Hi. Sorry for the newbie post -- bear with me. I am the proud owner of a 1998 Jeep Cherokee that I absolutely love. However, 13 mpg with a tailwind is not cutting it anymore. I tried to go the route of the VW TDI -- 42 mpg sounded very appealing. However -- after 2 months and 6 visits to the dealership for MAJOR problems with my brand new 2006 Jetta TDI -- VW is buying my car back.

So -- in about 2 weeks I will have my money back and will be looking for a new car yet again. This time I am going to go for reliability first, personal satisfaction next and then fuel efficiency -- at this point I just want to be happy and to have a car that wont leave me on the side of the road!!

After lots of research, I have come to the conclusion that the TSX is the closest match to what I am looking for in a vehicle. It comes standard with the options that I most desire, I love the looks of the body and the fuel efficiency is acceptable -- not great, but not awful.

My questions for you are.....

1. Which model year (overall) seems to have been the best? 04/05/06? (reliability/lack of quirks)

2. Has anyone done any modifications to improve fuel efficiency?

3. Is there a list of recommended dealerships anywhere on this site?

I think thats all for now. I drove one this past weekend -- unfortunately, the salesman felt the need to accompany me -- so I didnt really get to "test" drive the car. Ill try again this weekend.

Thanks in advance for your help. Happy to see that there is a semi-active board for this model.

XJGrl

 

if the salesman has a problem with you testing the car, then dont buy from that salesman.

the 2006 in my opinion is the best value. the used TSXs are holding their value well, and the 2006 has frills such as blue tooth and the memory seats (which i guess is no big deal if you're the only driver).

my fuel efficieny mods include tire pressure caps that indicate if my pressure is low. obviously not a great help, but seriously, not much you can do.

the best way to get great gas mileage is to not speed and to make sure you drive like a grandma around town, not a terrible thing, but not fun either.

if you really are looking for fuel efficiency, i'd say go with a civic unless you want the features of the TSX. but you said personal satisfactions is #2 behind reliability, so maybe the TSX is more satisfying than the civic (OK, DEFINITELY!)

someone on another thread claimed he had quality issues with his 2006, but he has not expanded on that statement.

i've had minor issues (drivers seat squeeks, sunroof headliner needed to be reattached, and this morning, vehicle stability control was constantly on, and the xm channels reset - i'll call the dealer tomorrow to see if this is an electrical problem, but i don't expect anything major).

the car has been a dream for 12,000 miles.

 

Wandering over from the TL boards, I stumbled across your post. As others would agree on this site, the TSX is probably the best bang for your buck in its class. Honestly, you really can't really go wrong with Honda products; they have proven their performance and reliability. By the way, I noticed that you're local and would suggest going to Radley in Falls Church (Bailey's Crossroads). Besides the competitive pricing, they have a great set of folks working there Good luck on your purchase and make sure you check out the AcuraZine Meets and Clubs section, we have gatherings quite often here in the MD/VA/DC Metro area

 

Most of the NOVA people here bought from Radley, the free oil changes for life is a good deal. I'd say get a 2006 for sure, better features and performance. The best fuel modification can be done to the person pressing on the pedal, mpg can vary a lot driver to driver in the TSX as seen on this board.

 

4.5 months with my 2006, I'm very happy with the overall quality of the car. But be careful, the interior's so comfortable, that it might put you to sleep while you're driving on the highway

Only a few problems rose during these few months. Nothing too drastic.
- A slight "pop" while opening the sunroof
- One misaligned interior piece (Near passenger airbag)
- A certain creak near shift knob + bottom tray area

Everything else, the car works like a dream =] My first service is this Thursday, and I'm getting all of these things fixed. I hope you get a TSX, and come down to our meets sometimes in the DC/Metro area. =D

 

05 tsx (purchased may/2005) with ~13000kms to date.

1. driver seat squeaks
2. clutch pedal click/creak

that's all regarding issues/problems/annoyances from me.

 

I have a 04 TSX and I only had a few minor (very minor) problems. Mostly rattles. The car is holding up very nicely. I'd go with the 06 though for the added features. My sister in law had a 04 Jetta, that VW had to buy back due to MAJOR problems. You can't go wrong with an Acura product. Welcome to AZ

 

dayum! haven't had close to 6 stealership visits in 2 years!

 

Welcome to AZ! The site does not have a recommended dealerships section yet, but I think one has been started as a test over in the TL forum. Look for the thread that says, "Looking for a dealership?" or something like that. There are lots of people here from your area who can give you recommendations, too.

I have an '04...no issues yet, just a couple rattles here and there. The TSX is a very reliable car IMO, one of the main reasons why I bought it. I'm like you and didn't want to be left stranded and have my car in the shop all the time. Good luck with your decision.

 

what is the major problem with the VW Jetta? A girl I know at work is dying to buy one but I warned her about VW. She says VW are the best cars, blah blah so there's no changing her mind. But a few of my friends have owned VW Golf, Jetta, and Passat and ALL of them have had annoying issues to engine/brake/suspension/electrical break downs. I admit VW's look very nice but their reliability track record is sad. Why a company would let their cars be like that is beyond me. At first I assumed its the way people drove the VW that made them break down. But hearing from actual owners (lots) made me realize its not a good car. Audi is in the same boat which is a shame. I know two owners. One guy had a 2000 that has been nothing but trouble and another guy has a 2003 with nothing but trouble.

 

i switched over to acura after owning a 2003 VW 20th Anniversary Edition GTI.... I loved the car but hated the high cost of maintenance/upkeep of it (gets more expensive the longer you own it!!!) I loooove my 06 TSX and the only quirk has been the squeaky/creaky driver seat which I recently fixed myself (using the TSB found here). I think the best part of the TSX is that it is totally built in Japan. Consists of 95% Japanese parts. Engine: Japan. Tranny: Japan. Definitely quality work and with normal care should easily last 10-15 years w/o issues.....

 

I have an '06 MT. No problems except for the creaky driver's seat. I'm going to the dealer for that but wanted to see what the best fix was first. I get 25-26 mpg in 60/40 hwy cty. Purely on the highway I'm averaging 30-33 which seems pretty good. I'd suggest breakin method posted by "ClutchPerformer" here if you get a new one.

I'm about to change the oil for the 3rd time, at which point I will switch to synthetic since the engine should be fully loosened up. If it's the same as my truck, I should see a slight improvement in gas mileage plus I will change it less often.

Combination of cost, driveability in turns, reliability, and features make this almost a perfect car. Could use a little more oomph, but is plenty of fun as it is.

 

Plus, mileage for the TSX has ranged from a low of about 20mpg (based on postings I've seen) all the way up to as high as 40+mpg, which is right up there with the VW TDI. Just depends on how you drive.

 

IMHO the 2006 is the best option. It has a few more bells and whistles than the previous years, Honda has had more time to address any minor annoyences (although I don't know if they did or not), and it has a little more power than the 04/05. You'll have to live with the ugly rims though.

Mileagewise, you can do better than the EPA estimates. It depends on how you drive it. On my 04 AT I can easily get 34mpg on the highway if I cruise at no more than 70mph. Purely around town I've never gotten lower than 23.5mpg.

 

Dude, what is it with people disliking the '06 rims? I think they look much better than the '05 ones - they look classier. Then again, opinions are like assholes...

Speaking of assholes, I mean Opinions, I drove an '05 for 2 full weeks while my '06 was in the shop (paint issue...), and I missed the '06 sooooo much it's sick. It's got a bit more pickup from a dead stop, more power overall (it was actually noticeable...), and the extra few features, like bluetooth, make the new car worth it over a highly priced used one.

 

and do you have navi model? i had a 2005 loaner with navi, and hated that navi compared to the 2006. could not believe that it's actually that different! i don't know if it's the new disc, or if it's the new navi.

 

XJ, though the TSX is a great car, it's NOT known for high fuel efficiency, you will find some that get over 32mpg (atypical) but in mixed (city/hwy) driving I'd say most get mid 20's. I'd also vote for the new civic ex model with a few bells and whistles added on. civics get great mileage.
I have a 2006 TSX and get 22-25 mpg with very mixed driving. good luck

 

i average 24-28mpg in north jersey with a lot of traffic. so i think 26-30 is doable with less congested areas.

 

Well, I did not go into the VW blind -- I knew they were quirky, but I certainly did not expect to have the following problems.....

@ 51 miles and less than 24 hours of ownership: transmission failure

** they replaced the tranny and stupid me took it back (long story)

@ 1200 miles an axle broke (cv shaft I am guessing -- I dont know anything about FWD cars)

** fixed

@ 2200 miles the electrical system took a dump -- most noticably in the headlight/taillight department

** they fixed this too but.......

At that point I was so fed up with all of the problems -- and I had them in the palm of my hand with the lemon law. Even tho 42 mpg is SUPER AWESOME -- I cant put up with the constant problems. I would have been more than happy to replace the crappy transmission @ 80k miles -- but all of these problems before my first oil change -- forget that!!

Thats the abbreviated story. Perhaps I am elaborate another time. Or -- feel free to check out:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=137596

XJGrl

 

Thank you for all of the messages today -- All good information. I have not made a definite decision yet. I should be giving VW the car back NEXT Friday in exchange for a check if all goes as planned. The first week of August Ill be in Denver -- so I probably won't be buying whatever I decide to buy until mid-August -- when I get back from Denver. I do have another vehicle to drive -- although my Jeep is not the ideal DD



As for the mileage -- anything is better than my Jeep!! If I do go with the TSX, it will probably just hold me over for 2-3 years until the EPA wakes up and lets more diesel vehicles into the states. I work for DoD -- I see everything that goes on in the middle east first hand -- and I dont really want to support any of it anymore!!

But -- for now -- I would love to learn as much as I can about these vehicles. I am VERY active in the Jeep community -- hence my XJGrl name -- it has stuck with me since 1999.

Thanks again!!

 

we need self portraits

 

I am about as rugged as my Jeep -- Go to my website link (below) for some pics.

Enjoy!! Haha.

 

nice jeep =]

 

well, if you didnt have massive tires on it maybe you'd get better gas mileage

 

It all depends on what you are looking for in a car. If you want a big car, midsize, or small. Acura TL gets the job done very well, good gas milage and overalll very reliable. I own one personally, Type S, i love it alot of fun.
If you do mods to it, it decreases the gas milage. If you do mods its to gain horse power, that eats more gas.
If you really want to take Acura for a test drive, pick a younger sales guy, or browse the dealership, look for someone that will enjoy a rush. Talk serious to them, tell them you are seriously interested in the car, but you need to know exacly what the car does and is made of before you make the purchase. You have to scan people, go back to the dealer a cople of times if you have to, eventualy you'll get someone that will let you beat on the car a little.
For the dealer location, just go to your local Acura dealer, they are all the same.
VW are garbage unless you get them directly from Germany. They have toooooooooooooo many problemsthat you wuld have to put up with. I used to have one, man, I got tired of replasing computer after computer. You willdefinetly love ACURA. The best car ever built!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

 

Yeah, I visited that yesterday...I wouldn't say rough. Very cute...and you seem cool as hell, so that makes you...a definite catch.

Besides...it's not like any of us are 'catches' ourselves...well me at least.

 

Ronin, i'm in pitt area this week. i've seen a few TSXs in the area. wondering who they belong too. i mostly by the airport and in southpointe.

 

I was out towards southpointe the other day, but I was still driving the Silver '05 loaner. I got my '06 CGP/Ebony back...it's got 35% all around, stock rims...Honk if you see me! I'm mostly out east - Penn Hills/Monroeville/Greensburg.

 

I own a 04 TSX with Navi. I bought it as CPO and love it so far. 25K miles and no issue so far. I say if you don't need a large car, TSX is good enough for a day to day car.

 

Wow. Thank you for the enlightenment

The Jeep has been lots of fun. She has traveled to a lot of places and seen a lot of dirt. Unfortunately, she has been on road duty for the past two years -- starting a new job and living in DC/NOVA makes it pretty tough to buy a new car!! Once I get a new vehicle that actually works, the Jeep will either get sold or go on permanent trailer duty -- Ill probably end up keepin her since she isnt worth too much to anyone but me anymore

 

Well -- the size of the TSX and the amenities is what attracted me in the first place. It is close to the same size as the Jetta -- with more amenities and a better track record -- for not too much more $$$.

Ill definitely test drive a few more times before I buy. At this point I am thinkin that I will have to go used -- I really dont want to lay down more than about $25k for a new car right now -- need to keep my payments manageable.

Most people have recommended the 2006 so far -- but, in reality, Ill probably be forced into either an 04 or 05. Anything will be better than the VW tho!!!

 

Well thanks -- Flattery much appreciated. Ill admit up front that I am not easy to get along with tho

 

Just read this one Yall do the same thing that the guys at tdiclub.com do -- I dont want a Civic!! But thank you for the suggestion. I am a little too much of a car snob to drive a Civic -- I did test drive one -- so now I can say that I definitely dont want one.

 

If you do decide to go with the TSX. Be sure to get navigation it's a must, I bought '06 with out Navi and I'm starting to regret it. But i did get the Aftermarket Navi Pioneer AVIC-N3 installed so that does help. But i heard that Acura Navigation system is really the best out there right now. I know it's $2k more to spend but you won't be disappointed.

 

I am sort of limited with how much $$ I can spend. I have a good amount to put DOWN on a car, but I need to keep my monthly payments manageable. I KNOW I can't afford an 06 with NAVI -- if an 04/05 came down the line with NAVI, I would consider it -- I have a tough decision now -- 04/05 has less power -- 06 is more $$ and I def couldnt get NAVI if I went with an 06.

I really probably cant afford to "hang" with y'all yet -- but I am gonna give it a shot!! Anyone care to fund my habit?

 

Hey XJGrl,
I am in the same boat as you with the VW. I have a 4 month old O6'GTI. I got the DSG auto tranny and sometimes when I drive the car it will downshift by itself. The problem usually happens on acceleration and when I get to 5th, the car will quickly shift from 5th to 2nd gear. Ive been in the shop 4 time and now I am waiting on the decision if I get my money back. I had a 2004 TSX that was lost in a hurricane last year and I will be getting an 06 if I get my money back. I am glad to hear you got your money back and it gives me a little hope.
Good luck, NJSGTI

 

Run!!! In the end -- whatever I would have ended up with would have been better than the VW!!! I know that all of the guys on tdiclub.com are hardcore TDI guys and it is hard to see the light when you are on their boards -- but, step back and take a hard look -- (granted that this board is a bit smaller) -- but, do you really see even 25% as many problems going on here?

The TDI engine is cool -- no doubt -- put it in another vehicle and I would buy one in a heartbeat. VW just doesnt seem to have their sh*t together right now IMO. New bodystyle, new transmission new ad campaign -- its too much for them to handle! It took me a while to finally make up MY mind that I wanted my $$ back. They will try and try to give you a new car -- or to make you feel warm and fuzzy about your reject car.

Please dont do it. Take your money and run -- get a TSX, get a Civic -- just dont stay with VW

Emily

 

this is a good thread to show to possible vw owners