Hello all,

I just stumbled on this forum today after reading some reviews of the TSX on Edmunds. It is very exiciting to find such a helpful, active and fun group of enthusiasts and owners of a car that I am strongly considering buying...

...maybe even tomorrow...

However, I have vowed that my search for this car would be VERY deliberate and I would make the absolute best decision possible. While I love the TSX and will likely end up with it in the end of this search, I am also strongly considering the Honda Accord and I am wondering if that might be the better car right now.

I've read a few of the posts that "berate" those asking for comparisons and/or wanting to be "convinced" - I understand...I'm active on other online communities like this, so I will try to avoid the repetitive, pointless questions. In other words, I'm not trying to be a troll, I really need some honest advice from current owners and those more knowledgeable than me.

As I mentioned, I am considering the Accord EX (5spd/Leather, no navi) or the TSX (6spd, no navi). The price between the two outright is not a big issue -- I have an offer for the TSX @ $25,500 and the Accord @ $22,500 or so. That's $3000, which is not a GREAT DEAL of money in the long run - I'd rather get what I'd be happy with, but more importantly, what is going to cost less in the long run and what will give me MORE FOR MY MONEY outright.

When I initially drove the Accord, it seemed like it would be worth the extra $3000 for the TSX - but really, how much more am I getting in the TSX? What are the big differences between the two cars? Obviously, I know power is one (200hp in the TSX v., what...about 150 in the accord?).

Other things scare me a little bit too -- premium fuel is recommended for the TSX (I understand why, but just wish it wasn't the case), the reports of creaks and rattles, might there be more that I want in a 2005 model (but HOW MUCH MORE will it cost?!).

So, what are the big differences? Is it the luxury? Is it the performance? Additional features that I am blind to right now?

Hope to hear some responses about the differences, similarities and/or why you would choose one over the other.

Thanks,
Andy

 

Hopy,
Welcome to the forum. For a cold, by-the-numbers comparison http://acura.com/models/model_comparison_frm.asp?module=tsx]check this[/URL].

The gut level comparisons might be more helpful. Here goes.
I'm obviously biased toward the TSX but both are good cars. A lot of the differences come down to what you need/like. Some are more about your style:

The Accord (and I assume you mean the EX sedan) is the classic blue blazer. Solid, traditional, dependable, comfortable and quietly fashionable--except if you put goofy gold buttons on it. Some might even say dull.

The TSX is a tailored leather coat. Maybe Armani. Maybe Kenneth Cole. It's sleeker, a little hipper, looks great with jeans but also works in the nightclub VIP section or a restaurant that serves stuff you can't pronounce.

Performance follows the above descriptions accordingly. The TSX is much more nimble and as one reviewer said, "more tossable." It's not a speed demon but is a LOT of fun. They have the same engine but the TSX version is tuned for more HP. Realistically, though, the Accord has almost the same torque.

All the differences between the two are subjective but some of the TSX's luxury touches put it over the top: the machined metal shifter, being able to open all the windows with the key fob, the outside temperature gauge, etc.

Then there are aesthetics. I'll just say that this forum almost unanimously LOATHES the Accord's looks.

As for the costs, both are Hondas so they're not gonna fall apart. The TSX does have a longer warranty. Technically, the Acura customer experience is SUPPOSED to be high-end. I haven't found it so. But I bought a Honda product so that I WOULDN'T have much dealer or service department contact. So far, so good.

I've read about rattles but haven't experienced them. I think they are more exception than rule. Since people on a car forum are more particular than your average driver, we tend to be more critical and vocal. Also, '04 was the first model year so '05s might much less prone. I've also read many owners got them fixed.

Don't know if any of this is helpful. You can't go wrong with either car but I doubt you could love the Accord as much as the TSX. I also doubt Accord forums are ANYWHERE near as cool.

Good luck.

 

Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx Tsx

 

A search might yield even more opinions. This comparison has been talked about a lot.
Welcome to the forum.

 

Off the top of my head for that 3K your getting:

40 More HP
Far superior Handling
1 more gear on the tranny
Better Stereo
17" Rims
Better Looks (Subjective)
Xeons
Better Interior
Longer Warranty

Did I mention the better handling?

For me it came down to a Accord Sedan EX V6 or TSX. Although the TSX cost me about 3K more I could never live with the looks and stigma of the Accord but thats me. Ask yourseld yet again what you want and need and what really matters to you in a car.

 

:sigh: Have you driven the TSX yet??? My advice (you'll see this on the searches you do ) drive both back-to-back. If you don't feel an appreciable difference, buy the Accord.

And welcome.

 

You should wait for the 05 models.

 

Did someone say looks? Here's my comparo between mine and the Accord Sedan

 

Hello all, thanks for all of your advice.

I went today and drove the Accord again. While it is a VERY NICE car, it just isn't the TSX - which is what I really wanted. Gas and service are going to be a wash over the next few years, so I decided to get the car that is a bit nicer and more fun. I don't think much beats it for the money.

I had a frustrating time at Acura of Columbus (lowball on my trade - almost a bait and switch, and then did little to gain my business...so I walked). I walked into Lindsay Acura (in Columbus) this evening and had a GREAT experience. I highly recommend this dealership to anyone in the central Ohio area who is looking at Acura models. While I may have been able to get a bit more for my trade, I got a GREAT price on the TSX (if you're curious, PM me and we can talk) and it was over all a great experience. I went into today thinking that I would be driving a White/Parchment, but ended up with a Silver/Ebony 6M. I'm very happy, and look forward to reporting back to you when the car is delivered on Wednesday.

Thanks again.
Andy

 

I got mine from Lindsay Acura. Great experience. Congrat on your purchase.

Damn it, more and more TSXs in Columbus

 

Congrats!!

Nice color combo

 

Hi and Welcome (warning that this site is addicting. Have been here over a year beacuse I love this group ) Many who have come here have struggled with this same dilema, myself included. I am an Accord owner who will be purchasing a TSX in the fall/winter when the '05's come out. I love the stuffing out of my Accord and will be keeping it. I chose the TSX as my second car instead of the Accord again for the many reasons that have been covered in the stats and in discussions here, but also for one that won't come up in the numbers. I fell in love with the car when I saw it. It's a feeling really. Also, it's in the name. Why buy a "Honda" when I can have an "Acura"? To me it's like buying a Seiko watch when I could buy a Rolex. (Maybe not that drastic a comaprision, but you can see my point) I like the name recognition. I looked at Lexus for the same reason, but being a Honda lover brought me to Acura. I just wanted to mention those two things because they are not something that one would see in the stats. Good Luck!!!! P.S. Duh..just saw that you bought the car..congrats! Hope you have the same feelings for the car as the rest of here in the group do!

 

Hey, you're in my neck of the woods!!

A bunch of guys from my car club and I hang out all the time around town -- you might have seen us around. A white GS-R, black 240SX, red S4, silver TL-S, black Miata, and some other cars.

I drive the silver TL-S. Give me a wave or a honk if you see us around.

Good luck with everything, and congratulations on the purchase!

 

congrats and welcome to the forum! i'm glad to see you're aware of trolling, so i don't have to tell you to watch out for 'em. it's true, the site is addicting. i have no life.....seriously, it's very sad. i need help....

"you chose.....wisely."

 

TSX is the best!!!

 

Looking at the side-by-sides that TSX 'R' US posted, I couldn't help but be struck by the thought that the Accord has saggy ass syndrome. The TSX's is much tighter.

 

congrats on your purchase, you made the right choice. I went through the exact same process. It's funny you're from C-bus b/c I'm at the airport right now about to travel there on biz.

 

I've got more angles of both cars...if anyone would like to see... I've also got pics of my car next to a 325xi also..

 

good choice!!!i went from a 03 accord EX to the TSX....best decision i made...cant even compare the two cars...

congrats

 

I always have to do a double take when one of these threads gets resurected.

 

whoa didnt see the date....

 

Hopy, congrats on the car and enjoy the site. Any pics of the new ride?

 

got pics?

 

Gonna be a bit tough there.

Last Activity: 07-23-2004 11:53 AM
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