HI all,

Looking to get my son his first car we are Honda/Acura family and saw an incredible Acura TSX 2008 V4 at Honda Autonation in Dulles, VA. Body, engine, tires look to be in solid condition with $128K miles on it only visual downfall appears the driver seat leather is ripped (no big deal really). The Carfax Carfax - Acura TSX shows three owners with the first owner doing most of the activity and states no accidents/damage. I do realize that Carfax is only reliable as to what is reported to them and that car repair shops that are not on their network that service cars will never relay to Carfax. However that said this is a Honda dealership promoting their brand so maybe I am a bit naive to think they wouldn't want to hide anything.

As I pry more into the car I am concerned with what I found when googling the VIN number (JH4CL96838C000024), when searching for more info I found through Edmunds.com that states 'Frame Damage' Edmunds - Acura TSX

So my question is where can I go to verify the true state of this car? Looking for suggestions to the best sites to provide entire history of a car via VIN. (realizing these are fee services).

Thanks all in advance

JTS1

 

I had an 06 TSX 5AT w/ navi I purchased new in 2006 (ASpec body kit, Progress RSB, Heel Toe adjustable camber kit/fastline endlinks, and lowered ASpec suspension). Handed it down to our son in 2014 for his first car in H.S. and it was totaled in 2018 by a red light runner with +176,000 miles. It was a perfect car for him because of getting good mpgs, very reliable, and not enough power for him to get into trouble. There isn't any differences between the 06, 07, and 08 TSX other than adding TPMS to the 07-08 model years if you are still on the hunt if this one doesn't check out. I had issues with: P/S rack/pump replacement, 2 alternators/3 batteries, replaced radiator because of hairline cracks, replaced radiator fan, replace A/C compressor, snapped OEM endlink from lowered Aspec suspension, and worn front upper control arm (those issues spread out over +6 years after +115,000 miles).

Does the TSX have a clean title? I would be worried how much frame damage and if the title is salvaged. I also have a rule of keeping with 1-2 owners in the used market and I get a little worried when you start to get 3-5 owners; especially, with a short amount of ownership time. Sometimes mods is another no-go for me if a pervious owner added ECU reflash, intake, headers, exhaust, aftermarket suspension mods, replaced OEM stereo/speakers, aftermarket alarm, etc.... Acura/Honda are generally reliable vehicles and someone would not sell a perfectly running vehicle in a short amount of time (I think "money pit" after you start with the 4th owner).

Other vehicles similar from Acura could be:
- 08 to 12 RDX (imagine the TSX with more power, space, and sh-awd; but, 17-20 mpg combined)
- +09 TSX (extremely similar to 1st Gen TSX; but, a bit larger and handling closer to the larger 04-08 TL)
- 07-08 TL (the 04-08 TL probably the best selling Acura back then and might have a larger selection in the used market. A few more squeaks/rattles compared to the TSX being made in North America)
- 1st Gen ILX; but, I really like the +2016 ILX. This is closer to the 1st Gen TSX in size, performance, and handling with some pretty nice upgrades (8DCT, LED headlights, updated info-tainment, Aspec model. Zero issues driving a 2016 ILX +2030)

 

Thanks for the info especially the help that nothing over two owners, cancelled the test drive especially after AutoNation said we go only by Carfax as our official statement of record, that is what did it for me. Will look at these other suggested Acuras.