I know that Hondas and Acuras are known for being reliable (which is a large factor in why I am looking at getting one), but what do you predict would go wrong on a 2004 TSX, 1 owner, clean carfax, with 108k.

Inspection just brought up a minor gasket leak or something, everything seemed sound, drives nice... but what about interior trim and electrics?

Thanks, Omi

 

A gasket leak could become serious. Is that the head gasket?

Otherwise, the TSX is a superior car in terms of reliability.

Some of the 04 models have had problems with the AC and the dash lights. (Do a thread search on those issues.)

 

No used car purchase has any guarantees, especially at 108K. What may go wrong in the future will directly relate to how the one owner cared for it. So predicting what may go wrong is nearly impossible. Having said that, if I were on the market for a high-mileage car the TSX would be at the top of the list. Also, I've never heard high-mileage TSX owners complain much about anything. The car itself is engineered very well - I'm not aware of any "time bombs" waiting out there with the trim, electrics or mechanical.

 

I'll double check with my dad with what the issues was. Not sure if it was the head gasket, or a gasket at all for that matter! The problem has been fixed regardless.

Good to hear!

I'll search those up.

Very good to hear. The car itself looks like its in pristine condition, one owner so I'm praying that they had it taken care of.

-omi

 

108K that is a youngin. I picked up a 2005 with 130K on it in November. I missed out on a 2004 with 125K. My family has had a Honda since I can remeber and we had an 88 Accord with 220 before the 2nd clutch went and we currently have a 99 Civic with 220 that just needed brake lines replaced, the first major thing that needed work. I can only assume that swapping out the badge on the grill will preserve the reliability. It seems most people's problems are electrical, window motors, door actuators, ect.

 

I have 84k miles on my 06, original owner. Had been really good except upgraded the brakes with aftermarket brakes from Heeltoe

 

If I had a choice...I would go with a 05+ since the 2004s were the first year the TSX came out.

 

If planning to keep a long time, I would also recommend skipping the 2004 model year. These ones have the most issues. I would be more comfortable with any other model year. Take a look in the Problems & Fixes section for an idea of common issues.

 

My '04 has 86,000 miles and despite a few first year problems (dead console lights - Replaced under Warranty) and a few minor annoyances, it's been bulletproof. Not one problem with any major components. I'll drive this car into the ground, revive it, and then drive it some more.

 

very pleased with my 06 tsx with almost 120,000 problem free miles. Still has the original brakes. excellent car.

 

I don't think anything 'goes wrong' just because cars acquire high mileage. I think things start failing because of poor maintenance.

-Ask about any maintenance records.
-Check the VIN with Acura to see if the Power Steering recall was done.
-Check the fluids like transmission/engine oil/brake/power-steering
-Pull a spark plug or two

Hope your venture works out well!

 

Original brakes? That must be a record. Our 04 rotors start to warp at around 50,000 miles. Just replaced them with Centric rotors and akebono cereamic pads. Hope to get longer life out of them. They stop better than the oem ones. Our car has 136,000 on it. Not 100% trouble free, but pretty good.

 

I do mostly highway driving and do not race up to redlights and have to jam on the brakes. Helps with the brakes lasting longer

 

I got 132,000 and really just keep up on doin the required stuff from Acura and all will be good. The car will run forever if you do all the little stuff first to prevent big stuff. My next big thing is valve adj and injector cleaning and brake fluid flush. So as long as the car has been maintained regularly for 108,000 everything should be good. I bought mine with 65k and it was meticulously maintained with tons of paper work.