Critics Agree - ELS Audio is Pretty Darn Good - 2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

Critics Agree - ELS Audio is Pretty Darn Good - 2015 Acura TLX SH-AWD Long-Term Road Test

The ELS audio system in our 2015 Acura TLX makes us regret not opting for the same system in our personal TLX.

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allthingshonda

One of your co-workers did a great job detailing the ELS system in you former TSX Sport Wagon http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/car-audio/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-audio-review.html and also in this article http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/car-audio/high-end-stock-stereo-sound-off.html.

nedmundo

I feel your pain, and have been feeling it for the six years I've owned my 2010 TSX. I wasn't willing to spend another three grand for the Tech Package when I only wanted the ELS audio, especially when the base system is quite good, but this was a mistake. Not only would I have enjoyed the ELS audio enormously, but 2010 was the last year the Tech Package was available with 6MT, so my hypothetical car's rarity may have increased its value. Oh well. Anyway, I doubt I'll buy a TLX, but if I do, it will have the Tech Package. In fact, I'll spring for any upgraded audio system if it's a meaningful improvement over the base system.

schen72

I know my car buying behavior probably differs from most people. I only consider the top trim of any car I'm looking at. I buy (cash, not finance) cars based on what I can afford. As they are depreciating assets, it makes no sense to get a loan. I buy it just like I'd buy a washing machine, or a TV. I keep my cars until they literally fall apart so I expect to keep them 15-20 years. I'm about 40 and I've owned only 4 cars in my life -- 3 of which I still have. Bottom line, in my car ownership time horizon, the added cost of getting a higher trim comes out to nearly nothing and I get all the goodies I like.

stever

Excellent insight @schen72. Seven cars here since '80 (for two of us) and we're currently shopping new. We want all the bells and whistles. When you drive them forever the cost per year for the options shrinks pretty fast.

The flip side is that there's more stuff to break.

schen72

stever said:

Excellent insight @schen72. Seven cars here since '80 (for two of us) and we're currently shopping new. We want all the bells and whistles. When you drive them forever the cost per year for the options shrinks pretty fast.

The flip side is that there's more stuff to break.

For people like us that keep cars a long time, reliability is very high on the priority list. I've so far stuck with Japanese. German cars are cool, but just seem very difficult to keep running after 10 years.