Just got back from another 425-mile round-trip to Columbus, and during the trip my TLX crossed over 50,000 miles. And so I'm now past the bumper to bumper warranty, although I'm still in the 6 years/70k powertrain warranty. The last two legs of the trip I got 39 and 40 mpg, which is almost hybrid territory. The earlier two legs I was at 36 and 37, and so overall for the trip it was about 38 mpg.
new Integra prototype release was tonight. Well, more like the outside styling and a few vague facts. Did confirm that it would come in (start?) right about $30k, have the 1.5t engine, and available 6 speed. No info on which AT though would be offered.
not quite as striking styling as the teaser, but IMO looks good. Corporate nose, and pretty much a tweaked up Civic hatch body.
so pretty much, a more deluxe hatch version of the new Si. With I assume a nicer, corporate Acura interior (hopefully with their super nice seats!)
initial online feedback seems to be, the fanboys hate it. But, right up the alley of what I would want! a little more expensive, more comfortable Si with the hatch I love!
no clue when it comes out, but I doubt it is on sale before Q2 2022.
If you can actually get one for c. 30k (my guess is 31k with destination) it'll be a bargain from my pov. After all, the top-level Honda Civic hatchback is already 29,400 (with destination being another 1k after that), and so for just a little more you get a nice jump in interior quality with the Acura. Plus the new Integra even includes the limited slip differential from the Si. If they can make enough of them what with the chip shortage it should sell pretty well I think.
If the internet commenters are any indication, won’t be hard to get a deal quickly. They almost universally hate it. Because it’s not exactly like a 1988, or 94, or whatever point in time they are fixated on!
Though they also demand more power! Though those cars had in the 120-140 range mostly. A new Elantra will outrun those.
The first integra was a gussied up civic with some nicer features. Exactly what this seems to be.
Online people are drama queening so bad. Much clutching of pearls. You really couldn’t make a clone of the old version anyway these days and pass safety standards.
And everybody wants a coupe! Ignoring the fact they had to stop making them, because nobody would buy them.
It’s a modern interpretation. Not a retro recreation of some sort. And almost a lock there will be performance models soon. Back in the day, most sales were lower line base models anyway, not type Rs.
I haven't been reading the comments. Sounds like some of them are a little crazy lol!
That 1990 Integra reviewed above by Motor Week went from 0-60 in 10.4 seconds in their tests, which even at the time was kinda slow. Back in the day the Integra was always a nicer, fancier, more comfortable, etc. Civic.
My guess is that the new Integra will have a 0-60 time of slightly under 7 seconds, which I think is probably fast enough for most people.
And in a year they might have the 2.0T in an S-type Integra, and it will go 0-60 in 5 seconds or so, but it will cost 42k or something like that. Since the Audi A3, BMW 2, and Mercedes A-class typically cost that much in the real world (base models being theoretically possible but not actually made), that eventual S-type should still be a good deal.
I would have guessed people online would be happy with the supposed 30k starting price, which is less than I guessed.
People online, are IMO rarely happy about anything. Certainly on enthusiast forums (car brand, sports team).
And car fans always want what they remember wanting, not what really was. And in the rare time a company listens and makes it, they don’t buy.
Just my take! I’m more interested in the spirit, not recreating design. Reasonably quick, good handling, slick shifting manual, fun to drive, good mileage and reasonable price. And reliable. Just because it looks like 2021 and not 1991, doesn’t mean it’s not a good car.
It should still sell, but Acura might regret using the Integra name here. If it was a new ILX many people would be fawning over it!
The new Integra will have an attractive starting msrp of 30k, although you could say the same about the new VW GTI, which also starts at about 30k. The GTI has a more powerful 2 liter engine, but VW cuts some things out of the entry-level GTI that most people would want, such as smart entry, push button start, moonroof, etc., all of which will be included with the new Integra. To get those things on a GTI it's about 35k. In any case, for reliability VW isn't always the best choice, while an Acura with good maintenance and a bit of luck should get to 200k.
My guess is that they'll keep the 8-speed DCT for the new Integra. I just can't see them using a CVT on the Integra, and I hope I'm right about that.
I'm also wondering if they'll put a more powerful turbo on the Integra than is found in the Civic Si. It'll be okay if it has exactly the same hp is the Si, but if Acura wants some bragging rights maybe they could get another 15 hp or so out of the 1.5T with a more powerful turbo.
In the aftermarket world it seems more powerful Mitsubishi turbos are already added to the 1.5T, as shown in the video below. The video says that Mitsubishi already makes the turbos for various models Honda's 1.5Ts, which was surprising to me. I would have assumed that Honda/Acura would make their turbos in house.
Although the side profile of the new Integra is somewhat similar to the Civic hatchback (although they actually different have sheet metal all around), the front styling of the Integra is much better than the Civic hatchback from my pov....
And compared to the TLX, which for me is a bit large, the Integra is a trim and functional package. And here's an interesting thing, in part because it's a hatch the Integra is going to have more epa interior volume than the TLX. Since the profile of the Integra looks similar to the Civic hatchback, we can guess the Integra will probably have similar interior room. The Civic hb has interior volume of 119.8 cubic feet, compared to 106.9 for the TLX. So more interior volume, and yet compared to the TLX's 194.6 inch length the Integra will probably be about 179 inches long.
Plus the Integra is going to have a limited slip differential. My brother in law had a 2012 Civic Si, and it was a lot of fun to drive. I don't know how much of that was the lsd, but I'm sure part of it was.
Although driving with a manual does sound like a lot of fun, if I were getting one I might get the auto, esp. if they give it the 8-speed DCT.
If they really price the Integra at c. $30,500 + 1100 destination I'd say it's going to be a great deal. Acura interiors, as we know, are nicer than Honda interiors by quite a bit.
Finally, the FWD TLX has an epa combined mpg of 25, while the Civic hb's combined epa mpg is 33. We can guess that the Integra might be 1-2 mpg lower because of added weight, but still it's going to have good mpg compared to the TLX.
I agree. the Integra as a whole is nice looking. Just getting grief because it doesn't look exactly like a 30 YO model, and is obviously based on a Honda (which is of course exactly what the originals were).
I am more interested in seeing the interior and getting some driving reviews before passing judgement. My assumption is it will drive like a nicer Si, with much more comfortable seats (which would be a big selling point to me) and more creature comforts like heated seats, maybe memory seats, stuff like that.
That's a very positive report on the GLI, which at c.$31k is one of the competitors for the upcoming Integra. On the one hand, the GLI with its 2.0T is more powerful and faster, going 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, probably a second faster than the Integra 1.5T, but on the other hand here's a nightmare report from a 2020 GLI owner from TTAC....
"....would LOVE to contribute my .02 about VW ownership and my 2020 GLI....Matthew, I wish you all the luck in the world with your GLI ownership. In (now) 10,600 miles, here’s the running tally: 3 total wiper system failures (it goes back in the shop tomorrow for repairs) 2 infotainment system failures (flashed both times) 1 violent engine idle repair (idled so rough that the entire car shook like a paint mixer) 1 engine computer recall/replacement 2 in-car microphone failures 1 nasty rattle/squeak coming from the passenger side door area.
I have never experienced such a run of bad luck with any car I’ve owned, and that includes an RX-8. It’s at the point where lemon laws are being explored and the VW dealer is opening a case with VW for which I assume would be for replacement....I’m not wanting to rain on your parade, but this GLI owner has severe buyer’s regret."
Having done today yet another round trip from Louisville to Columbus I've now crossed over 51,000 miles on my TLX. Knock on wood, I'm feeling confident about its long-term durability at the moment. Comfortable highway cruiser with nice features, and fun to drive on twisty roads too. Thank goodness for audiobooks, XM, and AndroidAuto for these long highway drives.
Top makes and bottom makes for reliability according to the Consumer Reports survey. The other brands are in the middle....They said the new TLX is so far shaping up to be a reliable car, as is the new MDX. For some reason Lincoln appears to be having some issues. Tesla is also near the bottom, although I expect that they will climb steadily in the next few years.
those rankings can be skewed by 1 thing though. Common recently has been infotainment. If it rolls out with some glitches, outfits like CR give them a big down arrow, even if it just required some updates to resolve, and it wasn't something impacting every unit.
massive number of engine, transmission, etc. failures is a lot more significant but every "problem" tends to be lumped together.
Yeah, the CR survey is flawed for the reasons mentioned.
But everything I've heard for many years tells me that Lexus has great quality and reliability, which is reflected in the CR rating.
And some videos I've seen on youtube show Tesla's problems with quality and reliability. Even Musk has admitted they have had lots of quality control problems, and this also shows up in their ranking.
I still feel the CR survey often reflects some real stuff that's happening out there with various car brands.
Yeah, I feel like the 1-issue thing has hit Acura. Acura's previous two screen system with the control dial, like I have in my 2018, works fine, but it takes a while to get used to it. It's not nearly as intuitive as a touch screen. Same thing with Acura's new touch pad system. I feel like Acura gets knocked a lot in surveys for that too, but apparently if you get used to it it's pretty good.
But from my pov Acura should probably just bow to the god of the touchscreen, and keep their touch pad system too for those who don't want fingerprints on the screen. Problem is they would need to reposition the screens themselves. On RDX, MDX, and TLX they are placed too far away to touch them, and so redesigning and re-engineering them would no doubt cost tens of millions of dollars.
I was skeptical, but once you figure out and get used to the touchpad, it works very well. And you can do it pretty intuitively. It's no more confusing than any other system really. And I agree that a big reason they did not go touch screen was so they could put the screen up higher. I don't think my wife could even reach that. Certainly without having to stretch which is not safe. You do get a nice view of the maps on it too. On the cars I had with touchscreen you had to look down to see it.
maybe they improved the tech improved for 2020 but we had no problems with our system. I know some people had glitchy systems on the 19s. That is something companies need to do a better job with.
My Jetta was a touch screen. On a couple of occasions during my stewardship of that car, I rented Audi A4s on trips to CA. The A4 had an iDrive type interface, which was much more preferrable to me.
Took a little breather from the forums for a while. Nothing untoward, just doing other “stuff”.
Anyway, got about 9K miles on the TLX. Nothing really to report, which is always a good thing. Typical Acura….no warranty issues, nothing that needs attention. Just get in and drive. Like it. Matter of fact, I often find myself driving along and saying to myself…”this is a really fun car”.
The only thing I did notice was the “over the air” update to the media system which was downloaded last week. It seems to have sped up the boot up of the system. If there was one complaint, it sometimes took me driving a mile or so for the system to totally boot up with my iPhone. Now, that seems to have been taken care of.
I keep the car in sport mode, and am liberal with using the right pedal. I’m getting around 22-24 MPG in mixed driving (80% city-20% hwy) which is about what I expected.
Dealership tried to tempt me with their 2 Type S cars a month or two ago. One was the “gold” color, which I didn’t like, at all. But, they did have one in the Steel Metallic with red interior (which I’ve always loved) that was tempting. Drove the latter. Liked it. But, it reminded me a lot of the Stinger GT, which I sold and replaced with the TLX.
Last week, my dealer called me and said they’d buy my TLX for what I paid for it (IIRC~$43-ish?) 8 months ago. But, aside from the TLX Type-S (which they’re sold out of) I don’t know that there’s anything on their lot I’d want. Speaking of in stock, they have like 4 TLXs and the same amount of RDXs and a couple of new MDXs on their new lot. That’s it!
....Anyway, got about 9K miles on the TLX. Nothing really to report, which is always a good thing. Typical Acura….no warranty issues, nothing that needs attention. Just get in and drive. Like it. Matter of fact, I often find myself driving along and saying to myself…”this is a really fun car”.....
Thanks for the update. Seems like the new TLX is a really good car.
Although they'll probably make the gas TLX for another six years or so, my guess is that at that point it will be the end of the line for gas cars at Acura. By the time we get to model year 2028 or so probably Acura will have an electric sedan. Wonder if they might revive the Legend name for that? There's a new interview with Honda's CEO that gives some clues about Honda and Acura's EV plans.
Yesterday I saw on the road a new red TLX and it looked great from every angle. I thought the rear tail lights were some of the best I've seen on a car.
my guess, they won't go full EV. None of the brands will. Acura will have a flagship full EV (Legend being a good name for it) and the rest of the line might move to hybrid or plug in hybrid.
my other prediction is there will be a small (sub-RDX) hybrid coming out soon. Maybe the new ILX name. Could be a version of the next Honda HRV, or just a tall wagon version of the Integra on a shortened platform (which is probably what the HRV is going to be). That would round out their lineup, and the subcompact CUV is a hot market these days still.
my guess, they won't go full EV. None of the brands will. Acura will have a flagship full EV (Legend being a good name for it) and the rest of the line might move to hybrid or plug in hybrid.
my other prediction is there will be a small (sub-RDX) hybrid coming out soon. Maybe the new ILX name. Could be a version of the next Honda HRV, or just a tall wagon version of the Integra on a shortened platform (which is probably what the HRV is going to be). That would round out their lineup, and the subcompact CUV is a hot market these days still.
I think Honda and Acura will have more hybrids for the next few years, but by the time 2028 rolls around I think they might start phasing even those out. Maybe I'm wrong, but the Honda hybrid system has a couple of flaws. First, as Alex on Autos has said, highway mpg, esp. on hills, goes down quite a bit. And second, and maybe more bothersome, is what Car and Driver says in their new 30k update on their CR-V hybrid....
"The loud hybrid engine is still a sticking point for most of our editors. We've noted in the past that at full throttle there's only 72 decibels of sound, but it seems louder. Buyer's Guide deputy editor Rich Ceppos thought it sounded like a Dyson being switched on when getting on the highway. Staff editor Eric Stafford said, "Pin the accelerator, and the engine groans like a cow giving birth." Another staffer noted that while getting up to speed on the highway, "You're required to suffer through an incredibly obnoxious engine note for what feels like an eternity."
In contrast, I really like the engine note of my TLX 2.4, which gets significantly better highway mpg than C&D got with their CR-V hybrid....
"As for fuel economy, the compact crossover continues to impress around town, with some drivers seeing nearly 50 mpg. When speed ticks up, though, our average tanks. Our 75-mph highway test returned 29 mpg, six shy of the EPA's highway rating."
What's weird about this is that my wife's CR-V with the 1.5 turbo gets about 33-35 mpg when going c. 70-75, and my TLX usually gets c. 35-38.
my guess, they won't go full EV. None of the brands will. Acura will have a flagship full EV (Legend being a good name for it) and the rest of the line might move to hybrid or plug in hybrid.
my other prediction is there will be a small (sub-RDX) hybrid coming out soon. Maybe the new ILX name. Could be a version of the next Honda HRV, or just a tall wagon version of the Integra on a shortened platform (which is probably what the HRV is going to be). That would round out their lineup, and the subcompact CUV is a hot market these days still.
I think Honda and Acura will have more hybrids for the next few years, but by the time 2028 rolls around I think they might start phasing even those out. Maybe I'm wrong, but the Honda hybrid system has a couple of flaws. First, as Alex on Autos has said, highway mpg, esp. on hills, goes down quite a bit. And second, and maybe more bothersome, is what Car and Driver says in their new 30k update on their CR-V hybrid....
"The loud hybrid engine is still a sticking point for most of our editors. We've noted in the past that at full throttle there's only 72 decibels of sound, but it seems louder. Buyer's Guide deputy editor Rich Ceppos thought it sounded like a Dyson being switched on when getting on the highway. Staff editor Eric Stafford said, "Pin the accelerator, and the engine groans like a cow giving birth." Another staffer noted that while getting up to speed on the highway, "You're required to suffer through an incredibly obnoxious engine note for what feels like an eternity."
In contrast, I really like the engine note of my TLX 2.4, which gets significantly better highway mpg than C&D got with their CR-V hybrid....
"As for fuel economy, the compact crossover continues to impress around town, with some drivers seeing nearly 50 mpg. When speed ticks up, though, our average tanks. Our 75-mph highway test returned 29 mpg, six shy of the EPA's highway rating."
What's weird about this is that my wife's CR-V with the 1.5 turbo gets about 33-35 mpg when going c. 70-75, and my TLX usually gets c. 35-38.
The CR-V is more brick shaped, while the TLX presents a better face to the wind. And, the turbo engine is likely running harder at that speed.
Meanwhile Tesla is rapidly changing the dollars and cents when it comes to EVs—but in favor of gas vehicles.
The cost of the lowest-priced Model 3 has gone up by about $10,000 in the last two years to c. $46k, and the cost of the lowest-priced Model Y has gone up about 18k to $60k.
If the new Acura Integra comes in at about 31k, then it would take about a dozen years to make up the difference with a Model 3 with savings on gas, oil changes, etc. A 2022 RDX with SH-AWD and Tech package lists for about $45k, and so that would also be about a dozen years compared to a Model Y.
Once Tesla's factory is Texas is going full tilt, with a capacity of maybe c. 900k vehicles a year, I wonder if economies of scale will kick in, and then maybe Musk, like Ford back in the days of the Model T, might start really lowering prices. But right now Tesla is raising prices fast, and so the whole idea that you can buy a Model 3 and then in 5 years or so beat the economics of a Camry, or even an Acura, have been thrown into the trash.
As a side note, the austere interiors of Tesla clearly appeal to some people, but they aren't my favorite. Maybe I'll warm up to them, but so far it hasn't happened.
I agree with those points, but what I was more trying to say, but not very clearly, was that the turbo CR-V seems to get better highway mpg than the hybrid CR-V, at least if you're going c.70-75 or so.
well, Hybrids are designed to get the big MPG around town. Once you are out on the highway and the battery is toast, just a small gas motor working it's heart out to keep up!
Pros for the Integra include a great starting price of c.31k, functionality of a hatchback, unique styling that I like better than the Civic Hatchback, and a nice level of standard equipment (including standard blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert).
Minor cons for the Integra include a standard CVT, a prop rod hood, the strange lack of a rear window wiper (which is standard on the Civic Hatchback), and no rear seat AC vents.
The Integra interestingly is 6.8 inches longer than the Civic Hatchback, as well as an inch wider. It's not clear yet if this translates into more interior or cargo room when compared with a Civic.
Also interesting is that the Integra bypasses the "true touch" interface pad on other Acuras, instead having a touchscreen like the Civic.
To get the 6-speed manual you need to get the top-of-the-line model, which is the A-spec with Tech, which will probably have an msrp of c. $37k. If I were in the market for a manual I might go for the Civic Si instead and save 10k.
But for the foreseeable future I'm happy with my 2018 TLX, which has features no longer available on any new Acura, including the 8-speed dual clutch transmission, as well as 4-wheel steering. Plus my car has better rear visibility than the Integra, as well as AC vents for the rear seats.
With destination the Civic Si list for $28,300. Although we don't have exact msrp info yet on the Integra, my guess is that the top-of-the-line Integra A-spec with Tech might list for about $37k with destination. So maybe a 9k difference? Still a lot. But having the hatchback, the unique styling, better interior with heated seats, adaptive suspension, longer warranty, etc. might be worth 9k? My guess is that by the 2024 model year discounts will be available as supplies increase.
But if and when I ever get another car I might try finding an EV I like. By 2028 maybe they'll be plentiful and cost less? And maybe even Honda/Acura/Sony will have an Integra EV? Then again I think my TLX will probably make it to 200k, and I'm still leaning toward just keeping it long term.
I am kinda regretting flipping my TLX when I did. If I had kept the lease I definitely would have bought it out, and probably just kept it forever for the "old school" powertrain. It was a nice car.
I am kinda regretting flipping my TLX when I did. If I had kept the lease I definitely would have bought it out, and probably just kept it forever for the "old school" powertrain. It was a nice car.
But you got a great deal on your Maverick, which seems like it's become an almost instant classic.
I do prefer to the 8-speed Dual clutch to a CVT. And a non-turbo engine might last longer than a turbo? Who knows.
Comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
not quite as striking styling as the teaser, but IMO looks good. Corporate nose, and pretty much a tweaked up Civic hatch body.
so pretty much, a more deluxe hatch version of the new Si. With I assume a nicer, corporate Acura interior (hopefully with their super nice seats!)
initial online feedback seems to be, the fanboys hate it. But, right up the alley of what I would want! a little more expensive, more comfortable Si with the hatch I love!
no clue when it comes out, but I doubt it is on sale before Q2 2022.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Though they also demand more power! Though those cars had in the 120-140 range mostly. A new Elantra will outrun those.
The first integra was a gussied up civic with some nicer features. Exactly what this seems to be.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
And everybody wants a coupe! Ignoring the fact they had to stop making them, because nobody would buy them.
It’s a modern interpretation. Not a retro recreation of some sort. And almost a lock there will be performance models soon. Back in the day, most sales were lower line base models anyway, not type Rs.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That 1990 Integra reviewed above by Motor Week went from 0-60 in 10.4 seconds in their tests, which even at the time was kinda slow. Back in the day the Integra was always a nicer, fancier, more comfortable, etc. Civic.
My guess is that the new Integra will have a 0-60 time of slightly under 7 seconds, which I think is probably fast enough for most people.
And in a year they might have the 2.0T in an S-type Integra, and it will go 0-60 in 5 seconds or so, but it will cost 42k or something like that. Since the Audi A3, BMW 2, and Mercedes A-class typically cost that much in the real world (base models being theoretically possible but not actually made), that eventual S-type should still be a good deal.
I would have guessed people online would be happy with the supposed 30k starting price, which is less than I guessed.
And car fans always want what they remember wanting, not what really was. And in the rare time a company listens and makes it, they don’t buy.
Just my take! I’m more interested in the spirit, not recreating design. Reasonably quick, good handling, slick shifting manual, fun to drive, good mileage and reasonable price. And reliable. Just because it looks like 2021 and not 1991, doesn’t mean it’s not a good car.
It should still sell, but Acura might regret using the Integra name here. If it was a new ILX many people would be fawning over it!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My guess is that they'll keep the 8-speed DCT for the new Integra. I just can't see them using a CVT on the Integra, and I hope I'm right about that.
I'm also wondering if they'll put a more powerful turbo on the Integra than is found in the Civic Si. It'll be okay if it has exactly the same hp is the Si, but if Acura wants some bragging rights maybe they could get another 15 hp or so out of the 1.5T with a more powerful turbo.
In the aftermarket world it seems more powerful Mitsubishi turbos are already added to the 1.5T, as shown in the video below. The video says that Mitsubishi already makes the turbos for various models Honda's 1.5Ts, which was surprising to me. I would have assumed that Honda/Acura would make their turbos in house.
https://www.edmunds.com/honda/civic/2021/features-specs/
https://www.edmunds.com/acura/tlx/2021/features-specs/
Plus the Integra is going to have a limited slip differential. My brother in law had a 2012 Civic Si, and it was a lot of fun to drive. I don't know how much of that was the lsd, but I'm sure part of it was.
Although driving with a manual does sound like a lot of fun, if I were getting one I might get the auto, esp. if they give it the 8-speed DCT.
If they really price the Integra at c. $30,500 + 1100 destination I'd say it's going to be a great deal. Acura interiors, as we know, are nicer than Honda interiors by quite a bit.
Finally, the FWD TLX has an epa combined mpg of 25, while the Civic hb's combined epa mpg is 33. We can guess that the Integra might be 1-2 mpg lower because of added weight, but still it's going to have good mpg compared to the TLX.
I am more interested in seeing the interior and getting some driving reviews before passing judgement. My assumption is it will drive like a nicer Si, with much more comfortable seats (which would be a big selling point to me) and more creature comforts like heated seats, maybe memory seats, stuff like that.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/11/buy-drive-burn-near-premium-midsize-sedans-from-2011/
"10 years later, I’d buy the Acura, run like hell from the Volvo & Audi....
Agreed.
I’m surprised to feel that way about the Acura, but it’s the right call.
From a distance, I am totally in love with that S60’s shape and transverse I6, but reports of long-term owner sadness keeps me away.
Audi will just hurt from beginning to end, particularly post-warranty."
That's a very positive report on the GLI, which at c.$31k is one of the competitors for the upcoming Integra. On the one hand, the GLI with its 2.0T is more powerful and faster, going 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, probably a second faster than the Integra 1.5T, but on the other hand here's a nightmare report from a 2020 GLI owner from TTAC....
"....would LOVE to contribute my .02 about VW ownership and my 2020 GLI....Matthew, I wish you all the luck in the world with your GLI ownership. In (now) 10,600 miles, here’s the running tally:
3 total wiper system failures (it goes back in the shop tomorrow for repairs)
2 infotainment system failures (flashed both times)
1 violent engine idle repair (idled so rough that the entire car shook like a paint mixer)
1 engine computer recall/replacement
2 in-car microphone failures
1 nasty rattle/squeak coming from the passenger side door area.
I have never experienced such a run of bad luck with any car I’ve owned, and that includes an RX-8. It’s at the point where lemon laws are being explored and the VW dealer is opening a case with VW for which I assume would be for replacement....I’m not wanting to rain on your parade, but this GLI owner has severe buyer’s regret."
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/11/reader-review-a-volkswagen-gti-vs-gli-love-story/
That is way outside the norm though. Almost sounds like sabotage, or a flood car!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
massive number of engine, transmission, etc. failures is a lot more significant but every "problem" tends to be lumped together.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But everything I've heard for many years tells me that Lexus has great quality and reliability, which is reflected in the CR rating.
And some videos I've seen on youtube show Tesla's problems with quality and reliability. Even Musk has admitted they have had lots of quality control problems, and this also shows up in their ranking.
I still feel the CR survey often reflects some real stuff that's happening out there with various car brands.
For specific items, yes. But rating a brand very unreliable due to 1 component is misleading.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But from my pov Acura should probably just bow to the god of the touchscreen, and keep their touch pad system too for those who don't want fingerprints on the screen. Problem is they would need to reposition the screens themselves. On RDX, MDX, and TLX they are placed too far away to touch them, and so redesigning and re-engineering them would no doubt cost tens of millions of dollars.
maybe they improved the tech improved for 2020 but we had no problems with our system. I know some people had glitchy systems on the 19s. That is something companies need to do a better job with.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Anyway, got about 9K miles on the TLX. Nothing really to report, which is always a good thing. Typical Acura….no warranty issues, nothing that needs attention. Just get in and drive. Like it. Matter of fact, I often find myself driving along and saying to myself…”this is a really fun car”.
The only thing I did notice was the “over the air” update to the media system which was downloaded last week. It seems to have sped up the boot up of the system. If there was one complaint, it sometimes took me driving a mile or so for the system to totally boot up with my iPhone. Now, that seems to have been taken care of.
I keep the car in sport mode, and am liberal with using the right pedal. I’m getting around 22-24 MPG in mixed driving (80% city-20% hwy) which is about what I expected.
Dealership tried to tempt me with their 2 Type S cars a month or two ago. One was the “gold” color, which I didn’t like, at all. But, they did have one in the Steel Metallic with red interior (which I’ve always loved) that was tempting. Drove the latter. Liked it. But, it reminded me a lot of the Stinger GT, which I sold and replaced with the TLX.
Last week, my dealer called me and said they’d buy my TLX for what I paid for it (IIRC~$43-ish?) 8 months ago. But, aside from the TLX Type-S (which they’re sold out of) I don’t know that there’s anything on their lot I’d want. Speaking of in stock, they have like 4 TLXs and the same amount of RDXs and a couple of new MDXs on their new lot. That’s it!
Hope you all are well.
Although they'll probably make the gas TLX for another six years or so, my guess is that at that point it will be the end of the line for gas cars at Acura. By the time we get to model year 2028 or so probably Acura will have an electric sedan. Wonder if they might revive the Legend name for that? There's a new interview with Honda's CEO that gives some clues about Honda and Acura's EV plans.
https://todayuknews.com/automobile/hondas-toshihiro-mibe-readying-for-a-dramatic-ev-shift/
Yesterday I saw on the road a new red TLX and it looked great from every angle. I thought the rear tail lights were some of the best I've seen on a car.
my other prediction is there will be a small (sub-RDX) hybrid coming out soon. Maybe the new ILX name. Could be a version of the next Honda HRV, or just a tall wagon version of the Integra on a shortened platform (which is probably what the HRV is going to be). That would round out their lineup, and the subcompact CUV is a hot market these days still.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a35639550/2021-honda-crv-hybrid-touring-reliability-maintenance/
"The loud hybrid engine is still a sticking point for most of our editors. We've noted in the past that at full throttle there's only 72 decibels of sound, but it seems louder. Buyer's Guide deputy editor Rich Ceppos thought it sounded like a Dyson being switched on when getting on the highway. Staff editor Eric Stafford said, "Pin the accelerator, and the engine groans like a cow giving birth." Another staffer noted that while getting up to speed on the highway, "You're required to suffer through an incredibly obnoxious engine note for what feels like an eternity."
In contrast, I really like the engine note of my TLX 2.4, which gets significantly better highway mpg than C&D got with their CR-V hybrid....
"As for fuel economy, the compact crossover continues to impress around town, with some drivers seeing nearly 50 mpg. When speed ticks up, though, our average tanks. Our 75-mph highway test returned 29 mpg, six shy of the EPA's highway rating."
What's weird about this is that my wife's CR-V with the 1.5 turbo gets about 33-35 mpg when going c. 70-75, and my TLX usually gets c. 35-38.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
The cost of the lowest-priced Model 3 has gone up by about $10,000 in the last two years to c. $46k, and the cost of the lowest-priced Model Y has gone up about 18k to $60k.
If the new Acura Integra comes in at about 31k, then it would take about a dozen years to make up the difference with a Model 3 with savings on gas, oil changes, etc. A 2022 RDX with SH-AWD and Tech package lists for about $45k, and so that would also be about a dozen years compared to a Model Y.
Once Tesla's factory is Texas is going full tilt, with a capacity of maybe c. 900k vehicles a year, I wonder if economies of scale will kick in, and then maybe Musk, like Ford back in the days of the Model T, might start really lowering prices. But right now Tesla is raising prices fast, and so the whole idea that you can buy a Model 3 and then in 5 years or so beat the economics of a Camry, or even an Acura, have been thrown into the trash.
As a side note, the austere interiors of Tesla clearly appeal to some people, but they aren't my favorite. Maybe I'll warm up to them, but so far it hasn't happened.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
https://www.acura.com/future-vehicles/integra
Press release with equipment details:
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases/release-b7c602e7f6feb65d30b129b0f61410bf-an-icon-for-the-next-generation-2023-acura-integra-revealed-as-a-premium-performance-gateway-for-a-new-generation
Minor cons for the Integra include a standard CVT, a prop rod hood, the strange lack of a rear window wiper (which is standard on the Civic Hatchback), and no rear seat AC vents.
The Integra interestingly is 6.8 inches longer than the Civic Hatchback, as well as an inch wider. It's not clear yet if this translates into more interior or cargo room when compared with a Civic.
Also interesting is that the Integra bypasses the "true touch" interface pad on other Acuras, instead having a touchscreen like the Civic.
To get the 6-speed manual you need to get the top-of-the-line model, which is the A-spec with Tech, which will probably have an msrp of c. $37k. If I were in the market for a manual I might go for the Civic Si instead and save 10k.
But for the foreseeable future I'm happy with my 2018 TLX, which has features no longer available on any new Acura, including the 8-speed dual clutch transmission, as well as 4-wheel steering. Plus my car has better rear visibility than the Integra, as well as AC vents for the rear seats.
I got e-mail yesterday with link to reserve an integra. First 500 get an NFT also.
Cvt not an issue since I want the manual. But losing interest if only on the top end model.
I saw a bright blue civic hatch yesterday. Looked nice. $32k for a sport touring.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That’s nice.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
That was honestly the only thing I did not like about the Si (though the hatch would be cool to have).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
But if and when I ever get another car I might try finding an EV I like. By 2028 maybe they'll be plentiful and cost less? And maybe even Honda/Acura/Sony will have an Integra EV? Then again I think my TLX will probably make it to 200k, and I'm still leaning toward just keeping it long term.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I do prefer to the 8-speed Dual clutch to a CVT. And a non-turbo engine might last longer than a turbo? Who knows.