I'm in the market for an 09 TSX, and I cant decide which package to go with, tech or base. Why? I cant decide because the dealers wont let me near a base model. I'm not sure about dealers that you guys have dealt with, but the dealers around here will only let you see the car only after you purchase it. They keep playing the "this car is in hot demand" card. If you don't take it, I have 20 people lined up who will take it. I managed to test drive the car and now I absolutely love it, but the cars I have driven had the tech package, not the base.

I would like your opinions on the differences between packages. My main concern is the information screen differences. Is the base screen annoying to use, or does it work well? I plan to use the usb flash drive function quite often, does the base work well with that? Can I use the voice activated controls with the base?

Anything you guys can add will help my decision. I really don't need an integrated backup camera, or premium sound, so the main difference for me will be the user interface and navi functions.

If anyone has pictures of their base model screen, that would be cool too. By the way, you guys think I can work the dealer down to invoice, or is it too soon? Thanks for your help!

 

totally opposite here.

I can test drive any car on my local Acura dealer's lot, all I
need to do is ask. No ride along, no pressure.

They say, "If your color/option choice isn't here, we'll just order it for you."

Just get the tech package, you'll be glad you did.
For many reasons, any one of them being a good one.

Don't take their crap either, you're the boss, not them.

 

x2 on what mmstsx said

can you name those dealers? unless im misunderstanding you, they seem like complete assholes

but FWIW i was only able to test drive a tech model on my numerous drives because apparently thats was the dealers only demo car

the 20 ppl lined up is BS, you hear it all the time. when i purchased my base over a month ago i was able to land 300 over invoice very easily

i highly recommend Open Road Acura of Wayne in NJ... it's a bitch to commute there but it was all worth it with the kind of sales service I received.

anyway...

imo it depends how much of an experience you want each and every time you drive... with the tech, everything is voice integrated so it really pulls you in more with the driving experience.

the base screen isn't annoying in the slightest, but a bigger navi screen obviously has its advantages

usb functions are flawless

u can find base model screen pictures on google images

where in nyc are you at? you can check out my base model if you want

 

here's what im talkin about:

go to acura.com

go to tsx section

go to videos

click on the 'tsx connected' commercial

that's the experience i was referring to

commercial is perfect imo

 

Wow, thanks for the quick replies guys!

The Dark Knight, I went to acura of brooklyn and they were complete a-holes. I walked into the dealership, and it was like I was trying to sell THEM something. The sales guy actually lied straight to my face, telling me invoice was about 28k for a base. I showed him my copy and walked out the door.

I also went to Valley Stream acura, and dealt with a guy names Richard. Great overall experience, although I had to come back a couple of days later for the test car to be ready.

The dealerships Ive dealt with in the area want approx $1500 over invoice, which I feel isn't the best deal I could get. Many people recommended Ramsey, and I tried to contact them via email, but they never replied.

I like the tech package, but with it the resale value gets bumped up a few hundred, meaning I would loose a couple grand. I plan to sell in 4 years.

 

That video is pretty slick. I'm surprised the thing doesn't drive for you. By the way, Im in queens. How about you?

 

look at my location brah

 

Oh cool, I go to queens... right next door

 

no shit? me too LOL

 

You park in the lot? Hehe, sorry for getting off topic.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

 

fuck no, their parking lots are a death sentence (i'm sure you already know this)

anyhow if you want to check out a base tsx in person just let me know we'll set something up

and again i highly recommend ORAoW... i need to go in for service anyway (something VERY minor) so if you plan to head on over there lmk... we'll just split tolls/gas and i can introduce you to my salesman in person

 

Tech package was a little overwhelming to me, i prefer the nav on the first gen to the dial and buttons on this one.

 

When faced with the same choice, I went with the base. I pocketed the $3k extra they charge and got a $250 Garmin Nuvi. What most people here don't realize is that the actual cost of the tech is even more than $3k - you have to factor in the extra depreciation to arrive at its total cost of ownership. The base stereo sounds awesome too and is actually more powerful in terms of watts per channel. The base still offers voice control of all phone functions and full iPod/mp3 integration with on-screen readouts. The only thing the tech offers that I regret not having is a full color screen and the back-up camera. However, the non-tech screen also does not have the glare problems.

 

Definately find a new dealer. That kind of BS is not acceptable. And I'll vouch for OpenRoad in Wayne too. I bought my TSX there new back in 06 and my father just bought a used MDX from there as well. Be prepared for all the typical sales "games" and other shenanigans though, pretty sure all dealers do that. But if you prepare before hand and you know your shit you can get a good deal, and they are certainly willing to accomodate you. They realize they are there to serve you and will do pretty much anything to make you happy. If you want to see a base model, they'll show it to you. And the service dept is absolutely top notch. Kinda a long ride from the city though lol, only 10 minutes ride for me.

 

i just bought my gps last night

nuvi 255w

 

too bad.
I have a nicer Garmin I would have sold you...

 

Is it difficult to navigate through the music menus with the base menu system?

 

pm me with the model and price then and i may consider

 

haha, i just got the same one too ... courtesy of cc rewards points

 

As for the dealer attitude, don't put up with that, a letter to corporate will net you one helluva quick response from a customer relations person at the dealership. You have to be specific as to who told you they couldn't let you look at/test drive etc.

Or, just walk in with a DayTimer and write down the person's name along with their direct quote why they denied you. I bet you won't even need to write the letter after they see you writing all that down.

As for Tech/Base, I wanted Navi on my last couple of cars, in this case the rest of the Tech stuff was along for the ride and I'm enjoying it. Even on familiar places I go to around town, it's proven to be damned good at finding shorter routes & avoiding traffic.

 

i went base because i create custom routes on my garmin zumo 550. even if i was "given" the tech package i'd use the garmin.

 

Not at all. All the info still appears on the screen and is operated by the scroll wheel just like on the tech model. The menus definitely look a lot prettier on the tech model display though.

 

I think you would probably be perfectly happy w/ the base, but for me... it was worth going Tech just to have the back up camera. I dont' know if I will ever start buying DVD-A discs, but I have to tell you that the 5.1 surround in the Tech package is absolutely amazing!!!

 

You know, I gotta tell you I'm a little disappointed with the ELS (ALS, whatever). It sounds great with some music, but not so much with rock. There's a lot of mid-bass and the high end sounds kinda tinny.

I know I'll get flamed for this, but the Bose in my 06 Altima SE-R hit hard, and my 07 Si seemed more...balanced?

A friend of mine has that...thing (Rockford Fosgate 360) that wires inline with the stock audio but allows you to add amps and different speakers, etc. His 07 TL-S is a little overkill for what I'd want, but you don't *have* to blow out the back window.