hey guys so I'm trying to find a reliable daily driver under $9500 and the tsx seems like the best choice. I currently have a 04 wrx but I've decided to only drive it on weekends and track days. My question is, what do I need to look out for when checking out a tsx? I'm looking at 2004 model in particular because they are the cheapest. Also, what are some major maintenance work needed to be done on this car when it hits 100,000 miles? thanks

 

There are a few items that need attention once the car passes 100K miles. Change the spark plugs and check valve adjustment at 105K, coolant and transmission fluid change (MT or AT) at 120K or 6 years (hopefully will have been done earlier). The TSX is pretty easy to maintain, and the recommended intervals are fairly long (too long in the opinion of some). The 04 models we more trouble prone (first model year blues), but by now I'd assume that anything that will go wrong probably has. But.... for the money you're willing to spend, you should be able to find an 05 with some miles (like mine).

 

The 04's had more squeaks and noises, they were also more prone to the A/C compressor failures. You should check to see if the timing chain has been replace. Hopefully you can get access to all the maintenace records. I agree with Simba, try to get an 05 if you can. 06 would be better as that was an MMC year but probably hard to find one in that price range.

 

thanks guys. From what I've heard, the timing chain doesn't need replacement. is this right or wrong/

 

Technically that's true; there's no maintenance interval for the chain. But.... it's been a slightly contentious issue here since a few have had problems. It seems that as long as the oil was changed regularly there should be no problem.

 

I found an 05 model I might be interested in. It seems like even though it has high mileage, it was very well taken care of and his wife drove it. He said the lowest he's willing to go is $8700. is this a good price or can I do better?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...000572754.html

 

Too bad it was hit. That may be the only red flag, but that's up to you. Some won't touch a car that's been in accident, other's care less. The mileage in itself shouldn't be a concern (especially in CA since you guys don't have winter). My 05 is at 168K and my wife's 07 at around 145K. Neither use a drop of oil and still run new. Though the asking price is right around what Kelly's Blue Book and Edmunds say it should be, I'm guessing the seller's lowest acceptable price is all the money for an 05 with that many miles. It's always nice to do better, but I wouldn't feel bad about paying that ($8700) if the accident doesn't bother you.

 

PM me for a detail if you end up gettin it

 

I wouldn't sweat over a side-swipe, so long as the repair looks good to you. Sounds like it's been maintained well. If he has the records, sounds like a good find.

As to your original quesiton, aside from what was noted about the 04 there is nothing unique to a TSX to look out for. Just standard used-car stuff you'd look out for in any purchase. I think the TSX is as solid a used car as you'd hope to buy.

 

thanks guys. I ended up buying the car today. I couldn't be happier that I bought this car. The car only had one owner which was a lady in her thirties. Her husband did provide me with all the records from the past and was very honest. paint was really scratched up everywhere but I detailed my car for like 4 hours today and it looks much better now. The car drives like new and I absolutely LOVE it. Here are some pictures I took with my phone after the detail.

 

also, the previous owner told me that he changed oil every 3000 miles with 5w20 oil. From what I've seen in this forum, most people change their oil every 5000 miles or even more. Is that right? Also, is 5w20 recommended for high mileage vehicle like mine?

 

Changing the oil at 3K mile intervals is a waste of money, energy, and oil, but some still cling to the idea and seem to think it's the way to go. Oil companies love them I imagine. That said, the Honda recommended change interval for the 04 and 05 models is oil every 10K miles, filter every 20K miles. That seems a bit long to me. I had the oil tested a few times by Blackstone and determined that a conservative and safe interval was around 7500 miles (and Blackstone agreed). I change it sooner during the winter (though you don't have the dirty, dusty roads that we have in the Northeast during the snow months, so that probably doesn't apply to you). The recommended oil is 5W 30 (it's right on the oil filler cap) and I see no reason for you to deviate from that. That said, I've used synthetic oil since new, and since the 05 sits outside, I use 0W 30 oil during the winter months.

 

Heh, "driven by a lady in her 30's" I'm going to presume she was more the stereotypical variety…

My husband's got an '05 WRX as he's the more responsible driver. :P (I drive quite safe, but also have too much fun breaking the WRX loose on corners…)

 

I see that I'm not the only one that that comment wasn't lost on. To be honest, "driven by a lady in her 30's" is not something that would make me feel all warm and fuzzy about a used car. Now, "a lady in her 80's" might be something that would be appreciated (or a man for that matter!).

 

Yeah with todays oil every 3000 miles is a complete waste of time.

 

Hey Just wana ask if your CD and HVAC display is working fine cuz that is another major issue with TSX (04/05)?????

 

05 w/ 170K miles, and never any interior problems. Pretty sure that was the 04's.