I posted a thread similar to this over in the home of my former car, a 2002 TL-P. After a pretty heavy accident on the car, I've been considering the options for replacing it. A 2002 TL-S and 2005 TSX are both on the block. Obviously since the original post went on the TL board, alot more people are pulling for a replacement of that sorts. However, I figured there were probably some positive things with the TSX that might be brought up by those who actually drive them.

So my question to the TSX owners is why did you pick your car over the other options out there.

Things that I like about the TSX:
Leasing an 05 car will actually be the same price as buying the 02 TL. Newer car = less miles, less headache, no need for an extended warranty.
The dash actually looks nice without the navigation, plus the blue speedometer.
A little bit better gas millege

Things I don't like about the TSX:
Available space in the backseat for people.
Some of the interior components seem to be cheap and flimsy
Value vs. comparable models outside of the Acura brand.

Things I'm not sure about with the TSX:
Does it not have an exterior temperature gauge?
Safety compared to the TL
The issues surrounding the engine difference. Yes, the 6 is nice in the TL but do I really need it.

 

See my comments in blue.

 

TSX is made in Japan, not boat like handling, K24A2, second best 6MT in the market(S2K is the best), high rev happy 4. folddown back seat. And TSX has outside temp guage. It is the safest in its class on(04).

 

The one thing about the TSX that really stands out is value. Best bang for the buck I can think of. What other cars are you comparing it to?

 

2G TLs had outside temp gauage, too.

i'd say if you want an MT, get the TSX. if you're not planning on doing some mods, especially the suspension, get the TSX. if you're.. forget it, get the TSX. heh

 

Well here is the rundown of the cars I have looked at, and the feelings on each:

2002 Acura TL-P
Had one, destroyed by some jackass with no insurance. My insurance wants to fix it, I want to replace it, which means I'll have to put some money down. In which case I'd prefer to get something better.

2002 Acura TL-S
Much better than the TL-P, just not sure about spending $22,000 on a used car, adding an extended warranty and then waiting until 2010 for a payoff. Did love the performance and suspension, though.

2004 Acura TL
Models with navigation are hard to come by. The non-navigation model looked ridiculous in the center console.

2005 Acura TSX
I was actually smiling during the test drive because of the response and handling of the car. When I originally drove one as a loaner, it was black / black / alum and just felt a bit cheap. Now, the 2005 I had was tan with black and wood trim..alright... and also had navigation.

2005 Honda Accord
The car has alot of the features of the TL, but something about seeing 30 of those on a trip just to the grocery store bothers me a bit. Plus the guy at the dealership was a dick.

Cars immediately off the list:
Lexus ES330 - For reasons similar to the Accord and the value seems slightly inflated.
BMW 330i - Nice performance and handling, interior is a bit confusing and the quality is a questionable.

 

Why not!

Of the things you "don't like" The only one IMO is backseat space. This however is not a big issue for shorter around Chicago trips. Longer road trips and this may become an issue depending on yours and your passengers heights etc...

Interior components flimsy-no way. This is a very solid car. I think you will completely dig the interior.

Value vs. other makes. Not even a question the most value in its class. Look at a 3 series comparably equipped. Your talking TL money(05).

Yes to the ext. temp.

Safety wise I don't know. A little smaller than the TL. other than that?

6 vs. 4 The TSX really moves. If stock isn't enough there are a million mods to make it faster. If you live in the city is a 6 really necessary? Friend of mine has a Cl-type S lives near Wrigley and never gets to stretch its legs.

I don't know if any of this helps. Either way you go you will be getting a reliable fun to drive car. tough decision...

 

here is why i chose the tsx:

- best overall value for the buck vs other cars
- very nimble, better handling then the TL
- don't want 270hp on FWD
- made in Japan

tl is also the best in it's class. after driving both cars, i've felt i rather keep the extra 5k-6k then buy the tl. but i'm waiting for the awd tsx or tl for the next MY change.

 

 

"Some of the interior components seem to be cheap and flimsy"



What exactly?

 

Well I think you hit most of the major advantages of going with the TSX over the TL:
New car less headaches, no need for an extended warrenty.better MPG.

I've had 5 adults in my car, with 4 adults average plenty of room and power out of the stock TSX. So backseat space isn't really an issue. 80% of the time it's just me and one passenger anyway, so space wasn't my primary concern.

The TSX is very nicely equipped for the cost, and it is an extermly fun car to drive. Good power (not as good as the TL but decent with stock). My one minor complaint with the stock TSX is the body roll when cornering with the stock tires and sway bar. I wish that Acura would use more aggressive tires and rear sway bar. For normal everyday driving, ie not cornering agressively you won't notice this issue.

The thin paint is a minor grievance, and one that I think most TSX owners share. I don't know if this is an issue with the TL. And I didn't know it before I purchased the TSX. Might be something to consider.


The leather seats aren't as soft as some of the more pricey competitors (BMW) but for the cost difference my rear can't tell the difference when I'm sitting in them. Speaking of which you asked about value to comparable models outside the Acura brand. I just purchased my TSX about a month ago so I was recently in the market as well. I looked at audi, bmw, nissan, honda, vw, kia (surprisingly good value and features for the cost- if your looking for a pure sedan style car their top end model may surprise you), and acura of course.

Safety: Minor note on that my privous car (a 2000 Nissan Alitma SE fully loaded) had side impact, driver and passenger airbags was totalled when I was sandwiched between two SUVS (a Lincoln Navigator driving me into the back of a Rodeo doing about 55mph) and not one of those airbags deployed. That car was rated at 3 stars for safety. The TSX is rated at about 5 stars. The force of the impact was enough to drive my laptop from the trunk, knock down the pass thru seat and hit the back of the driver seat. Getting driven into the back of the Rodeo, knocked everything out of the ash tray and into the back seat. I walked away without a scratch (god and my guardian angel were defientaly working overtime that day). The car was of course totaled, hench the opportunity to buy the TSX. The Navigator had to be towed as well. So with a higher safety rating on the TSX and definately stronger construction than my 3 star car, I'd say the TSX is pretty safe. At least I feel safer in it.


I wanted something sporty and fun to drive, and with gas prices going out of control here in S.Cali and the fact I was driving 100 miles a day to and from work (2 1/2hrs in LA traffic) mpg and comfort (ie lumbar support - got to love the heated lumbar in the TSX that absolutely saves my back everyday) were also considerations. Also I tend to keep my cars forever and I wanted something I would be just as happy driving in 5 years as the day I drove it off the lot. And in the final stretch I narrowed it down to the honda accord hybrid and acura tsx. The TL is an extremely nice car, with lots of power, but I just felt a bit old when driving it.

I ended up choosing the TSX because the car was just more fun to drive. No really logic behind the decision. In fact a surprising lack of logic, I got a much better deal on a new 2005 Accord than the 2004 certified used TSX I did purchase. But so far I'm really happy with my choice and have no regrets.

Bottom line I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever one you go with TL or TSX. And if you do go with an Acura, I'm sure you'll find the same thing I have here on AZ that the community is full of a lot of great people, who are extermly helpful, friendly and all share a common love of their car. In the short time I've had my car and been a member of the forum I've made many new friends, attended a user meet, gotten tons of mod'ing ideas (perhaps not such a good thing as far as my wallet is concerned), learned a ton about my car thru other users sharing their experiences


Also, I was on the fence about the need for a navigation system, and was thinking I could buy a portable garmin. But having one in the car makes life so much nicer. Something I would suggest you should consider.

 

for real, the interior very nice quality and the back seat space is great given the class it's in. I would have loved to have gotten a new TL but no 6MT around here, so i chose the next best thing, the TSX!

 

The TSX is more an enthousiast car compared to the TL... You don't want to throw a TL hard in curves... On the other hand, the TSX asks for it...

You did not mention the driving feeling of either car... If you're looking for a cruiser, the TL may be your answer...

 

I agree with Weapon-X 100%.....
Fit and Finish of Acura interiors is equal to or better than just about all the other makes in it's class. Of all the cars available, I think Acura is one of the best cars out there when it comes to safety and reliability. Whichever one you get (TSX or TL) you'll love it!!

Plus.....there's lots of mods!

 

Go to Edmunds and look at the interior room for the TSX vx. the TL.

The TL has .7 more leg room in the back than the TSX
The TSX has .1 more hed room in the back
The TSX has .5 more CU FT for trunck space

The TL is a little bigger in the inside than the TSX, but not by much. The TL is a nice car, however I got the TSX because I felt like I got more for my money. But that's NOT to say the TL is a rip off. I just didn't need the little extra interior room and the 270 HP 6 Cylinder. Let's face it though, the TL doesn't get bad gas mileage for that engine! Tough choice. Sorry I couldn't help! If you don't mind spending the money, the TL may be the way to go, If you want more trunk space, the TSX may be the way to go. I'm 6'3" and I have plenty of room in the drivers seat. That's another reason I was sold on the TSX. I was considering a Honda Accord, but I didn't have as much head room in that than the TSX.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that the TSX is built to be a "sporty" sedan, so the ride and handling is going to be different than the TL. The TSX does sit lower to the ground.

Let us know what you decide!

By the way, the TSX DOES have outside temp display and all those other goodies....Dual automatic climate control, factory xm radio, leather, voice activated commands, heated seats, heated mirrors, auto dimming review mirror, 17" alloy wheels, etc....

 

The TSX does sit lower to the ground.


This isn't true. The TL sits lower to the ground than the TSX.

 

According to Edmunds, the TL has 5.8" of ground clearance while the TSX has 4.7" of ground clearance.

 

6.2in= TSX groud clearance (unloaded)
5.8in= TL groud clearance (unloaded)

www.acura.com

 

I think that's just determined by how low the air damn on the front facia is, which really has nothing to do with whether the whole car sits lower. Acura specs state that the TSX is 1" taller than the TL, for what that's worth.

 

If you ever see them side-by-side its obvious what the others are saying... the TSX is def higher (one reason lowering it is a must )

 

For what it's worth, my PWP (white) TSX with parchment (tan) interior, in my opinion, looks a lot more luxurious and expensive than the black TSX interior. I say this because I've been driving a rental TSX for the past three days. The interior looks "dirty" when it really isn't. This really surprised me. I would recommend checking out the tan or grey interior over the black before you decide.

[oh no! After re-reading this post, I'm opening myself up for lot's of flaming from you guys out there with black interiors! I didn't mean to offend - just my opinion]

 

No flames here on AZ

But its not a fair analysis when comparing a rentals cleanliness to your own car's. Also, in the long run, once the wear marks and in-ground dirt start rearing their ugly head, they will show up much clearer on light colored leather. Thats when you will say that maybe the ebony leather isn't so bad after all

 

Oh no, no flaming at all. We encourage thoughtful and true posts such as this.

 

Wow! My bad on the ground clearance. I wonder how wrong Edmunds is on other stuff too....I know they're wrong about the styling of the TSX...They call it bland, I call it awesome.

 

I agree. But the wife didn't like parchment...

 

Enjoying the loaner 2005 TSX while my car's in for some service. Basically a little more smaller and nimble than the 2005 TL I had in December, with less power. The engine revs beautifully though and doesn't feel weak jumping on the freeway. All the features you could ever want, except maybe the size of the back seat. All-around extremely nice, I was a little bit concerned I'd regret not asking them for another TL.

 

I cannot believe all the TSX vs TL stuff on this forum! People buy what they really like and balance to what they can afford. I love both cars after owning a 2002 RSX Type S, I was looking for some more room to take clients out, both the TL and TSX would have been great choice, I still wish I could afford a RL over my TL. I think Acura has by far the best overall quailty and performance. If you are a German fan cannot you beat 23,000 to 48,000 for what std features are offered on all models! A 330i, C320, and A43.0 cost over 40,000 sticker! Great cars! But love the great cost vs value on all Acura's!

Good driving to all!

 

There's no harsh feelings between the people... It's a discussion forum. Most people who come to these forums are car enthousiasts which means they take their cars at heart. I personnally think these discussions are good for anyone who's looking to purchase an Acura. It gives an unbiased look at the options (ok everyone is biased so in the end, the bias is counter balanced). There's some truth in every post in this thread.




Luc