06 TSX on it's last legs, but what next?
#1
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
06 TSX on it's last legs, but what next?
I bought my 6MT blk/blk 06 when they first came out, and remember thinking, "This is absolutely the one." Mid 20's price, 6 speed manual gave it just enough power when needed, great handling, very reasonable mpg, all the necessary options were already there, and damn, she's a pretty lady inside and out. It was a no brainer. Almost a decade later, due to a few accidents, she's on her last legs and I have to buy something new. But what?
I always imagined I'd just get a new TSX, or whatever that name would become. It would be a sporty, reliable, well priced buy, with all the necessary trimmings; just like my 06. But now the time is here, Acura and I seem to have very different opinions on what kind of cars they should be making, and so I have absolutely no idea what I should even put in the running. I'm asking here because this community really knows the car experience I'm coming from.
Any suggestions are helpful, and here's some info.
1. Really trying not to spend over 25K.
2. If it's new I'd REALLY like it to be a MT. I have no issue buying used, but would be leaning towards AT as I don't trust other drivers' manuals.
3. Reasonable fun. I'm trying to hit that sweet spot my TSX had of performance available, but MPG not totally sacrificed.
4. Reliable.
5. A looker.
6. 2nd Gen TSX is a nope. ILX is a nope.
Am I looking for a unicorn? Does this kind of buy not exist anymore, or am I just looking in all the wrong places?
I always imagined I'd just get a new TSX, or whatever that name would become. It would be a sporty, reliable, well priced buy, with all the necessary trimmings; just like my 06. But now the time is here, Acura and I seem to have very different opinions on what kind of cars they should be making, and so I have absolutely no idea what I should even put in the running. I'm asking here because this community really knows the car experience I'm coming from.
Any suggestions are helpful, and here's some info.
1. Really trying not to spend over 25K.
2. If it's new I'd REALLY like it to be a MT. I have no issue buying used, but would be leaning towards AT as I don't trust other drivers' manuals.
3. Reasonable fun. I'm trying to hit that sweet spot my TSX had of performance available, but MPG not totally sacrificed.
4. Reliable.
5. A looker.
6. 2nd Gen TSX is a nope. ILX is a nope.
Am I looking for a unicorn? Does this kind of buy not exist anymore, or am I just looking in all the wrong places?
#2
If second gen TSX is a nope, how about:
1) base 2015 WRX?
2) 2015 Accord Sport manual
1) base 2015 WRX?
2) 2015 Accord Sport manual
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dj Dozhe (01-20-2015)
The following users liked this post:
dj Dozhe (01-20-2015)
#4
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
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^^^^exactly what I was thinking!!
I noticed OP is local and found this - 2014 Honda Accord Sport- 6mt
I noticed OP is local and found this - 2014 Honda Accord Sport- 6mt
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dj Dozhe (01-20-2015)
#5
^^^^exactly what I was thinking!!
I noticed OP is local and found this - 2014 Honda Accord Sport- 6mt
I noticed OP is local and found this - 2014 Honda Accord Sport- 6mt
If used=auto
if new=manual
#6
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I saw that but it's only 8K on the odometer.......
Was thinking that might be acceptable
Was thinking that might be acceptable
#7
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
Thanks for the suggestion. Honestly, for me, the only thing missing on that car is the option for leather/leatherette seats. I won't allow something like that to be a deal breaker for me (which is why it's not on my list), but damn so close to perfect. I was considering the mazda6 touring as well, but I've never owned a Mazda. The Accord Sport really feels almost like what the new TSX should've been.
I've never been one for the WRX styling, though it's a great car. And after thinking about it a used Honda MT with less than 10K should really be ok. These things can take a bit of a beating. If you guys have any other suggestions I'm all ears, but thanks for pointing out a serious contender.
I've never been one for the WRX styling, though it's a great car. And after thinking about it a used Honda MT with less than 10K should really be ok. These things can take a bit of a beating. If you guys have any other suggestions I'm all ears, but thanks for pointing out a serious contender.
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#8
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Didn't realize leather wasn't an option on the Sport. Are there other trim levels that have a manual and leather domination?
#9
I didn't buy the Accord Sport for a few reasons:
1) Horrible color options
2) no moonroof
3) No HID
4) No leather
You can move up to the EX Honda Accord with manual, and you get moonroof, but again bad colors, and that doesn't have dual exhaust.
I am not a WRX design fan, but I think the current one is nice
I have owned 11 Mazdas (9 Miatas), they are great cars. Bad resale. My favorite mazda was my 2011 Mazdaspeed3. Fast and manual.
1) Horrible color options
2) no moonroof
3) No HID
4) No leather
You can move up to the EX Honda Accord with manual, and you get moonroof, but again bad colors, and that doesn't have dual exhaust.
I am not a WRX design fan, but I think the current one is nice
I have owned 11 Mazdas (9 Miatas), they are great cars. Bad resale. My favorite mazda was my 2011 Mazdaspeed3. Fast and manual.
#11
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I looked briefly as well and didn't see it either
#12
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
I'm planning to drive whatever I get until it dies, so resale isn't much of a concern to me. I just want it to be reliable enough that it lasts for a good long while without issues. Should I have concerns in that regard?
#14
Nope. Then just get the Mazda6. But the manual doesn't come in the GT trim. You can get Mazda6 Touring with leatherette and manual. Same issue as Accord, but better looking IMO.
If you don't care about resale, its a great car and it won't get lost in a parking lot of 5 million accords. You can also pick great colors in the Mazda
If you don't care about resale, its a great car and it won't get lost in a parking lot of 5 million accords. You can also pick great colors in the Mazda
Last edited by 2012wagon; 01-20-2015 at 08:37 PM.
#16
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
#17
#18
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#19
#20
Let us know what you think of the Mazda6. I think it's an underrated car for the mid size segment. The new Skyactiv chassis and powertrains are very competitive in output, refinement and fuel economy.
I guess I learn something new everyday. Didn't know the GT didn't come in manual in the States, it's available with a 6MT in Canada in all trim levels. I don't know why those powertrain combinations are not available, especially when US typically sells 8x the volume Canada does.
I guess I learn something new everyday. Didn't know the GT didn't come in manual in the States, it's available with a 6MT in Canada in all trim levels. I don't know why those powertrain combinations are not available, especially when US typically sells 8x the volume Canada does.
#21
Because the USA gets screwed everyway till Sunday.
#22
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
Definitely will. And while it seems to be underrated by the general public every pro review I see is pretty taken with it, especially in it's category. I'll be waiting to look at the 2016 model which comes out next month as the short list of updates includes the infotainment system. According to most user and pro reviews, the 2014 and 2015 version have been subpar in that air. I like the new grill and slimmer center console as well.
#23
Mazda, like Acura has always been supbar in infotainment. Though the HUD in the new 3 is nice.
#25
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#26
6MT or Death
Thread Starter
It would also violate #5. GTI's, while fun to drive, have always looked short, fat and dumpy to me. Also may violate #4 as I don't really find VW to have the kind of reliability I'm looking for. I still appreciate the suggestion.
#27
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This is the opposite end of the spectrum in that these only come with a MT - These Cars Only Have Manual Transmissions - Three-Pedal Club
#28
^^
Nice list. I had a 2011 MS3. One of the best cars I ever owned.
Nice list. I had a 2011 MS3. One of the best cars I ever owned.
#29
mrgold35
You might want to wait to see what the MMC ILX looks like once it hits the road. Sounds like it might be a very close replacement to the original 06 TSX. It even sounds better than a TLX 2.4L tech. I might consider the MMC ILX as a replacement for my 06 TSX (same issues of mileage and one +$7000 accident repaired).
#30
Niner Faithful
How about a Civic SI? Similar in size to your TSX - or a Mazda 3 is also probably about the same size.
Both come in MT and you could get it for under $25k
Both come in MT and you could get it for under $25k
#32
1st gen MZ6 was pure crap. Current one with skyactive is world class
#34
^^
Agree 100%. But aside from my dealer installed moonroof (which leaked), I never had any issues with a moonroof.
Agree 100%. But aside from my dealer installed moonroof (which leaked), I never had any issues with a moonroof.
#35
Pro
I didn't buy the Accord Sport for a few reasons:
1) Horrible color options
2) no moonroof
3) No HID
4) No leather
You can move up to the EX Honda Accord with manual, and you get moonroof, but again bad colors, and that doesn't have dual exhaust.
I am not a WRX design fan, but I think the current one is nice
I have owned 11 Mazdas (9 Miatas), they are great cars. Bad resale. My favorite mazda was my 2011 Mazdaspeed3. Fast and manual.
1) Horrible color options
2) no moonroof
3) No HID
4) No leather
You can move up to the EX Honda Accord with manual, and you get moonroof, but again bad colors, and that doesn't have dual exhaust.
I am not a WRX design fan, but I think the current one is nice
I have owned 11 Mazdas (9 Miatas), they are great cars. Bad resale. My favorite mazda was my 2011 Mazdaspeed3. Fast and manual.
#37
I honestly suggest you test drive a '14 Kia Optima turbo. It has all the options you want and I believe it is a very good looking car. If I had anything to nip pick about the car, it would have to be the layout of the center dash
#38
^ I work at KIA. The turbo optimas are fun but have problems.
1. Spark plugs have to be changed a lot like 30k miles
2. Very loose tolerances and noisy motors. I've seen 11 optimas come it with a metal noise that needed a new engine.
3. Some times the heated seats go out and its because of a short in the heating bad that burns a spot in the coil.
4. Wastegate rod needs adjusting (usuallyna warranty item) recall
Why dont you just find another 04-08 6spd tsx? You can find them for 15k and under with mid milage on them. You like then one you have now. I drive a ton of cars at work but I always get into my tsx and its just not the same. The tsx comes standard with almost everything. And if you have a 25k budget and only spend 15k or less you would have a lower car payment and wifey would probably be happy
1. Spark plugs have to be changed a lot like 30k miles
2. Very loose tolerances and noisy motors. I've seen 11 optimas come it with a metal noise that needed a new engine.
3. Some times the heated seats go out and its because of a short in the heating bad that burns a spot in the coil.
4. Wastegate rod needs adjusting (usuallyna warranty item) recall
Why dont you just find another 04-08 6spd tsx? You can find them for 15k and under with mid milage on them. You like then one you have now. I drive a ton of cars at work but I always get into my tsx and its just not the same. The tsx comes standard with almost everything. And if you have a 25k budget and only spend 15k or less you would have a lower car payment and wifey would probably be happy
#39
Banned
The new GTI's have a lower hood, ride lower than regular Golf, and have an extended body. You might want to take a walk around a new one, to see what you think. I plan to do the same, at the March Auto Show.
If you want 6MT, you probably also want an enthusiast-oriented car, not one that handles like a Toyota. This (plus the gigantic size) is what drives me away from the Honda Accord.
I think you're on the right track looking at Mazda. Cheap, driver-oriented, can get 6MT with a lot of different trim combinations, for both Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.
I love the looks of the new ILX, but no manual.
If you want 6MT, you probably also want an enthusiast-oriented car, not one that handles like a Toyota. This (plus the gigantic size) is what drives me away from the Honda Accord.
I think you're on the right track looking at Mazda. Cheap, driver-oriented, can get 6MT with a lot of different trim combinations, for both Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.
I love the looks of the new ILX, but no manual.