Acura ILX 2016 Review - 3 years later - The Dual Clutch Civic Si for Everyone

[@ericlee4455]

My wife got a used one very cheap. I tend to think a lot of people are sort of missing the point of what Acura was offering in this model. When I first test drove it, I was expecting something comparable to the BMW 3 series, Lexus is series, or even a very plush VW Passat? But no, it felt very light weight, nimble, somewhat of a very sporty ride. The transmission is a DCT 8 speed. The transmission should pretty much say it all; it's more like an enthusiast car in a sedan format. I've read that DCT tend to be more jerky jerky than what Acura is offering. A sporty performance sedan should be light weight and somewhat Spartan? Really, this thing is really a blast to drive! Performance wise, it swings a notch or two above its class. I really could care less about the luxury status factor. If you're looking for status or luxury, then look at the other manufacturers I just mentioned, but if you want a very fun car to drive plus get great gas mileage. This is the car for you. It's also pretty darn good looking! And who needs eighteen inch wheels? The seventeen inch wheels are perfect. I think the eiighteens have less sidewall height and can lead to tires getting pinched over potholes. I had 2014 BMW 135i with eighteens before and I blew out the tire on a raised lip of asphalt barely an inch and a half tall! Bent the rim too, going only 55mph!

[@DJPenguino51]

I have a 2016 ILX. It gets great gas mileage provided that you drive conservatively. I tend to average 34-36 a gallon per tank. Only niggle I have with the transmission is when you come up to a stop sign (rapid stop & go), the transmission sometimes lurches / jerks upon accelerating again. It also has a very tall 8th gear great for highway cruising. It's a good road trip car. Regarding the tires, the OEM tires are quite loud. I have Yokahoma Ascend GT's and IMHO, they blow the OEM tires right out of the water. And like you said, their infotainment system is very dated.

[@MTLJack]

Yea, I hate the traffic / stop sign jerk when it goes from a almost stop to second gear. It feels like the synchro doesn't shift smoothly between 1st and 2nd. Did you know that Acura still uses the same infotainment in the RLX 2020? A car that is over 60k$!

[@tmay7260]

Just purchased The same car just recently!, if you’re looking to get a faster firmer feel Acura is the way to go! However if you simply pleasure luxury amenities within your vehicle go with Lexus, infinity, genesis, etc. The 8 speed is very zippy for the compact car though maneuvering is no problem.

[@MTLJack]

Totally agree!

[@oscarcazares2972]

I just got my used 2016 a spec I love it, I made sure it was a one owner lease. I have about 42k miles on it. I’m really hoping the transmission never gives me trouble. Great video

[@oscarcazares2972]

I’m not a big fan of the information but I knew that when doing my research, I find it best to just leave my music playing and turn off the top screen. But other than I enjoy it very much it’s fun to drive and I’m getting great fuel economy.

[@MTLJack]

It is indeed very outdated haha the infotainment

[@jxrioss21]

any problems so far ??

[@oscarcazares2972]

@@jxrioss21 no problems thankfully sitting at about 103k miles. Just consumables

[@jxrioss21]

@@oscarcazares2972 how does it do with gas right now ? How much does it take to fill up ??

[@nickhumble3417]

I have a 2016 ILX premium and the part wit the jerk from 2nd to 3rd gear happens to me sometimes, but I realize with a DCT it’s going to do that at times. Good video thanks ✊🏽

[@tomfoolery5665]

How's your Acura holding up I'm thinking of buying a 2016 with low mileage soon or a lexus 2015 GS 350 RWD or IS 350 I haven't decided which one yet

[@MTLJack]

I would take a lexus over acura if i had to choose. Much better resale value and more comfortable ride.

[@updy]

The rant about the 2 screens towards the end made me laugh! Great review! :)

[@MTLJack]

LOL ! i don't have the car anymore but even today, i still remember how bad the unconvenient the dual screen design was combined with the extremely outdated software (probably running on Windows CE or something) Horrible ..! Good thing Acura corrected these errors .... since 2020 i believe.

[@updy]

@@MTLJack Waiting for the interior rework to come out next year on the ILX. I love the new format they're going for.

[@irpacynot]

Yeah, good video, thanks. In spite of the negatives, though, I think I'm still very much interested in this particular year and model Acura. I'm currently driving a 2000 Celica GT, so the road noise and sparse dash options wouldn't be much of a turn-off for me. :P

[@MTLJack]

It’ll be better than the Celica for sure and faster as well. I had a celica gt before (not guys) boy it was kind of slow ... it’s an awesome upgrade for you and you’ll appreciate it a lot!!

[@tipoomaster]

Still have it? Any further thoughts? Might pick up one tomorrow at 68K KM, a-spec with tech plus package, seems like a decent deal

[@et1978]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@tomfoolery5665]

I took a ride in this a spec acura wow I felt like when I was a young army ranger again I'm 50 now I'm looking for a fun cheaper car to drive I have a lexus rx 350 now but I was going to get a lexus 2016 gs 350 rwd which I loved too but the acura reminds me of a supped up accord like my 2002 accord coupe I still have it but man this was a thrill to drive for me

[@MTLJack]

Indeed, the 1st gen ILX face-lifted with the dual clutch transmission is underrated for the price!

[@tomfoolery5665]

@@MTLJack thanks I know it's a fun ride I'm a retired NYC Firefighter and diesel mechanic I suffered a severe line of duty injury and have 27 screws and many plates running down from my right hip to my ankle so I was retired early and I can no longer work as a mechanic either so I'm trying to buy a good quality dependable vehicle for fun cruising without having to pay some mechanic 150$ an HR for just ok jobs every time I would like to do some kind of service on my cars😂😭😭😭 that's why I stick to honda/acura lexus/Toyota

[@TheSuburban15]

Not tunable? K24 Civic engine and most Civic suspension parts are compatible.

[@MTLJack]

in 2016+ , it is a V7 , not Z variant of the K24. The V7 is not as tunable as the Z like the Civic Si due to many electronics controlling.

[@lifeinaqua660]

“When people see you driving this car…you don’t look poor.” 😂 Where do I buy one??? 😊

[@joseonyoutube6424]

When I stop the car just about to go into a complete stop and press the gas gently the cars trans clanks.

[@Dro-Ordanzo]

Are you able to pump regular 87 gas?

[@thenotoriousvlog5986]

You could but it’ll mess up your engine after a while with an engine knock. Preferred fuel is 91-93 Premium

[@xaviergl]

My friend was putting regular in his 2018 RDX, basically just bogged down the car and made it feel less sporty, and obviously worse gas mileage. Still no issues after 60k tho

[@MTLJack]

You can but not recommended.

[@magictree2027]

ay thanks

[@jamesgand828]

I would rather just buy an Accord at that price point. Right now, I can get an Accord sport 2.0T for around 27k. That's the same price as the ILX starting price lol

[@MTLJack]

If we talk about brand new, Acura ILx 2020 starts at 32k and accord sport 2.0T automatic starts at 37k. Still a bit of difference BUT I would be happy to pay a bit more to have the 2LITER turbo k20c1 than the stupid old K24Z1

[@jamesgand828]

@@MTLJack Right now, go on Hondas website and tell me how much a 2.0T Sport costs. Unless you live in a different country where the dollar value is lower than US, You are getting robbed by the dealer. Check the link below and see how much the 2020 accord is right now. www.swickardhonda.com/new-honda-accord-sport-2-0t-gladstone-or#

[@frankshanks9726]

You’re comparing a luxury car to a commuter car.

[@mobber2.087]

How many miles do you have on your ilx?

[@MTLJack]

52000km so far

[@vincenzomaldera1977]

Montréal guy on Décarie!! Lol

[@vaajchang]

Have you have any repairs?

[@MTLJack]

Rear shocks had to be replaced but it was under warranty. Quite cheap quality to be honest ... my mom’s Honda Civic 2008 is still on the originals shocks.

[@Haoi1216]

U mean 2006-2011?

[@MTLJack]

No, 2006-2011 is the 8th Gen civic, I used the 2012-2015 civic (9th Gen) as reference because it is the exact same platform and generation. Also, the 8th Gen civic Si had the K20 2L and 9th Gen civic si the k24 2.4L

[@Haoi1216]

MTLJack well thats not exactly what uve said in your video. U said from 2006-2012 was the 8th gen.

[@oclaothug69]

The key is big cause your hand is small lol 😆😂

[@MTLJack]

LOL you are rightttt

[@henryhta]

I bought this 2016 ILX base for my daughter in college. Despite its good price, I hate how the car perform. It is noisy, chopping, lazy from stop and go especially from 5miles rolling. It doesn't coast smoothly when your foot is off the gas pedal. It automatically down gear due to the 8 dual clutch crap. It logo is Acura but its riding is similar to that of the buick regal. Nothing special about it, no excitement even though the body style looks aggressive. I changed the oil after 5000 - 6000 miles and the oil smells like there are raw gasoline mixed with it. My 2004 RSX with 217000 milea dont have that smell in its oil. Needless to say, if you could find one with really cheap price and don't care much how its handlings on the road, go ahead and buy it. If you looking for a little more enjoyment when driving, get the mazda3. I regret to buy this 2016 ILX. You dont see alot of them on the road like the Civic. People who own one ILX said they wouldn't buy another one. It is truly a sheep in a wolf clothing. From point A to Z, it does just that. It boring, noisy, lazy,and just ok handling. Believe me.

[@MTLJack]

Should have watched my video before :P

[@ShaunYCheng]

Is the 2021 version going to be better?