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TLX vs A4

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32K views 26 replies 16 participants last post by  TLX2014  
#1 ·
so ya......i am in the market for a premium/not-too-luxury AWD sport sedan

been doing research for a month already. so i came down to 3 choices

- 2014 infiniti Q50 AWD base
- 2015 audi A4 quattro, with their second highest trim
- 2015 TLX SH-AWD, with their second highest trim (tech package)

despite being the cheapest of the 3, i eventually crossed Q50 off the list because the trunk space is abit on the shallow side and there are issues with their intouch center console

so now we have A4 and TLX left. truth to be told i did not look into the TLX at all due to its very recent release, and i almost jumped the gun on the A4 until i heard about the TLX literally last week.

if my math is correct, price wise A4 should be only around 3000 bucks more expensive than the TLX. while TLX gets relatively alot more features and more powerful engine than the A4, the A4 has a relatively more premium look and feel to it. Not to mention that you can opt for their Audi Care 5 year pre-paid maintenance package (which is already factored into the 3000 bucks difference) which i feel brings the gap even closer since acura sadly do not offer prepaid maintenance packages

reliability-wise. both brands seem to be ranked pretty high from consumer reports, just after lexus. audi has had problems before with the A4 (notably their high fuel consumption), but looks like they have fixed the issues now as the current generation comes to end-of-life. however, this also means that by next year the next-gen A4 will make the current one look obsolete. likewise, the TLX is an all-new generation vehicle where acura puts lots of bells and whistles into it, but being the first-iteration we are prone to the risk of bugs and quirks and issues/lemons etc (the infiniti Q50 comes to mind).

so i am really torn now. and yes, i am a pretty indecisive person when it comes to cars since it involves quite a lot of money. my mom, who knows nothing about acura beyond the ILX which is only $3X,000, is like "what? omg! an acura for close to 50K? are you nuts? not worth it, of course you should get an audi if its only a few grand more". My (more knowledgeable) peers are also leaning towards the audi since the TLX (or the acura brand rather) has been off everybody's minds/attention as of late

but i digress. what would you pick? how much would you foresee the TLX maintenance costs to be over the first 5 years? how would you foresee both cars in 10 years in terms of maintenance upkeep?
 
#3 ·
If you want to do a valid comparison you should bring the Audi equipement to the same as the TLX (meaning add option). Then the cost would favor the TLX. Other thing you should keep in mind is that Acura are bulletproof car. I've had my TSX for close to 11 years in an area where the temperature goes from -30 in the winter to + 30 in the summer and I've not done much more than regular maintenance. The only issue I would have with the TLX would be the style which is too neutral in my mind. That being said, I am going to test drive one of the new C Class from MB tonight. Still considering the TLX but I have to wait to test drive the TLX as well and see what kind of deal I get from Acura or MB.
 
#4 ·
the new C-class interior sure looks nice but is too stylish/baller for my tastes. i wouldn't mind the 2014 model though it will be very hard to find one now

and obviously much more expensive than the A4 or TLX
 
#5 ·
Honestly asking that question on a TLX forum, I don't think you'll find someone who's going to give the Audi A4 much attention.

It really is a tough decision, but honestly from my experience, and my mechanic friends, they will all tell you go with Acura. If you're simply leasing, then I guess price will factor, and also the TLX has more tech

However if you're planing on buying or keeping it long term, I wouldn't suggest the Audi. After 80 000km - 120 000km, it starts to go downhill, and the parts are expensive.
You won't have as much trouble with the Acura, its very reliable and low maintenance.
That's the honest opinion of non biased mechanic, because they love the look and feel of the Audi, and so do I to be honest.

Hope this helps!
 
#6 ·
yes i understand that audi may be expensive to keep, and the acura is likely to be more reliable in the long run, especially since i am coming from a 2001 acura EL myself.

but the main issue is....i wonder what the TLX maintanence costs will be for the first 5 years or so of ownership, since unfortunately acura does not offer prepaid maintenance packages

lets assume i plan to drive between 10K-12K miles a year, nothing crazy

and i will be paying by cash, no leasing
 
#8 ·
Agree with all the responses to your question stated above.

This was also my list and I was very close from signing a good deal for 2014 A4 last year but walked away and decided to wait for TLX and this is what we got.

It is hard to say what the maintenance cost for TLX will be but by the same token, it is hard to say what the maintenance cost will be for the new A4. Most likely, it will be the same or similar comparing to their respective older models.

If you look at edmunds.com, their TCO calculator for 5 year maintenance cost for 2012 TL vs 2014 A4 quatro (i used these two models just for comparison) shows almost the same number, within a 50 dollar difference.

If you go to Acura site you can find maintenance schedule for TLX and it is pretty much oil change and tire rotation; V6 engine needs new timing belt at 100K. Your tires and breaks should be good for 3 years.
 
#9 ·
for me personally, its not about the name, but the cost of upkeep

like i said, it's more about the maintenance costs. audi offers 5 year schedule maintenance for a lump sum of $750. for acura i will have to pay for every visit, subject to what the dealership's service department charges me. that's fine with me, but i cannot imagine that acura will only charge me $750 for maintenance over the first 5 years, which is why i feel that the price gap is getting narrower.

are there any TSX of TL owners who can enlighten me as to their approximate maintenance costs for the first 5 years of ownership?
 
#10 ·
how much would you foresee the TLX maintenance costs to be over the first 5 years? how would you foresee both cars in 10 years in terms of maintenance upkeep?
Based on the replies already, I'm not really sure what information you are looking for.

The basic maintenance costs for the first few years (5?) are basically just oil change and tire rotations. Anything considered consumable (e.g. brakes, tires...) are usually not considered or included as maintenance so may not be included in your Audi maintenance.

You will have to check your local area dealers but parts and labor for Acura is significantly cheaper than for Audi. While it depends on the model and year, to get a timing belt replaced for Honda/Acura should be around $800. Audi is around $2000.
 
#11 ·
ok thanks all for your responses

guess i will stick to the TLX then, now to find a good deal on it which is another whole new discussion....
 
#17 ·
So did you get the TLX? I ask because I'm on day 1 of TLX ownership, having just traded in a 2011 A4. It was a great car overall. I had a few complaints, mainly that the 4 cylinders were just too slow off the line. In the last few months it was drinking a quart of synthetic every couple of weeks. My turbo went out with about 500 miles to spare on the maintenance program. I love the AWD, but I don't know if I can go with a turbo ever again. Just too much heat, oil and moving parts. As it is, the TLX is comfortable, fairly peppy and full of the bells & whistles.
 
#12 ·
Took a C Class Benz for a test drive tonight and came back disappointed. Did not like the turbo lag did not like the dial gauges and even manage to get some rattle once. Did not want to push the car as the car was not really a demo but a unit for sale. Came back home with my wife new MDX and boy it rides nicely. I am sure the TLX will even ride better than my wife MDX. Will try to get a test drive of the TLX in a couple of weeks but no MB for me
 
#14 ·
If your main concern is maintenance for the first 5 years, I can't imagine it being much for either car. I mean, it's a brand new car right? As people have mentioned, it's basically fluid changes. Even if brakes are covered by the Audi plan, you'll probably go through one set at the most. It sounds like you've decided on the TLX though, so hopefully you get a good deal.
 
#15 ·
I drove these two cars within half hour of each and while I didn't notice a significant difference in quality, A4 is still a smaller car inside and has less options for the money. It's a seller's market for the Audi vs. Acura, so unless you really want or need an Audi, you will be as happy with the TLX and save tons of money.
 
#21 ·
I also x-shopped A4 and TLX, the cars are night and day different in everything except price. For what I shopped: A4 Preimum Plus would cost me the same money as 3.5L AWD Tech. But I didn't make a decision on price. To my eyes, and I don't say my opinion is universal, A4 has by far superior interior that Acura can't approach. Exterior is also pretty nice on A4, but I do like manlier (sorry, ladies!) shape of TLX. However 3.5L to me is by far superior to that 2.0L turbo. I don't care have how much HP it has, it doesn't feel the same. Those turbos are gutless at the bottom. and they either don't sound like anything or sound like crap. The TLX size, engine and sound make me feel YESSSS!, A4 size makes me feel OK, I CAN LIVE WITH IT, I GUESS. I drove A4 automatic and wanted to fall asleep. Then I drove A4 6-speed. Thought I will love it. I wanted to fall asleep. Then I drove TLX and before my left foot hit the ground I said "I WANT THIS CAR". I don't care that the door trim looks rent-car grade, the engine makes for it. So my point - drive both and it's hard for me to imagine you don't feel the difference.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I'm posting to this thread *WAY* late, but wanted to give my feelings/impressions based on recent events in case it helps others. I've been debating a new car for the past year or so coming from a 2005 Acura TSX w/ 220K miles. I love my TSX, best car I've ever owned, but thought I might be ready for a change, Audi being a primary option. My wife recently bought a 2015 Acura RDX that I've gotten to drive and admire which helped reaffirm my loyalty and comfort with Acura. I had considered various options: a loaded 2015/16 Mazda 6, a loaded Honda Accord, a loaded Audi A3 or a well equipped S3 or A4 . I had test driven each car multiple times over the past year and spent countless hours on Youtube and forums like this painstakingly researching every detail and opinion.

All that said, I had a recent opportunity with a work related trip to rent a 2015 Audi A4 (well equipped) in S-trim with SilverCar in San Francisco for 5 days. Score! I was probably one of the first dozen drivers or less as the car had less than 2K miles on it and it was in absolutely immaculate condition. It smelled, looked and most importantly felt like I was taking delivery on a brand new car from an Audi dealer. It was the perfect opportunity to gauge my likes and dislikes towards Audi, the A3 and A4 vs. the competition. I'll admit upfront that I was initially leaning towards the Audi line on many levels over the Acura during several months of research and test drives. I've owned many Honda products in the past (CRX, Civic, Accord and TSX), so I know the brand well. Having the 2015 A4 for 5 days really cemented several things for me.

Let's be clear up front... I think Audi is a great car in many ways, it's top notch especially in fit and finish. Over 5 days, I had a blast with the A4. I thought the A4 was a solid car, but as my initial enthusiasm wore off, reality set in and I came to a personal conclusion that it's not the best overall value. Good car, yes, absolutely. Best value, no, not by a long shot (IMHO). I plan to keep my next purchase for 8-10 years, so my view may be different. After months, I've reached a decision and have an order in for (not taken delivery yet) on a 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD Advanced. It's not an apples to apples comparison to the A4 S-trim, but close in many ways. Precisely, the 4-cylinder Audi as equipped was very close in price to the V6 Acura in top trim. I thought the A4 was pretty lacking in power for the money. Frankly, it wasn't noticeably better than my TSX even with the turbo. The ride was precise and taught -- almost too so, but that's the very "German" feel if you appreciate it. On shorter drives it's awesome, but after an hour or so it wears (on me) and I noticed.

Overall fit and finish on the A4 is outstanding. I loved the navigation (Google Maps), but *hated* the MMI interface and struggled with it constantly. I gave up numerous times and used Google Maps on my Android phone in a fraction of the time as the MMI system was frustrating to use under real world conditions. That may change over time, but Acura's second screen with direct input options alleviates most of that for me. Granted, the A3 has a "better" direct input controller I haven't fully tested. All of the controls were well placed, yet felt very odd at the same time. Example, the cruise control, something I use extensively -- I simply couldn't get accustomed to it over 5 days with it's placement on a stick (stalk) vs. buttons on the steering wheel. As a 2+ hr a day commuter, I use cruise control constantly and I found this to be a bit of a struggle.

Overall, the one common theme that ran throughout my mind over 5 days was *VALUE*. The Audi was a great car... don't get me wrong, I could easily drive it for years a still be happy with it (first world problems I guess). Overall, I think the TLX is a much better value, especially in the higher levels. I think the SH-AWD in Advanced trim is a much better value than the fully loaded A4 (for my tastes) in my evaluation thus far. I think it's a way better value than the A3 in all trims, especially if you're looking for a more medium sized sedan.

The TLX isn't without its overall faults, initial production problems and unknowns (long term reliability), but overall, for me it became an easy decision after having the opportunity to drive one of its main competition (in my mind) for 5 days. I'm anxiously awaiting delivery of my new TLX!
 
#24 ·
Welcome to the Forum!

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[Edited for Reply]
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The TLX isn't without its overall faults, initial production problems and unknowns (long term reliability), but overall, for me it became an easy decision after having the opportunity to drive one of its main competition (in my mind) for 5 days. I'm anxiously awaiting delivery of my new TLX!
Welcome to the Forum! Glad to see your first post was a very detailed and positive review. Thanks for the insight.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about the TLX you ordered. :)
 
#25 ·
Welcome to the Forum! Glad to see your first post was a very detailed and positive review. Thanks for the insight.

Please introduce yourself and tell us about the TLX you ordered. :)

Thanks! I appreciate the welcome!

I've negotiated a deal for a 2015 SH-AWD Advanced in Bellanova White with Ebony interior. My local dealer didn't have the model and color choices I wanted (white was my 1st choice and silver my 2nd either of which with ebony or grey interior), so I opted to have them find and/or order one for me. As someone who plans on long term ownership I wasn't willing to compromise much on trim or color even for what they had in stock. They were able to locate a recent delivery one state away (in Georgia -- I'm in FL) and I hope to take possession later this week either Thursday or Friday if all goes well.

I plan to write a summary of my thoughts and opinions once I've had the car a bit longer and have lived with it a bit more than a few test drives. I'm genuinely going to miss my TSX, but really look forward to all of the technology and comforts of the TLX. As much as I've enjoyed the TSX, it's a huge step up!