Luxury sedans are often defined by a tradeoff: thrilling performance on one side and long-term reliability on the other. Buyers typically choose between European models that prioritize driving excitement and Japanese brands known for dependability. But one used luxury sedan manages to bridge that gap, offering sporty character inspired by BMW while delivering the kind of reliability more commonly associated with Honda.
This rare balance makes it especially appealing on the used market, where value matters as much as refinement. Strong engine options, sharp handling, and premium interior features give it genuine luxury credentials, while its proven mechanical durability keeps ownership costs in check. It’s the type of car that satisfies enthusiasts without punishing them at the service counter.
As more shoppers look for affordable entry points into luxury ownership, this sedan stands out as a smart alternative to traditional German rivals. It shows that performance and reliability don’t have to live in separate worlds, and that the right used luxury car can deliver both without compromise.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Edmunds.
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A 2023 Acura TLX Type S offers strong reliability at a reasonable price
Luxurious, powerful, reliable, and affordable
Luxury cars are more expensive than they’ve ever been, with prices constantly rising. One way to combat rising prices is to shop on the used market. However, that brings about concerns when it comes to reliability. With the Acura TLX Type S, however, you get all the performance of top German rivals with none of the long-term reliability woes. A slightly used three-year-old model can be had for a veritable bargain.
2023 Acura TLX Type S average used price
|
Model |
Average used price |
|---|---|
|
Type S |
$42,766 |
|
Type S PMC Edition |
$49,430 |
Even new, the TLX was considered to be one of the best value for money options in its segment. The Type S was particularly attractive, offering performance on par with the likes of the BMW M340i but costing thousands of dollars less. Unfortunately, Acura discontinued the sedan and you can only get used models now.
The 2023 model finds a good balance, still being relatively new but having had enough time to depreciate to the point where it feels like a great deal. As well as the standard Type S model, Acura also offered a special edition PMC model, which features unique aesthetic elements alongside some carbon fiber bits and bobs. We’d personally stick with the standard Type S, unless you’re particularly fond of the rare special edition model.
Reliability, warranties, and maintenance
- Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty: 6 years or 70,000 miles
- Average annual maintenance costs: $440 (RepairPal)
- Average ten-year maintenance costs: $7,896 (CarEdge)
- Reliability score: 79/100 (J.D. Power)
Starting with warranties, a three-year-old Acura TLX should still have a balance left on both the bumper-to-bumper coverage as well as the powertrain warranty. It may not be a ton, but it’s enough to give you peace of mind for the first couple of years that you own the Japanese sports sedan. After that point, it costs quite a bit less than the average luxury sedan to maintain, according to CarEdge.
Acura is considered to be one of the most reliable luxury brands on the market. This is in no small part thanks to its connection to Honda, with vehicles like the TLX sharing quite a few parts with proven mainstream vehicles from the Honda lineup. The 2023 TLX in particular scores 79 out of 100 for quality and reliability, which puts it on the higher side of the scale.
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A fantastic turbocharged V-6 powers the raucous TLX Type S
Quick and a ton of fun to throw around
The TLX often gets pushed to the wayside, dismissed as a plush version of the Honda Accord. In our eyes, that isn’t as much of an insult as it’s meant to be. The TLX Type S is a genuinely strong performance sedan that keeps up with much more expensive rivals, both in a straight line and through twisty back roads. It is plenty powerful, but more importantly, it is a ton of fun to drive.
2023 Acura TLX performance
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 |
|---|---|
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic |
|
Horsepower |
355 HP |
|
Torque |
354 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
4.9 seconds |
|
Top speed |
155 MPH |
Under the hood of the Type S sits a turbocharged V-6 that puts down a pretty impressive amount of power. This engine pairs with a slick-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission, which responds quickly. All-wheel drive is standard kit as well. Compared to the standard TLX, the Type S gets a more aggressive suspension tune and the option of stickier summer tires, which we would definitely recommend.
The TLX is plenty quick enough for a sports sedan at this price point, getting off the line with plenty of enthusiasm, though it really comes alive when at full bore. More importantly, though, the TLX feels exceptionally playful. The chassis is well tuned, steering is precise and well-weighted, and it controls its weight very well through corners. It is genuinely one of the most engaging compact sedans out there.
Turbo lag is minimal, and while the TLX Type S didn’t feel quite as eclectic immediately off the line when giving it the full beans, it’s during rolling acceleration maneuvers and powering out of corners that the TLX Type S’s turbocharged V6 truly seemed to shine, with excellent Brembo brakes and a firm, yet totally manageable pedal to match.
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On the inside, you get a plethora of high-end luxury features
It may be cheaper, but Acura doesn’t skimp
There are plenty of cases where an Acura feels like a fancied-up Honda on the inside, but the TLX isn’t one of those cases. We really love how expressive Acura was with the interior design here, with the sports sedan featuring a unique layout that really adds to its character. It may be a little out there, but it can’t be accused of missing the mark when it comes to luxury.
Practical and exceptionally comfortable
|
Front row headroom |
37.2 inches |
|---|---|
|
Front row legroom |
42.4 inches |
|
Second row headroom |
36.3 inches |
|
Second row Legroom |
34.9 inches |
|
Cargo capacity |
13.5 feet |
For a sports sedan in the compact segment, the TLX is actually pretty spacious. Your backseat passengers aren’t going to be blown away with how much legroom they have, but they shouldn’t have too many complaints either. The same can be said about the trunk, which is on the bigger side of the segment, without being outstandingly large.
The interior of the TLX takes clear inspiration from the rebooted NSX supercar, featuring a long stack of physical buttons and dials that flows from the dashboard to the center console. This makes it feel unique and sporty without detracting from the fantastic build quality in the cabin. Nice materials are used throughout, with open pore wood and real aluminum even being showcased in some places. You also get some desirable luxury features, such as customizable ambient interior lighting, fine leather upholstery, and multi-zone automatic climate control.
Infotainment and technology
The TLX Type S comes with the best kit that Acura has to offer. You get a seven-inch display in between the physical gauge dials as well as a 10.5-inch heads-up display. It also comes standard with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen mounted on the center of the dashboard. Our only complaint is the finicky touchpad that controls the infotainment system.
The 2023 TLX Type S comes with a lot of other tech features that make the cabin feel more upscale. This includes standard wireless capability for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a premium ELS sound system.
