It was a good end-of-month for McGrath Acura of Westmont, IL. In mid-April, we sold our 2000 V-6 Honda Accord and purchased a Milano red/parchment TSX w/Nav. We did this after test driving the 2008 Accord V6 and 2008 CR-V. We might have chosen the CR-V had it not been for the following:

a)it averages 25mpg compared to the 30mpg avg w/our 2000 Accord
b)it was missing Homelink & center console

The 08 Accord was a disappointment because of:
a)its cheap-looking interior
b)the variable valve timing V6 IS noticable

After driving the 08 TSX, we were hooked. It reminds us, in all the good ways, of our 2000 Accord. The TSX even has more horsies than our V6 did....205 vs 168!

By the end of April, we were ready to trade in our 2002 MB C240 (less than 35k miles) for a PWP/parchment 08 TSX w/Nav, which we did. So far we don't miss the MB. It will be a nice car for someone who really wants an MB.

Before purchasing the 2nd TSX, we drove the 09 and were not impressed for the price diff between it and the 08. With both cars we're averaging 30+ mpg. We've always used 91 or higher in all of our cars so the extra cost is nothing new for us.

Mike Miller was our salesperson at McGrath and we highly recommend him. I'm quite sure they have a good selection of 08 TSXs in case anyone in the Chicago area is looking.

It's nice to return to the Acura "fold". Last one we had was a 92 Legend.

 

Congratulations, and you won't be disappointed.

 

Thanks, and we ARE confident that we made the correct decision. We're averaging better mileage than the Accord and maybe 10mpg better than the MB.

The MB, which I mostly drove, was only 168hp V6, so from my viewpoint, the TSX is a screamer.

Here in the Chicago area, we don't have a lot of places we can go faster than the speed limit. Besides, I'm an old man and I have no need of going more than 5mph faster than the posted speed limits.

I don't want to end up like that TSX owner in VA who might go to jail for getting a ticket for driving over 90!

 

You opening sentence suggests that you are representing McGrath Acura. That made the following statements very confusing -- until I got towards the end.

But, welcome back to the Acura fold. I was right with you. Two weeks ago, I purchased a new '08 TSX (I had an '04 TSX) in lieu of an '09 model. The release of the '09 forced my hand -- causing me to grab an '08 at least a year before I had planned to trade cars. The dealer was selling both the '08 and '09 models at a good pace. I think we both made the right decision -- just in the nick of time.

The first gen TSX held its value well. The second gen TSX might cause it to hold its value even better. When you put someone that likes to drive behind the wheel of both cars on some curvy roads, it is hand to imagine why anyone would prefer the '09. But, if more room is needed (everywhere except in the trunk), or if a twist the knob interface is appealing (ask the BMW drivers about that), or a 415 watt, 10 speaker sound system with 11 ways to pay audio is needed, or a softer ride is preferred, or if a driver prefers to put the transmission into Drive (and forget that it has a Sport Shift) then the best choice might be the '09 model.

I would expect that a V-6 engine with at least 230 hp to be a better match for the '09 model than the I-4. Or, a V-6 with about 270 hp and SH-AWD could make for a big improvement. If only they would put the Sport-Shift back on the console (they could also leave the paddle shifters -- the two placements are not mutually exclusive).

 

Well, like I said....to us the 08 TSX is more than what the new Accord should have been.

Being in the audio biz, I find the 08 stereo more than adequate. In fact, I have it adjusted so that the bass is down 3/4 from "flat" and treble is down 1/5 from "flat".

I didn't find the ELS system significantly better.

I agree w/you the touchscreen nav is the way to go. I'm not a big fan of "twisties". The traffic and weather both require subs, and an XM sub will get you the same info.

We'll have to see which holds their value best over time. We didn't use future resale value as a primary factor influencing our purchase.

We thought the MB would have held its value better than it did.

Sounds like you're enjoying your purchase as much as we are. I think that's great. Life's too short. TSX is a good thing!

 

One more thing....we're thrilled about the mpg so far.
I'm sure on the Hwy we'll get maybe 34 or so. So a bigger engine, AWD, etc. wouldn't be of much interest to us.

I know we're in the minority here in this forum, but that's ok. I know we're odd but we've learned to live w/that fact.



We've always liked the fact that Honda and Acura limit the available packages and load the cars with a lot of value. It makes the choices easier.

 

Good dealer! My friend bought his MDX there instead of Continental Acura of Naperville. I was just confused cause I thought the 2000 Accord V6 also had 200 hp? I still like my 1st gen 04 TSX, but after I test drove the 09 TSX, my girlfriend likes the tech goodies in that one and the fact it has more room inside than my 1st gen TSX.

 

Damn thats refreshing to hear some honest feedback finally from Acura Sales Staff about the 09 TSX.


If you were in Seattle, I would totally buy from guys! (But not the 09 TSX)

 

Welcome to the "Family"! Glad you guys got the 08 TSX, its better than the 09 IMO.

 

welcome and safe driving. Hope you enjoy your tsx's as much as I do my 06 Milano red/ebony 6MT w/nav. Bought it new 11/17/06, it now has 47,000+miles. I have previously owned awd vehicles and personally was not that impressed with it. I very happy with the 4cyl FWD. I test drove an 09MT tsx while get mine service. I thought it drove excellent, did not like the front grille. Maybe April 09 might get one. My mom has an 08 honda accord v-6. She loves it-previously owned a 98 accord, bought new, with 75,000 miles. She gave it to my daughter. Nice to see another over 50's member.

 

good thing you didn't look at the '09 TSX...
it has the same interior as the '08 Accord basically, close to identical.


congrats on your purchase, you'll love it!

 

Congrats and welcome to azine

 

Thanks for the nice welcome.
According to edmunds.com, here's the spex on the 2000 Accord V-6:

Performance
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.9 sec. Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 127 ft.
Road Holding Index: .8 g Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3 liters Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 200 hp Max Horsepower: 5500 rpm
Torque: 195 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4700 rpm
Drive Type: FWD Turning Circle: 36.4 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel: 91 octane or higher
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.1 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 20 mpg / 28 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 342 mi. / 478.8 mi.

Very similar to 1st gen tsx.

We're not intrested in mods, we just want to get in the car and DRIVE it.....it's so kewl. We might replace all the vinyl seat panels w/leather tho. I really bothers us to feel all that cheap vinyl next to the leather.

We used Eagle Ottawa leather cleaner/conditioners on our previous car seats and they held up great over the users.

Now, if a technology like this really worked, THAT would be really kewl:
http://www.runyourcarwithwater.com/?hop=watertt

 

^ I wouldn't mind that engine instead of our 2.4L, that is what, 2 mpg loss in highway and none lost in city.

 

My 98 V6 that I traded for my 08 TSX, had more raw power no doubt. That's probably the biggest bummer, less raw power and it requires premium.

I am finding milage is a little better in my TSX, I get maybe 2-3 more MPG in my TSX than my 98 V6. Highway the V6 could barely be stretched to 30mpg, i think i'll be able get a bit more than 30 sometimes w/ the TSX. The extra couple MPG though washes out the fact that it costs a bit more to fill up w/ premium gas, so it kinda evens out in the long run.

Still love the TSX though, and am very happy with it.

 

yeah, like up to 35mpg highway.
not hard to do at all, just drive the right speed.

 

Right speed = 55?

 

A bit off topic, but I always liked my old 6th gen Accord, I had to get rid of it because it was starting to fall apart at 94K, there was something wrong with the heater, needed to replace the catalytic convertor, had to change the timing belt, had to change the radiator, the cd player wasn't working, and the bill to change all of that was almost $4000, just about the price of trading in the Accord for the TSX.

The last US Accord sedan that was cool was the 98-02 Accord.

The current 8th gen Accord coupe and the 6th gen Accord coupe are the best Accord coupes.

 

Welcome to the forum, and welcome back to the Acura line. His 'n hers TSX'? Sa--weet. Photos in the Photo Gallery , please.

 

60-70 freeway, you will hit 35mpg easily.

 

my mom previously owned a 98 honda accord v-6 with 75,000 miles on it. She gave it to my daughter when she bought a 08 accord v-6. I personally enjoy driving my 06 6MT/w nav tsx more than either of the accords. My mom's 98 averaged 24-28mpg and my tsx gets 32-35 mpg using regular gas (according to the owners manual it recommends 91 octane and not to go below 87). My tsx, bought new 11/17/06, has almost 48,000 miles.

 

so you've been using what, regular or premium gas all this time on the TSX?

 

FYI Consumer Reports tests found that increased speed > 55 MPH actually began reducing MPG a bit. Search for my excerpts from their article in one of the "mileage" threads in 1st Gen discussion.

I may start topping of with 89 now that I'm not using BJ's or Costco gas (they only offer 87 and 93). I had to read the manual again after your comment, confirmed that they say < 91 you may have knocking and reduced performance. < 87 could cause damage. I think I've even found that 93 octane from questionable sources (stop 'n rob places, bargain brands, warehouse club stores) doesn't perform as well as top tier fuel. ... Stop me before I digress from the topic any more....

 

Photos posted here: http://www.wstagner.com/band/tsx/

 

I bought my '08 CGP TSX w/ Navi on April 30th from there also!

Enjoy your new TSX. I love mine


BTW I have a 2000 Honda Accord v6 also! it in my avaitar

 

I bought 2 '08 TSX as well, PWP/parchments and RBP/parchment, both non/nav in a rush (I OEM body kit my acuras, but do not like the wing, so just underbody effects) as I was waiting until the last minute to see what '09 would look like. The European show pictures did not have enough detail to make a decision, however, as soon as I saw US based pics and specs I was more and more disappointed with the changes, especially the interior design and quality. The messed it up in my opinion and they are on the wrong path making TSX to lose its identity with interior ergonomics more like a TL (home link buttons, awefuly Accord like dash lines with a TV stuck in the middle and large overhanging center audio console), and the outside looks more like a rebadged US Accord (headlights especially). Also, just to justify this major decision I was asking the dealer if anyone was "getting in line" and "paying premiums" to get the new TSXs as it was the case in 2003 when Honda missed TSX sales projections by 100% (projected 15k, actual demand was 30k) and the dealer told there was no such a thing. So, I am glad to get the last of the best. I am also disappointed with the RL as the dealer told me that Honda was rushing to redo the front before they ship the cars. With this kind of pace, I would not expect much out of the new TL in terms of exterior design and interior ergonomics. Bigger engines, more power for the new TL....yes, exterior styling and interior flow...I would expect to be a big disappointment. I am glad to be in the 2 '08 TSX club. It is not all about raw power and never ending useless tech features, I believe it is about balance that will probably will not be seen again as it is in the 1st gen TSX.

 

have used regular(87) gas day one-had it serviced (oil change, tires rotated and balance and had the car checked out) before our roadtrip from NC to Ca. did not require any additional service- we are now in san diego and have driven 3,214 miles so far.