baj287

Hi, im in the market for a new car. I'm setting my price maximum at 30k, so the TSX fits nicely in that range and has loads of options. I've already test driven the TSX, and i like it a lot, but i plan on test driving the audi A4 2.0t and a few others.

Question #1:
How does the acura TSX compare with other cars in its class such as the Audi a4 2.0t ?

Question #2:
I've already driven the car, and i like it a LOT, but im VERY concerned about all of the complaints about rattles in the interior. How loud exactly are these rattles? Are they really that bad, or are people being nit picky?

grasseater

i think the majority of those rattles and what not were in the 04's. i have an 05 it hasn't made a peep. as far as comparing to the a4...i've not driven one but performance wise i think the a4 is a bit faster...but then as most on this board will tell you, if your looking for zoomie go fast, the TSX is not for you. however for the overall quality of the vehicle and the amount of options at the price...you can't beat it.

calgary2800

I'm not that impressed with the 2.0T in the Audi. Its the same motor as the GTI that I have test driven many times. Too loud, harsh and still has a bit of turbo lag.

For 30k get yourself a kick ass V6.

Gen4MDX

I for one, would never have a VW/Audi - I have read many horror stories on reliability. You simply cannot beat Honda reliability, longevity and attitude. Go look/drive a several year old Accord and then go compare it to brands A, B & C and you will see what I mean.

GIBSON6594

You have got to test drive the cars you are interested in. We know a lot here, but none of us can tell you what you really want. And double true on the reliability factor. I've owned Audi, it was a nightmare.

As for the rattles, they do exist, but they go and come, and most of the complainst are just nitpicking IMO

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

#1
I have been driven and abused 7 Honda/Acura vehicles. Call it what you will, but I do not shop other brands. I am happy with the Honda product right now.

#2
I have an 04 and have not experienced this rattle issue personally. Perhaps I am not as picky as the other drivers, who knows. I can tell you that I replaced all of the speakers and put several layers of Dynamat in the doors. I put several layers of Dynamat in the trunk. I also have the Comptech Exhaust and RTC. I still do not have rattles, nor do people who ride in the car complain of rattles.

I really do not think the rattle issue is as bad as most make it out to be myself. All cars rattle at some point. I do not think the TSX is that bad.

Casey1994

Another observation about the Audi is value -- for 30K the TSX is loaded but the A4 is fairly bare-bones. Just look what Audi charges to add a more sophisticated stereo, satellite radio, leather, heated seats, Navi, HID headlights, sunroof, and/or an auto tranny -- you get way above 30K in a hurry. The Germans even charge more for some paint options! Obviously the decision depends upon how well equiped you want your vehicle -- but I don't know of a better value than Acura right now.

Casey1994

Another observation about the Audi is value -- for 30K the TSX is loaded but the A4 is fairly bare-bones. Just look what Audi charges to add a more sophisticated stereo, satellite radio, leather, heated seats, Navi, HID headlights, sunroof, and/or an auto tranny -- you get way above 30K in a hurry. The Germans even charge more for some paint options! Obviously the decision depends upon how well equiped you want your vehicle -- but I don't know of a better value than Acura right now.

baj287

I hear the TSX isnt real leather though?

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1968

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26596

foolioness

If you going to go for Audi, might as well consider the infiniti.

fuckleberry

no rattle for me

psteng19

Real leather on the inserts, basically the perforated parts of the seat if I recall correctly.
The rest is pleather.

ianS

totally

jpt

Gotta disagree with you on that. I've driven both an A4 and a Jetta GLI with the new FSI 2.0T and it's awesome -- both had significantly more pull than the TSX and it seems marginally quieter and smoother to me too.

baj287

how bad exactly is audi/VW reliablity?

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Nope. All the upward facing and forward facing seating surfaces are real leather. The rest are automotive vinyl. This includes non-perforated surfaces.

gsclifton

iTrader: (2)

This is an Acura enthusiast board, what do you think most of us are going to say?

Go register on some Audi/VW boards and ask them what they think about Honda/Acura quality.

bibby

Overall quality, class, comfort, and feel...I'd give it to the Audi A4. But when it comes to maintenance....I can forget about everything i just said above and take the TSX. Also, you save a couple thousand for more functions. There you go...

psteng19

I roam around the VW boards (Vortex car lounge).
The general concensus there is that Honda makes quality, reliable cars, more so than VW.

psteng19

My mistake then

Zephrem

For everything you can say about Vortex, there is no question that the Vortex community thinks that Honda makes (generally -- see TL transmission issue) very reliable cars, although they are perceived as being soulless commodities -- but that's a different story and we definitely know otherwise, right?

Regarding VW/Audi reliability, there are two parts to the reliability question:

(1) the car design/parts supply issues: anything can go wrong including various electrical gremlins (all models), minor parts (window regulators - Jetta) major items like fuel pumps, control arms, coilpacks (Passat), timing belts (Audi) and stepper motors (Touareg). Take a look at the vw and audi boards and it will inform you of the historical issues regarding the vehicles. I will say that audi, more so than VW, has taken steps over the last couple of years to rectify the quality control issues -- but I would wait for three years of reliable audis before I'd purchase one.

(2) how VWOA/Audi and their dealer network handle the issues: the dealer network is really hit or miss, and VWOA has this annoying habit of not standing behind their vehicles when something goes wrong. Example: the Touareg, a lux-segment vehicle, is experiencing alignment issues requiring tire replacement around 10K. VWOA issued a "good will" mandate allowing dealers to replace the tires at no cost to the owner, but it recently pulled it back even though the alignment issue persists. In short, VWOA did nothing to fix the problem. Frustrating, and not what you would expect for that kind of vehicle. The same thing happened to Audi with the timing belt issues -- it took a lawsuit to bring it to heel. But, again, I will say that Audi -- not VW -- has instituted programs specifically targeting the dealerships and how to handle problems that has (anecdotally) improved the ownership experience.

It will be interesting to see how the new models/engines age over time. There simply isn't enough data to say whether the current crop will run forever or break apart after 30,000 miles.

si2tsx

tsx is the best sport sedan by car & driver

Gen4MDX

Baj - It sounds to me that you really want an Audi. Obviously, you have never owned a Honda or a VW product for that matter. If you had, there would not even be question as to which is more reliable and the best bang for the buck.

It is your money, spend it where you see fit. But it sounds like you should be over at the Audi boards asking questions.

waTSX

The rattles do exist for some, me included at times, but IMO people are way too picky about these things. I'd hazard to guess most cars have squeaks and rattles at one time or another.

The TSX is a terrific, fun to drive car. It still has my interest after 2+ years. Just get the six speed.

Sclass88

I have an '04 with about 25,000 miles on it. It has had maybe 5 very very minor rattles. My dad's '05 TL has more rattles than my TSX. Get the TSX!