jazzneel

So as my title states, I'm looking to upgrade from my 2006 Honda Civic, and while my budget is flexible (up to $22K), I would really really prefer to spend less than $19K.

The cars I'm looking at are the ILX or the TSX (2013+) with less than 35,000 miles. Only thing I really need is a backup camera, which unfortunately with the TSX I need to get the tech package.

I've seen that the 2013 ILX can be had for around $19K, and the 2013 TSX tech for about $22K. I live in Chicago, and would be street parking the car year round. I am looking for something that drives somewhat sporty, but doesn't have to be super sporty. I love how my civic drives if that helps at all.

My only for cons on the TSX is that it might be too big driving in the city (switching lanes, parking in small spaces etc), the $3K increase in price, and the worse fuel economy.

My cons for the ILX is that in heavy rains or slight now, it may not be as stable as a bigger heavier car, not as easy to drive on the highway when trucks are passing or high winds, and the interior is not as nice.

I was wondering what all your thought's would be on this? I think my two biggest concerns with the TSX is the fuel economy and the size, since I would be stepping up from a small honda civic.

Thanks for any input!

xtcnrice

Honestly, for today's standards the 2G TSX isn't that big. Sure it's bigger than its predecessor, but that is to be expected.

I think you have a conflict of interest in some of your requirements, as a car is naturally heavier if it's bigger. You want a car that's heavier than the ILX for stability, but smaller than the TSX for increased ease of parking/lane change/etc. I honestly don't mean to sound rude, but perhaps the right solution is to get an ILX and put a few bags of rice in the trunk.

Now as for performance... which Civic are you upgrading from? If it's an Si, then you can forget about the pre-MMC ILX unless you get the 2.4L 6MT variant. Otherwise, it's going to feel rather sluggish and slow. However, if you're coming from a non-Si Civic and you're content with the power, then by all means an automatic pre-MMC ILX would be your best fit. The TSX will more closely resemble the Civic Si variant, while being a bit slower due to increased weight (and even more so due to drivetrain loss if you get an automatic).

For what it's worth, I think for all Acura models you'll need the tech package if you want an OEM backup camera solution. You could of course install an aftermarket solution; there's plenty of info on this forum to get you started with that (for the TSX at least).

IMO, if ILX -> TSX is only 3K difference, get the TSX. Of course, having asked this question in the TSX forum, you can count on the presence of my bias .

Good luck!

atsx1313

I would not hesitate on what car I should get...

I read your situation, but I will prefer to get TSX over ILX...

You mentioned that TSX is a bigger car but that helps in the long run... and besides, TSX is made in JAPAN!!

You might be more familiar with ILX's size coming from a Civic but TSX seems more premium than ILX even if TSX generation was falling behind in those years...

why not get 2012 TSX tech model?? I don't think mileage is a problem for you, it's just a price...

hansolofliesacura

+1 to what they said above.

Having test drove an ILX and a TSX, it wasn't close.

ILX is souped-up Civic.

TSX is German version on an Accord.

Test drive both.

Gadgets and gizmos < Driving pleasure imho

cu2wagon

Why not just get another civic and save even more over the premium that the Acura badge commands?

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

Or (gasp) a European compact sedan like the A3/CLA which are heavier than the ILX but smaller than the TSX? Reliability on those isn't as bad as it used to be...

kurtatx

If those are the only two options, it's the TSX by a mile. The ILX remains a huge blunder for Acura. The TSX, even in its bad years, was praised crossed the board.

Eggs999bacon

I test drove both before going with the TSX. If i went with the ilx, it would have been the 2016 a spec, but that was out of my price range.

Comparing pre 2016 ilx to a tsx, the tsx ride was the best choice for me and I have't looked back. It still feels like a small sedan like the ilx. The only thing I would want is the back up cam, but I didn't like the dated tech package. I installed back up bright LEDs to help with nighttime back ups. I use a kenu airframe cellphone holder and my iphone 6+ acts as my touch screen music player. I am considering an after market head unit, but not sure I want to drop several hundred for that.

From what others have said, and what I have experienced, ride wise: TSX all day.

fbt

I may be the only here who actually likes the ILX. If they had a hatch I might of gotten instead of the Sportwagon I did. If you like your Civic, want something nicer that rides smooter the ILX is a great choice.

silverTL6

iTrader: (2)

If manual tranny isn't a must (and with gas prices so low) my vote is TSX v6

RTM

I only sat in the ILX, but the fit and finish wasn't up to the TSX.

Also, I wasn't comfortable, but I am 6'2".

I think the TSX is harder to back up than my Toyota Tacoma 4Dr Long Bed. Without the backup camera, I would not have bought the car.

icu2tsx

x2^


Wife's last car was a 2006 Civic LX 4 door.

ILX is a Civic with left over make up from the Acura dept.

Tsx is slightly longer but when it comes to putting stuff in the trunk/back seats/front seats, leg room and head room your Civic still wins. So you will be loosing that (assuming you have a 4 door)

MPG's are lost on ILX and TSX compare to the Civic.

back up camera can be had under $80, that is an easy upgrade, So you don't necessarily need the tech package.


base on your requirements seems the Accord fits your needs better. My vote will be to get a TSX, you will never look back at a Civic for a while again.

V-tecAc

I have a 2010 Mt base and I was in an Uber the other week in an ILX and I was like.......man this is nice. Backseat had more room than my TSX, center console seemed nicer to me. Very comfortable ride.
That being said.. I love my TSX and wouldnt trade it for the world but those ILX are nice from a passengers standpoint at least.

damaged442

I vote TSX over ILX also.

JDMaccord3.5

I've driven both and choose TSX all day, but of course I'd choose my TSX V6 any day over the 2 :P

13TSXTech

Heck, come to Virginia Beach and I'll sell you a 32k mile BWP TSX Tech in near mint shape for 22k.

No doubter though. Having driven both and being the original owner of my TSX, the TSX blows it away.

jazzneel

So as a quick update, I test drove the TSX today, and I really like it. The ILX has a recall on airbags, so they only had the 2016 ilx's which is out of my price range. At this point, I think I may be sold on a TSX. I sat in the 2016 ilx, and it was a little difficult to see out of the rearview mirror - the visibility isn't as good as on my civic, and the TSX has perfect visibility.

How easy is it to install a backup camera on the TSX? I would probably want something on the rearview mirror, since that would look most "stock." How much would something like that cost? I'm wondering if it would be worth the extra $1,500 or so to get the tech package, which not only would give the backup camera, but the ELS audio and the nav.

Thanks all for the replies!

jazzneel

Oops - I forgot to mention that I did NOT get to test drive a ilx due to the airbag recall. There is no point test driving the 2016 ilx since it's out of my price range, and the engine is much different on that one than the prior years.

JTRADAR61

I have 2012 TSX since new I have 26K on it. This so far has been most trouble free car I have owned. TSX gets my vote much better car than ILX.

blacktsxwagon

Get the tech package if you can. I have base, and I really wish I had gotten the backup camera...

icu2tsx

$50 for a camera and rear view mirror. Install is a breeze.


My Yada wireless back up camera took a shit, replacement for camera was $50 from Yada. So I got camera and mirror on Amazon for the same price and the quality is way better (Base TSX)

camera $19.00
5" rear view mirror $30 -
I took some pictures of the process of how to install it. might eventually post it as a DIY.

jazzneel

I found a certified 2013 acura TSX tech (gray color) with 33K miles for $23,900, and my question is, how much do you think I can knock that price down? Is it feasible to get it down to $23K?

13TSXTech

I'd sell you mine for that, and mine has an 8YR/100K warranty.

You should be able to get it for that easy. TSX just didn't hold value because 2013 was the last year.

jazzneel

I think 2014 was the last year of the TSX. But I am looking to trade in my 2006 honda civic in great condition with 69K miles, so I'm hoping for a net cost of around $17K, $17.5K at the highest.

jazzneel

Just an update, I bought my 2013 TSX Tech today! 17K miles on it. I'm very excited and love it!!!! Black exterior, tan interior. Only thing I wish it had was the beeping for the backup camera, but I guess I can install backup sensors for that.

musty hustla

Congrats! 17K is practically brand new!

amendez1992

I'd go with the TSX more bang for your buck plus it's roomier.

hadokenuh

Congrats. Plus the TSX is more refined than the ILX. I would buy the TSX as well.

kurtatx

After having driven some Hondas and the ILX, I can concur. TSX refinement is underrated in that price range and the size is just a lot better than the ILX, IMHO.

WheelMcCoy

I'm late, but congrats!! You made the right choice.

2012 TSX Wagon here. On one service trip, my wife and I got a loaner -- a 2016 base ILX with only 50 miles on it. It was nice and all, but it had a steady droning sound as we drove. Driver entry was also hindered by plastics at the knee level. While the ILX has the modern equipment, the older TSX is the better vehicle.

kurtatx

The ILX is just too small. They completely missed the boat on it. I know there's not really a car in that size now that the Euro Accord is gone, but dang it's just so small.