When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is my second post on the forum. I’ve had my 2006 TSX for about a month now, and after putting about 500 miles on it, I’ve been able to see how true Honda-Acura reliability really is. As an introduction, I bought the car with about 146K miles for $1500. It sat neglected for 2 years behind my neighbor’s house because it wouldn’t hold charge, RR tire deflated every other day, and the door locks seemed to have a mind of their own. Basically, he thought it was a total loss and decided to sell quick...
After looking through the car thoroughly, I discovered it had a decade old battery, which completely explains why it didn’t hold a charge. Also, the alternator was somehow not grounded at all. Anyways, after fixing those issues, the car was perfect mechanically, couldn’t be any happier.
A few days later, I decided to address the door locking issue. Locking/Unlocking the car wouldn’t do anything for the drivers door or the trunk. Looked it up online, and found that Honda/Acura door lock actuators tend to go bad after a while, especially when sitting. Replaced it, works fine.
After fixing that stuff, I decided to buff and refinish all the blemishes in the paint. Spent about a week in total after school making it look perfect. But, when we took off the bumper to clean the lower engine bay, the passenger HID headlight somehow just died, not sure how. We inspected further, and decided to test each HID Ballast-Controller on the other side. Seems like the controller burnt out from washing/wet sanding. I guess a bit of water got into an unsealed area. Bought a new one, installed, and it works perfectly fine now.
A few days ago, I took it to a family friend who has a lift, we checked the tire issue out. Turns out there was a tiny black nail submerged in the sidewall, didn’t even see it myself with the soapy water test. Anyways, we patched it up and the tires are holding perfectly. Though, there is another problem with the wheels. I have two completely bent front rims, so we swapped them to the rear, much less vibrations when driving now. Ordering a set of Enkei Icon’s, I think they’ll look beautiful on the car, even as much as I want to keep the stock ones. I can always fix them later, as they aren’t bent too badly.
I also have a small rattling issue coming from the Power Steering Pump. Also saw a pinched line from the reservoir. That still needs to be addressed, and I’m not completely sure what it is. It’s barely noticeable when driving, but loud on idle. I’ll try to pinpoint the problem next weekend.
Anyways, that’s been a 1 month ownership report of my 2006 Acura TSX. Keep in mind, this car was neglected and abused since it was bought. There are a few dents and dings, curb rash all over the rims, explaining the two bent ones, etc. After fixing everything and daily driving it for a few weeks, I see the purchase as a total win. I absolutely love this car, drives excellent despite the rims, and what I fixed were the only issues the car has ever had in its lifetime of 146K miles (previous owner never fixed anything).
Thanks for taking the time to read this!! Couldn’t be happier with it, it is my first car!
Hello Brodsky. May I ask how old you are? You say this is your first car? This is one hell of an awesome car if this is your first car. Looks incredible. You absolutely stole it for only $1500!
i have a 2005 Acura TSX. I am the original owner. Bought it new in 2005. I have had it for 15 years. It was not my first car when I got it in 2005. Had had many other cars before 2005. But this was the first brand new car I have had. It is my favorite by far.
Take good care of it and it will last you many, many more years. Most important is to change motor oil every 3000 to 5000 miles. Many people in these forums have gone over 200,000 miles with the original engine and original automatic transmissions. There is even one person wih close to 600,000 miles on the original engine and transmission. The fact that you got one with the premium white pearl paint is an added bonus. They age incredibly well. I still have the original white paint on mine. It has been out in the elements and sun for 15 years. It has not been garaged as I do not have one. When the car is washed, rubbed with a clay bar, and waxed, the original paint still looks incredible day and night. The specks of pearl in the paint still dazzle under the sun. I am amazed by this. Good luck and take care.
Hey there! Sorry to be so late to the reply, but yes, this is my first car. I’m 17, have worked on cars as a bit of a hobby for a few years with my dad though. He said this one was my responsibility to fix , though he definitely helped me out with cleaning, buffing, waxing, etc. So far I’ve been loving the car, about 24MPG average too, even with lots of city driving. I changed the oil recently with Mobil-1 Synthetic (Usually use that or Royal Purple), and anticipate to do so every 5K miles. One thing I love about my car is that you will never see one in that specific configuration, it has the OEM A-Spec spoiler, wheels, and the paint color as you said. I think that really bring it all together. Also couldn't resist purchasing it for $1500, especially when I saw what they usually go for online. I was actually going to flip the car for profit, but I fell in love with it immediately, and I’ll hold on to it for a while! Also, because it’s a FWD Honda, it keeps my insurance low too. Not that I’m paying full coverage, but comprehensive is about $160ish every month. Could’ve done $130 for simple liability, but in case it gets stolen I need the comp. Apologies for the large post, but overall just speaking a bunch of thoughts. Anyways, thank you for complementing my car!
1 Month Ownership Experience
