaller trunk and less legroom in the rear seat. But open up the unnecessarily large hood and you'll find where all that space went - empty and useless. Utility has been sacrificed for looks.
Tiny glove box, no tray in the center column to quickly store small items. No, the side pocket is not convenient.
The wireless charger does not charge all phones. There's no wireless Android Auto so you have to use a cable but once you attach the cable - the phone does not fit easily in the wireless charger spot and there is no other place to put it (solution was to add an AA wireless dongle).
The infotainment system is a disaster - starting with having a touch pad instead of a touch screen, through the single data USB port (arguably, this BS may be coming from Google), awkward Android Auto interface due to the touch pad (though better now with the latest AA version), steering wheel controls that don't let you navigate your audio collection with ease (PowerAmp doesn't do it for me), to the lack of a CD player. Are we all expected to stream low quality audio from YouTube? Navigating the infotainment system is distracting and makes me feel uncomfortable.
Why can't it start in individual mode where I left it? How do I turn off the display after turning off the engine?
The brakes make me feel a little uneasy.
The seats are hard and not comfortable on long trips.
The car has blind spots and one has to trust the radars (the Accord that I gave away had a two segment driver side mirror and a camera on the passenger side, virtually eliminating the blind spots).
Did I say that I average less than 21 mpg combined? Bring back the V6!
MSRP 48k - what a joke!
Overall, the car has caused me plenty of disappointment, frustration, and time spent researching - not what one would expect from this segment of vehicles.
Bottom line is - unless you is getting Type S, just don't bother. There are other options.

Where you blindfolded when you bought the car?? 😆😆😆

 

[worrellthomas2020]

It apparently has occured enough for it to be possibly considered a trend. Will every V6 TLX suffer from the 'dreaded' bearing failure? Obviously not. It certainly isn't as prevelant as the dreaded Subaru Outback head gasket failures of those early 2000 models. But check the forum. You'll see a few of us here have suffered from this defect. Would I avoid buying the V6 because of it? Nope. Does it impact resale value? Not from what I've seen. But I would just be mindful of the potential.

Yep. If you run in the higher RPMs for any length of time, you need to be running at least 5W 30 oil. 0w20 becomes like 0w10 as it breaks down under heat and pressure and will not support rod bearings. Use at your own risk- but I doubt any NSX will be found with 0w20!

 

[Kevinmac]

Nonsense the NSX is turbo charged runs at boost pressure causing much more combustion heat than naturally aspirated plus the turbos are oiled which are at EGT!
If your assessment is correct, why do Pro Stock dragsters use 0w-5?
New oils are so refined with much better additive packages, especially with synthetics not shearing and less breaking down under load and heat! The API designations require it!

 

[Alistooir]

safety first

 

[Jakeok]

God, this is too bad. Anyway, safety first, maybe you can sell this car and buy a more suitable one for you

 

[flatlandTLX]

I can say with confidence that all of the whining about the safety of this car is laughable after my experience with a couple rental cars this weekend. My wife and I flew to Denver, Colorado this weekend to visit my daughter. We usually use National because we've been Emerald Aisle members for a couple decades and we've always had good luck with them. Unfortunately, ski season had diminished the number of cars available so we used Alamo.

When we got to the Alamo rental car center, there were only two "mid-size" sedans available, a Toyota Corolla and a Nissan Kicks. We picked the Corolla. Although it drives well for a small car, it was tiny, noisy and underpowered and..... it broke down on day two of the trip. So, we go to the downtown Enterprise location (in bed with Alamo/National now) only to find that all they have there are 2-3 year old junkers that are worn out from rental abuse. We end up in a 2021 Nissan Kicks with over 30k on the clock. After driving for a couple miles, we realize that the hood isn't latched properly. I stop the car, slam the hood...no joy. Try pressing on the hood....no joy. Slam harder...no joy. Take it back to the rental center and the gal comes out and just slams the heck out and it closes. Those poor cars are in an abusive relationship with the rental car company.

That Nissan Kicks was the worst car that I've since I was stuck in a 1987 Hyundai Excel back when that was the only car that I could rent because of my age. 0-60 happens in something like five hours in that little piece of junk. Quieter than the Toyota, and at least it had CarPlay, but what a piece of junk. The Corolla was amazing in comparison. I didn't feel safe making any turn with oncoming traffic for fear of being t-boned in that gutless wonder.

So, the next time that you don't feel safe driving your car, head out to your local Enterprise rental center and pick yourself up a little sh!tbox for a day or two so that you can appreciate how good your Acura really is. Perspective matters and we often get so caught up in our little moments that we don't realize how good we have it.

 

[Gadgetgirl2]

I agree with Flatland, it is perspective. I test drove MANY cars. Drove my husband nuts. I drove a Honda Accord and it was better than most but then I drove a TLX and instantly fell in love. I have a 2015 V6 Tech. I am a small female who is used to small compact cars. Was I little uncomfortable driving the car at first? Yes. But it's all about what you are used to. Also, when I test drove it I made sure my husband a wide shouldered, lumber jack build (according to the kids) man sat in the car. If he can't sit in it comfortably, its a no go. He is comfortable, great! Back seat isn't an issue because, well, don't plan on sitting back there. lol. I am used to no bells and whistles, no lane keep assist, no collision warning, NOTHING. So the bells and whistles are nice to me. I can say I drove an Accord and the collision warning would go off with shadows. lol. And, I am ashamed to say, the collision warning did save my ass once when I was groggy and tired. I love my TLX and it is the best car I have ever owned. I wish you luck and hope you get used to it soon and learn to enjoy it.