yesterday, i had to go to acura to buy a trunk tray and i saw a nice colored new TL outside, i think it was anarchite (looked like a graphite grey), why didn't they give that color to the TSX?

anyways, i asked a service guy what would be more expensive to maintain and he gave me 2 service brochures for the TL and TSX and it seems you have to change the oil on the TL recommended at 3750, while our TSX is at 5000?

 

If you look at the TSX owner's manual, it says 10K. I've even gotten two different answers from the same service department.

 

5000 is recommended for "severe duty" (i.e. the way most of us drive).
I don't know why the TL is different than the TSX. Most Hondas I've seen these days have the same schedule as the TSX.

 

I'm only at 3800km on my TSX, but when I go for my first oil change I was thinking of going synthetic and maintaining that. Do you guys think it's worth it to go synthetic on the TSX or just stay with normal oil?

 

Stick with mineral oil and change your oil under normal service recommendations unless you really qualify for severe conditions. I change my oil every 10000km.

Synthetic is a waste of money. I would use it only if outside temperature was constantly under -25 deg.

 

With respect to the TSX, I can perform all of the routine maintenance myself. That's not to say I will. I may not have the time but it's easy enough that I can perform it. The TL, however, has a timing belt, not a chain like the TSX and the risk-reward ratio is such that I won't do a timing belt change on an interference motor. As is typical for late-model Honda V6s the timing belt and accessory belt change probably requires removing the right-side motor mount.

The TSX maintenance schedule recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles and oil filter changes every 20,000 miles. The TSX shop manual defines "Severe Conditions" as use including "such as a taxi or commercial delivery vehicle".

Even in the NYC area, I don't really meet the "severe use" definition. However, I still plan to follow the 5,000 mile interval for both oil and filters, and to use synthetic oil because I expect a car to last reasonably close to 200,000 miles.

I've used synthetic oil and 5,000 mile oil change intervals on my '98 Volvo T5 which has close to 140,000 miles on the clock. It still uses absolutely no oil between oil changes. The Volvo inline 5 has something of a reputation as an oil burner, but not mine.

The TSX engine block assembly lists for $3898.96 and the cylinder head assembly for $3978.32.

For an extra $300 for every 100,000 miles I think this is cheap insurance. I use synthetic oil in my wife's Oddy and in all my lawn equipment now, too.

 

The most common thread on ANY auto enthusiast site...When do you change your oil???

 

The main things that I can think of that would vary would be brake pads. The heavier and heavier engine TL would probably use more pads than a lighter more weight balanced TSX. Of course all drivers vary so this depends on how you abuse your brakes.

The oil changes are yet to be known since we don't know either car will respond throughout the life of its motor. If its your typical Honda motor though their shouldn't be much of a difference.

Are the lights the same for both. I know both are HIDs but are they from the same supplier and the same parts/assembly?

Tires is another maintenance issue with the cars. They of course will be affected by driving behavior, mods (if any), and amount of rotation. I'm not sure if TSX's and TL's (with 17s) have the same tires but that should be looked at too.

 

Canadian cars are supposed to follow the severe duty so you should be changing your oil at 8000. Dealers will refuse engine work if you don't follow the severe duty schedule in Canada.

 

50% more cylinders means that any spark plug/valve/piston work will cost 50% more for the TL. Brake pads of course will wear out faster on the heavier TL, like Doom said. Everything else should cost the said between the two cars.

 

I know I forgot something. More spark plugs. Plus on the TSX it'll be 125225x easier. On my Accord it takes a while to change for the back ones since they are hard to reach.

Would a valve adjustment cost more since it might be more difficult, or does Acura (if you use them) charge a standard fee?

I don't see piston work as regular maintenance. Maybe a fun upgrade.

 

Naaaah.

If it was so, why do you think that they included both schedules in the maintenance manual FOR CANADA?

The only mandatory maintenance considered 'severe' (as mentionned in my booklet for my Accord) is the change of the timing belt every 96000km instead of 168000km. It is explicitely written.

 

Read it again.

"Use the severe conditions schedule if the vehicle is driven MAINLY in Canada"

So unless you spend most of your time in the States then you have to follow the severe schedule.

 

I don't have this note.

 

 

ne one drive the tl lately? are the brakes better in the tl cuz i know they are really sensitive my bro has one and i barely have to tap it to come to a stop jw? thx

 

Dude! Think a little. The TL costs more, like $3-5K. That's more taxes up front, and more annual DMV fees. It has a V6. That's less mpg, so higher fuel costs. Insurance is more, too!

Of course, the TSX is cheaper! :P

 

Fuel economy is just 1MPG less in the TL so I don't think that's going to add up too quickly.

 

is the RSX cheaper in insurance than the TSX?

i think it is higher because it is considered a sports car.

 

I believe all two-door coupes have higher insurance, irrelevant of brand or size (same model year). To use the cost of insurance for an RSX to compare to that of the TL and TSX is disingenuous.

Disingenuous:
Main Entry: dis·in·gen·u·ous
Pronunciation: "di-s&n-'jen-y&-w&s
Function: adjective
: lacking in candor; also : giving a false appearance of simple frankness : CALCULATING
- dis·in·gen·u·ous·ly adverb
- dis·in·gen·u·ous·ness noun

 

disingenuous = word of the day

 

I like your Avatar. Pretty funny.

 

An RSX will TOTALLY be different in insurance. Considering the percentage of drivers that total those or get parts stolen. I don't really consider insurance cost of maintenance per se. More like an additional expense.

 

I would say yes, well for me that is, I have a 6MT TL, so I get LSD Brembo brakes and those suckers stop about 30-50 ft sooner

 

Wonder how that works... more efficient ABS? In a hard braking maneuver, I don't see how the pads & rotor design would make a huge effect. All it's doing is brake-let go-brake-let go several times.

W/o using ABS, I'm sure you could tell a difference. Honda brakes are not very effective. My Jetta's brakes were much better (when not using ABS).

 

A recent review said that the TL brakes werent that great, even with the brembos.

 

The Car and Driver review had the TL out braking everything.

 

Ya that makes more sense. Its weird how some reviewers come out of left field with their comments.

 

yeah, i can attest that the brakes are great, if i'm not careful i'll give myself whiplash

 

Dan Martin, as I said my car is an Accord and I don't have this note (just checked in the manual). But if it is specified as in the TSX manual, I wouldn't argue long and follow the severe schedule of course.

 

With regular dino oil changes, it's perfectly reasonable for Honda engines to outlast 200,000 miles. Two of my former Accords have done so. Dino oil that meets the specifications is perfectly adequate. Furthermore, it's specifically what the manufacturer specifies. I see no real advantage to synthetics, except for some ecological benefit.

 

Ibelieve driving in Mtl would qualify as severe driving conditions:

driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive material;

driving on rough road

(extracted from Honda maintenance manual)

 

I recommend Mobil 1 for any high-revving 4 cylinder engine. You will get better lubrication on cold starts in the winter, reduced oil consumption at high rpms at any time of year, and less friction than conventional oil. I get my oil changed at the Acura dealer, every 5000 miles.