AcuraLink usefulness going away- What is it good for now?

[JCG]

Not that it was super useful before, but WTF?

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[bruejam]

Hahaha... I briefly used AcuraLink when I first got my 2019 TLX. Seemed like a novelty at the time. The only feature I occasionally tried was pre-loading the nav system on the app. It was pretty cool because it immediately popped up on the map when I started the car. But that became obsolete when I started using Android Auto. If the items in that list are going away, what could possibly be left?

 

[ChromaPop]

Perfectly fine with this. From what I understand all that data that they can track they share with insurance companies to adjust your rates accordingly.

 

[dkzk21]

Honestly, just a handy place to go copy and paste your Vin Number from if you don't want to just keep it on a notes app for some reason.

 

[stan23]

That was the one of the pretty significant differences I noticed from my FL5. On the FL5, the app was pretty good. allowed me to remote lock/unlock the car, check its current location, showed oil level, mileage, etc..

On the DE5, it showed nothing...

 

[Ultimateone]

That was the one of the pretty significant differences I noticed from my FL5. On the FL5, the app was pretty good. allowed me to remote lock/unlock the car, check its current location, showed oil level, mileage, etc..

On the DE5, it showed nothing...

Same, I just picked up the car and owned an FL5 previously and this app is junk

 

[Frenzal]

Useless on the ITS!

 

[stan23]

Same, I just picked up the car and owned an FL5 previously and this app is junk

Having had both cars now. I am kinda thinking of going back to the FL5!

 

[optronix]

Having had both cars now. I am kinda thinking of going back to the FL5!

You may have your reasons for going back to the FL5 (my first question would be why'd you move on from it in the first place...), but this shouldn't be one of them.

The reason your FL5 app was "so useful" was because of the data being streamed out from the telematics control unit, which this car apparently doesn't have... hence the lack of "usefulness" in the AcuraLink app.

There's actually some debate on whether or not the car has a physical TCU, but it's pretty clear the data being streamed out over the open internet is not the same. Or it would have the same functionality.

I'd provide a link but honestly just can't be bothered. This topic has been discussed ad nauseum here and on the civic forums.

Also, privacy is dead anyway so none of this really matters.

I'd tell you to do your research but it's like that one vid I saw 20 years ago of a guy who literally blew his own face off with a shotgun and survived. I know it happened, but I really wish I hadn't. Some things can't be unseen and it is highly debatable on whether ignorance is actually bliss.

 

[optronix]

Perfectly fine with this. From what I understand all that data that they can track they share with insurance companies to adjust your rates accordingly.

Worth the double post because I missed this one-

Another topic that is worth further research, but I'd advise against looking too far into things because it's very easy to scare yourself into thinking the worst around what data is collected, by who, and how they're actually using it. And misinformation and sensationalism is rampant.

Unless something has come to light since I took this dive a few months ago when the news was fresh, the evidence that insurance carriers are actually using data collected from manufacturers is anecdotal at best. Some manufacturers are worse than others, and I'm not saying that where there's smoke there isn't fire (and believe me, there are some nuclear winters happening right now as far as data privacy is concerned)- but seriously, if anyone has actual evidence that this is happening from a reputable source please @ me or pm, this is of high interest to me personally and professionally.

 

[VtecBuddy]

Not that it was super useful before, but WTF?

Maybe I’m reading too far into it, but this makes me think the 2027 is gonna have major changes to connectivity/infotainment, otherwise why would they sunset this?

 

[stan23]

You may have your reasons for going back to the FL5 (my first question would be why'd you move on from it in the first place...), but this shouldn't be one of them.

The reason your FL5 app was "so useful" was because of the data being streamed out from the telematics control unit, which this car apparently doesn't have... hence the lack of "usefulness" in the AcuraLink app.

There's actually some debate on whether or not the car has a physical TCU, but it's pretty clear the data being streamed out over the open internet is not the same. Or it would have the same functionality.

I'd provide a link but honestly just can't be bothered. This topic has been discussed ad nauseum here and on the civic forums.

Also, privacy is dead anyway so none of this really matters.

I'd tell you to do your research but it's like that one vid I saw 20 years ago of a guy who literally blew his own face off with a shotgun and survived. I know it happened, but I really wish I hadn't. Some things can't be unseen and it is highly debatable on whether ignorance is actually bliss.

I didn't realize the DE5 lacked the LTE connectivity that the FL5 had until after purchase. It was just something I noticed right after. Not a deal killer in anyway. All my modern cars have that connectivity just surprised the DE5 didn't have it.

I work in tech (AI) so yeah privacy is what it is...

I sold my FL5 after a year of ownership because I only drove it 3k miles in that year. A year later, I really missed the FL5 driving experience, but I didn't want to buy the same car twice so I went with the DE5 instead. I just personally prefer the FL5. Now that I decided I should keep either a FL5/DE5. I decided to just buy another Championship White FL5.

 

[jedi03]

I do like opening the app an being reminded that I need to get gas...was very surprised when the salesman showed me his vehicle functions an none were present on mine...iirc he had a RDX

 

[optronix]

I didn't realize the DE5 lacked the LTE connectivity that the FL5 had until after purchase. It was just something I noticed right after. Not a deal killer in anyway. All my modern cars have that connectivity just surprised the DE5 didn't have it.

I work in tech (AI) so yeah privacy is what it is...

I sold my FL5 after a year of ownership because I only drove it 3k miles in that year. A year later, I really missed the FL5 driving experience, but I didn't want to buy the same car twice so I went with the DE5 instead. I just personally prefer the FL5. Now that I decided I should keep either a FL5/DE5. I decided to just buy another Championship White FL5.

I get it, especially seeing your profile block of your other vehicles. We've touched on this in another thread; that's a VERY robust garage. Personally? I'd lean towards an RS3. You get your manual kicks from your other cars, why not consider an auto for a daily driver that's still capable of providing thrills on a backroad? The RS3 also gets my vote because of the unique engine... but the driving dynamics of the FL5/DE5 are still better IMO.

Alfa Giulia is another consideration.

But if I'm reading your response correctly, it's too late and you already got another FL5? That works too. I was initially brought into this market because I loved the FL5, and was coming from a string of Porsches/Audi RS/BMW M cars. I couldn't find one without paying a markup at the time and landed on the DE5 just as they were hitting showroom floors at MSRP. I haven't looked back and love my car, but I'd take an FL5 just as quick. In fact, some of the JDM parts have me wondering if when both these cars are refreshed, I don't just trade in for a FL5.2. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

I do like opening the app an being reminded that I need to get gas...was very surprised when the salesman showed me his vehicle functions an none were present on mine...iirc he had a RDX

This is the world we live in, the cost/benefit analysis of what functionality is provided vs how the data that powers it could be used nefariously. It is an extremely interesting conversation- and happening in real-time with very substantial consequences. I'm not going to begin getting into the political aspect of this, but I'd advise everyone to just try to stay aware of what's going on, but CRITICALLY avoid sensationalism on either side. Staying informed without becoming radicalized is increasingly challenging these days.

But a suggestion that's always worth taking- just be aware that anything you post on social media is there FOREVER. Even after you delete it, it's still hanging around somewhere.

This is only vaguely off-topic because aside from the business/policy decisions that are driving things like reducing features for AcuraLink/HondaLink, stuff like this probably factors in as well:

https://cppa.ca.gov/announcements/2025/20250312.html

 

[stan23]

Fortunately I don't really need a DD since I WFH and I have a few family cars not listed that does all the kids sports hauling duties.

I actually almost bought a '25 RS3 because of the updates but something about the interior and the fact that I've had audis in the past that was never enamored with made me pause.

I've already had a Giulia QV. I absolutely loved the driving experience. Very quick steering rack, great chassis, and of course the motor. However in the twisties, I still prefer the FL5/DE5 platform. There is just more grip and fun.

I sold the Giulia because I moved to an area where the dealer was going to be too far for me.

I have not bought the FL5 yet. Looking specifically for CW @ MSRP.

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