Reassure Me Buying an ITS

[Baozzer]

I got my a spec tech 1 week before the ITS became available, but I would have to wait much longer before places were giving it for MSRP. I think a used one is well worth it. Save yourself some money.

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[scooter]

That said, there have been some issues documented that some have experienced:

• Sudden set of warnings lights may appear (rev matching, emissions, driver assist, and something else, I forget) accompanied by the car going into limp mode. Root cause not yet known. Acura was supposed to have a fix ready in February, but that time has come and gone with no fix released. It's still not clear when the fix will be ready. Interim fix is to have the dealer reset the codes and be on your way, but this issue has occurred multiple time for some. Civic Type R owners are seeing this too.

The sudden warning lights + limp mode and the coolant expansion tank issues are probably the most worrisome, but the former should hopefully get a formal fix soon.

/QUOTE]

Upon taking my car back to Acura day after purchasing it due to dash light indicating a gas tank filler emission issue, the dealer’s tech said that diagnostics from Acura HQ tech support indicated engine timing was off and Acura is aware of this problem and going to provide an ECU programming update. Dealer tech said it would be approx. a couple of weeks for the update. Tech cleared the diagnostic dash light and stated he has no idea what the fix is so it was possible dash light would reappear or not (me, really?). That was December 4, 2023 and now about 1200 miles later no dash light but STILL WAITING FOR THE PROMISED PROGRAMMING UPDATE. Oh Acura?

PS: still like driving it and would buy it again.

 

[egxflash]

I went through this last week, but ultimately picked the ITS. I must admit, it was only a moderately rational decision. But ultimately, it was going to be quick enough, roomy enough, look good, and relatively cheap to operate and maintain. As for the others considered...

• CT4V BW was crossed off the list because rear seats were too small to be useful for a car seat
• M3 manual could be had these days starting low 60s (2021s), but given my experience with previous BMWs (which I loved btw), it could cost a pretty penny out of warranty (and that front end... could you really love it?) But admittedly it does have better features as well outside of sheer performance (laser lights, power trunk, wider and more useful infotainment display, wider support community)
• CTR is $7k cheaper!!! And in my experience ITS isn't that much more luxurious or quieter. But theres the looks, colors, better torque curve, sound, dealer experience...

And on the periphery...

• Elantra N: I dont know how much better the mid cycle refresh would be but I couldnt wait around to find out
• GR Corolla: I am really not a fan of current corolla (non GR), and even the GR, with its overheating issues made it a nonstarter for me

Sounds like you and I were looking for similar things.

CT4V - I don't like the idea of spending that much on a GM (despite having a GM truck)

M3: I wouldn't get a used M3 - same idea why I gave up on the idea of a used STi. They don't have a high reputation for reliability and the demographic that attracts these cars are the same demographic that get them to drive them HARD.

M3 is good if you're picking it up new. I didn't want to spend that much for my "fun" car

CTR vs ITS: getting a CTR at MSRP is a tough endeavour and you're going to need a lot of legwork and a lot of luck. That being said, ITS is a lot easier to get AT or close to MSRP and for the small difference, you get a lot more creature comforts and a nice exhaust. I also happen to be in the camp that thinks the new FL5 CTR is a little boring looking. The ITS, to me, strikes a nice balance between polished but still a little boy-racer.

Elantra N: I'm just not ready to commit to a korean car

GR Corolla: This was actually my 2nd choice (well, 3rd if you count the CTR separate). The deciding factors for me were: the interior quality is nowhere near that of the CTR and especially not the ITS. And more importantly, the backseat is very small and I wanted more space to fit carseats. I am able to fit two Slimfit3 LX's in the back comfortably (one rear facing) in the ITS

 

[Q_subsub]

Sounds like you and I were looking for similar things.

CT4V - I don't like the idea of spending that much on a GM (despite having a GM truck)

M3: I wouldn't get a used M3 - same idea why I gave up on the idea of a used STi. They don't have a high reputation for reliability and the demographic that attracts these cars are the same demographic that get them to drive them HARD.

M3 is good if you're picking it up new. I didn't want to spend that much for my "fun" car

CTR vs ITS: getting a CTR at MSRP is a tough endeavour and you're going to need a lot of legwork and a lot of luck. That being said, ITS is a lot easier to get AT or close to MSRP and for the small difference, you get a lot more creature comforts and a nice exhaust. I also happen to be in the camp that thinks the new FL5 CTR is a little boring looking. The ITS, to me, strikes a nice balance between polished but still a little boy-racer.

Elantra N: I'm just not ready to commit to a korean car

GR Corolla: This was actually my 2nd choice (well, 3rd if you count the CTR separate). The deciding factors for me were: the interior quality is nowhere near that of the CTR and especially not the ITS. And more importantly, the backseat is very small and I wanted more space to fit carseats. I am able to fit two Slimfit3 LX's in the back comfortably (one rear facing) in the ITS

Sounds like similar factors were considered indeed, although I didn't have any reservations about Cadillac or Hyundai. In fact, if CT5V BW was in budget, that would have been on top of my list. Likewise, if Ioniq 5N was on sale now, I would have strongly considered it even if it wasn't ICE or manual.

Also as an aside, I found a dealer in Indiana that was willing to sell CTR for $1k MSRP before any negotiation. And they had a black one, which was the only FL5 color I wanted (I think Championship White is a bit overdone, Boost Blue is a bit too smurf-y, and Sonic Gray is a bit on the tail end of the primer-gray fad), but I got overruled by my wife who really really did not want another black car or have to see red carpets.

All this to say things just somehow aligned for me to get the ITS

 

[TemporarilyStairs]

Sounds like similar factors were considered indeed, although I didn't have any reservations about Cadillac or Hyundai. In fact, if CT5V BW was in budget, that would have been on top of my list. Likewise, if Ioniq 5N was on sale now, I would have strongly considered it even if it wasn't ICE or manual.

Also as an aside, I found a dealer in Indiana that was willing to sell CTR for $1k MSRP before any negotiation. And they had a black one, which was the only FL5 color I wanted (I think Championship White is a bit overdone, Boost Blue is a bit too smurf-y, and Sonic Gray is a bit on the tail end of the primer-gray fad), but I got overruled by my wife who really really did not want another black car or have to see red carpets.

All this to say things just somehow aligned for me to get the ITS

Haha somewhat similar reasoning for me.. I was waffling on the CTR v ITS most of last year but ultimately knew my girlfriend much preferred the looks (no giant wing) and interior (red carpet is not practical) of the ITS, and also neither of us wanted to lose heated seats.

The better sound system plus added sound deadening made it a no brainer as we do longer road trips a few times a year and you come to appreciate those things the more time you spend on the road.

The only aspect that made me hesitate was the fact that I really expected it to have a moonroof like the other Acura type S vehicles in the lineup, but even without it there just wasn't another car that felt right to me.

I did consider the Golf R as it has the most luxury features out of the hatchbacks in this segment but knowing their manual transmission was an afterthought, it's sound system is poor, and the bizarre haptic touchy interior choices kept me away.

I've had my ITS since late November and it's just an amazing experience each time I get in it. I am planning on keeping it a very long time if not forever.

 

[norsairius]

PS: still like driving it and would buy it again.

A quick heads up: The update is ready and was applied to my car yesterday. Not sure if your issue was the same as mine, but maybe this update will help? Your dealer should know more.

It was frustrating to have to wait for what felt like a long time for the update, but the dealer and service advisor I worked with was very helpful along the way!

 

[CK716]

Appreciate everyone’s feedback. Brought this baby home yesterday. A couple other people mentioned it in separate threads, but the silver really pops in person.

 

[Integra23]

Appreciate everyone’s feedback. Brought this baby home yesterday. A couple other people mentioned it in separate threads, but the silver really pops in person.

Welcome to the family

 

[SilverRocket]

Appreciate everyone’s feedback. Brought this baby home yesterday. A couple other people mentioned it in separate threads, but the silver really pops in person.

Congratulations. Enjoy.

The silver in the pictures don't do it true justice, but you can still see what I've mentioned in other threads, the silver allows it to color shift depending on the environment. Bright direct sunlight it looks silver borderline whitish (Integra logo on the bumper in your picture), blueish silver where you have clear skies (passenger side hood in the picture) among others. Greenish in the countryside and almost LCM mid gray at night. I really like the effect.

 

[mopar_man]

Looks great and congrats!

 

[QUIKAG]

Congrats, CK716! Not to beat a dead horse since you already bought your ITS, but it really is an amazing machine. As previously mentioned, I have a CT5-V Blackwing six-speed I got in August '21 as one of the 1st 250 reservation cars and I'm keeping it forever.

But, what is interesting to me, is driving the ITS and 5BW back to back, it's amazing how good the ITS feels and how it feels significantly lighter and more nimble than the 5BW. There is a roughly 800lb weight difference and you feel it. I think the 4BW is a few hundred lbs lighter, so figure 500-600lbs heavier than an ITS. You feel that weight.

Now, absolute handling, the Blackwings handle incredibly well and carry their weight very good. Football analogy, the Blackwings are all-pro linebackers and the ITS is an all-pro cornerback. Both very capable, but you do feel the nimbleness and turn-in difference on the ITS.

Anyway, after adding an Armaspeed intake this past week, I can now hear the turbo spooling and the blowoff sound clearly and it adds another element to the fun and novelty of driving the ITS. Honda really did a great job with the ITS and they should be proud of how it drives.

 

[egxflash]

Haha somewhat similar reasoning for me.. I was waffling on the CTR v ITS most of last year but ultimately knew my girlfriend much preferred the looks (no giant wing) and interior (red carpet is not practical) of the ITS, and also neither of us wanted to lose heated seats.

The better sound system plus added sound deadening made it a no brainer as we do longer road trips a few times a year and you come to appreciate those things the more time you spend on the road.

The only aspect that made me hesitate was the fact that I really expected it to have a moonroof like the other Acura type S vehicles in the lineup, but even without it there just wasn't another car that felt right to me.

I did consider the Golf R as it has the most luxury features out of the hatchbacks in this segment but knowing their manual transmission was an afterthought, it's sound system is poor, and the bizarre haptic touchy interior choices kept me away.

I've had my ITS since late November and it's just an amazing experience each time I get in it. I am planning on keeping it a very long time if not forever.

To me, a big appeal of the CTR is the boy racer aspect of it. The FK8 had that in spades and I loved that about it. The FL5 just seems so....boring compared to it. The DE5 even seems to be "more extra" than the FL5 CTR with the aero.

I still think the FL5 is a good looking car, but at similar price points for me here in Southern California, it was a no brainer.

I too plan on keeping this car for a very long time so I hope the turbo engine holds up.

 

[egxflash]

Appreciate everyone’s feedback. Brought this baby home yesterday. A couple other people mentioned it in separate threads, but the silver really pops in person.

great choice and congrats!

 

[CK716]

Out of curiosity did anyone purchase the extended warranty through the dealer? Extends it from 4/50 to 8/100 for $2299.

 

[SilverRocket]

Out of curiosity did anyone purchase the extended warranty through the dealer? Extends it from 4/50 to 8/100 for $2299.

Just my opinion, but the extended warranty on a Honda/Acura or Toyota/Lexus is worse than a Nigerian prince scam, you'll probably never see any benefit from it.

If you're buying a $53k car and something significant breaks in year 5, you should be in a position to pay for the repair otherwise maybe you bought too much car.

IMHO, it's better to take that $2300 put it in a locked in investment that comes to term in 5 years (or however fast you plan on getting to 50k miles) and then having that money for yourself in case something does happen. We're not seeing FK8's blowing up and most of the drivetrain is the same, just tweaked a little, so likely you will be fine and the $2300 will be yours instead of free money for Acura.

Think about it, but don't trust me blindly. Who knows I might be a Cameroonian prince trying to sell 5 year investment products

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