Hello all, and thanks for having me here. I'm currently in the speculation phase of the car buying process. My goal is to get a nice car that I can continue to enjoy driving for a good 6-8 years. I've driven Acuras before (never owned one), and I'm very impressed with their reliability. A friend of mine has a 2002 3.2TL, and despite the fact that it's 5 years old, it still rides really nice. Newer TLs are kind of out of my price range, but it looks like new TSX models are comparable to the previous generation TL models.

My budget is in the 23-25 range, so I was thinking that I could scoop up a 2006 TSX AT w/o Navigation. I'm not worried about modding or anything like that, I really just want a nice car with some decent features that won't give me a hassle. Basically, 5 years from now, I don't want to be thinking "Man I can't stand this thing. I need a new one."

I've read a lot about in these forums about fit/finish issues. Rattles happen in every car, especially once they get some age, so I'm not too concerned about them. I'm more concerned with problems that may arise with the functional parts of the car (i.e. the suspension becomes unbearable, the brakes are cheap and wear quickly, steering and alignment problems with age, and obviously drivetrain issues).

Basically, I'd like you afficionados to answer a few questions if you would, taking into account what I've said above:

1) What car best fits the description above and still fits the budget? (I'm thinking TSX, but feel free to correct me)
2) TSX owners, do you feel like you'll still be enjoying driving your car in another 4-5 years?
3) TSX owners, what are your LEAST favorite things about your car?
4) Do you regret buying it/ would you rather have bought something else?

Thanks everyone, I hope I can gain some insight!

 

2) TSX owners, do you feel like you'll still be enjoying driving your car in another 4-5 years?
I'm keeping my car for about 7-8 years unless I get into an accident with it. I'm the type to keep my cars for a long time.

3) TSX owners, what are your LEAST favorite things about your car?
not having rear air vents.

4) Do you regret buying it/ would you rather have bought something else?
not really, until someone comments on how a TL is cooler, but still my money my choice.

hope that helps.

 

A certified/pre-owned (may even still find new??) IS300 wold also fit your bill, though it's styling and size may or may not cause you consternation, it's reliability will not.

I'm aiming for 10 years as the primary driver, and death of the car as a 2nd-ary driver. I'm not in awe of my car and I'll undoubtedly want another before 10 years, but I find it hard to believe I would not still be enjoying the TSX as it's one of the few Acura's that has a bit of that "soul" European car owners like to brag about.

I own an '04 and my least favorite things are the rattles, the large turn radius and the narrow pass-through when folding down the seats (but at least it folds down!!) Nothing major - just annoying at times.
Hell no! I chose my '04 TSX over a TL, 325i and a 9-3 and I'll never doubt I bought the right car for me at the right time.

Good luck! Obviously I can't recommend a long test drive enough. Be aware the the TSX is a "package"; the TSX is not great at anything except being good at everything. If you want the "best" of power or handling or luxury or whatever, then the TSX may not be for you. If you appreciate and value harmony and reliability, then the TSX may just be the car.

 

Thanks dalieu. That helps a lot. It seems like I'm barking up the right tree looking at Acura.

edit:

Thanks Vito! You guys are great, I really appreciate the responses.

 

1. I had pretty much the same set of criteria, and ended up with the TSX. Runners up were the Subaru Legacy (which was not as comfortable), the Accord (which bored me), and the Mazda6 (which has poor engine choices if you don't get the MazdaSpeed6).

2. Unless someone hits it, I'll have this car in ten years. It is just that flexible.

3. The idiotic positioning of the sunroof control. And I wouldn't mind doing even better than the 30 mpg I'm getting now.

4. No. It is the best car for the money for what I do with it.

 

Acura TSX is the car to get, its the best the only regret that i have about the tsx is the lack of torque

 

I'm glad to be hearing all these things. Usually on these automotive forums, there are a few people who are so fed up with their cars that they can't wait to sound off in a thread like this. Either those people aren't here, or there just aren't very many of them on this forum.

I test drove the Honda Accord last night. Basically I caught myself thinking (if all I *really* want is a nice solid car, why spend the extra $$$ on a TSX). The Accord was really nice. Solid, tight ride, you can just tell it's well built. But the model I'd want would run me about $22k out-the-door, and with the deals on the 06 TSX being as they are, I could get a MUCH nicer car while only spending a little bit more.

Again, I really appreciate the responses, keep em coming!

 

First of all, my car had a couple of problems, but they've worked their way out. I used to have a slight rattle in the driver's side door (i think it was the doorlock rod) and the passenger side seatbelt. The windows would make awful noise when going down. I just ignored these problems (expecting to take care of them when I go for my oil change). However, it stopped after about 3 or so months after I bought the car. In fact, I'm typing this at the Acura dealer getting my oil change done (pretty cool, internet access, tv, drinks, etc. I didn't expect to have to wait 1.5 hours for an oil & filter change, but they also do an inspection and wash&wax), and I didn't even bring up the problems since I haven't noticed them for the last 4 months (and I did try to reproduce them earlier today...even by driving on rough roads).

2) Yes, I can see myself driving this car for the next 10 years. However, I might consider trading it in for a next generation TSX (maybe a 2009 or so). It's got a great stock suspension, so I enjoy driving it around. Sure, I could have gotten a car with more power, but then I'd go crazy in rush hour traffic...so much power that can't be unleashed.

3) The navi doesn't show all of the streets unless you click on them. I want a navi that tells me what the next street actually is.

4) I regret buying the extended warranty. I could have bought it later, but I was worried that the TSX is a rolling computer and that electronics might fail. My car has been rock solid, and I'm paying a higher monthly payment because of the extended warranty.

 

If you don't mind the styling, the Accord 4 banger is a much better value than the TSX.
You still get the same engine, detuned however, and nearly every option as the TSX.

 

1) What car best fits the description above and still fits the budget? (I'm thinking TSX, but feel free to correct me)

I feel like out of all the car's that I've test driven, the TSX gave me the best bang for the buck. All the features and the crisp handling, and even the power satisfied me. Out of all the cars, such as the new Lexus IS, the Subaru Legacy, all of them had their strongpoints, but the TSX still was the best bang for the buck.

2) TSX owners, do you feel like you'll still be enjoying driving your car in another 4-5 years?

My car's not going anywhere for 5-7 years. I love this car, never disappointed me once, and still satisfied after 7 months of ownership.

3) TSX owners, what are your LEAST favorite things about your car?

None so far.

4) Do you regret buying it/ would you rather have bought something else?

If I had the money, I'd definitely buy a better car. IMO even the Subaru Legacy was cheaper than the TSX, and a few months ago I was really into the Subaru's power and VERY satisfied with it's power. I was very close to buying it, till I realized that I wanted something comfortable and has nice luxury touches and whatnot to satisfy me until I buy a new car (in 6-7 years).

 

1) What car best fits the description above and still fits the budget? (I'm thinking TSX, but feel free to correct me)

have you taken a look at the a4, 325, is300, subaru lgt, mazda6, accord? you sound like a consumer that does not have luxury as a top priority. reliability and functionality seems like the top 2 on your requirements list.

2) TSX owners, do you feel like you'll still be enjoying driving your car in another 4-5 years?

sure. handling is more of a priority for me than max power. i think the tsx will fit my needs 4-5 years from now.

3) TSX owners, what are your LEAST favorite things about your car?

dbw

4) Do you regret buying it/ would you rather have bought something else?

i think i've had moments where i've second-guessed my choice. if i had to do it again, i think i would've test drove the lgt and speed6 (although it wasn't available at that time). other than the tsx, i only test drove a 02 is300 5mt. having said that, i enjoy my car, and i plan on driving it to the ground.

 

Everyone,

I really appreciate the responses.

SoCal - I'm glad everything worked itself out. I love it when cars do that for you! Thanks for the tidbit about the warranty too. That's definitely somethign to consider.

psteng - I actually test drove an accord on Friday night and was very impressed with its simplicity and solidness... Then after driving it, I got back into my Altima, and realized that certain luxuries (leather, moonroof, etc.) *were* in fact pretty important to me. So I flip-flopped back to the TSX

EurTSX - Glad to hear you feel you got a good value. Your thought process about the luxury-esque trimmings is similar to mine. My main mantra *was* "get something smooth that you don't have to worry about". After test driving the accord, it quickly became "get something smooth that you don't have to worry about... that also has leather, moonroof, handsfree, etc." I feel like the TSX is the least expensive car that meets all my criteria (wow, so i guess i have some pretty expensive taste!)

aificionado - Thanks for the suggestions. As I wrote above, that thought did cross my mind that maybe I didn't need the luxury-like trimmings, so I did go ahead and test drive the Accord. You learn something new every day though, even about yourself!


Finally, I'd like to thank you all again for responding, and at the same time announce that you're talking to a new TSX owner! 5spd AT black/black no nav. I'll post in the appropriate thread for kudos and whatnot, but man I'm loving it so far!

 

nice work