Hi guys, I'm new to the forum and will hopefully own my first TSX in the next couple days but I'll need your help choosing the right one. Here are the choices and details from the carfaxes. This should almost be a no brainer but I'd like your opinions anyway. The 2007 is $1000 more.

2006 Acura TSX
129xxx km
Carbon Grey Pearl
British Columbia car now in Alberta.
$14500 damage to front fender area.
Immaculate exterior and interior.


2007 Acura TSX
69000 miles (111000km)
Nighthawk Black Pearl
US car from New York. Registered in the New York, Ontario, Manitoba, BC, and now it's in Alberta.
Interior is a bit rough. Back seats are scratched up from a dog.

So what do you guys think? I'm choosing between an accident car or a US car with a bit rough interior. Which is the better buy? Thanks for the opinions ahead of time.

 

What exactly is so rough about the interior? Are you planning on any modding?

 

Not sure about Canadian models, but on the US models, I believe the only difference between 06 and 07 is is that the 07 has TPMS. I would personally save the grand and get the one in better condition.

 

There are scratch marks all through the leather in the backseat, the Acura steering wheel logo is a bit worn, and the center console covers get stuck sometimes. One of the center tray tab is broken. That's a cheap replacement though ($40).

My dilemma is do I choose the nicer interior that's a year older with higher mileage, and the massive insurance claim or the newer car with no front end damages with the little bit worn out interior.

I'm really leaning towards the 07. I feel like it may be safer and have fewer engine problems if any in the future. Again, I appreciate the feedback.

I'm happy to be buying a TSX. I've been eyeing it for years. This is a huge upgrade for me from a 93 Mazda MX-6.

 

And yes, I plan on doing a few things to it. It's going to be my daily driver though so not too much for right now. I've already read through the recommended mods so I'll being doing some of those.

 

I personally would go with the 2007. Lower miles and no damage on the outside. Scratched rear seat shouldn't cause the car to have any real issues. You just never know with exterior damage , even if it sounds minor.

 

I'd personally hold out for third option. The high dollar amount on that 06's damage is scary. It could've caused frame damage...or at the least, something that might manifest later in impaired driving dynamics. As for the interior on the 07, I know you can replace some of those things, but it sounds like the previous owner did not take great care of the car. If they didn't care how it looked or functioned inside, what else was neglected? You did not mention pricing. Unless either is a screaming deal, I'd look elsewhere.

 

This. This. And This!

Price is a HUGE variable when considering any used vehicle. Personally, I would never consider a vehicle with over $14K of damages. IF the price was right, let's say under $8000, I'd consider it. Seems to me that this vehicle has a branded/salvage title. If you are seriously considering that particular TSX, I'd take it to an expert that can determine if the pricey airbags (front, side, AND curtains) have been replaced with new ones, and not simply airbag covers with 'blanks' inside. Safety first


Also be sure to consider other variables in the used car equations such as:

1) How many owners since new?
2) Maintenance history/service records available? (regular oil changes are especially important when buying a used vehicle with a timing chain)
3) Mileage/age is not everything. The overall mechanical/cosmetic condition is far more important. If a car looks to be neglected (inside or out), or has small tell-tale signs of a lack of pride in ownership (such as a lot of paint swirls, or corroded/ peeling finish/ a ton of curb rash on the rims with balder front tires compared to the rear- you'll know if it was cared for / driven hard in the past.

Good luck, and know that the TSXs are classy, fun, low-maintenance cars for the most part

 

That front end damage is really high up and I'd turn that down right away. But describing the interior of what you've said. I'd skip that one too. Wouldn't even bother looking at them unless the price was at the point where you could replace most of the interior and it'd be worth it.

Hold off and look for something else...

 

I held out and got a third option 06 TSX also Carbon Grey. I was able to negotiate an awesome price. Will post pics soon.

 

Congrats. Well done!