Two-Year Saga Has Come to a Close
01-11-2005, 11:23 AM
#1
CEO of IMHO
Thread Starter
Two-Year Saga Has Come to a Close
Two years ago, at around this time, Acura announced the forthcoming 2004 TSX. As an Integra owner since 1995, I had waited patiently for Acura to come up with a car that I could upgrade to without having to deal with the reliability issues of other manufacturers. In Jan 2003, it seemed as though Acura had actually come through!
So, I followed the story carefully and finally took a test drive as soon as it was available in April. However, as you might recall, only the automatics were available at the time, so I test-drove one of those.
I was instantly dismayed by the lack of power. At the time, I figured "why would I spend close to $30k for a car that's no faster than my Integra?" As I pondered this value proposition, I started hearing rumors about the new TL that would be introduced that fall. So, I waited for the TL.
Finally, when the TL came out, I went out again for a test drive, and again, only automatics were available initially. So, I test-drove one of those. This time, power didn't seem to be a problem at all! In fact, this car really seemed to be "the one." But, I patiently waited to test drive a 6MT before I made my purchase, so I went back later that year to test drive a 6MT. Even in my first test drive, which was overall a lot of fun, I experienced a strange tugging at the wheel. I asked the rep what that was, and he explained torque steer to me, and said that it was well worth it because FWD was so critical in the North East, where snow and sleet are frequent visitors in the winter.
So, I started researching this torque steer thing, and then the Car and Driver review came out for the TL. I was honestly expecting glowing reviews, but I got the surprising opinion that the torque steer ruined the 6MT TL in their minds. Now, I am not a real C&D type driver. I don't rent track time. But something in their review resonated with me, and I began to start re-thinking my decision to go with the TL.
Acura gave me two choices, of which neither were perfect. Speed or handling? I could have Bluetooth and & DVD-Audio, but in that package was torque-steer. You could not unbundle unless you went with Auto transmission. I was bummed. I wanted it all, but Acura doesn't yet provide it all.
So, I stepped back a bit in 2004, but continued to participate in the TSX and TL forums as a potential buyer. And, on occasion, I'd go test drive a TL and TSX. Remarkably, I had not test-driven a 6MT TSX until 2004, where I was pleasantly surprised with the power it had compared to the 5AT, but at the same time, newly concerned about the seats. They were much more narrow and blostered than the TL's, and I wasn't sure if they were for me.
Finally, I decided that between the $6-7k saved, and the fact that the TSX won C&D's Ten Best two years in a row, and won C&D's 2005 Best Sports Sedan, and the fact that the 2005 TSX finally had a power passenger seat, heated side mirrors, and integrated XM, combined with the fact that Acura had 2.9% financing and that a local dealer would give me a 6MT NAVI w/protection package for under $28k, that this would be the car for me for the next 3-6 years.
So, as of Jan 7, 2005, I am now the very proud owner of a NBP/EBONY 6MT NAVI TSX!
WHEW!
It was worth the wait. I am absolutely loving my new car.
Jon
So, I followed the story carefully and finally took a test drive as soon as it was available in April. However, as you might recall, only the automatics were available at the time, so I test-drove one of those.
I was instantly dismayed by the lack of power. At the time, I figured "why would I spend close to $30k for a car that's no faster than my Integra?" As I pondered this value proposition, I started hearing rumors about the new TL that would be introduced that fall. So, I waited for the TL.
Finally, when the TL came out, I went out again for a test drive, and again, only automatics were available initially. So, I test-drove one of those. This time, power didn't seem to be a problem at all! In fact, this car really seemed to be "the one." But, I patiently waited to test drive a 6MT before I made my purchase, so I went back later that year to test drive a 6MT. Even in my first test drive, which was overall a lot of fun, I experienced a strange tugging at the wheel. I asked the rep what that was, and he explained torque steer to me, and said that it was well worth it because FWD was so critical in the North East, where snow and sleet are frequent visitors in the winter.
So, I started researching this torque steer thing, and then the Car and Driver review came out for the TL. I was honestly expecting glowing reviews, but I got the surprising opinion that the torque steer ruined the 6MT TL in their minds. Now, I am not a real C&D type driver. I don't rent track time. But something in their review resonated with me, and I began to start re-thinking my decision to go with the TL.
Acura gave me two choices, of which neither were perfect. Speed or handling? I could have Bluetooth and & DVD-Audio, but in that package was torque-steer. You could not unbundle unless you went with Auto transmission. I was bummed. I wanted it all, but Acura doesn't yet provide it all.
So, I stepped back a bit in 2004, but continued to participate in the TSX and TL forums as a potential buyer. And, on occasion, I'd go test drive a TL and TSX. Remarkably, I had not test-driven a 6MT TSX until 2004, where I was pleasantly surprised with the power it had compared to the 5AT, but at the same time, newly concerned about the seats. They were much more narrow and blostered than the TL's, and I wasn't sure if they were for me.
Finally, I decided that between the $6-7k saved, and the fact that the TSX won C&D's Ten Best two years in a row, and won C&D's 2005 Best Sports Sedan, and the fact that the 2005 TSX finally had a power passenger seat, heated side mirrors, and integrated XM, combined with the fact that Acura had 2.9% financing and that a local dealer would give me a 6MT NAVI w/protection package for under $28k, that this would be the car for me for the next 3-6 years.
So, as of Jan 7, 2005, I am now the very proud owner of a NBP/EBONY 6MT NAVI TSX!
WHEW!
It was worth the wait. I am absolutely loving my new car.
Jon
01-11-2005, 12:07 PM
#7
Go Giants
Should have got the TL.....
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wkslar
01-11-2005, 03:56 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by sygyzy
Do you really feel that the 6MT is that much faster than the 5AT? Enough for it to matter in day to day driving?
And I drive an AT....
To me it kind of sounds like Joe made Car and Driver play a bigger role in his decesion than they should have. I think you made the right decesion Joe but hopefully it was YOURS, not a magazines.
domn, who loves C&D....
01-11-2005, 04:40 PM
#14
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Originally Posted by domn
Its not just about being faster, its about having more control over the vehicle.
And I drive an AT....
To me it kind of sounds like Joe made Car and Driver play a bigger role in his decesion than they should have. I think you made the right decesion Joe but hopefully it was YOURS, not a magazines.
domn, who loves C&D....
And I drive an AT....
To me it kind of sounds like Joe made Car and Driver play a bigger role in his decesion than they should have. I think you made the right decesion Joe but hopefully it was YOURS, not a magazines.
domn, who loves C&D....
01-12-2005, 08:03 AM
#16
Engineer
welcome to the family...enjoy it 
01-12-2005, 11:37 AM
#21
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Originally Posted by foolioness
Congrats
PS: You can always add an aftermarket bluetooth to you TSX.
I'm looking at the Parrot CK3000 or CK3300 myself
PS: You can always add an aftermarket bluetooth to you TSX.
I'm looking at the Parrot CK3000 or CK3300 myself
01-12-2005, 06:57 PM
#22
CEO of IMHO
Thread Starter
Domn, Did I let C&D make my decision? Absolutely not. I used C&D as a professional advisor that led me in the right direction and to the right decision. To ignore "awards" in a decision factor would mean that the awards have no value. They do have value, which is why there are awards!
For me, their value weighed into my decision, and provided me with additional data to confirm my decision was the correct one.
In fact, C&D probably should read this thread and feel good about how effective their Ten Best awards are!
Foolioness, I am looking at an aftermarket BT kit. I'm leaning toward the Sony-Ericsson HCB-30. The folks on expansys.com seem to think it edges out the competition. My only concern with any of these units is that I definitely want voice calling. It seems that no matter what kit you buy, there are some phones that are not compatible with voice calling.
Also, it kind of sucks that a 3rd party unit won't integrate with the NAVI, like it does on the TL. I heard a rumor that Acura made a "last minute" decision to pull bluetooth from the 2005 TSX. If that rumor is true, I am fuming.
sygyzy, I find the 6MT to be more responsive, yes. I think having 6 gears provides more power in each "power band." It's been a while since I've driven a 5AT, so I can't tell you for sure, though. For me, it's just a feeling. And that feeling may be more than reality.
I have to say, I agree with the reviewers who say that the TSX feels and even sounds like a six-cyl engine. Is it a TL? Nope, but it feels nothing like my Integra, and I think the TSX is only marginally more powerful per pound than the Integra.
Jon
For me, their value weighed into my decision, and provided me with additional data to confirm my decision was the correct one.
In fact, C&D probably should read this thread and feel good about how effective their Ten Best awards are!
Foolioness, I am looking at an aftermarket BT kit. I'm leaning toward the Sony-Ericsson HCB-30. The folks on expansys.com seem to think it edges out the competition. My only concern with any of these units is that I definitely want voice calling. It seems that no matter what kit you buy, there are some phones that are not compatible with voice calling.
Also, it kind of sucks that a 3rd party unit won't integrate with the NAVI, like it does on the TL. I heard a rumor that Acura made a "last minute" decision to pull bluetooth from the 2005 TSX. If that rumor is true, I am fuming.
sygyzy, I find the 6MT to be more responsive, yes. I think having 6 gears provides more power in each "power band." It's been a while since I've driven a 5AT, so I can't tell you for sure, though. For me, it's just a feeling. And that feeling may be more than reality.
I have to say, I agree with the reviewers who say that the TSX feels and even sounds like a six-cyl engine. Is it a TL? Nope, but it feels nothing like my Integra, and I think the TSX is only marginally more powerful per pound than the Integra.
Jon
01-13-2005, 09:47 AM
#23
Team Owner
Congratulations Jon. 
Sounds like you were looking for a "perfect" car. No car is "perfect" but my TSX comes the closest to meeting all my needs and I'm happy that your TSX does the same for you. Two years. It took a long time coming .
Sounds like you were looking for a "perfect" car. No car is "perfect" but my TSX comes the closest to meeting all my needs and I'm happy that your TSX does the same for you. Two years. It took a long time coming .
01-13-2005, 12:54 PM
#26
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Great purchase Jon,
This could also be a guide to those who are inexperienced when it comes to buying cars, because usually patience is over looked even if it's the most important factor.
This could also be a guide to those who are inexperienced when it comes to buying cars, because usually patience is over looked even if it's the most important factor.
01-13-2005, 12:57 PM
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I bought my 2005 CG/Ebony 6spd Navi last monday (1/3/05). I struggled trying to find a car myself. I looked at a lot of diffrent cars and almost bought a Subaru 2.5 GT, then the C&D test came out. I think that it is hard to "test drive" a car and get a good bases for the car. I have always like the looks of the TSX (both exterior and especially the interior) but always struggled with its horsepower and torque numbers. What C&D have said about the car helped me decided to purchase this car. I have owned one other car that has graced their ten best list. The car didn't look like much on paper, or on the outside for that matter, but everytime I was in my 92 SE-R I had a grin on my face. I just got my TSX broken in today, time to go get the windows tinted and put a grin on my face. C&D has been my bible since I could read, rock on C&D!
01-13-2005, 04:52 PM
#30
CEO of IMHO
Thread Starter
You know, it's not all that hard to shop for a car for 2 years when you're driving an Integra with a custom stereo, and 97,000 trouble-free miles.
BTW, I'm selling my Integra. I'm in the Philly region. Anyone know anyone interested?
Jon
BTW, I'm selling my Integra. I'm in the Philly region. Anyone know anyone interested?
Jon
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