I have been reading the posts herre for some time since I was considering TSX as my next car but the talk about rattles makes me think otherwise. I curretly own 94 Integra and while it is a great small car it is not without issues. I've had rattle in my passenger seat since it had about 10k and had a dealer look into it. They replaced the seat moving mechanism but that did not fix the problem. I finally gave up on it. There were intermittent rattles in the dash. My driver door lock area rattles as well. After I dropped the car with pro-kit the number of rattles increased even though I still have 15" rims. The car has now over 115k so I expect a degree of rattles but my wife's 96 accord had rattles in the driver door as well much earlier along with dash rattles. I feel that this is due to poor design of lock release mechanism after looking under the trim. Now she has 02 A4 with about 27K and the car is without any rattles, quiet and built like a tank. I love the steering and brakes even though it is now as lively as I would like it to be. The seats are really great. I went to see TSX at a local dealer and was disappointed with the interior finish when I compare it to Audi. First, I noticed that the inside front door handle moves when I grab it. The headliner did not appear to be the best quality and when I pressed it in a few areas, especially above rear seat it made a funny noise. I still feel that Honda/Acura makes good reliable cars (after 4 in family to date) but I feel that they seem to be cutting some corners. Overall TSX is a nice car but I am disappointed with the interior finish and somewhat gimicky dash. I will still have to test drive it though...

 

You're right Acura did cut some corners. Maybe the fit an finish is not up to par with the A4. But comparibly equiped the TSX is alot cheaper, and should also be alot more reliable. You'll need to deside whats most important to you. And of course test drive it.


BTW: How is the dash gimicky? Its one of the nicest things about the interior.

 

I agree. When I bought my acura I compared the interior to Lexus IS300 and Infinity G35. I thought the interior was much better than both of them. The A4 is a nice car my sister has one. We swaped cars for a day just to see the difference, but I still prefer my TSX.

 

Reliability of the Audi's was a HUGE factor in me not wanting one.

 

I do not have a problem with the interior. I think that it is done tastefully and the materials look rich. I am not sure exactly what it is, just a feel - maybe from the backlit dials and the used of brushed aluminum that detracts from the clean look. That is what I meant with gimmicky. I am being very nitpicky here comparing with A4 dash and interior that I consider a work of art. This, of course, is a personal matter of preference. Nothing I could not live with. Rattles are a different issue alltogeher.
Now when it comes to looks, let's be honest, Honda does not exactly make cars that look exciting and will have good classic looks years from now (except for S2000 perhaps). But I cannot argue the point that they are reliable and fun to drive.
Decisions, decisions....

 

Reliability is what sold me over the TSX. I already own two Hondas prior to buying my TSX. However, my car has a lot of that rattling that everyone is talking about, but I can get over it and ignore it most of the time.

Honestly, I like the looks of the TSX, but not the engine...thats the only thing I am not a fan of.

New car buying is a tough decision.

 

The engine in the TSX is great. Its the car thats too heavy.
And the a4 1.8t will be even more sluggish.

 

I agree that A4 is heavy and will be more sluggish than TSX. I will have to weigh in the trade offs after a test drive.