Hello, I'm new here. I currently drive a 1999 Honda Prelude SH. No mods besides a CAI. Below are the reasons why I think a TSX is a good fit:

-I want something that will last (both reliably and satisfactorily) for years to come.
-I want to go back to auto (i know i know, but I'm getting older now and would prefer an auto for comfort, plus nobody else knows how to drive stickshift in my family, so it makes it easier)
-Comfort/luxury without having to pay too much for it
-Decent gas mileage
-Very smooth engine and transmission from what I saw at my test drive
-Good interior/trunk space (again, I was pleasantly surprised at the room this car had)
-Acceleration that will allow me to pass with ease on the highway/country roads

I'm thinking about getting new because of how well these things hold their value - most 2005 models I saw were going for MORE than sticker price on a brand new 2006.

The only thing that is holding me back right now is the 2.4L I4 - i know its a strong motor, but will I be satisfied moving from a prelude to the TSX? I don't care much about racing or driving very fast, I just want to be able to hit the gas and pass someone if they're driving slowly/recklessly and such.

Other (possibly) pertinent information:
-23 yrs old (when I buy it)
-Just graduated from grad school
-I can probably get 7-9k for my prelude
-I'm not into performance too much (but do enjoy a car that can handle well).

Thoughts? Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

The TSX is your car........it has all that you mention and more (luxury). It's not a fast car but it will get you into the passing lane with no problems. The handling is awesome!! I've had my TSX a year and a half and it's simply amazing to me.

 

i agree with the above. the handling is great as is, and i'm sure a minor mod would make it even better. the power is not insane, but plenty for passing and just cruising through the country-side. again, with a few mods, i'm sure you can add a bit more juice if necessary. and this board seems like the place to find out how!

 

Ironically, I remember test driving a new Prelude SH back in 1999. Granted that was 7 years ago, I do seem to remember it being a bit more "immediate" than my '06 TSX. However realistically I know it has to be really close. The TSX has a smoother powerband and has a much better overall sound IMO.

 

Thanks for everyone's replies thus far, I appreciate it.

When I test drove it, I had 4 people total in the car with me, so it did feel to be somewhat slower than I anticipated. However, I think a lot of it has to do with how smooth the car really is! i remember accelerating out of a turn and looking down at the speedo and I was going 60 when I thought I had been going 45-50 at the most. Very smooth car. I also took a corner at a fairly fast speed and it did handle a lot better than I expected a 3300lb (+ 4 adults) sedan to handle, much better really, I was impressed.

Overall, the prelude is a lot rougher, so you can feel the acceleration (and hear it). In the TSX, you don't feel it as much and you barely hear it, but thats a good thing. I'm ready for the next step, and I think the TSX is pretty good.

One other thing - how are the transmissions on these new acuras? There aren't any issues like they had with the TL-S/CL-S autos correct?

 

^^Get the stick

 

The transmission issues were isolated to the auto trans for the J-series V6 motors. The TSX tranny is different from that one and thus does not have the problems.

 

it would be helpful if you would actually read my post before suggesting something that I don't want. I have stick right now, and among other reasons, I WILL be getting an auto this time around.

 

ok, thats definitely good to hear. Thanks!

 

I have a 6 speed, but I test drove both the automatic and 6 speed. The automatic is certainly less high-strung in top gear, but overall I found it agreeable to drive. Fortunately it seemed like a far cry from the 5 speed automatic used in the circa-2003 TL.

A good friend of mine has an '03 TL-S automatic, and the transmission really annoys me. The TSX on the other hand has much crisper shifts, and it seems like the manual mode responds much faster than the one in the TL. Overall I'd say it's one of Honda's better automatics.

 

I really liked how it downshifted and shifted when I test drove it, it was very smooth. It also didn't hunt for gears when I wanted to GO, unlike the '07 Camry SE I drove.

 

My wife (girlfriend at the time) had a '98 Prelude that we sold in '01. I loved driving it while we were dating so we usually took that car when we went out (instead of my Infiniti G20) When we got the TSX, we both thought that it reminded us as an updated, more luxurious four door version of the Prelude. Both were automatics though so it was more of an apples to apples comparison.

 

Agreed. At least test it out before discounting it.

The auto and manual is like night and day difference.
If you are looking for any type of performance at all, stick is the only way to go.

Want to pass on the highway? Drop it down a gear or two.
More hp to the wheels? Manuals have less drivetrain power loss.
Weight reduction? You've lost ~100 lbs (?) and you haven't even modded a thing yet.

 

I'm quite aware of the "benefits" of manual vs. auto. But I have my reasons for not wanting a manual. I know its one of the best out there, its just not for me anymore. But thanks.

 

Why is it people can't accept someone else's choice/preference.

 

People come here to have us make their decisions for them

 

But this guy came asking about the car, not the just the transmission. And like every other thread, people just jump in and start their ritual prayer over the TSX 6MT. Please stop defining this great car by just the transmission because both of them are just perfect!

 

Yes, frequently they do. But the OP said he was going with the AT, several times, and still the suggestion is "get the stick". I know, I know, people will post whatever they want.

 

I think the TSX will meet your needs. It handles well. The AT is not as fast as the MT but you will have no problems passing cars or accelerating up to speed on an on-ramp (whether you just stomp it and let the AT pick the gear or use Sport Shift to select the gear you want).

 

TSX AT will meet ur needs if you're just doing city driving most of the time. Well...highway wise, it ain't a V6, but it'll do the job. And I totally feel for you why you want an AT cause I have one. I get stuck in the traffic everyday up and down hill, talk on cell phones all the time, and eat and drink in there...so AT is what I wanted. Good luck on your decision!

 

That is pretty much why I wanted it too lol. When I get stuck in traffic and I'm always doing clutch in clutch out I get tired....plus nobody in my family can drive stick and they'll probably drive it once in a while which I don't mind.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions thus far! I won't be buying anything for a few months, still have tons of research to do, but maybe I can get something during "clearance" season and get myself something nice for a good price.

 

Why is the 2.4L I4 motor holding you back? The K24A2 is a very potent motor. Its essentially the updated H22 with Honda/Acura's new line of motors.

Your prelude has a 2.2L I4 with 200 horsepower and 156 ft lbs. tq. The motor is moving 3042 lbs of car.

The TSX has a 2.4L I4 (as mentioned before) with 205 horsepower and 164 ft lbs. tq moving 3345lbs.

I would think the cars would be VERY close in acceleration, all things considered.

 

Yes, you are quite right about the similarity between the H22 and the K24. But I was comparing to larger motors, like the 3.5L in the Camry SE or the Acura TL. I know that it wouldn't be as fast as either, but I just wanted to make sure that it would still be good. I love teh overall package (and price) of the TSX. The TL is great too, but a bit too much and too large for right now.

 

Oh, I read the post. Nut up and get the stick anyway.

 

The TSX is faster than it feels at first due to the almost un-I4-like smoothness and silence of the K24. I found that I got used to it pretty quick, but people who haven't been in it much always say it's slow, then look at the spedometer and do a double-take. "Only" 205hp = 16hp/lb? Bah -- my previous car had 50hp (32 lb/hp). Yes, a Camry or Maxima or TL is a little faster but not enough so to make a difference in practical situations. And all those cars corner like ocean liners compared to the TSX.

The small (compared to a 3.5L V6) high-revving nature of the engine does mean you have to work a little bit for your power, even on the AT, and tight passing situations will probably require you to get in SS mode and drop a cog or two before you move over, but in my mind that makes for a more involving driving experience and is not a reason to scoff at the engine (it also makes for better fuel efficiency). The other typical advantages of a big V6 -- smoothness and quietness -- are quite well covered by the TSX, as I'm sure you noticed. "This is only four cylinders?!" is a comment I've heard more than a few times from the newly enlightened

Good luck with your decision and welcome aboard

 

How's the camry SE by the way? Compare it to the TSX.

 

Somewhat faster. Transmission was pretty slow and confused. Handled like it weighed about 500lbs more. Interior didn't feel nearly as nice as the TSX. I drove the SE too, the sport model.

Overall, I was surprised that it was a camry, but still, it didn't match up with the TSX. The TSX felt smoother too, even though it is a 4 cylinder.

And to previous posters - I'm not scoffing at the 4 cyl in the TSX. I was just making sure that it was quite adequate, which I already thought it would be, you all have confirmed

 

The TSX has as good if not better mid range torque than a V6 Accord. The TSX is not a slow car, its not a rocket either. Its the best of both worlds. I'm laughing at the fuel economy, I'm just past the half way point on this tank and have 520km on it. I'd imagine I can get about 750km before the light comes to refill and they're still be 15L of fuel left in the tank to take me close to 1000km. This is 85% highway. I think the car is wonderfull. Oh yea, I got a nice laugh over a previous post in this thread about the Maxima and Camry handling like oceanliners - Hilarious!