Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

benjaminh

So the A-spec is an appearance and comfort package, but it also has a handling upgrade in addition to the tires.....

"Components that help the new TLX A-Spec surpass all previous TLX models in steering and handling are low-profile 245/40R 19-inch tires and sport-tuned suspension, including dampers and revised electric power steering (EPS); springs and rear stabilizer bar on SH-AWD models; and Precision All-Wheel Steer™ (P-AWS) algorithms on front-wheel drive models. These changes markedly improve steering response, handling, feedback and grip with minimal compromise in ride comfort. This furthers the updated 2018 TLX's appeal as a sport sedan, while still maintaining the ride quality and low noise levels expected of a luxury sedan.

The A-Spec's revised electric power steering (EPS) results in greater responsiveness at vehicle speeds above 42 mph, compared to other 2018 TLX models. The specially tuned A-Spec steering system also contributes to greater on-center steering feel.

In addition, wider wheels (8.0 inches instead of 7.5 inches as on other TLX models) and low-profile 245/40R19 Michelin Primacy MXM4 tires, which provide 20 mm greater width and a stiffer sidewall, help improve steering response and overall grip."

http://acuranews.com/acura-automobiles/channels/tlx-press-kit/releases/2018-acura-tlx-press-kit-chassis

Since imho the TLX Tech already has very nice handling, I'm looking forward to stick's report once he can get his new baby on the road. Seems like a very good deal on this primo car. The blood, sweat, and tears seem to have paid off.

stickguy

The tech package is required on A spec so the ELS is in their. Nice to have the sportier drive (so kinda a grown up version of my Elantra) but the biggest upgrade to me is the seats. Also nice to have front parking sensors. The other stuff is really cosmetic.

Mpg should be pretty good. Rated 1 less on the highway, I assume due to the tires. I hope on a highway trip it can push 35.

stickguy

Once I actually get it of course!

pensfan83

It has ELS. The only feature the A Spec gives up to the Advance are the remote start, heated windshield, heated rear outboard seats, auto dimming (and power folding) side mirrors, and heated steering wheel. All of which I can live without.

breld

Wait a sec - your A-spec is a 4 cylinder @stickguy? Is that a new thing? I thought the A-spec was a 6 cylinder only option.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Once I actually get it of course!

Right. Duh! Think before you write Bradd!

pensfan83

@28firefighter we were in Cleveland this weekend visiting friends of ours who live in Strongsville. Didn't get to Corky & Lenny's but we did go to the new Fathead's Brewery off I-71. Huge place and it was packed but there's still a lot of room. Come spring they'll have an outdoor patio complete with full bar.

stickguy

pensfan83 said:

It has ELS. The only feature the A Spec gives up to the Advance are the remote start, heated windshield, heated rear outboard seats, auto dimming (and power folding) side mirrors, and heated steering wheel. All of which I can live without.

Of that, I would like the heated wheel, but not a big deal.

Breld, yes you can get it with the 4 banger. Otherwise equipped the same.

28firefighter

Very nice! I have not been there yet, but I know it is on our list for the next Ohio trip.

Man, I love Corky & Lenny's.

Mr_Shiftright

kyfdx said:

graphicguy said:

@Mr_Shiftright ....oh man. I dunno? You’re in a tough spot. On one hand, a deal is a deal. But, you also have a car that now has a problem that didn’t have that problem when hands were shook.

Me? I’d find out exactly what’s throwing the code. Fix it or disclose it, and go from there.

I'm not sure what the issue is? If you can fix it, and he still wants it, won't it be for the same price?

If he doesn't want it any more, even after the fix, then that's that.

Well the problem is....what if the repair is $1,500? Do I eat all of that in order to sell him a car at the "pre-problem" price?

28firefighter

What I'm not clear on is why is the sale price different after you fix it, if it doesn't change the value of the car? Sure, you could bail and try to get more, but will you actually get more for it? This isn't a "value add" repair - its a baseline safety repair.

Mr_Shiftright

Well it's different because I don't want to give the car away. I'd like to re-sell if for at least the original price + the cost of repair, or at least to recoup part of the cost.

My "out" would be that I refuse to fix it and refuse to sell a car with a defective air bag. As some members here have pointed out, the legal liabilities are sobering.

Then I could keep the car and repair it at my leisure, using junkyard parts and my own skill set.

28firefighter

I don't think you need an out - unless you have a signed bill of sale, there is no legal recourse. Just refund any deposit he may have given you and be on your way and explain why it no longer makes sense to complete the sale.

graphicguy

Only the 2018s offered the A-Spec only with the V6. 2019s added the 4 cyl to the A-Spec treatment.

roadburner

The night before the buyer was going to pick up my 1997 528i the RR window stuck in the down position. I raised it up and locked it in place and called the buyer. We agreed she'd get it fixed at the indie shop we both used and that the shop would bill me for it.

graphicguy

pensfan83 said:

@graphicguy so in other words the release of the TLX Type S will mirror that of the last Type S on the 3G TL where it's done in the last year or two of that gen's body style? Guessing they would only do that to goose sales a bit and buy time to wrap up the 2G TLX.

If that's what they are going to do I don't know if just a new powertrain, and presumably some cosmetic and suspension updates, is enough to keep me in the fold. They need to update the infotainment and the interior, while quite functional, could use a refresh. If they follow the same schedule as they did for the mid cycle refresh and release the second gen TLX in June 2020 I would really hope it includes a Type S at that time and not later on or I'll have a decision to make.

They don’t tell me anything about the electronics. From what their roadmaps look like (again, mostly code names for different platforms and differentiating between Honda and Acura).

S-Type next year would be a top end bridge “to goose sales” (as you aptly put it) of the outgoing gen (5G). That’s cut in stone, from what they’ve told me. That gives them 3 MYs from the recent refresh. So, if I’m following what they’ve shared, the next TLX will be based on the current Accord platform. They like getting their investments in drivetrains wrung out as much as they can.....especially the costlier ones (like adding turbos and electric motors to their OHC motors). That’s what I know for certain! Adding more models that can utilize those engines is something they do. Same goes for the transmission. Their ZF partnership hasn’t worked as well as it has for other manufacturers. They want to use their in house 10-speed trans as much as possible.

The rest is from my own deductions based on what I’ve seen from the roadmap, but I have no way of proving any of it.

Acura will do their thing with upgraded materials, better stereo, better suspension and the upper level drivetrain changes from the Accord.

1.6LT goes to the ILX. 2.0LT goes to the TLX base model (which ain’t a bad thing, at all), 6 Cyl + turbo (or electric motors) go to the upper levels of the TLX.

I know they do want to keep in that “value” equation for premium brands. Not sure what their definition of “value” is, though. If a top end TLX A-Spec or Advanced model MSRP’s for $45K, what would an S-Type go for? $48K? $50K? That would give it a $10K+ advantage over something like an Audi S-4 or BMW 3/440i comparably equipped.

I can only assume Acura goes to the one screen electronics that they just put into the Accord. Not sure about ELS. I guess that will depend on Elliot Scheiner’s agreement. But, that seems to be pretty strong relationship still, as he put together the sound system in the recent RDX, too. That’s a good thing.

I can’t see them moving away from the diamond pentgram look, as they just introduced it. And, they hate moving away from a design theme once they commit to it (i.e. the controversial “beak”). Since they’re sticking with the Accord platform, look for the new TLX to have the “coupe” appearance the Accord affords them.

Again, I know a bit about the drivetrains, but the rest is culled from bits and pieces I’ve picked up while meeting with them previously in their OH facilities.

xwesx

28firefighter said:

That said, I've never heard of these extended airbag warranties?

I thought that is what most extended warranties were!

benjaminh

nyccarguy said:

I'm sure the V6 is a few ticks faster to 60, but what do you think of the 4cyl's performance thus far @stickguy? You've got a few miles under your 4cyl's belt too Ben. What are your thoughts?

According to Honcker, there's a $50 per month difference between 4cyl & 6cyl AWD TLX A SPEC models.

The V6 is significantly faster with a 0-60 of c 5.8. But for me the 2.4 is fast enough at c 6.9, plus the mpg is a bit higher. Both engines are very nice!

stickguy

I wonder if they are going to adapt the RDX platform (supposedly a new design, not Honda based) for the next TLX? And I assume it gets that basic dash set-up, which I did like.

though I actually think the 2 screen set-up is a plus. I hate having to choose what to see when using the maps. I prefer having that full screen up top, and the bottom for radio, etc. stuff. No need to pick, or split the screen and make them both too small.

pensfan83

graphicguy said:

They don’t tell me anything about the electronics. From what their roadmaps look like (again, mostly code names for different platforms and differentiating between Honda and Acura).

S-Type next year would be a top end bridge “to goose sales” (as you aptly put it) of the outgoing gen (5G). That’s cut in stone, from what they’ve told me. That gives them 3 MYs from the recent refresh. So, if I’m following what they’ve shared, the next TLX will be based on the current Accord platform. They like getting their investments in drivetrains wrung out as much as they can.....especially the costlier ones (like adding turbos and electric motors to their OHC motors). That’s what I know for certain! Adding more models that can utilize those engines is something they do. Same goes for the transmission. Their ZF partnership hasn’t worked as well as it has for other manufacturers. They want to use their in house 10-speed trans as much as possible.

The rest is from my own deductions based on what I’ve seen from the roadmap, but I have no way of proving any of it.

Acura will do their thing with upgraded materials, better stereo, better suspension and the upper level drivetrain changes from the Accord.

1.6LT goes to the ILX. 2.0LT goes to the TLX base model (which ain’t a bad thing, at all), 6 Cyl + turbo (or electric motors) go to the upper levels of the TLX.

I know they do want to keep in that “value” equation for premium brands. Not sure what their definition of “value” is, though. If a top end TLX A-Spec or Advanced model MSRP’s for $45K, what would an S-Type go for? $48K? $50K? That would give it a $10K+ advantage over something like an Audi S-4 or BMW 3/440i comparably equipped.

I can only assume Acura goes to the one screen electronics that they just put into the Accord. Not sure about ELS. I guess that will depend on Elliot Scheiner’s agreement. But, that seems to be pretty strong relationship still, as he put together the sound system in the recent RDX, too. That’s a good thing.

I can’t see them moving away from the diamond pentgram look, as they just introduced it. And, they hate moving away from a design theme once they commit to it (i.e. the controversial “beak”). Since they’re sticking with the Accord platform, look for the new TLX to have the “coupe” appearance the Accord affords them.

Again, I know a bit about the drivetrains, but the rest is culled from bits and pieces I’ve picked up while meeting with them previously in their OH facilities.

My guess for a Type S would be about $49K, which puts it as you note about $10-12K behind a comparably equipped M340i or S4 but right up against the G70. Assuming Genesis gets its dealer network in order and the lease programs are competitive that's going on the shopping list, as is the new 3-series.

kyfdx

28firefighter said:

I don't think you need an out - unless you have a signed bill of sale, there is no legal recourse. Just refund any deposit he may have given you and be on your way and explain why it no longer makes sense to complete the sale.

I agree with this... you took the car off the market, because of the safety issue. That deal is over with.

If you think you agreed to a price that was too cheap to begin with (not knowing about the airbag), then by all means, start marketing it again, after it's fixed. I don't think you are required to go back and offer to that person, first.

But, I don't see much point in asking that person for more money. I can't see a logical or reasonable way to see how you are offering them any extra value. The repair amount "loss" is yours to bear, no matter that you were attempting to sell the car at the time. Now, if you blew a tire, and then put on a whole new set, that would be a different story. This story is just bad luck.

stickguy

How long would this guy wait anyway? Sounds like it might take a few weeks at least to sort out.

carnaught

The question also, @Mr_Shiftright, is how much would you be willing to spend to fix the problem?

Drivingfool

Besides the oil change, she needed new spark plugs and some upper boot was torn on one of the sides, don't have the bill in front of me. Came out to be a lot even with the labor discount and all but can't leave her here with problems as I'm 2.5 hours south of here. I just paid for it all and we'll go from there.
Did talk with her about me splitting my time between home and here once I do stop working. Since I need to see my pain doc once every 3 months but pick up a prescription every month, could do a 2 week here/2 week there scenario for the next year. At that time, her sister wants to relocate up here and live with her as her 3 years will be over and she'll get her 401K matching funds. She'd go now but it's just too much to walk away from. But since I really do want to retire again as soon as possible and the wife won't leave South Florida yet, my solution could work. My only requirement would be to have cable tv here which I would cover while I stay.
Think my plan could work nicely. I think that my body is telling me it's time to stop now, just need to listen to it and do it. I think it'll make everyone also happier in the house. I need them happy so I can truly be happy! That might sound stupid but I like everyone happy!

roadburner

Three weeks in and I'm liking the X1 more and more; I think the difference is the M Sport package, the seats, steering wheel, and suspension tuning make all the difference. It really feels more like a small hatchback rather than a CUV. The N20 has enough grunt to make driving enjoyable- I'm finding that a 6.0 second 0-60 dash suits the car pretty well. I can't imagine a new or used CUV I'd like better, save an X3 M40i or Stelvio Q4.

Mr_Shiftright

roadburner said:

The night before the buyer was going to pick up my 1997 528i the RR window stuck in the down position. I raised it up and locked it in place and called the buyer. We agreed she'd get it fixed at the indie shop we both used and that the shop would bill me for it.

Well, gee, I don't know...that's kind of a blank check isn't it, unless you are in touch with the indie shop prior to the repair. German cars can run up ridiculous repair bills on some items.

roadburner

Mr_Shiftright said:

roadburner said:

The night before the buyer was going to pick up my 1997 528i the RR window stuck in the down position. I raised it up and locked it in place and called the buyer. We agreed she'd get it fixed at the indie shop we both used and that the shop would bill me for it.

Well, gee, I don't know...that's kind of a blank check isn't it, unless you are in touch with the indie shop prior to the repair. German cars can run up ridiculous repair bills on some items.

No; because I use an honest indie shop and I was 100% sure it was the regulator. When the shop called to give me the price of the fix it was actually less than what I expected.

28firefighter

I think what you're saying, @roadburner, works when you know for sure what the issue is. I think the problem here is that Shifty has no clue what the specific issue is so sending it off with the new buyer without an idea of what is wrong could end up burning him badly.

cdnpinhead

I had a car ('00 Lincoln LS) that complained of an airbag issue that turned out to be the clockspring, which is the wiring that connects the bag to the rest of the car through the constantly-turning steering wheel. At least in that car it was a known issue and not too expensive to fix.

Mr_Shiftright

roadburner said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

roadburner said:

The night before the buyer was going to pick up my 1997 528i the RR window stuck in the down position. I raised it up and locked it in place and called the buyer. We agreed she'd get it fixed at the indie shop we both used and that the shop would bill me for it.

Well, gee, I don't know...that's kind of a blank check isn't it, unless you are in touch with the indie shop prior to the repair. German cars can run up ridiculous repair bills on some items.

No; because I use an honest indie shop and I was 100% sure it was the regulator. When the shop called to give me the price of the fix it was actually less than what I expected.

It's not a matter of honest--the parts cost what they cost, and the labor is the labor---- and depending on make and model, the cost can vary wildly. For a Mini Cooper, it could run $600 parts and labor. Something like that I'd attempt myself and put in a used part.

roadburner

I agree- but that's my point, you need to know exactly what the problem is before you address how to handle the pending sale.

Mr_Shiftright

Yes, a written estimate would ease my mind. I might even pay for a quick tear-down. If they open it up and it's gruesome, just stitch the patient back up for me.

tbirdmarco

 Hope everyone had a good weekend, have a good upcoming week everyone. Mr. shift right, sounds like the best week to go get an estimate maybe even two or three from different shops to see what the damage will be, but if you want to use your preferred shop I think you said you have one in prior postings, would do that permit the person who’s interested in buying the car know about this all, like everyone else has been saying above. 

tbirdmarco

 Driving fool, do what you thinks best at this time. I hear you and wanting everyone to be happy, I’m like that all of the time too with friends and family, that’s just the personality I have always want people to be happy when they’re upset always there for them people tell me you’re too nice worry about your self, I just can’t do it it’s not in me. Glad your daughters car had a bit of work done and now she’s good to go, how was the rest of the  The family doing? Have a good upcoming week. 

tbirdmarco

 Very nice stick guy, glad you’ll be getting your car towards the end of this week. 

stickguy

my son has focusing trouble now too. Must be genetic. Was all hot and bothered chasing after a unicorn leftover 2018 S3. And not getting very far. Then he mentioned the G70, and started looking those up, and found a couple that looked real nice. And after some research, I think he is falling in love. Conveniently, at the moment there seems to be the perfect configuration at the dealer close to me. So we might be taking a ride later in the week when he is home visiting for a few days!

might be kismet, but a couple of my car magazines arrived today. MT named the G70 COTY, and C&D put it on their 10 best list.

365 HP and 4.8 0-60 (and 1/4 mile in the 13s at 105+) might be enough performance to keep him satisfied.

whether the money works remains to be seen, but he could always let supply build up a little and revisit a couple months down the line.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

my son has focusing trouble now too. Must be genetic. Was all hot and bothered chasing after a unicorn leftover 2018 S3. And not getting very far. Then he mentioned the G70, and started looking those up, and found a couple that looked real nice. And after some research, I think he is falling in love. Conveniently, at the moment there seems to be the perfect configuration at the dealer close to me. So we might be taking a ride later in the week when he is home visiting for a few days! might be kismet, but a couple of my car magazines arrived today. MT named the G70 COTY, and C&D put it on their 10 best list. 365 HP and 4.8 0-60 (and 1/4 mile in the 13s at 105+) might be enough performance to keep him satisfied. whether the money works remains to be seen, but he could always let supply build up a little and revisit a couple months down the line.

Tell him NOT to buy the Genesis G70.  If he thinks Audi Depreciation is bad...  leasing is the way to go if the program is good and he can make the numbers work for him.

qbrozen

The G70 leasing numbers are not good. Think $600/mo.

tbirdmarco

Wow stick guy lol lol lol

tjc78

qbrozen said:

The G70 leasing numbers are not good. Think $600/mo.

No rebates yet, correct? In short order there will be $3500 in lease cash or something similar. Hyundai always has rebates.

stickguy

$2500 now. So we shall see. Depends how motivated they are to sell.

Not like he really needs a car. Better to wait for spring anyway.

breld

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

my son has focusing trouble now too. Must be genetic. Was all hot and bothered chasing after a unicorn leftover 2018 S3. And not getting very far. Then he mentioned the G70, and started looking those up, and found a couple that looked real nice. And after some research, I think he is falling in love. Conveniently, at the moment there seems to be the perfect configuration at the dealer close to me. So we might be taking a ride later in the week when he is home visiting for a few days! might be kismet, but a couple of my car magazines arrived today. MT named the G70 COTY, and C&D put it on their 10 best list. 365 HP and 4.8 0-60 (and 1/4 mile in the 13s at 105+) might be enough performance to keep him satisfied. whether the money works remains to be seen, but he could always let supply build up a little and revisit a couple months down the line.

Tell him NOT to buy the Genesis G70.  If he thinks Audi Depreciation is bad...  leasing is the way to go if the program is good and he can make the numbers work for him.

I fully agree on the potential Genesis depreciation for early adopters.  But is it that you think the residual values will be overly optimistic, meaning higher than actual market values?  

When I read that statement, I’m just thinking you’re paying the depreciation either way...it’s just more certain and convenient with a lease.  

qbrozen

breld said:

I fully agree on the potential Genesis depreciation for early adopters.  But is it that you think the residual values will be overly optimistic, meaning higher than actual market values?  

When I read that statement, I’m just thinking you’re paying the depreciation either way...it’s just more certain and convenient with a lease.  

Yes, leasing gives you a safety net. Not to mention sometimes (often) inflated residuals. See VW's 60% residual on a 3-yr Jetta lease, or even my Alfa's 60% after 2 years. I'm also very doubtful of 56% on the wife's new X2.

Funny enough, one of the finance dudes was chatting us up (not even OUR finance guy, but he wanted to meet me after seeing my emails), and we were discussing the residual on this new model. He wanted to know what I thought ours would be valued at in the real world after 3 yrs and 45k. I said I feel like maybe $19k, which is about 45%. He said he thinks it won't be even that good.

28firefighter

We will never see that 60% residual on our Alfas...ever.

nyccarguy

breld said:

nyccarguy said:

stickguy said:

my son has focusing trouble now too. Must be genetic. Was all hot and bothered chasing after a unicorn leftover 2018 S3. And not getting very far. Then he mentioned the G70, and started looking those up, and found a couple that looked real nice. And after some research, I think he is falling in love. Conveniently, at the moment there seems to be the perfect configuration at the dealer close to me. So we might be taking a ride later in the week when he is home visiting for a few days!

might be kismet, but a couple of my car magazines arrived today. MT named the G70 COTY, and C&D put it on their 10 best list.

365 HP and 4.8 0-60 (and 1/4 mile in the 13s at 105+) might be enough performance to keep him satisfied.

whether the money works remains to be seen, but he could always let supply build up a little and revisit a couple months down the line.

Tell him NOT to buy the Genesis G70.  If he thinks Audi Depreciation is bad...  leasing is the way to go if the program is good and he can make the numbers work for him.

I fully agree on the potential Genesis depreciation for early adopters.  But is it that you think the residual values will be overly optimistic, meaning higher than actual market values?  

When I read that statement, I’m just thinking you’re paying the depreciation either way...it’s just more certain and convenient with a lease.  

Exactly. The depreciation is FIXED which makes it convenient;)

benjaminh

@stickguy : Does your TLX A-spec 2.4 have the pushbutton transmission?

pensfan83

Stickguy's adventure got me thinking we may need to revaluate how long we wait on replacing the Altima. Come February I'm already halfway through my lease and we would prefer not to be replacing 2 cars within 2 months again as we did in 2014.

*ducks as boos and tomatoes rain down from the CCBA faithful*

Anyway I've started making a short list and it's predominantly SUV/CUV based so there could be a few test drives in the near future if my wife agrees with my line of thinking.

benjaminh

qbrozen said:

....we were discussing the residual on this new model. He wanted to know what I thought ours would be valued at in the real world after 3 yrs and 45k. I said I feel like maybe $19k, which is about 45%. He said he thinks it won't be even that good.

My guess is that the residual on my 2018 TLX Tech, which was set at 49%, was probably fairly realistic, since it'll probably be worth somewhere around $18k in 2.5 more years.

stickguy

The 4 cyl has a normal shift lever. Fine by me!

On a lease, the net depreciation amount is what really matters. Not much difference to me how they get there (off the top incentives, or inflated residual)

At least with a realistic residual, if you do end up wanting to buy it out, could make sense.

stickguy

Pens, having just researched them all and driven most, I’m here to help with that exercise!