Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

benjaminh

pensfan83 said:

Very nice @benjaminh, congratulations! I'll be anxious to hear your impressions of the 4 cylinder model.

I took my new TLX for an hour-long ride this morning on various kinds of roads. I'm really enjoying the performance of the 4 cylinder engine, the precision all-wheel steering, and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Power and shifting are better than I expected. Handling is the biggest surprise. I read so many reviews saying that PAWs was unnoticeable. What? I could tell right away that the steering was different (and better) than any car I've ever driven in my life, and I started driving in 1980. PAWS puts more enjoyment into taking curves at medium speed. Handling overall is better and different than an Accord. Feels more planted and precise. And since Accords have good handling that's saying something. All sorts of little and big touches are better than an Accord, to the point where it's a significantly different car.

graphicguy

benjaminh said:

Like most auto deals it was its own special case. To make a long story short, they gave me a very good value on my trade of my 2016 Accord EX. The Accord had 27k miles and was in very good shape but not perfect. For instance it had a significant paint scratch. Almost exactly 2 years ago I paid 22.5k + TTL for the Accord, and they gave a trade-in value of 17k, which means that I got two years of great use out of the Accord for 5.5k. My remaining loan from Honda on the car was a little over 11k, which gave me almost 6k to fold into the deal. I know most people say don't put that much into a lease, but I wanted a lower monthly payment. Anyway, my lease payment on the TLX including taxes and everything else is 229 a month for 36 months with 12k miles a year. When I got to the dealership things started at 270 a month with an initial trade-in value of c.15.3. I had really gone to the Acura dealer almost on a whim. I've admired Acuras since 1986, but I told them quite honestly that a lease at 270 a month meant that I realized it just wasn't in the cards for me to lease something beyond a new Accord. But they were at the end of their sales period and needed to meet a certain goal, and so they very pleasantly did whatever it took to get me into the new TLX. The TLX Tech has a list price of 37.6, which was already marked down before I stepped in the door to c.29, in large part because of big incentives from Acura. The final residual value after 3 years, should I want to purchase the TLX, is c.18k. Right now I doubt I could find a nicer car in 3 years for 18k. But the trick is will I want the next tech improvements at that time.

The Milano leather seats on the TLX are very comfortable as you'd expect—and way beyond my Accord's cloth seats

I was thinking last night, I like the Milano Sports Seats in my TLX so much that I’d love to have one in my office.

stickguy

The tlx to me really feels nothing like an accord. Which makes sense, since they are on different platforms pretty much. And it does have great seats.

nyccarguy

@benjaminh

Bottom line is that you are HAPPY with the car. You got a nice chunk taken off the MSRP & got a very nice value for your trade. Part of why the car drives better than your previous Accord is the fact the even though they ride on the same platform, your TLX has significantly thicker front & rear anti-roll bars. I'm sure the P-AWS has something to do with it as well. The 2.4L NA 4cyl is a gem to rev up & drive hard. We are all very interested in hearing your driving impressions as you bond with your new car!

stickguy

I like your plan too, about leasing to buy out. With the right terms and discounts, a great way to get a good buy on a clean used car. I was thinking of that plan with a Volvo. Missed my opportunity last fall on that deal.

My daughter is looking to lease a Jetta next month (she just graduated college and starting a real job) and unless it is problematic, good chance she just buys it out at the end.

stickguy

The 2.4 did drive well. Just don’t drive back to back with the V6 and no problem!

Would be perfect if they dropped the 2.0t engine in the top model to replace the 6.

au1994

Looks like the TLX is typical Acura. Does a lot well, a few things very well and at a great value. I considered one when I got the X1. In typical CCBA fashion I now want to take a look again

sda

We are in Jacksonville for the week, getting ready to go to Neptune beach for a few hours. The weather cooler than expected and quite welcome. My SIL is saying she may give her '06 TL to my daughter later this year. While very much appreciate the offer and generosity, it will probably further delay me getting a newer car. For me to drive a car 5 years plus, oh the humanity.

stickguy

I liked he tlx a lot. It as probably the sweet spot car for me. That or an S60. Just not within budget at the time. Should have shopped harder. And leased!

au1994

stickguy said:

I liked he tlx a lot. It as probably the sweet spot car for me. That or an S60. Just not within budget at the time. Should have shopped harder. And leased!

Yup, I considered the S60 seriously as well.

roadburner

benjaminh said:

Someone out there predicted this punch....



A new lease of a 2018 Acura TLX 2.4 with Tech Pkg. Let me tell you, some Acura dealers are indeed dealing on these. Now I have ELS concert sound, which is great, instead of that mediocre Accord EX system. It was the last 2018 TLX 2.4 on on their lot. Lots of luxury touches and quality throughout. The deluxe carpet on the deluxe carpet mats even feels nice. Engine and transmission performance are pleasing so far. Took my wife into the empty school parking lot and we both drove around a little in circles to experience PAWS. Seems like a real thing.

They also threw in two years of free maintenance. Their waiting room in the service area has premium tea, coffee, and other drinks, as well as nice snacks. Getting away from the overcrowded Honda World Service waiting area, where I've spent some time over the past 16 years of owning Accords, is going to be nice.

Nice!

stickguy

Certain cars just feel “right” to a specific buyer. Good to have so many options. As long as you are happy, matters not if other people wouldn’t buy that car.

iluvmysephia1

benjaminh - man, you came right at us out of left field with this brand new Acura TLX purchase. Nice one, of all the Acura's this is the one I would buy, too. I wouldn't call myself an Acura man, but ever since graphicguy bought his and I got a look at the body design, the car has me perking my ears up a tad now and then.

All right, back to looking in to buying either the 2013 Ford Focus ST or the 2017 Nissan Sentra S. Back to iluvmysephia1 reality!

Enjoy that pup, we know you will!

stickguy

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58fa010631

This is the combo I would get. I love these colors cstunning in person.

iluvmysephia1

I don't like the 2015's front end tx. as much as how they're doing them now, though.

pensfan83

Love the espresso interior, I would have taken that with the white exterior were it available in the A-Spec triom.

Michaell

stickguy said:

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58fa010631

This is the combo I would get. I love these colors cstunning in person.

You're killing me!

I may have to do a nationwide search if I go CPO next time. A road trip home would be a great way to bond with the new car.

henryn

@benjaminh congrats on the new car. I think you're really going to enjoy that, and it sounds like you got a great deal as well.

@stickguy I also like the colors on the used TLX you posted. The interior looks especially nice. That black copper pearl is downright beautiful, but I am leary of owning a black car. The black shows everything, looks really great when it is freshly shined up, but ...

And, down here in the equatorial belt, it is considered rather unwise to own a black car.

isellhondas

graphicguy said:

pensfan83 said:

Oh man.....I want this so bad.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-buick-grand-national-gnx/

Not sure if I'm remembering correctly, but I think @isellhondas had one of those.

No, I had an 1989 Buick Le Sabre T-Type. Bought it new and sold it in 1996 to a friend. Not even close to a Grand National but it was as smooth as silk at 100 MPH with lots of room to go!

stickguy

Michael, they have the same car in the 4 cylinder version (colors and tech). Easy flight to philly. I’ll pick you up at the airport! Only 26 hour drive to Denver.

stickguy

That color is not black. More of a deep metallic cherry, that changes depending on the light. Looks great when the sun hits it.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Michael, they have the same car in the 4 cylinder version (colors and tech). Easy flight to philly. I’ll pick you up at the airport! Only 26 hour drive to Denver.

I've flown in and out of PHI many times when I was visiting Maple Shade for work. Plus, godparents lived in Moorsetown.

Penn Turnpike to I-70, then straight through.

I do like the colors of that car you posted, though.

I've got to be crafty about this ... show my wife picutres of the interior, first, to see if she likes the Chestnut leather.

stickguy

Espresso in their parlance. I think it looks great in person.

Convenient since that car is in maple shade. I was in Moorestown last night too. Only about 15 minutes from me.

kyfdx

sda said:

We are in Jacksonville for the week, getting ready to go to Neptune beach for a few hours. The weather cooler than expected and quite welcome. My SIL is saying she may give her '06 TL to my daughter later this year. While very much appreciate the offer and generosity, it will probably further delay me getting a newer car. For me to drive a car 5 years plus, oh the humanity.

We were just down the beach in St Augustine, in May.
Beautiful beach, but it rained 70% of the time.

Fortunately, they sell beer.

Michaell

stickguy said:

Espresso in their parlance. I think it looks great in person.

Convenient since that car is in maple shade. I was in Moorestown last night too. Only about 15 minutes from me.

I've got good memories of South Jersey.

I'm trying to find my godparents home in Moorsetown via google maps - looks like the town has changed considerably since I was last there.

suydam

Congrats on your lease! Is the TLX smaller than the Accord?

benjaminh

suydam said:

Congrats on your lease! Is the TLX smaller than the Accord?

Sort of. On the outside the dimensions of a TLX are very close to an Accord. But inside, to be blunt, the TLX has a smaller back seat area. If this was going to be a trip/family car then that would have been a no go. But my wife just got a new CR-V, which is clearly going to be our family's station wagon-like trip car.

So, since my TLX doesn't need to do family trips or pets (although I'm planning a few trips by myself and with my wife) it seems really good....The back seat room is fully adequate in the TLX, it's just not as spacious as an Accord.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

https://www.eliteacura.com/inventory/certified-used-2015-acura-tlx-3-5-v-6-9-at-p-aws-with-technology-package-front-wheel-drive-sedan-19uub2f58fa010631

This is the combo I would get. I love these colors cstunning in person.

Those colors are nice. And given that it's an Acura it has a good shot of making it to c. 200,000 miles.

But even a 2015 car at this point is missing some significant features, esp AndroidAuto and Acura Watch. Those two things are worth a huge amount. I'm a new convert, but my guess is that AcuraWatch/HondaSensing might during the life of the car possibly even save the life of someone, or at least help to prevent a few accidents. And given the good deals on new TLXs I think it's worth the extra cost to go new over a 3-year old certified. Just my 2 cents.

tifighter

@benjamin9876 Congrats on the new ride!

au1994

@benjaminh - My TSX had a feature where holding down the unlock button would roll down all windows and open the sunroof. It may not seem like much but an extra minute or so of the windows down while you walked up to the car was nice in the middle of a Georgia summer!

stickguy

That’s a common Honda and Acura feature.

au1994

stickguy said:

That’s a common Honda and Acura feature.

You know, I think I remember my 01 or 02 Accord having the same feature now that you mention it.

28firefighter

A friend of mine is trying to hack a deal on a Ford F-150 and I think he may do it. He received a Ford "private cash offer" for $3000 that stacks with any other lease rebates. Local dealer is advertising a 50k XLT 4x4 with 2.7L EcoBoost at a 6300 discount before incentives. Stack that with $5550 in incentives ($2550 rebates + $3000 PCO) and you're looking at a 36/10 payment sub $300 with drive-offs (first month, tags, and tax) at signing....

carnaught

@benjaminh, congrats on the TLX....nice ride...

au1994

28firefighter said:

A friend of mine is trying to hack a deal on a Ford F-150 and I think he may do it. He received a Ford "private cash offer" for $3000 that stacks with any other lease rebates. Local dealer is advertising a 50k XLT 4x4 with 2.7L EcoBoost at a 6300 discount before incentives. Stack that with $5550 in incentives ($2550 rebates + $3000 PCO) and you're looking at a 36/10 payment sub $300 with drive-offs (first month, tags, and tax) at signing....

Man, I really need to join that site. Or maybe I don’t

xwesx

28firefighter said:

A friend of mine is trying to hack a deal on a Ford F-150 and I think he may do it. He received a Ford "private cash offer" for $3000 that stacks with any other lease rebates. Local dealer is advertising a 50k XLT 4x4 with 2.7L EcoBoost at a 6300 discount before incentives. Stack that with $5550 in incentives ($2550 rebates + $3000 PCO) and you're looking at a 36/10 payment sub $300 with drive-offs (first month, tags, and tax) at signing....

If you can figure a way to hit that target on an F150 diesel, I'm in!!!

pensfan83

That's crazy.....with that much of a dealer discount and incentives I wonder what the 24 month #'s look like.

28firefighter

pensfan83 said:

That's crazy.....with that much of a dealer discount and incentives I wonder what the 24 month #'s look like.

When I ran them, they were actually worse. Ford only has a 5% spread between 36 and 24 month leases, which doesn't always lend themselves to a cheaper number.

stickguy

started saving some money today. Dropped XM from the Jetta so a refund there (but while I was talking to them, got another 6 month of promo plan added to the Elantra, so net negative!) A bigger savings was dropping it off the insurance. that will be saving $600 off the top. And when I can remove the kid from the policy, will drop even more (total of about $1,100 or so combined annually). That will be nice!

Still need to call around for more quotes, but the agent's estimate (renewals are just now being calculated since our policy ends 8/31) is that just my wife and I, with the RDX and Elantra, will be about $1,300 annually. Have not paid that little in a long, long time.

xwesx

stickguy said:

Still need to call around for more quotes, but the agent's estimate (renewals are just now being calculated since our policy ends 8/31) is that just my wife and I, with the RDX and Elantra, will be about $1,300 annually. Have not paid that little in a long, long time.

After everything you have done for you offspring, you deserve every penny of savings you reap going forward!

nyccarguy

OK, this really IS for a friend of mine. What do you guys think about this used BMW for sale at an Acura Dealership in NJ? You guys know me well enough to know that I don't have a convertible fetish.

https://www.precisionacura.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-4+Series-1d5f98810a0d0cc74bd561d8fe08765f.htm

stickguy

seems pretty cheap for a 2018, though miles are steep. Low option load. And man, black leather in a convertible just seems nuts to me!

qbrozen

nyccarguy said:

OK, this really IS for a friend of mine. What do you guys think about this used BMW for sale at an Acura Dealership in NJ? You guys know me well enough to know that I don't have a convertible fetish. https://www.precisionacura.com/used/BMW/2018-BMW-4+Series-1d5f98810a0d0cc74bd561d8fe08765f.htm

Why do AWD convertibles bug me so much? I guess because it is a contradiction. Fair weather purpose collides with foul weather concern.

Anyway, price is rather extreme. $35k should take it.

Sandman6472

Wife called our cell phone company last week and they switched us over to an unlimited data plan for the same price/terms as the 10 gig plan we had before. Told her that eventually, all companies will have to offer similar plans to keep their existing customers. Since the girls are still on the plan, works out to about $35/line all in, unlimited everything and now HBO. Can't argue with that.
The kids only have their cell phones while we still have landlines but for business purposes only.

The Sandman

stickguy

10 gigs is a lot. we share a plan with out daughter (3 lines total) and I think we have 6 gigs, but normally I don't think we go over 4 used.

tjc78

We have unlimited with AT&T. Some months we use 15gig or more others we do 7 or 8 

suydam

Wow. We have 2 gigs and usually have 1 left over. Just us two.

carnaught

For the Mrs. and I, got the unlimited everything plan on TMobile for 55+ y.o. at $70/mo. total, and no contract. I’m pleased with coverage, reception and customer service so far.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

pensfan83 said:

That's crazy.....with that much of a dealer discount and incentives I wonder what the 24 month #'s look like.

When I ran them, they were actually worse. Ford only has a 5% spread between 36 and 24 month leases, which doesn't always lend themselves to a cheaper number.

When big incentives and discounts are applied to the shorter term, you get a bigger bang for your buck, because they are spread over fewer months. Sometimes, even a small spread on residuals can be offset. Especially, if the APR or money factor is lower (as it is with the F-150).

Doesn't mean necessarily in this case, but it can happen.

Also, the big incentives are on the XL STX and the XLT. The higher priced trims don't get them.

kyfdx

suydam said:

Wow. We have 2 gigs and usually have 1 left over. Just us two.

My son is on our 20 GB plan.

My wife and I use less than 1 GB combined, most months.

One month, we went over, and he had to pay the $15 extra..