Planning on selling my 3/4 ton Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel for a small work car. I need something to take an occasional customer to lunch in and something that doesn't look too yuppie-like. Otherwise, I'd probably be looking at a 330i BMW!

Drove a 6-speed TSX today and came away impressed and thinking:

Questions:

- Debating between the TL and TSX. I have 3 small children (2 in car seats, one in booster). Our Odyssey does 99% of the kid transport, so I think I can get away with the TSX. Is the TL 6-speed as fun to drive as the TSX 6-speed?

- Anyone drive an older version TL Type S and able to compare the TSX with it? Might be an option to find a used TL-S and save a few $$$.

- What about running regular gas in the TSX - Acura's website states it is possible with lower engine output as the result.

- Where is pricing on '05s these days? Anything off sticker?

- why don't they offer blue with tan interior? I'm thinking red/tan, but that may be too flashy. Black/tan is great, but tough to keep clean. Hmmmm.

Thanks,

Schmed
'91 BMW M3
'04 Dodge 2500 Cummins
'03 Honda Odyssey

 

Just Do it!

 

i am too looking for a car, and finally made my mind that the TSX is the right choice for me!
The question you are asking is very personal because we all have different needs and opinion.
I was looking for both a used 04 TL and a used TSX. After reading this forum religiously i was capable of deciding that the tSX is the right choice (for me!)

-made in japan
-better gaz consumption
-better handling
-folding rear seats
-better navigation

The only + the TL has over the TSX is that its roomier in the back, but since i am solo and dont care much for the extra room, it doesnt bother me.
Another thing the TL has a V6 270 BHP. But speed is something i want to stay away from; there are no good things that come out of driving fast in the streets.

 

If you're going to have kids in the car, TSX back seat might be a bit small for you.
Other than that, I would recommend teh TSX to the TL. TSX is more rare than the TL.

 

Get the TSX!

 

Tsx is most definitely more fun to drive than the TL. It's a smaller car, and smaller car=more fun. Don't get me wrong, the TL is great also. It's noticeably bigger than the Tsx - both inside and under the hood. Heard of tranny problems with TL though.

 

I love the TSX, but drive a TL. All I'm going to say, is that a 6MT TL will not disappoint you. In fact, the combination of 6MT + LSD + Brembos will put a big grin on your face...

But the steering response of the TSX is better (the TL's is too light), IMO. Better steering wheel, too... the 4-spoke on the TL is just silly.

TL-S is kinda risky, because of their tranny problem... (1. only offered w/ 5AT, 2. tranny failure). The interior will disappoint you, if you've seen the 3G TL/TSX interior. (My bro has an 03 TL-S, and the dash lights looked sooo dim compared to my TL).

 

My other vehicle is an ’04 Dodge Cummins and I recently bought a TSX after driving several cars including the TL (‘04 and pre ‘04) Generally speaking the older Type S TL’s are really, really good value right now. While I find the older TL’s drive and feel nice, on the whole it felt like an older generation of car. The new TL is considerably nicer in every aspect, however is a ton more money.

The TSX I found is a much more responsive car that really want’s to be driven. And it is phenomenally economical when you consider the level of performance and overall finish when compared to 6 cylinder rivals. If only you could get the OEM sub from the new TL in the TSX, it really makes the difference.

I think the TSX would double as good work car and a capable part time kid hauler.

 

Ahhh - I didn't know the TL-S only had an auto. Wierd. I did sit in one and it felt like an old car compared to the rock solid feeling TSX.

 

I like that feeling that it wants to be driven. That's why I'd prefer the TSX over the TL - light and responsive. I'll still drive the 6MT TL, but would rather not spend the extra money, carry the extra weight around, etc. The TL does have a little more "status" though, just via the look/size of it. At this point in my life, I could care less, thouh.

 

Can we please not start another TSX v. TL thread??? PLEASE????

 

Up to the point that you need a brake job and you find out that the parts alone will run you $1100-1200 before labor Then you start crying!

 

He used to own a M3 so it won't surprise him. And I have the impression that in general TL parts should be cheaper than TSX since those parts are domestic.

Usually a BMW owner will go for TSX other than TL. And with the a-spec suspension, The ride, the feel and the handling is very close to my E46 with sport package.

 

I test drove both TL and TSX looking for exactly what you're describing, Schmed -- a business car that isn't too yuppie-ostentatious but is classy for the occasional client dinner and is fun & economical (50-mile daily commute) and reliable day-to-day.

To me, the TL was too much the car my mother drives (which it is), the TSX reminded me of the Honda's of my youth ('82 Civic, '86 Accord, '90 Accord) only more powerful, nicer, cooler, etc. With the 6MT, it is just perfect and I've caught the mod-bug which has let me personalize its performance and still saved a few $$$ vs. the TL.

I've had the TSX for a year. I revisited the Acura dealer recently to drive a 6MT TL again, and (while it accelerates very strongly) I came away again absolutely enamored with my TSX. Hope that helps you make your decision -- they're both nice cars!

 

 

Barely anyone's had issues with the stock brembos... some even had their pads replaced under warranty.

BTW, as far as "status" goes, I actually think the TSX looks classier. It still has the 2G TL tone (which I absolutely love) , but a little jazzed up.

 

What's "2G TL tone"? Is that two-tone paint?

As I've been driving around, I've noticed more potential cars to buy, but keep coming back to the TSX. Audis are nice, but expensive to buy/maintain and I really don't want the extra weight of AWD, plus it looks a little too "rich" for my average client. Subarus may be fun, but I can't see driving an STI or WRX to client locations (I'm 38 yrs old and think they look too boy racer for a daily driver). Charger would be fun, but looks too big and heavy and probably poor gas mileage.

As far as maintenance costs, yea, owning a BMW will make anything else seem cheap. I've had 3 ('95 M3, '87 535is, currently own '91 M3). All have been super reliable, but part pricing is killer. Just like anything, though, there are places on the web to buy at significant discount off dealer. They are not difficult to work on. Unless you want to rebuild my S14 motor for $10k. Ouch.

 

For what it is worth I considered the following cars…

Volvo S40
Audi A4
VW Passat
Subaru WRX

I live in snow country so could not consider the Lexus IS or BMW 3 series.

I was trading in my Infiniti for the same reasons why I was writing off the Lexus and BMW.

In the end it came down to the WRX and the TSX.

To me the TSX had a far nicer interior and was of a more modern feeling design, and lastly was far more economical in terms of fuel economy. I also anticipate better reliability and resale; however I could be wrong on those.

Thus far very happy with the TSX.

 

Sorry, I was referring to the design of the 2G TL and the TSX.

You should look at the Legacy GT. Saab 9-3 is actually a very nice alternative, too. Here's a good Saab forum: www.saabcentral.com

Keep in mind you can get A LOT off the MSRP of the 9-3's.

 

I drove my boss' 9-3 convertible for much of one winter (top up, of course!).

Nice power out of that small engine, but the turbo lag was KILLING ME. I wanted to destroy that car and start over again. I think I burned up the clutch trying to get it to go, but if you went too far up the rev band before dropping the clutch, the steering wheel would be ripped from your hands and you would be launched in a random direction (probably towards Sweeden). Cowl shake was horrendous on the convertible.

Sorry, just had to vent. I'm not patient enough for turbo lag - even if 200+ horsies are there at the end of the line. I may check out the Subie GT, though.

 

Well then TSX is going to run about $950-1000 according to your pricing!!! 6MT TL vs. 6MT TSX break parts (rotors/pads) difference is about $150 if you look up prices on line. BTW – it is much easier to replace break pads on TL 6MT (brembo) than on TSX 6MT.

 

Obviously I wouldn't take it over a BMW 330i, but for the money it's a great car.

Mine is for sale for $25k