generalinq

Hi Folks,

Great forum.

I am thinking of getting a TSX. I was initially looking at the Mazda6. The cost of a brand new one is too high for me so I've been looking at an 04 TSX. Most of them have between 30,000-50,000 miles on them. They are asking about $20,000 for them. '05's are still a little too high for me also. Also looking at only the aero package ones because I really like the way those ones look.

I'm just concerned that if I buy one with so that many miles on it, it cuts into the life of the vehicle. I want this car to last me the next 6-7 years. This is what makes me look at leasing a brand new Mazda6. Their lease rates are great but so on a monthly basis, I could afford it but in the end, I'll spend a lot of the vehicle.

I figure if I spend less on the 04 TSX, then I'm saving right away. If I go with a brand new Mazda then in the end I'm spending over 15k more.....don't think I'll spend 15k in repairs on the Acura I hope.

What do you guys think? Any pros/cons on the 04 Acura? Would you buy used? How many miles should I look at when getting an 04?

LuvMyTSX

Hi there,

I have a certified '04 TSX and it's been great to me so far. I got in in May 2005 with about 16K miles on it, I'm up to 26K now with no issues to date except for the common headlight condensation problem, which was fixed under warranty.

You can't go wrong with a TSX as long as it's in good condition - if you can afford it, certified pre-owned in the way to go. They'll run you a couple thousand more (typically), but are worth it for the piece of mind. It also helps that they are very reliable cars to begin with, which was my main reason for getting one. I too plan to keep it for 6+ years, and as of right now, I have no doubt it'll keep going that long or more.

Also try getting the dealers to come down on the price they have listed. Some will, some won't, just be reasonable. I just kept going after ones I saw online and eventually one took the bait and came down from $25999 to $23500.

Good luck, and don't spend more than you can afford or you won't be too happy with either car!

6SpeedTA95

1) Do not lease
2) I'd be hesitant about mazda...

I owned a 626 for years and while I had no major issues with the car it nickle and dimed me to death. The thing ate up CV joints and water pumps like crazy and while I never had a transmission issue they were common with the 5 speed manuals. I just dont like mazda after my ownership experience....

I say go for the used TSX you should be able to get one for 20ish thousand with less than 50k on it.

generalinq

Thanks for the reply's. What's Certified Preowned mean?



LuvMyTSX, I'll keep looking but can't find one with less than 50k miles on it. Does it really matter if it appears to be in good shape? Anything over 50k miles and the price appears to be in the low 20's...which is good..

Ya my wife bought a Mazda3 last year and she loves it so far but we all have our preferences

Sclass88

My friend has an 03' Mazda 6 and I have an 04' TSX. Both have comparible milage on them (his is a bit higher) but he has been in for service 10 times more than I have with my Acura.

The interior of the 6 can't touch the TSX but the exterior gives the TSX a run for its money.

Knowing Acura's track record, you should know that they are very reliable cars and the TSX is no exception. Don't be leary about the car being used. As long as you're buying it at a dealership with a warranty, your all good.

generalinq

Thanks.. the hunt for my 04TSX continues....

generalinq

Oh...

Forgot to get an an answer on what Certified PreOwned is?
When I buy a used 04 TSX, should I just use whatever is left of the original factory warranty or purchase an extended one?

narci

I hear ya. I had a MX3 and at the end of 4 years and I tell you, after the warranty period is up, parts are EXPENSIVE.

I went to Canadian Tire (like a PEP boys) for a PCV valve. Honda civic's cost like $5-$10 CDN. Can't find one for the MX3 because they don't make after market. Goto Mazda and they wanted $25 CDN for it.

Also one other time I went to Canadian Tire again for a fuel filter. Honda Civic's was about $25 CDN and again, they don't make an aftermarket one for the MX3. Went to Mazda and they charged me $75 CDN for a fuel filter.

6SpeedTA95

Timing belt change on my 626 would normally cost 1200 from a dealer and most local mechanics wanted 850 or 900 to do it. Luckily I'm good friends with a mechanic so we did it for about 450...cost of parts + two hours of his time on a saturday

Sclass88

I would absolutely buy an extended warranty. Like I said, I have had zero problems with my 04 but I plan on buying the extended warranty soon just for peace of mind.

6SpeedTA95

CPO has an extended warranty...7yrs or 100k miles from the original in service date of the vehicle and an ADDITIONAL 12/12 bumper to bumper coverage...

TSX69

I am not positive but I am pretty sure that it means that the car has been thoroughly inspected & it has a 1 year bumper to bumper guarantee. Obviously, it will cost more than your average used car but you have more peace of mind ....

LuvMyTSX

For more info on the CPO program, you can go to www.acura.com and see what exactly it provides. Basically, the it means the car has been through an inspection and anything that needed attention has been fixed. The program also provides you with an extended warranty (so no need to purchase an additional one). The CPO warranty is 7 years/70,000 miles I believe from the date the car went into service. It's piece of mind that I myself required because I was nervous about buying used.

Also, now you'll probably be hard-pressed to find a low mileage '04 now that they're a couple years old. However, you can go to a few different sites and try to find them. When I was in the hunt, I went daily to Acura's website and to www.kbb.com to look up used TSX's. Acura's website will only show you certified ones, KBB will show you both certified and non, and you can narrow it down to show only one or the other if you prefer. I found that the prices differ sometimes on the two sites by $1k sometimes, which is annoying, but I just kept emailing the internet managers of the cars I found online to see if they'd meet my price.

My .....go with the TSX!

LuvMyTSX

Oh yeah, I don't know where you're located, but there's still one more leftover NEW '04 TSX at Precision Acura in Princeton, NJ! It's Milano Red w/ parchment if you're interested...I'd bet they'd seriously discount that puppy to get it off the lot!

6SpeedTA95

According to the dealer I've been talking to and the website its 7yrs/100k on the powertrain. Bumper to bumper is what I stated earlier 12/12 in addition to the remaining factory warranty. If the factory warranty is out then its 12/12 from the date of CPO purchase.

LuvMyTSX

^
Ok, there you have it. I just couldn't remember off the top of my head what it was. The extra cost for the CPO warranty is definitely worth it IMO.

6SpeedTA95

I agree but if you can't find a CPO car but you find a good deal on one someplace else you can purchase the warranty through the dealer or through your local credit union assuming you're a member. Sometimes CU warranty's are even better because they dont ask the questions a dealer would ask. The car needs repair you take it in dealership tells the warranty co what needs to happen and it gets fixed.

kyotousa

Tsx

kboosman00

TSX all the way!!!

BlackAcTSX

where are u located Generaliq?

CJams

I test drove the Mazda 6 when I was tinkering with the idea of buying my TSeX. It just plain felt like a hunk of crap. Throttle response sucked! No where near the Acura quality. Don't sell yourself short! Go with the TSX.

Sclass88

wow.. that's excellent!

Go with the TSX... you'd be foolish not to.

generalinq

Sorry, I'm from Toronto, On.

Zasker1

Note certifyed pre-owned is a gimmic, Federal law requires that ever car be inspected and must pass a basic series of tests. Calling it certifyed is just a marketing gimmic. If you do buy an extended war, buy it after market as you can get the same coverage for about 1/3 the price. Dealers typicaly sell theses for around 1-2k but you can buy one from several places online or through a credit union for around 500 bucks.

generalinq

Thx...I'll have to shop when it's time..I didn't know I can purchase one online..