neuronbob

I finally went to my dealer to test-drive the TSX wagon today. The dealer is a fairly high-volume dealer and the only wagon they had was sold a few days ago. I therefore got no joy.

So how constrained is the supply of wagons, especially in the context of the big earthquake? I'd love to test-drive a wagon to determine whether it is worth my purchase or lease.

I didn't want to test drive a TSX sedan simply because the driving dynamics between the two would be a little different with the extra weight in the rear, and because I already test-sat in one, looking over the electronics, at the Cleveland auto show about six weeks ago.

Ken1997TL

They're rare, at least in the pacific northwest.

As for how they drive, the '11 sedan's ride/handling is very very similar which speaks well of the wagon. In my opinion the wagon has slightly better steering feel. I do know it is tuned slightly differently. Speaking of steering feel, the '11 TSX is much improved over the '09s that I drove. The 'dead spot' that existed when the steering wheel was centered has vanished, it feels much more like a hydraulic setup now. Not perfect but I don't think most people would notice the difference unless they were told.

I bought one now figuring the supply would only get lower

hornyleprechaun

Like Ken said the steering is very similar b/w the TSX & TSX Wagon.

Supply will be limited due to the tsunami and the fact that Acura only planned to produce 4000 this year. Should ask your dealer if they can tell you who the closest dealer is with the wagon.

cisobe

I just picked on up from the only dealership here in Hawaii. They had 7 on the lot (5 base and 2 tech). I wasn't sure when I'd be able to sell my truck (for the down payment) so I was asking my salesman when he thought the next tsx wagon w/ tech was coming in. He said the next run was schedule for production at the end of April, but he expected with the delays from the tsunami and earthquake at the earliest would be sometime in May.

Coming from my Tacoma, the TSX is awesome...

JavertHL

I did a spot-check of LA dealerships and the pickings look real slim.

sr20bet

be patient. there's no point rushing to buy one. you'll get better deals with time. plus i would want the 6mt version (if they ever offer it).

Ken1997TL

Are you sure? When the plant goes back into full production they'll be fulfilling sedan orders first. At least that would be my educated guess.

The earthquake greatly accelerated my purchasing plans.

sr20bet

They have resumed limited production earlier this week and with Japan's Deming and JIT supply chain protocols it could still cut into production capacity. It all depends on which supply chains have been affected.

Hopefully they don't start building the cars from the China plant (just kidding)

As to weather sedans or wagons shortages, that's impossible to predict without insider information, but if you need the wagon and money's not a serious consideration it might make sense to pick it up earlier.

Good luck with everything.....

neuronbob

I am most definitely not in a rush. If I do this, and that's a big "if", it'll be later this year or beginning of the next year. I just wanted to find one to test drive to be sure it was something I'm interested in beyond the way it looks on the outside ( I love it) and how it feels to sit inside it (pretty nice for an entry luxury car).

Ken1997TL

Well I wouldn't worry about needing a wagon for a test drive. I can honestly say you'll get 99% of the driving experience by taking a sedan out for a spin.

My folks had two 5th generation Accords years ago. One was a sedan, the other was a wagon. Except for slightly shorter gearing, the wagon drove identically and that was a big plus. The fun to drive character and utility the wagon offers brings back memories.

hornyleprechaun

I was given a normal TSX for a day while I waited for my wagon, and they drive very similar.

neuronbob

I see. I guess I'll go back and test a sedan, then. The only problem is, I could ask for a MT to test-drive and then I'll just start pining for a 6MT wagon, which may never come.

cisobe

Visibility out the back will probably be the biggest difference between the sedan and the wagon (duh...). My truck had great visibility all the way around... The wagon has small blind spots at the back corners (but that's what mirrors are for), not sure how it compares to the sedan...