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Do you have an opinion on the dynamic pricing of cars? If you would like to share your opinion of car pricing being dependent on factors like availability or consumer demand (much the way plane tickets or hotel rooms are priced), please send your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Friday, 8/1/14 at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.
Slight difference - with unused hotel rooms or plane seats there is no additional cost and there is no impact on the vendor's ability to sell that seat or room the next flight or the next day. With a car if you sell below cost it's a loss and you lose the possibility of a profitable sale the next day or week or month. Apples and oranges.
Not really. If you sell enough hotel rooms or plane seats below cost it would put you out of business just as it would a car dealer. A dealer selling one car below cost can make it up the next day by selling a car well over cost. Happens all the time. Airlines adjust fares almost daily. Dealers sell cars at different margins daily. Everyone that sells something is subject to the laws of supply and demand.
Dealers are only give a specific number of vehicles to sell so lost profit on that vehicle is lost forever. If you don't sell it today below cost you can sell it tomorrow above cost. With a hotel room, selling it at low cost today has no impact on selling it at a higher cost the next day or week.
Finally fueled up the Fusion after 23 days. 29 MPG. Distance to empty read zero, not sure how long, but the gas gauge was still displaying yellow, 412 miles, took 14.2 gallons, so theoretically over 2 gallons left in the tank.
After 18 months, I have just under 15k on it. Might be taking it on a 2000+ mile trip next week, through.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I was going to post something smart about another market when it dawned on me that I have little idea how prices are affixed in many places, and there are so many things that can affect price.
Like gong to the music store and buying a guitar at a higher price because the cost of the wood to make it went up. So, one market depends on another.
On the mid-size topic, my front end seems to be giving me more of a pounding ride every day. It is definitely not a "sport suspension" when you hit uneven pavement and it pounds the crap out of you then bounces once after it's over. Now at 30,023 miles. All the fake chrome has come off my fake metal badge. Supplier sending new ones
2015 Acura TLX sets new benchmark for mid level sport luxury performance
A tall order but Acura engineering has achieved something that automotive manufacturers can only hope to achieve. They’ve set the new manufacturing benchmark for a very competitive automotive segment. The 2015 TLX will change the way that you perceive economy-driven luxo- performance.
prom·i·nence
the fact or condition of standing out from something by physically projecting or being particularly noticeable.
Acura engineering has manifested in the form of the 2015 TLX Sport Sedan what most automotive manufactures only inspire to do. They’ve produced a quality, financially attainable, sports performing, user friendly automotive transformer. Offered in several variants, including a top of the segment(all-new) 3.5 Liter V6 powered performance sedan, TLX takes tech-driven performance to a new level, while establishing a fuel efficiency, drive-performance and safety benchmark for the segment.
No manufacturer in the segment can match or exceed 2015 TLX performance at this price point.
Acura, through TLX offers an exceptional road-handling midsize Sport Sedan that performs as well on the twisties as many European sport coupes, while providing the interior comfort and quiet of a luxury sedan. And, has done so while establishing a beginning MSRP slightly higher than the top of the line 2014 Honda Accord.
We can’t say enough about the Acura’s newest offering. We believe that this performance sport sedan will change the way that our readers and world-car manufacturers perceive and measure driving performance, while supporting low emission levels and exceptional fuel economy through extreme form meets function and safety driven automotive design.
While we can’t comment on our driving experience until next week, we will state the following with strong conviction: We find no compromise of quality evident in our close review of the 2015 TLX and look excitedly forward to reporting on the driving attributes of Acura’s game changer. This car is contagiously spirited.
Designed, supplied and built in America, Acura TLX furthers Honda Motors and Acura Division’s intent to return the mark to North American prominence in all segments. While Acura TLX will not do everything, what it does do, it does exceptionally well. We’re proud to report that Acura has hit a homerun in designing the TLX. Stay tuned for daily updates as we present the car that will return Acura to segment dominance; the Acura 2015 TLX."
@akirby said:
That's not a review - it's an Acura press release.
True! lol
But to me the TLX does seem like a compelling possibility in this category. I think the full reviews come out on Monday.
Compared to an Accord EXL, the entry-level TLX is only $2700 more. Midsize luxury or "near-luxury" midsize sedans from other manufacturers start at more like $40k or more. And so, unless I'm missing something, this might be the only one that overlaps in price with high end Sonatas, Fusions, Accords, etc.
@benjaminh said:
Compared to an Accord EXL, the entry-level TLX is only $2700 more. Midsize luxury or "near-luxury" sedans from other manufacturers start at more like $40k or more. And so, unless I'm missing something, this might be the only one that overlaps in price with high end Sonatas, Fusions, Accords, etc.
But the ones that overlap have a NA 4-banger and are unlikely to feel very high-end. Let's wait and see.
I agree, whomever posted the article referenced ought to be ashamed to call themselves a journalist.
For the same base price as the 3.5L TLX, you can get a 3.7L MKZ with real leather instead of leatherette, more power and I think the MKZ is bigger. Nothing earth shattering here.
@akirby
Your Fusion is about 1 inch longer and the same width and weighs only 26 more pounds more than the new TLX. So yes it larger but c'mon, that is hyperbole. It's virtually the same size. Yeah, the TLX's MPG is not world shattering MPG but for an entry level luxury midsize car it's pretty decent. It's the entry level. More power is available in the v-6.
I kind of feel your pain though. Seems someone here feels the marketing department at Honda needs help.
The statement about luxury cars starting at $40k and above is just plain exaggeration. Plenty of luxury brand entry models start in the low to mid $30ks. ES350 starts at a little more than $37k, a BMW 328 starts at about $37k(the 320 is even lower), an A4 starts at less than $34k, the MKZ starts at about $35k. The InfinitiQ50 starts at about $37k with over 300hp.
I own an Acura RDX and like it, but that doesn't make the new TLX the best thing since sliced bread. Nor is it the cheapest near luxury or even luxury entry out there.
@m6user said:
akirby
Your Fusion is about 1 inch longer and the same width and weighs only 26 more pounds more than the new TLX. So yes it larger but c'mon, that is hyperbole. It's virtually the same size. Yeah, the TLX's MPG is not world shattering MPG but for an entry level luxury midsize car it's pretty decent. It's the entry level. More power is available in the v-6...
Actually the Fusion is significantly bigger inside than a TLX.
Interior room Fusion: 102.8
Interior room TLX: 93.3
akirby is correct!++
And I think his ecoboost 2.0 would spank a TLX 2.4 to 60.
A Fusion Titanium 2.0 is a truly awesome car in many ways.
(It's just my bad experiences from long ago keep me personally from considering it at this time.)
.... The statement about luxury cars starting at $40k and above is just plain exaggeration. Plenty of luxury brand entry models start in the low to mid $30ks. ES350 starts at a little more than $37k, a BMW 328 starts at about $37k(the 320 is even lower), an A4 starts at less than $34k, the MKZ starts at about $35k. The InfinitiQ50 starts at about $37k with over 300hp.
I own an Acura RDX and like it, but that doesn't make the new TLX the best thing since sliced bread. Nor is it the cheapest near luxury or even luxury entry out there.
Thanks for the info.
And I stand corrected on prices on luxury and near-luxury cars. Sorry about that! I meant to say midsize cars, but didn't put that in. I've now corrected it. Must need another cup of coffee.
But I'm not saying the TLX is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I was just posting someone else's "review"—which I admitted sounded like an Acura press release.
But I still think that starting at $31k the TLX might be a car to potentially consider at the upper end of the midsize price-spread. It's just one of many good options to consider, including the Lincoln MKZ and the Fusion Titanium 2.0, as well as a top end Mazda6.
"Actually the Fusion is significantly bigger inside than a TLX.
Interior room Fusion: 102.8
Interior room TLX: 93.3
akirky is correct!++"
I actually said he was correct but barely. We were talking about MPG and he mentioned that the Fusion was larger which insinuates that that fact would naturally affect MPG. The Fusion is only 26 more lbs than the new TLX and an inch longer. A lot of things affect MPG but I don't think that having more interior room does.
A mixed to positive review of the new Acura TLX from Autoweek. The sum-up:
"If you enjoy being behind the wheel and if most of your driving does not involve spirited apex-bashing on challenging roads, this car will meet your needs. The infotainment connectivity is on par with the best in the class, the 10-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio or even the 7-speaker premium audio is superbly distinct and there are zillions of ways to get music into them. The NAV and audio systems are a lot easier and more intuitive to use than BMW’s or Mercedes’. And the styling, while not being overly distinctive, is not as far-fetched as some earlier Acura offerings...."
Another car to toss into the discussion of mid-sized options under $35k: Regal. Can be had very well equipped for under $35k. Just got a very good review (83 score) from Consumer Reports. They also reviewed the S60, which is on the smallish side for mid-sized but still I think an alternative. I recently saw an ad for a 36-month sign-and-drive lease on the S60 with leather and moonroof for $289/month, including all maintenance. I doubt one could find a lease on a similarly-equipped "regular" mid-sized car for the same money.
@backy said:
Another car to toss into the discussion of mid-sized options under $35k: Regal. Can be had very well equipped for under $35k. Just got a very good review (83 score) from Consumer Reports.
I can vouch for the Regal. But I do wish GM would push it more. Incentives on it tend to be few and far between as compared to other GM cars.
@benjaminh said:
Actually the Fusion is significantly bigger inside than a TLX.
Interior room Fusion: 102.8
Interior room TLX: 93.3
That surprises me a bit as Ford lately has done a poor job of interior space efficiency in the Taurus and the Focus. The Fusion looks narrow to me so I'm surprised by the amount of space claimed.
Maybe they measure it the same way they measure some of their MPGs. LOL.
On the Regal. I have always really admired the looks of the new Regal as it reminds me a little bit of the Infiniti G but every time I sit in one at the auto show I'm less impressed with the interior space and layout. Also, the trunk isn't very big or at least wasn't shaped in a way that it looked like it would hold a lot. I actually like the Verano better.
I just read a story about a car publication that has a Fusion Titanium with 19 inch wheel package like mine. Someone stole all 4 and left the car up on a couple of bricks. Replacement cost: $4300!
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
@explorerx4 said:
I just read a story about a car publication that has a Fusion Titanium with 19 inch wheel package like mine. Someone stole all 4 and left the car up on a couple of bricks. Replacement cost: $4300!
I was reading ratings and reviews which stated the Buick Regal is a poor- mans 3 series BMW. The Regal has received some nice reviews. I'm not versed on the Buick line but a quick turbo engine in that vehicle may persuade someone on a budget to buy it. I'd like to see the Buick Regal on the Chevy impala platform in terms of more room and size. I have not drove a 3 series BMW in the past two years but what bothered me about the 3 is on bad nyc roads your bouncing all over the place.. a annoying ride I don't like anymore. The regal may hold the bumps better but again I'm just assuming.
@ab348... I'd like to hear your take on the Regals suspension older, and newer models.
I also like the look of the regal. my #1 drawback is.... interior size... Not big guy friendly.
The biggest joke is the commercial with Shack sitting in a Buick Verano like he is stretched out in a caddy.
I was reading ratings and reviews which stated the Buick Regal is a poor- mans 3 series BMW. The Regal has received some nice reviews. I'm not versed on the Buick line but a quick turbo engine in that vehicle may persuade someone on a budget to buy it. I'd like to see the Buick Regal on the Chevy impala platform in terms of more room and size. I have not drove a 3 series BMW in the past two years but what bothered me about the 3 is on bad nyc roads your bouncing all over the place.. a annoying ride I don't like anymore. The regal may hold the bumps better but again I'm just assuming.
ab348... I'd like to hear your take on the Regals suspension older, and newer models.
I also like the look of the regal. my #1 drawback is.... interior size... Not big guy friendly.
The biggest joke is the commercial with Shack sitting in a Buick Verano like he is stretched out in a caddy.
Oh I know man, Shack was just poured into that car. Now I want to see Shack in Peel P50. (smallest car in the world).
Actually I think the car that Shaq pushes is the Buick Lacrosse which is the Regal's bigger brother and might satisfy whoever wants a Regal but more "Impala sized". Peyton Manning pushes the Verano in commercials. I actually can't think of a star that is featured in Regal commercials or if they even have Regal commercials.????
Just got my issue of Consumer Reports in the mail today and they review the Regal. They recommend but it's 0-60 times were kind of slow IMO for a turbo with 259hp. My '13 RDX is about a second faster.
@ab348 said:
That surprises me a bit as Ford lately has done a poor job of interior space efficiency in the Taurus and the Focus. The Fusion looks narrow to me so I'm surprised by the amount of space claimed.
The only Taurus I find menacing is the Police Interceptor. Has a nice stance to it. Cops here have been swapping out the last of the Crown Vic's, and that's a problem because undercover Taurussssesss are hard to spot.
@m6user said:
Actually I think the car that Shaq pushes is the Buick Lacrosse which is the Regal's bigger brother and might satisfy whoever wants a Regal but more "Impala sized". Peyton Manning pushes the Verano in commercials. I actually can't think of a star that is featured in Regal commercials or if they even have Regal commercials.????
Just got my issue of Consumer Reports in the mail today and they review the Regal. They recommend but it's 0-60 times were kind of slow IMO for a turbo with 259hp. My '13 RDX is about a second faster.
He actually drive's a Cadillac Escalade with 26" wheels. I think we all know GM gave it to him.
@m6user said:
On the Regal ... I actually like the Verano better.
I do, too. I've sat in the Verano at the past 2 local auto shows and been impressed by the interior trim and even the amount of back seat room. It would be plenty big inside for my needs (or my wife's needs). FE just not that good, however, compared to most mid-sized sedans. And not really a fit for either my next vehicle (as I prefer small hatchbacks) or my wife's (will probably get a small SUV for her for ease of entry/exit).
I had a 1982 Buick Skyhawk, who life did not end well, but the dealer gave me a 1984 T-Type at their cost and my down payment back when it was all said and done. (d0n'tn want to get into it now)
The T-Type I had was very handsome inside and out, while the same Chevy J body was horrible inside. I think Buick has always tried Tom be better than the rest of GM, without being gaudy and garish for the most part. I think they were hobbled at GM more than helped at times.
So, I totally believe that the Verano is a compelling car for them. Especially the turbo.
@cski said:
I had a 1982 Buick Skyhawk, who life did not end well, but the dealer gave me a 1984 T-Type at their cost and my down payment back when it was all said and done. (don't want to get into it now)
The T-Type I had was very handsome inside and out, while the same Chevy J body was horrible inside. I think Buick has always tried to be better than the rest of GM, without being gaudy and garish for the most part. I think they were hobbled at GM more than helped at times.
So, I totally believe that the Verano is a compelling car for them. Especially the turbo.
@brian125 - I have a 2011 Regal Turbo so that is all I can really comment upon. I did drive a NA 2.4 2011 before I bought the Turbo and it was OK but I did not think it had enough power for the way I like to drive. The current Turbo is more powerful than mine so I think it would be even better than what I have but I am satisfied with mine. I was attracted to the Regal because of the styling, which I think looks great, and the size of the car. I generally like bigger cars but don't really need one.
So, with all that - I love the suspension and handling on mine. I have driven German cars previously and owned a VW GTi in the '90s and this definitely has that taut Germanic feel. But I do not find the ride at all rough. It is not traditional Buick-soft (I came out of a 1st-gen Lacrosse so I know what that is like) but is still comfortable and well-controlled. It handles very nicely and I have zero complaints about the way it drives. In fact I have had it on a number of day-long highway drives and it is without doubt the best car I have ever owned for that kind of travel - set the cruise on 75 and it just tracks like it is hunkered down to the road.
In terms of interior size: I am 6' but am a big guy. I take a 2XL shirt and a 44 pant. The car fits me fine but there is no extra room (except legroom). But having said that I am very comfortable in it. It is at best a 4 seater and I have had 4 adults in it for some distance with no complaints. If the front seats are not rearward to the max you can be quite comfortable in the rear compartment. The trunk is OK but slopes upward slightly towards the passenger compartment which is a bit of an issue with large items. One golf bag is no problem but two requires some maneuvering. I find the room issue a bit odd because the car is fairly wide so I don't know where it all goes.
Downsides for me are that it takes some finagling to get the front seats adjusted comfortably. Compared to the cushy lounge chair buckets in my Lacrosse these are harder seats and the bottom cushion isn't as big. I have them adjusted so I am comfortable but the old-style seats in the Lacrosse seemed easier to make fit me better, even though they didn't provide as much support and didn't have a lumbar support like these do. That's pretty much my only gripe. I really like the size of the car in driving it, not too big, not too small. It just feels right. It has enough power especially on the highway - it will go way too fast way too quickly - and ample torque around town. I really do like it. Will a Turbo 4 be troublesome down the road? That is really the only lingering question I have. I have not had a Turbo engine before so I have no experience to go on.
from automotive news:
"The Shaq spot seeks to quash the notion that a largish sedan like the LaCrosse must be a gas guzzler -- it gets "36 mpg highway"
and Peyton Manning does the Verano:
""It's definitely easier to call audibles in the Verano as opposed to the line of scrimmage," Manning said in a statement. "After I call audibles in the Verano, I don't get hit in the back."
Nissan probably now has the capacity to make 35,000 Altimas a month. Ditto with Ford and the Fusion. But so far they rarely get close to that. I mistakenly thought that by now we'd be having a 4 way race at the top. But the rankings have been remarkably steady. It seems that no one is likely to topple the Camry in the foreseeable future. And the Accord seems quite solid in the # 2 slot. With Altima sales slumping a bit (down last month 10% compared to last year) and Fusion up 17% compared to last year, there does seem to be something of a battle for 3rd place.
The Passat, down 14% from last year's weak numbers, continues to be a letdown for VW. They are now running at about half capacity at their TN factory. Given that the market as a whole is doing well, and the Passat has a new turbo engine and higher mpg, it really seems puzzling. Plus Passat has the only turbo diesel in a mainstream midsize sedan iirc.
Mazda6 sales, in contrast, were up a big 46% compared to the year ago period. The 6 seems to be getting some good traction in the market. I think it would be a big upset if the 6 passed the Passat for the 2015 model year. I think that's possible.
Don't Accord sales include coupes and crosstours? Toyota is hell bent on keeping the sales lead and seems willing to use incentives and fleet sales to do it. Remember the last time a car company did that?
It's nice to see Mazda6 sales up dramatically but IIRC they were almost nonexistent last year because of lack of supply coming from Japan. So the comparison to last year is probably an easy one right now.
I am quite curious to see how the Legacy #s trend once the new model is fully available. I hope that the upgrades can get it to nearly double. At least ahead of the Passat.
Don't hold your breath on the Mazda6 diesel. I heard from my dealer that they were having problems meeting U.S. requirements and they are selling the gasser model in good enough quantities to maintain production lines in Japan. Unless you've got some good solid info to the contrary I'd be all ears.
Comments
Do you have an opinion on the dynamic pricing of cars? If you would like to share your opinion of car pricing being dependent on factors like availability or consumer demand (much the way plane tickets or hotel rooms are priced), please send your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than Friday, 8/1/14 at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET.
Slight difference - with unused hotel rooms or plane seats there is no additional cost and there is no impact on the vendor's ability to sell that seat or room the next flight or the next day. With a car if you sell below cost it's a loss and you lose the possibility of a profitable sale the next day or week or month. Apples and oranges.
Not really. If you sell enough hotel rooms or plane seats below cost it would put you out of business just as it would a car dealer. A dealer selling one car below cost can make it up the next day by selling a car well over cost. Happens all the time. Airlines adjust fares almost daily. Dealers sell cars at different margins daily. Everyone that sells something is subject to the laws of supply and demand.
Dealers are only give a specific number of vehicles to sell so lost profit on that vehicle is lost forever. If you don't sell it today below cost you can sell it tomorrow above cost. With a hotel room, selling it at low cost today has no impact on selling it at a higher cost the next day or week.
Finally fueled up the Fusion after 23 days. 29 MPG. Distance to empty read zero, not sure how long, but the gas gauge was still displaying yellow, 412 miles, took 14.2 gallons, so theoretically over 2 gallons left in the tank.
After 18 months, I have just under 15k on it. Might be taking it on a 2000+ mile trip next week, through.
I was going to post something smart about another market when it dawned on me that I have little idea how prices are affixed in many places, and there are so many things that can affect price.
Like gong to the music store and buying a guitar at a higher price because the cost of the wood to make it went up. So, one market depends on another.
On the mid-size topic, my front end seems to be giving me more of a pounding ride every day. It is definitely not a "sport suspension" when you hit uneven pavement and it pounds the crap out of you then bounces once after it's over. Now at 30,023 miles. All the fake chrome has come off my fake metal badge. Supplier sending new ones
An early preview of the all-new midsize Acura TLX, which starts at $30,995
http://www.torquenews.com/1574/2015-acura-tlx-sets-new-benchmark-mid-level-sport-luxury-performance
"By Parks McCants G+ 2014-07-31 16:09
2015 Acura TLX sets new benchmark for mid level sport luxury performance
A tall order but Acura engineering has achieved something that automotive manufacturers can only hope to achieve. They’ve set the new manufacturing benchmark for a very competitive automotive segment. The 2015 TLX will change the way that you perceive economy-driven luxo- performance.
prom·i·nence
the fact or condition of standing out from something by physically projecting or being particularly noticeable.
Acura engineering has manifested in the form of the 2015 TLX Sport Sedan what most automotive manufactures only inspire to do. They’ve produced a quality, financially attainable, sports performing, user friendly automotive transformer. Offered in several variants, including a top of the segment(all-new) 3.5 Liter V6 powered performance sedan, TLX takes tech-driven performance to a new level, while establishing a fuel efficiency, drive-performance and safety benchmark for the segment.
No manufacturer in the segment can match or exceed 2015 TLX performance at this price point.
Acura, through TLX offers an exceptional road-handling midsize Sport Sedan that performs as well on the twisties as many European sport coupes, while providing the interior comfort and quiet of a luxury sedan. And, has done so while establishing a beginning MSRP slightly higher than the top of the line 2014 Honda Accord.
We can’t say enough about the Acura’s newest offering. We believe that this performance sport sedan will change the way that our readers and world-car manufacturers perceive and measure driving performance, while supporting low emission levels and exceptional fuel economy through extreme form meets function and safety driven automotive design.
While we can’t comment on our driving experience until next week, we will state the following with strong conviction: We find no compromise of quality evident in our close review of the 2015 TLX and look excitedly forward to reporting on the driving attributes of Acura’s game changer. This car is contagiously spirited.
Designed, supplied and built in America, Acura TLX furthers Honda Motors and Acura Division’s intent to return the mark to North American prominence in all segments. While Acura TLX will not do everything, what it does do, it does exceptionally well. We’re proud to report that Acura has hit a homerun in designing the TLX. Stay tuned for daily updates as we present the car that will return Acura to segment dominance; the Acura 2015 TLX."
That's not a review - it's an Acura press release.
True! lol
But to me the TLX does seem like a compelling possibility in this category. I think the full reviews come out on Monday.
Compared to an Accord EXL, the entry-level TLX is only $2700 more. Midsize luxury or "near-luxury" midsize sedans from other manufacturers start at more like $40k or more. And so, unless I'm missing something, this might be the only one that overlaps in price with high end Sonatas, Fusions, Accords, etc.
But the ones that overlap have a NA 4-banger and are unlikely to feel very high-end. Let's wait and see.
I agree, whomever posted the article referenced ought to be ashamed to call themselves a journalist.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
For the same base price as the 3.5L TLX, you can get a 3.7L MKZ with real leather instead of leatherette, more power and I think the MKZ is bigger. Nothing earth shattering here.
Not a word about fuel economy except to say its "good", whatever that means.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
The TLX with the 2.4 and standard 8-speed DC transmission is rated 24 city, 35 hwy, and 28 combined.
http://www.acura.com/TLXLanding.aspx
The info is found when you expand the trim level area at the bottom of the page.
My Fusion Titanium which is larger with WAY more power is rated 22/33/26 so those numbers are not that impressive for a simple 4 banger.
It's not meant to be earth-shattering, just another option to consider when thinking about midsize for less than 35k.
For some of us, like myself, Ford products are not on the shopping list—just like for other people Honda/Acura products aren't on the shopping list.
It's good we have choices. The TLX is just one more to add to a very rich mix of good cars in this segment.
@akirby
Your Fusion is about 1 inch longer and the same width and weighs only 26 more pounds more than the new TLX. So yes it larger but c'mon, that is hyperbole. It's virtually the same size. Yeah, the TLX's MPG is not world shattering MPG but for an entry level luxury midsize car it's pretty decent. It's the entry level. More power is available in the v-6.
I kind of feel your pain though. Seems someone here feels the marketing department at Honda needs help.
The statement about luxury cars starting at $40k and above is just plain exaggeration. Plenty of luxury brand entry models start in the low to mid $30ks. ES350 starts at a little more than $37k, a BMW 328 starts at about $37k(the 320 is even lower), an A4 starts at less than $34k, the MKZ starts at about $35k. The InfinitiQ50 starts at about $37k with over 300hp.
I own an Acura RDX and like it, but that doesn't make the new TLX the best thing since sliced bread. Nor is it the cheapest near luxury or even luxury entry out there.
Actually the Fusion is significantly bigger inside than a TLX.
Interior room Fusion: 102.8
Interior room TLX: 93.3
akirby is correct!++
And I think his ecoboost 2.0 would spank a TLX 2.4 to 60.
A Fusion Titanium 2.0 is a truly awesome car in many ways.
(It's just my bad experiences from long ago keep me personally from considering it at this time.)
.... The statement about luxury cars starting at $40k and above is just plain exaggeration. Plenty of luxury brand entry models start in the low to mid $30ks. ES350 starts at a little more than $37k, a BMW 328 starts at about $37k(the 320 is even lower), an A4 starts at less than $34k, the MKZ starts at about $35k. The InfinitiQ50 starts at about $37k with over 300hp.
Thanks for the info.
And I stand corrected on prices on luxury and near-luxury cars. Sorry about that! I meant to say midsize cars, but didn't put that in. I've now corrected it. Must need another cup of coffee.
But I'm not saying the TLX is the greatest thing since sliced bread! I was just posting someone else's "review"—which I admitted sounded like an Acura press release.
But I still think that starting at $31k the TLX might be a car to potentially consider at the upper end of the midsize price-spread. It's just one of many good options to consider, including the Lincoln MKZ and the Fusion Titanium 2.0, as well as a top end Mazda6.
Peace folks.
"Actually the Fusion is significantly bigger inside than a TLX.
Interior room Fusion: 102.8
Interior room TLX: 93.3
akirky is correct!++"
I actually said he was correct but barely. We were talking about MPG and he mentioned that the Fusion was larger which insinuates that that fact would naturally affect MPG. The Fusion is only 26 more lbs than the new TLX and an inch longer. A lot of things affect MPG but I don't think that having more interior room does.
.
A mixed to positive review of the new Acura TLX from Autoweek. The sum-up:
"If you enjoy being behind the wheel and if most of your driving does not involve spirited apex-bashing on challenging roads, this car will meet your needs. The infotainment connectivity is on par with the best in the class, the 10-speaker ELS Studio Premium Audio or even the 7-speaker premium audio is superbly distinct and there are zillions of ways to get music into them. The NAV and audio systems are a lot easier and more intuitive to use than BMW’s or Mercedes’. And the styling, while not being overly distinctive, is not as far-fetched as some earlier Acura offerings...."
Another car to toss into the discussion of mid-sized options under $35k: Regal. Can be had very well equipped for under $35k. Just got a very good review (83 score) from Consumer Reports. They also reviewed the S60, which is on the smallish side for mid-sized but still I think an alternative. I recently saw an ad for a 36-month sign-and-drive lease on the S60 with leather and moonroof for $289/month, including all maintenance. I doubt one could find a lease on a similarly-equipped "regular" mid-sized car for the same money.
I can vouch for the Regal. But I do wish GM would push it more. Incentives on it tend to be few and far between as compared to other GM cars.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
That surprises me a bit as Ford lately has done a poor job of interior space efficiency in the Taurus and the Focus. The Fusion looks narrow to me so I'm surprised by the amount of space claimed.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Maybe they measure it the same way they measure some of their MPGs. LOL.
On the Regal. I have always really admired the looks of the new Regal as it reminds me a little bit of the Infiniti G but every time I sit in one at the auto show I'm less impressed with the interior space and layout. Also, the trunk isn't very big or at least wasn't shaped in a way that it looked like it would hold a lot. I actually like the Verano better.
I just read a story about a car publication that has a Fusion Titanium with 19 inch wheel package like mine. Someone stole all 4 and left the car up on a couple of bricks. Replacement cost: $4300!
Which the insurance company paid for?
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I was reading ratings and reviews which stated the Buick Regal is a poor- mans 3 series BMW. The Regal has received some nice reviews. I'm not versed on the Buick line but a quick turbo engine in that vehicle may persuade someone on a budget to buy it. I'd like to see the Buick Regal on the Chevy impala platform in terms of more room and size. I have not drove a 3 series BMW in the past two years but what bothered me about the 3 is on bad nyc roads your bouncing all over the place.. a annoying ride I don't like anymore. The regal may hold the bumps better but again I'm just assuming.
@ab348... I'd like to hear your take on the Regals suspension older, and newer models.
I also like the look of the regal. my #1 drawback is.... interior size... Not big guy friendly.
The biggest joke is the commercial with Shack sitting in a Buick Verano like he is stretched out in a caddy.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
Oh I know man, Shack was just poured into that car. Now I want to see Shack in Peel P50. (smallest car in the world).
Maybe they can use Gold Bond "car insertion powder".
Actually I think the car that Shaq pushes is the Buick Lacrosse which is the Regal's bigger brother and might satisfy whoever wants a Regal but more "Impala sized". Peyton Manning pushes the Verano in commercials. I actually can't think of a star that is featured in Regal commercials or if they even have Regal commercials.????
Just got my issue of Consumer Reports in the mail today and they review the Regal. They recommend but it's 0-60 times were kind of slow IMO for a turbo with 259hp. My '13 RDX is about a second faster.
The only Taurus I find menacing is the Police Interceptor. Has a nice stance to it. Cops here have been swapping out the last of the Crown Vic's, and that's a problem because undercover Taurussssesss are hard to spot.
He actually drive's a Cadillac Escalade with 26" wheels. I think we all know GM gave it to him.
Shacks in the Verano commercial just seen it last week
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
@michaell, Still a shocking number. I have saved $800, so far, for replacement tires.
I do, too. I've sat in the Verano at the past 2 local auto shows and been impressed by the interior trim and even the amount of back seat room. It would be plenty big inside for my needs (or my wife's needs). FE just not that good, however, compared to most mid-sized sedans. And not really a fit for either my next vehicle (as I prefer small hatchbacks) or my wife's (will probably get a small SUV for her for ease of entry/exit).
I had a 1982 Buick Skyhawk, who life did not end well, but the dealer gave me a 1984 T-Type at their cost and my down payment back when it was all said and done. (d0n'tn want to get into it now)
The T-Type I had was very handsome inside and out, while the same Chevy J body was horrible inside. I think Buick has always tried Tom be better than the rest of GM, without being gaudy and garish for the most part. I think they were hobbled at GM more than helped at times.
So, I totally believe that the Verano is a compelling car for them. Especially the turbo.
@brian125 - I have a 2011 Regal Turbo so that is all I can really comment upon. I did drive a NA 2.4 2011 before I bought the Turbo and it was OK but I did not think it had enough power for the way I like to drive. The current Turbo is more powerful than mine so I think it would be even better than what I have but I am satisfied with mine. I was attracted to the Regal because of the styling, which I think looks great, and the size of the car. I generally like bigger cars but don't really need one.
So, with all that - I love the suspension and handling on mine. I have driven German cars previously and owned a VW GTi in the '90s and this definitely has that taut Germanic feel. But I do not find the ride at all rough. It is not traditional Buick-soft (I came out of a 1st-gen Lacrosse so I know what that is like) but is still comfortable and well-controlled. It handles very nicely and I have zero complaints about the way it drives. In fact I have had it on a number of day-long highway drives and it is without doubt the best car I have ever owned for that kind of travel - set the cruise on 75 and it just tracks like it is hunkered down to the road.
In terms of interior size: I am 6' but am a big guy. I take a 2XL shirt and a 44 pant. The car fits me fine but there is no extra room (except legroom). But having said that I am very comfortable in it. It is at best a 4 seater and I have had 4 adults in it for some distance with no complaints. If the front seats are not rearward to the max you can be quite comfortable in the rear compartment. The trunk is OK but slopes upward slightly towards the passenger compartment which is a bit of an issue with large items. One golf bag is no problem but two requires some maneuvering. I find the room issue a bit odd because the car is fairly wide so I don't know where it all goes.
Downsides for me are that it takes some finagling to get the front seats adjusted comfortably. Compared to the cushy lounge chair buckets in my Lacrosse these are harder seats and the bottom cushion isn't as big. I have them adjusted so I am comfortable but the old-style seats in the Lacrosse seemed easier to make fit me better, even though they didn't provide as much support and didn't have a lumbar support like these do. That's pretty much my only gripe. I really like the size of the car in driving it, not too big, not too small. It just feels right. It has enough power especially on the highway - it will go way too fast way too quickly - and ample torque around town. I really do like it. Will a Turbo 4 be troublesome down the road? That is really the only lingering question I have. I have not had a Turbo engine before so I have no experience to go on.
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@brian125
from automotive news:
"The Shaq spot seeks to quash the notion that a largish sedan like the LaCrosse must be a gas guzzler -- it gets "36 mpg highway"
and Peyton Manning does the Verano:
""It's definitely easier to call audibles in the Verano as opposed to the line of scrimmage," Manning said in a statement. "After I call audibles in the Verano, I don't get hit in the back."
Just google it.
M.... Your are correct. need to audible my last post
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
midsize sales for July
Camry: 39,888
Accord: 35,073
Altima: 26,654
Fusion: 23,942
Sonata: 22,577
Optima: 13,588
Malibu: 13,537
Passat: 8,668
200: 8,159
Mazda6: 5,049
Legacy: 4,679
Nissan probably now has the capacity to make 35,000 Altimas a month. Ditto with Ford and the Fusion. But so far they rarely get close to that. I mistakenly thought that by now we'd be having a 4 way race at the top. But the rankings have been remarkably steady. It seems that no one is likely to topple the Camry in the foreseeable future. And the Accord seems quite solid in the # 2 slot. With Altima sales slumping a bit (down last month 10% compared to last year) and Fusion up 17% compared to last year, there does seem to be something of a battle for 3rd place.
The Passat, down 14% from last year's weak numbers, continues to be a letdown for VW. They are now running at about half capacity at their TN factory. Given that the market as a whole is doing well, and the Passat has a new turbo engine and higher mpg, it really seems puzzling. Plus Passat has the only turbo diesel in a mainstream midsize sedan iirc.
Mazda6 sales, in contrast, were up a big 46% compared to the year ago period. The 6 seems to be getting some good traction in the market. I think it would be a big upset if the 6 passed the Passat for the 2015 model year. I think that's possible.
Don't Accord sales include coupes and crosstours? Toyota is hell bent on keeping the sales lead and seems willing to use incentives and fleet sales to do it. Remember the last time a car company did that?
It's nice to see Mazda6 sales up dramatically but IIRC they were almost nonexistent last year because of lack of supply coming from Japan. So the comparison to last year is probably an easy one right now.
I am quite curious to see how the Legacy #s trend once the new model is fully available. I hope that the upgrades can get it to nearly double. At least ahead of the Passat.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Maybe. But a new Passat is coming next year. It's a big game of leap-frog.
Also new Mazda6 diesel, to compete with Passat TDI I'd imagine. First Japanese competitor for the TDI.
Don't hold your breath on the Mazda6 diesel. I heard from my dealer that they were having problems meeting U.S. requirements and they are selling the gasser model in good enough quantities to maintain production lines in Japan. Unless you've got some good solid info to the contrary I'd be all ears.
I don't know Chrysler has still sold 8100 crappy 200 cars. That has to be fleet sales.