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Calling on TSX experts here on what advice you guys have for things to watch out for and if you guys have strong opinions on this specific wagon and whether its a good buy. I'm looking to add this to my stable as a more practical/comfy commuter.
Hi nist7. My wife and I are still happy owners of our TSX Wagon. It has over 133k miles and is very comfortable, especially for long distance drives. And with fuel prices so high, we're using mid-grade (89 octane) with no ill effects.
It has a few minor problems, and we can live with them, but you should know about them before buying.
1. The bluetooth module (hands-free link) never worked well and would regularly forget the paired devices. Even after we got it updated via service bulletin, it was never reliable. See service bulletin 12-021.
2. After 100k miles, we noticed oil consumption. I learned later that was because we liked to use the paddle to downshift and engine brake. It needs perhaps 1 quart every 6000 miles... not terrible and maybe requires a top-off between oil changes. We switched to Mobil 0w-20 High Mileage oil to see if it helps. See service bulletin 12-042. While it applies to the TSX sedan with a manual transmission, it's also true for the wagon using paddles. I guess we could also stop applying engine braking ☹️
3. The windshield side trim popped off at 27k miles. It was repaired under warranty, but it is a common flaw. See service bulletin 12-018.
One other minor issue is that the window and door lock controls on the driver door panel are "sticky." Over time, they just stopped responding the first time and require multiple presses, or a firmer press.
Lastly, the roof antennae is getting loose, but that's because my wife goes thru the car wash without removing it first (as specified in the manual)!
I wrote a review when the wagon was new, but added a couple of long term updates: The 2012 Acura TSX Wagon
I bought my 2011 in 2013. I've got about 130k miles on it now. I did a lot of research before buying it and looked around for the one I wanted. I've had zero issues with it. Mine has the tech package. No trouble with bluetooth (I usually have to re-pair after the phone does an update) or oil consumption. I still get complements on it, people say "I didn't know TSX made a wagon". Just normal maintenance, oil changes, batteries, brakes (once). One thing maybe out of the ordinary was that I had to replace the rear shocks at about 100k, the rear end had gotten real bouncy. I see this car is in Cary - I live in Cary too! I would be leery of a car with that total black interior down here. It's going to get really hot in the summer! Maybe not so bad if you have a garage you keep it in and have shade to park it in at work. Seems a little strange that the last two owners of that car didn't keep it more than about a year. Price seems high, but I guess that's the current market. It is comfy enough, mine has the driver adjustable lumbar support, not sure if that's only on the tech package.
I got my 2012 a couple of years ago before prices went bonkers. I've got about 65k on it now and so far no oil consumption or Bluetooth issues. The problem I have is with the shitty axles and how they vibrate. The only way to fix it is with OEM Honda axles. An independent will use aftermarket ones that are cheaper but will vibrate new out of the box... just at a different speed and intensity.
I have a 2014 with only 60,000 and no problems. Maybe 2 or 3 times I've lost bluetooth connection, but that was with my old phone. I've a newer Moto G for about 2 years and have no trouble. We couldn't get my brothers Apple phone to connect. It gets into some kind of error loop that is tricky to clear. We just gave up. I was able to reconnect my Android phone without any problems. Paint is thin compared to my previous Audi, so it's scratched up some. Personally I'd like a smaller car, but that's not the fault of the Acura. It does hold longer items compared my brother's wife CRX, but they can put in taller items.
@nist7 I don't have a lot of experience but my cousin bought one and totaled it shortly after...he loved that thing and highly recommends it...it feels slow as hell but for a commuter that's not the worst thing...
hope you find the one you love...also, he said he wouldn't settle for less than tech package.
I got my 2012 a couple of years ago before prices went bonkers. I've got about 65k on it now and so far no oil consumption or Bluetooth issues. The problem I have is with the shitty axles and how they vibrate. The only way to fix it is with OEM Honda axles. An independent will use aftermarket ones that are cheaper but will vibrate new out of the box... just at a different speed and intensity.
Love the car, but disappointed by this problem
Ah, I forgot about the axles. At 55k, I felt vibration and had to replace the front drive shafts. They were under warranty, but I had to pay to replace the bushings. @Nist7 - make sure you check the service history.
Also still love the car. I'd still rate reliability as good, but not great as Honda / Acura once was.
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I bought my wagon back in November and I have been loving it (even through it's problems).
When I first bought it, I was dealing with a parasitic draw issue. Turns out the HFL module was the main culprit and the dealer sent me a new one to install. Haven't had much problems since. However, I have noticed that if I lock my car overnight, it seems to die the next morning. Possible regulator problem? I'm not too sure. I have had issues with dropping the connection on the bluetooth, and also had some oil consumption issues. However, the car itself has been amazing. Took a nice trip to the beach (about a 4 hour drive) and it handled very nicely. I'm excited to take it to Bristol, TN to see Cleetus Mcfarland.
Thanks for showing me a pic of a wagon on waffles.. Love the look. We have 200k miles on our Wagon, and still love it. It's been fairly trouble free. Brakes, Tires, Wiper blades, battery, Splash shield, stupid windshield trim, windshield, rear wiper motor, rear struts, coils, plugs, serpentine belt, trans fluid and filter. A lot of that is normal, so I don't count that as a bad thing. I'd buy another for sure.
Its been a really (surprisingly) trouble free car. My wife drives it sparingly around town since she's within walking distance of work (when/if she goes in to the office). I can't really recall a single actual repair that's been needed in its 125K miles.
I did a 100K mile service recently, and that's been the only major maintenance event. Everything else was just oil/fluids/brakes.
Its a great road trip vehicle. Good power to shove itself uphill, and more importantly, the transmission programming wasn't done by imbeciles. So road trips thru mountainous areas with cruise control left on aren't annoying.
Good looks. Lots of cargo room. Good MPG. Good handling. Fun to drive. We have the Tech model so...great stereo and features.
Negatives? Absolutely infuriating Bluetooth connectivity on our 2011 model (this got better in 2012, IIRC).
Its not so slow that you'll just get out and walk. But its slow.
Really positive experiencd with the car overall. It's been so good that we haven't found any need/want to replace it.
Edit...I did have to rebuild the axles due to pitting. They were shaking badly. So...I guess that's one repair that I've had to do.
It has some VTC rattle as the oil gets old and thin. Its a modern engine, so short trips will kill the oil's viscosity quickly due to fuel dilution. I plan to do nothing about this.
Again, besides that, its just been mostly oil changes every 5-9K miles. It doesn't burn any oil either.
Noteworthy...
People seem to really love this car. We always getting compliments on it wherever we go.
One time, sitting in NYC traffic, some youths pulled up next to us, gave us a million compliments, and offered to buy it.
Makes me wonder how its possible that wagons are deemed to be so unpopular in the US.
looks good on those wheels. the price seems a bit high but then the market is crazy and these are rare. The window trim flying off and dated nav system are issues, but the sound system, drive, and reliability are great. i had warped rotors but it hasn’t happened again. Great highway cruiser and smart auto transmission.
07-17-2022, 09:30 AM
