I know this has been discussed like a hundred times as far as performance goes, but what about comparing the two cars based on their known major maintenance issues? I am seriously considering an 05 6sp TSX with 41k on it and buying one of the two with a possibly major maintenance issue is probably not a great idea no matter how much I want the car.

TL
-Bushing failure resulting in new control arm
-Pinging and knocking in type s (wouldn't get a type s though)
-Cracked/faded dash

TSX
-MAJOR A/C disaster (I know on 2004's but some 2005's are popping up)
-Oil consumption issue (being newly reported)
-Rear camber?

Seems to me like the TSX has the potential to be a bit more of a money pit- any thoughts?

 

To put it as simply as possible.....There's a risk for major repairs in every used car if it is out of warranty. I'd drive both cars and buy the one you like more, assuming the price of both cars falls within your budget.

I've owned both a 2008 TL and now 2008 TSX, and I love the handling and feel of the TSX so much more. The TL (non-type s) felt like a boat to me. They feel very different! Drive them and see for yourself.

And if you've done that, I still can't feel a difference; you haven't driven them long enough yet. Ask to take one on an overnight test drive. Good luck.

 

Oh I definitely agree that there is a risk for problems with any used car.....but the 2004 (and maybe 2005) A/C problem is a pretty big sore thumb when looking at the TSX, wouldn't you agree? Although it seems like none of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 TSX's have this problem.

At this point I really like the TSX and the TL- and am really torn. It just seems like the TL has less potential to have a major issue like the A/C.

Just a rant here- the TSX is perfect except for that. Amazing how they could screw up something so simple that has been almost perfected in cars made after 2000. Hell, my 1997 TL's A/C we strong until the day she died (at well over 200k)

 

Just to give TSX owners some perspective, link to the same thread on the TL forum is below

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...1#post12139438

 

Come on TSX owners, give your expenience here.

 

Anyway my situation is that I have a 2005 TSX with 41000 miles for 15k flat waiting for me (6 speed) in mint condition. Anyone want to chime in if that is a good deal or not? He is throwing in an extra set of wheels

 

That price doesn't seem too bad for a low-mileage 2005, but I'd probably look for a 2006, just to avoid the AC issue with a 2005. If that's a possibility, I'd consider it if I were you. I'd think that 2006's could be had for $15k.

After reading the responses in the thread posted in the TL section and mentioning of gas mileage, I'll share my observations after owning both cars...My driving takes place almost entirely on back and twisted (windy) roads, and I consistently averaged 21 mpg's in the TL. Under the same circumstances, I average 23 mpg's in the TSX.

 

If you really want a TSX, just don't buy an 04. They have the most problems because it is a first year model. Honestly, the A/C issues with 04s started when they were still pretty new, and so far, the other model years have not had nearly the number of failures as the 04. It really is mainly an issue with 04s, with maybe a handful of 05s with the issue.

 

My 06 tsx has had all it's maintenance done by acura/honda dealers. It has had no problems (usual oil/filter changes, tire rotations/balances, cabin filter, MTF and brake fluid changed. Excellent running car with almost 108K miles. Love it.

 

I agree 105% with this post. I'm curious about the supposed 05 AC issues. I pay pretty close attention to this site and it's news to me. I have an 05 that's over 5 years old and has over 123K on it miles and the AC is still ice cold. No other issues to speak of either. It's a great car; you can't go wrong.
That said, $15K is a ton of money for a car soon to be 6 years old regardless of mileage (in my opinion). I was on ebay last night, and it seems that the price of 07's and 08's is starting to come down. You could get into a nice low mileage 07 for like $17K and change, an 06 even less.

 

Simba91102:

I also drive a 2005 TSX. I also have not had AC problems. Is your TSX american or canadian?

I believe there were about 35000 TSXs sold in 2005. My vin number indicates that my car was in the #8500 batch on the production line. What does your vin indicate in terms of what batch your tsx was produced in?

 

It's not surprising you haven't seen them. As far as I've seen in the A/C thread, there have been maybe 5 people (if that) with an 05 or 06 that had the A/C issue. It's a super low number. If there were problems with the A/C after 04 models, then they would have come to fruition long before now.

And, as an 04 owner, I must say that I have not yet had the "big" A/C problem yet. However, I've had the A/C relay replaced twice, but that is a relatively cheap fix. I have 66k on my car. *knocks on wood*

 

Less than a month ago I picked up a Pearl White TSX auto with Nav for $16,100 with 31,000 mile. I did have to get the front and rear bumper repainted, it being a city car.

 

I bought a 2004 TSX 6 M/T about 2 months ago with 73k miles and there's been no problems so far. Although i do hear some odd noises here and there i think its just over hyping of little problems. I've had no problems with the A/C yet, ice cold *knock on wood*. Although if i were to go at it again i wouldn't get a first year car just to save yourself from worrying too much; especially since 2004 is the first TSX ever so there are bound to be more minor problems here and there. Then again according to consumer ratings on jdpower it is supposed to be one of the most reliable cars in 2004. If the A/C problem was THAT common i would think nobody would buy a TSX. Thing is you have to look at it this way, only someone who has a problem with the car would specifically come online in a forum to post about it. So the problem is probably just a small fraction of TSX owners.