Polaris

Hello everyone! I went from wanting a TL to going back to the TSX I originally was looking at just because of budget reasons and availability on the used car market, as well as the TSX having a timing chain and not a timing belt like the TL (please, please correct me if I'm wrong). The TSX's around me also have lower KM's than the TLs.

That being said, I'm now stuck between deciding if an 05 model is better for me or an 06 model. I can find lots of 05 models around me with somewhat medium to low amount of KMs, and they are also significantly cheaper than the 2006 models around me, around $3000 or so cheaper. However, the 06 model had the facelift, had other creature comforts built into it like heated mirrors and power seats and BlueTooth built in, and I'm a sucker for fog lights.

So, should I save up or wait for a great 06-08 model to come around, or save the $3000 or so and go for a lower KM, pre-facelift 2005 model?

Thank you so much!

mrgold35

It really comes down to which body style you like better, the 04-05 or +06. I've had my 06 since new and now have +125,000 miles on her. It has been a rock solid vehicle and plan to keep her to 200,000 miles. I wouldn't shy away from a high mileage TSX. Prices are determined mostly by mileage compared to Navi -vs- non Navi. You are getting into 2nd to 4th owners of the TSX by now. I would limit my search to vehicles with service records, min amount of owners, and min amount of engine mods (close to stock as possible). 1st and maybe 2nd owners trade in a perfectly good TSX because they want something different. +3rd owners trade in a TSX because it needs high $$$ work they don't want to pay for (cheaper to trade than fix).

I like the +06 because of the upgrades and any TSB addressed compared to the 04-05 like:

New in 06:
Thicker steering wheel with grip bumps at 2 and 10 o'clock.
Upgraded 5AT knob
Standard fogs in redesigned bumper
Update OEM 9 spoke rims (04-05 Rims look like 2003 Honda Accord OEM Rims)
Tail light lenses redesigned.
Engine upgrades to add about 12-15 extra HP to 205 HP total under new SAE measurements (04-05 are really about 190-193 HP not 200hp with new calculations)
Headlight/sidemarker lenses redesigned.
Hood and grille redesigned with no metal strip on hood
Side skirts extended
New windshield wiper design (+06 use Bosch Aero looking blades)
New gauge cluster w/ MID. MID adds two buttons to steering wheel at 5 o'clock.
Bluetooth, which adds two buttons to the steering wheel at 7 o'clock, in front of the two NAV buttons.
Upgraded NAV (software, displays/GUI, data, still make navi updated disks for +06, no more Navi update disks for 04-05)
AUX/Ipod input, an so a slightly redesigned center console.
Remote linked Driver 1 & 2 memory seats and driver preferences
4 way power passenger seat (same as 05; but, manual seat on 04)
Passenger airbag indicator added between the two center vents, and hazard light button (and vents) redesigned. (Possibly upgraded pass airbag, w/ child weight sensor)
Added grommet under pass. seat to keep rear floormat from shifting.
Etching on windows changed from "Honda" to "Acura"
New colors: green, royal blue, etc.
The +06 front seats felt a little wider in the side bolsters by a touch compared to the 05 loaner I had a few years back

New to 07-08:
- TPMS


I would widen my search to what you can travel in a day or overnight trip. I drove 5 hours one way (after doing my research and negotiating over the phone/email) to pick-up my used MDX in another state.

Another good choice is the 07-09 RDX. It has everything the TSX has plus more room for people & things, sh-awd, more power, about 2X-3X more fun to drive, updated tech like ELS stereo & back-up cam , easier to drive, and better visibility. The down sides are 17-19 mpgs combined, little stiffer ride, and more road noise.

Polaris

Thank you so much for your detailed answer! For my budget, which isn't very high and comes to around $7200 USD ($10,000 CAD), it seems like most of the 2006 and up TSX's are quite a bit out of my budget, but from your list it does seem like an 06 TSX has quite a bit of perks over the 05 TSX's. I guess it comes down to if I can wait for a good deal to roll across on an 06, if I want to settle for an 05, or I guess if I should look elsewhere haha!

An example of a 2005 Acura I've been eyeing up is this one:

2005 Acura TSX Sedan - Low Mileage - Fully Loaded with NAV | used cars & trucks | Calgary | Kijiji

The seller has service records, and the car itself looks to be in good shape other than the cracked windshield and I guess minor hail damage; it has low KMs as well. I emailed him earlier and he said it's still available, which I guess is surprising considering the low KM and how long it's been on the market already.

TacoBello

I bought a low mileage, 6MT, navi equipped '05 a few years ago. And regretted not buying an '06. I sold it 3 weeks later.

mrgold35

I think I would only go for the 05 if it was going to be my winter beater car, 2nd car in the family, or I wasn't planning to keep for very long (maybe 1-2 winters).

Another good choice that isn't to far away from the TSX DNA is the 2004-2007 TL. They are similar in size and weight, TL has more updated tech and luxury styling, almost the same MPGs, and it has power the TSX is lacking. I think they sold 3X as many TLs compared to TSX. There should be a few more TLs out there around the same price. Having 100,000 miles on a 3.2L V-6 engine is a lot less stressful compared to the same mileage on the TSX 2.4L I4. I don't know the differences between the TL model years like the TSX; but, they did the MMC on the TL in 2007 (along with the very sexy 07/08 TL Type-S). I don't think there is much of a difference between an 04/05 compared to an 06 TL? You won't be missing out on anything with a TL, you will get the same as the TSX+a little more.

Here is an old thread of the diff between 05/06 TL: https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...tl-why-643955/

Polaris

Awesome, thanks for all your insight! Will definitely keep my eyes open on an 06 TSX and 06 TL.

The thing I like about the TSX over the TL is the timing chain, as well as better handling, which I guess (hopefully) makes up for it being underpowered haha. Though I hear the turning radius of the TSX is like an 18 wheeler :P

Simba91102

Evidently mine will be a minority opinion, but I've had both an 05 and an 07 (for years, and at the same time) and in my opinion, in comparison, the new model updates are overrated (and the 05 has heated mirrors by the way)(at least the US model does). In real life, there's little difference between the two, and if you can find an 05 that fits your needs, I think you might seriously consider it (and save some money too).

BROlando

The TSX's drivetrain has more development and less issues than the TL. The TL isn't a similar weight. I would expect the TSX to run much longer. Though, they are both excellent cars since they are both derivatives of the Accord. If there were a list of cars that are indestructible, the Accord would be on the top of the list.

The TSX has a timing chain and the automatic transmissions seem to hold up very well.

The TL has more features for the dollar in the used car market. But..a timing belt, more fuel consumption (lets be real), and the trans can be problematic.

That being said...the 06 TSX model is better in so many ways than the 04-05. I would hold out or save up. I prefer the smaller size, driving manners, and looks of the TSX over the TL.

Polaris

Currently there aren't any 2006 TSX's on the market unfortunately, but plenty of 05's.

Not sure if I mentioned it above, but I'm also considering a 2006 Infiniti G35x. The 2007's with the facelift/refresh are out of my budget, even if I save up until this coming summer, but the 2006's look pretty good as well. The combination of AWD and extra power does seem very attractive, but the MPG, reliability and handling of the TSX probably trumps it. I've only test drove a TL so I don't have much knowledge on the TSX or G35x.

Alternatively, the Mazda 6 Sports (07 ish) look pretty good too. Spacious, pretty good interior (leather with all the bells and whistles), apparently handles quite well and has a V6 for the power too. Would a Mazda 6 Sport (not Speed6 haha) be a good, cheap alternative to a TSX or G35x?

Thanks!

Polaris

Nah scrap that screw the Infiniti haha. Still interested in the M6sport though

BROlando

Mazda 6's are good cars...but the build quality isn't as nice as the 1G TSX. TSX's are solidly built and very reliable. Drive one and compare it to a Mazda6.

BROlando

http://m.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2006-acura-tsx-vs-honda-accord-mazdaspeed-6-pontiac-g6-vw-jetta-comparison-tests

mrgold35

I prefer to stay in the Honda/Acura family like a used TSX, TL, or Accord coupe if you want to keep the reliability, fun to drive, and lower cost of ownership. The good thing about Acura vehicles are little things like HIDs, unique styling, more luxury/tech touches, exclusivity (not going to get lost in the parking lot at the mall), and usually upgraded safety tech compared to lesser brands around the same model year. You might have to factor that into the comparisons instead of just price, HP, and mileage.

My kid ended up rear ending a person at a stop light on our 06 TSX. Other than the airbag being deployed, most of the damage was forward of the radiator on the TSX; but, still driveable. The older Crown Vic had less visible damage to the rear end; but, it had to be towed away.

Polaris

Will be checking out a 2005 TSX sometime this week! The car looks pretty nice, I really like it, it's just that I kind of want a 2006 but they're holding value very well (good for you owners haha!), around $11k+ CAD, while the 2005's are hovering around $8000-9000ish, which is within my budget.

curls

Just FYI as you're in Canada (like me)... all TSX's (2004 and up, so all of them) had heated mirrors and heated front seats. Plus in Canada you can get the fairly rare white exterior, black leather interior combination.
If you know how to drive a manual, get the 6MT over the 5AT. Way more fun, more control, and a very, very silky-smooth manual transmission.

Polaris

The manuals are pretty rare though! I would love a manual, makes the most boring car fun, but the manuals, especially with the TL's (slightly off topic), are pretty hard to find!

And the white with black interior one is precisely the one I'm checking out this week haha! It's automatic though, but everything else checks out at least from pictures and emails, including maint history...

curls

I'm open to selling mine, but I'm in Ottawa.