Well I have been looking for something a bit bigger, maybe like a TSX. I'm 20 years old, and recently sold my 2000 Honda Civic, swapped and turboed for a 2002 Honda S2000. My dream car. Well after two months, I feel like I can't do the S2K daily driver thing anymore. I need something nice and bigger, but still sexy.

I have always had a manual, and was into fast cars, but that only gets you into trouble and an empty wallet. I have never had an automatic, and I'm scared if I get a 5AT TSX I may get bored with it. I am just so tired of dealing with notchy trannys (especially when cold out) and shifting in traffic lol. I never thought I would say it, I have always been so against Autos. But I'm thinking if I could get a nice TSX with Navi and a nice OEM lip kit, nice suspension and wheels I may be happy for a while.

I'm only looking at the 04 and 05 TSX's. So hard to find a 6 speed with Navi in the first place. My Acura dealership has pretty much said goodluck and they will call me if they EVER get one in. So I am seriously thinking of getting a automatic.....how do you guys like your Autos? Are they as week as some people say? How is the tiptronic shifting or whatever? When you get an exhaust with most automatics, don't they sound like crap?

Lastly I never knew TSX's were so "rare" I do not see many around and I live in a pretty big city. My last question is, I think a while back I saw a TSX with some yellow in the headlight, and it looked really good IMO. How are the headlight bulbs in the TSX set up? They have HIDs correct? Is there three lights on when the headlights are on? The parking light, somesort of city light or driving light and then the HID?

Sorry for the newby questions. All help would be great.

 

A couple of answers for ya...

1. Auto is gonna feel pretty weak to u ... especially coming from a turbo S2000. I have the Auto and am quite satisfied ... she can surely get-up-and-go when the time calls for it, IMO!
2. The TSX is a pretty rare car. I remember when I tried to buy an '05 in March '05, the wait for an Auto w/NAVI was about 2 weeks at my dealer in MIA. I think he said something about only 10,000 or so being made a year? (Correct me if I'm wrong, peeps!). I eventually picked up an '06 this October which I prefer to the 04/05 due to extra features and styling tweaks.
3. The low-beam is HID. In the USA, low-beam and amber parking light on the corner of the lense are illuminated. As far as I understand, Canadians have DRLs which are in the high-beam lamp.

TSX is a great package for a great price ... just remember that unless u drop a supercharger or do some other engine mods, u won't be causing any trees to bend...

 

Thanks for the reply. I feel like if I get the 6 speed, I will be in the same boat I am now. I have read on here about notchyness in the trannys especially from 1st to 2nd at times. I just hate dealing with this over time. My S2K does it and it pisses me off like no other lol. So the TSX is a bit more VIP I guess you could say, so I think I may be happy to just sit back and not worry about that kind of crap anymore.

I don't really care about power, going fast is getting old. I just don't want to get the Auto and be like damn, I should have went with the 6speed.

Yeah I went to drive an 07 6speed TSX at the dealer the other day, and he said Acura only made a few thousand. He may have said 10k I don't remember.

Ah after some more searching, the pics I had seen of the H1 high beam must have been the Driving lights.

 

Something larger than S2000 with smooth Tranny and ample power?


Here are my choices

Lexus IS250




Acura TL




Mazda's AWD MazdaSpeed 6




BMW 335

 

if you want an auto go for the TL with step---it's very nice and lux

if you want a more agile and enthusiastic car with class --- tsx in 6speed

 

Fortunately for me, my dealer had an 06 6-speed with navi when I decided to check the lot. I think they had a few because he walked me to various TSX's after he knew what I wanted. They say only 10% of the TSX's are 6-speed, and 10% of that have navi. So basically only 1% of all TSX's have both 6MT and navi.

TSX's aren't so rare in my area now. It used to be that I'd only see one each month. Now I see maybe one a week. I guess all those recent awards have directed some attention to the TSX.

The outer headlights are the low beam HID's, the middle light is the turn signal, and the inner lights are the H1 halogen high-beams. I don't have DRL, so I don't know how that's set up.

Going from a s2000 to a TSX will make it feel really slow for you. I'm sure you'll be expecting that anyway. The TSX is a great daily driver; it has all the little things that give you a feeling of refinement, and the handling makes driving it fun. If handling is important, than the TSX is a good choice. But if you still want some power, you should also take a look at the TL (6-cylinders). It'll have more power, but it'll feel as if you're driving a boat

If you're concerned about getting an auto...then you should make sure you don't get an auto. Otherwise, you'll always have some regret (buyer's remorse). Make sure you get a vehicle that you'll be happy with for a long time. Some people here like the auto, while others like the 6MT so they can keep the TSX in the higher RPM's where it's happy. The feeling of power loss won't be as much with a 6MT since you can keep the car in the power band.

There's got to be a 6MT somewhere...look around and be persistent

 

You WILL be kicking yourself for getting the auto instead of the 6 speed.

 

I have an auto and I wouldn't say the car is fast, but its not slow either. I would take an auto for a test drive to see if it would work for you.

I actually had to wait 3 months to get my 06 auto with nav. The dealer down here said that they don't sell to many Acuras with navs. Which surprises me cause the one in the TSX is one of the best.

As far as the TL goes, its a boring car. Its a huge boat. The power is nice off the line, but its not worth the trade offs. (I will say the stereo in it rocks!!!)

 

I test drove a few TLs and G35s when I was considering buying my TSX, both used and new.

I still don't regret buying it, it has the best mix of sportiness, practicality, and luxury out of all three in my opinion. The TL just plain wallows. Way too much body roll, it reminded me of a Buick or some poorly made American luxury car. The G35 handled nicely and had tons of power, but sucked on resale value, was really expensive to repair, and doesn't get the gas mileage of the TSX.

I beat 3 series BMWs all the time, except for the new 330i (300 some odd horsepower), and I have a 5spd AT. I got it for several reasons. For one, they didnt' have any 6 spds on the lot that I liked. For another, my wife doesn't drive manual, and while I don't let her drive it often, I like to be able to not have to worry about drinking too much when we're out with friends knowing that she'll be able to drive home. Also I sit in traffic every day and find the AT to be more palatable that way. I sometimes miss having a stick, but not too often. If you learn how to drive the sequential sportshift, it has a nice feel. You just have to remember that it doesn't shift *exactly* when you push the lever up, there is a slight delay depending on where your tach is, and also you have to learn not to take your foot off the gas.

 

I'd say that if you are or want to be more "sporty" with the TSX the MT is the way to go. But if like you said you want this to be a very nice, sporty/lux street cruiser with decent get-up-and-go and not start performance moding it and go down that road again, IMO the AT is a good functional tranny and still has a fun factor. I already have a fun sporty car (6sp Supra) but when I get into our AT TSX, I like it and when I shift it manually it works pretty damn good ...which is more than I can say about that SMG piece of crap in the Z4 I drove the other day.

 

20 years old and can't hang with the manual? Wait 'til you're my age.

Seriously, my impression of the S2000 shifter was that it was just as smooth as the TSX's and Civic Si's. All of the them are smoother than the old B-series trannies to me because of the upgrade syncros.

However, putting the wrong MTF in there can make it one of the worst.

Although AZ definately could use another modding junkie to push the envelope in our TSX's, test drive a few times before deciding which tranny is best.

 

Thanks for all of the good replys. I know for a fact I want Navi, I just still can not decide on the AT or 6sp. I have always used Honda MTF in my cars. Do all the upkeep, turbo installs etc. It's just after a while I get frustrated and im a neat freak. So the notchyness of the S (everyone has experienced it with an S2000 especially in this cold weather we have right now) just gets on my last nerve. It's a fun car and is pretty quick, not as fast as my civic though, so I am kinda use to going to slower cars lol.

At first I was telling myself hell no not an auto when I was at the dealers looking for a TSX. Now I am thinking maybe get a nice 04 or 05 TSX auto with navi, and get my life started, then down the road, get another S2000 or something. It's just so hard to have a s2k for daily driving. I'm also getting into Real Estate, and there is no way I will be getting a sign in there lol.

I looked at TLs but they are just not for me. The TSX seems big enough as it is. I'm not really looking for power. More just the used price of a TSX with low miles, the comfort, the handling and the stlye are all attractive.

I have always been into modding cars though. So for those of you that have the Automatic, with an exhaust. How does that sound when the tranny is shifting itself? Does it sound like crap?

Again thanks for the replys guys! I look forward to selling my S2000 and picking up and TSX. Just needs a lip kit, some suspension stuff, and some Works or Volks!

 

Just a side note too, regarding the SS in the AT's, they are very clean and smooth! It is a very fast shift for a semi automatic and i like to have fun with it when i can....and you def can! It is just as smooth as the fully AT shift, IMO! If you throw on a set of Tein coilovers on for suspension upgrades, you get the handling you are looking for and then new shoes and i think you will be happier than you think!!! (until you get HIT like i did last night....)

 

Awesome. Thats what I want to hear ha. Are the Autos as fragile s some people say? Ever had any problems with it? Any exhuast and automatic experince?

I have heard good things about Tein but have never had a set. I've always gone with Koni Yellows and Ground Controls for AutoX. But I wont need anything that stiff for the TSX.

 

I love my TSX but I'd never get rid of my s2k. I'd drive it in the snow with the right tires. Just can't deal with the salt and sand. You're 20 and the S was your dream car and yu've had it after 2 months? Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

i think the tsx is a very sexy car....and to add, i have an auto and i think the ss gives me enough power. I live in phili and traffic is a bitch, no 6 speed here...

 

I also live in the Philadelphia area.

Live up in Quakertown and work in West Chester, where are you from?

 

Yeah I am almost 21. I had a pretty nice civic swapped and boosted, but opted for something a bit newer, reliable and stock. I had always loved S2Ks and love mine. It's just I would need a car to drive each day and then my S on the weekends etc. But each day I just need something bigger and with more space. I'm also getting tired of the S2K notchy shifting at times. Rea;;y gets under my skin.

So after thinking, I am going to stick with Honda and hopefully have a sexy TSX. I just keep changing my mind about 5at or 6sp.

 

If you had heard about acura making crappy tranny people are talking about the 2g TL. They had to recall them up to 100K and they fail like crazy. They recently redesigned them and put new ones on that work. So basically as long as your not looking for a 99-03 TL you should be ok.

 

Yes TSX is very sexy... i call my baby Tsexy hence the screen name. I go to school near center city and live is south philly.. traffic here is a pain in the ass

 

Yes TSX is very sexy especially when you have the 06 lip kit... i call my baby Tsexy hence the screen name. I go to school near center city and live is south philly.. traffic here is a pain in the ass

 

I'm also getting tired of the S2K notchy shifting at times. Rea;;y gets under my skin.

So after thinking, I am going to stick with Honda and hopefully have a sexy TSX. I just keep changing my mind about 5at or 6sp.[/QUOTE]


Well there are countless threads on s2ki.com about the notchy shifting. First, it's such a short direct connection, it's a very mechanical feel. I say it's like a rifle bolt. The '04s and up use carbon synchros so it's not as prevalent. There are things you can do. I and many others have had great success with the GM friction modified tranny fluid. Also, changing the cluthch fluid can help.
The 6 speed on the new TSX is flawless. I love it and I would have not even considered the car if a 6 speed wasn't available. My g/f had the '06 auto and it's one of the best slushboxes I've encountered. So either way you really can't go wrong, but I have to say the 6 speed is a lot of fun in this car.

 

hahaha...if you are getting into real estate defiently get an auto...

i'm a realtor and use my 2k5 Navi TSX as my daily/client vehicle...

*think from the cilents point of view*

he's driving
he's on the phone with other agents
he's writing stuff down
and then he's trying to shift all at the same time

they are gonna be scared sh*tless with you behind the wheel.

i kept my SI for weekend thrashings to get anger out and when i have the need to drive a stick shift...

i sometimes wish my car was 6 speed, but once a client jumps in the car i have no regrets of getting an auto...

 

If I could get a TSX and keep my S I would be a very happy camper lol. But thats not happening. I tried the GM syncro mesh, still the same results. It's not horrible or a bad tranny its just ticking me off driving it like that dailr in rush hour traffic shifting 100 times a min like that.

Ha I don't plan to have people in my car. I am anal as hell and in no way would let "heavy" people in my S, because the seats are perfect at 24k miles, and I don't need big stress marks on the leather. The last thing I want is some clients in my car. In class I asked about that, and I will be having them meet me at the listing or following me haha. What if they try to eat in the car lol?

 

Nice Si. Looks kinda like my VSM 2000 coupe. Anything done motor wise? What color 05 TSX do you have?

 

i see three or four everyday, even during short commute. way too common in my area now..

 

I am really new to modding cars since i came from a 1989 Z24 Cavalier....LOL As for the Tein's, it is obviously my first set of coilovers and i do really like them! They are amazing on perfect roads and freshly paved roads, they are good on normal roads, good enough on bad roads, deal well with little pot holes, don't deal well with big pot holes (what suspension does?), and the the only place you really notice them is when you hit a lot of bumps simultaneously. At that point it becomes noticeable that you have done something to your car. I have the Tein Basics though, so the SS's or the FLEX could be better on those types of roads.

I TOTALLY agree with jdmurtleracin about the real estate thing and trying to do too many things at once in the car with a client though. You want to impress them, not make them concerned for their life and yours....lol

 

i built the original B16 motor back in 2000. tried to do that most power outta all oem power adders... CTR pistons, 98 ITR Exhaust Cam, 00 CTR Intake Cam, all R valvetrain.. i'll go through a huge list .... just the basics

I drive a CG/Ebony.... for clients i aimed for first time home buyers, so i wasn't afraid to put on a Euro R kit, Lower it a tad and some 19's

 

I think the Tein Electronic Ride Height thing would be pretty sweet in a TSX. I forget how much it runs. How much do the basics run?

Sounds nice, I cheated and went turbod. Miss my civic.


Have any pics of your TSX?

 

Damn... clean Civic!

 

I have BOTH vehicles parked in my driveway right now. 2004 TSX 6sp with Navi, and a 2006 S2000. Both are great, great cars, and you'd be lucky to own either.

First, let me talk about the S2000. You obviously bought the wrong car - you thought it was your dream car when you looked at it, but its not for you. Although the "notchiness" when the tranny is cold does exist to a certain extent, especially on AP1 S2000s its gone in a few minutes when the tranny heats up. Add to that the fact that for 07, honda has a new MTF out that all the S2000 guys are raving about, and the problem is non existent. I have a feeling that the notchiness your describing is just the positive engagement of the gears in an S2000. In a Civic/TSX/most other Hondas, the tranny glides into gear. In the S2000 you get a very firm "snick" as it slips in.

The TSX: Its a friend's 04 that I'm currently using and will be using for the next month. So far I've put around 200miles on it, and I've driven it extensively before, so I'm well versed with the car.

I find it to be a car that does everything "well". And thats a good thing. Its hard to find fault with it. The engine is a gem, that revs super quick, and uber smooth. The gearbox glides into gear. The handling is spot on, and makes me want to smack all the RWD-fanboys upside the head when they say that there is no such thing as an FWD sport sedan - honestly, how fast are these idiots trying to go around a corner? The interior looks great, has great materials for the price point, and lots of gadgets and gizmos, and is spacious. The exterior looks very classy and nice especially in NBP. Its a car that I like a lot and wouldn't think twice about buying if I was in the market for another sedan.

But just to be clear, the S2000 is the one to drive. Built specially for the job of ..... driving. In the TSX, I feel like I'm sitting on top of it. In the S2000 - you wear it. I find the S2000 easier to daily drive (I know I'm in a small minority here!) because of the sharp, instant responses, the controlled ride (especially in 04+), and the fact that its smaller and more powerful.

With that said, and coming back on topic, the TSX will nicely fill the void of an S2000, especially since you're getting tired of the S2k. Test drive both the auto and 6spd, and see which you like best. Looks like a auto will suit your needs better.

 

here's the weekend bitch

 

The basics run around $675-$700 depending on where you get them. The Flex system you were talking about with EDFC, i THINK its like $1400 or so. The SS (super street) are in between and they run just under $900.

Sweet ride though, VERY clean looking and nice camera motion pic

 

youll get bored with the auto TSX if you get rid of the S2k. if the TSX was your commute/client car then the auto would be cool, since you could get you kicks in the S2k.

I owned an 05 auto TSX. Traded it in after 13 months for an 06 6mt/nav out of sheer bordom.

I've heard the new 07 Honda MTF is really good.

 

I love the S2K and it's any Honda gurus dream car lol. I love it, but i just feel so crammed for everyday. When I drive another car daily and then get into the S its like omg what a nice feel. The tranny thing is just something that gets under my skin. Im on s2ki, and my friend just put in the new MTF on his boosted S. Some people see a difference and others dont. When I test drove the 07 6speed i did feel like I was sitting on the car. It was odd being that high up in a car. Handling was good. Im going to test drive an 04 auto today at the dealership.

Thanks I miss my civic in a way . Rolling up Kentucky rednecks in V8s don't know what hit them haha.

Your Si looks clean, always loved EBP. Nice wheels, seats and harnesses!!!

 

whereabout in KY are you from. I from Lexington. :hello:

 

I'm in Louisville, KY. Cards > Cats haha just kidding.

 

Nice name, especially if you spell it "right" as in TSXey

I'm from Philly area too, live near Ardmore work near Warminster.