dooks

Hi folks,

I bought my TSX new at the end of 2006. A couple of weeks ago I was rear ended by an 86 Chevy truck that was going about 45 MPH. After the damage inspection, the insurance co. decided it was a total loss; and is working to have a check delivered to me.

I stopped by the body shop where it was inspected to grab a few things out of the vehicle today. When I sat down in the driver's seat to eject some CDs, I noticed how comfortable the seat was. I've been driving a rental (Dodge Charger) for the past couple of weeks and I really dislike the seat in the it. I'm sure it was a combination of my old "feel" and the fact that this rental is uncomfortable to sit in, but when the comfort came over me as I sat down, I really recognized how much I've enjoyed my car. There are a few things that I've wished were better about it: iPod integration would have been better over the auxiliary jack, a better Bluetooth system (I frequently get complaints from folks on the other end of the line, and I've tested several phones), and maybe a bit more pep in the power. But, overall I've really enjoyed it.

Now I'm looking to find a replacement...

Today I drove a Lexus and an Audi, and also stopped by the Acura dealer where I bought my first one.

I drove a Lexus IS 250, but I didn't like how I "sat" in the car. It seemed like I was sitting too far back and I couldn't get the wheel placed in a position that felt right to me. It was a 4 cylinder automatic, and just didn't seem too peppy on the acceleration. I also didn't like the lack of iPod integration.

I also drove an Audi A4. That was pretty nice, and I liked it a lot. It handled great, had lots of power, and even had nice iPod integration. What I didn't like about it was the small trunk space and the large price tag (the one I was looking at was around $41k).

After that I hit the Acura dealer, but didn't wind up driving anything. I sat in a 2011 TSX wagon on the showroom floor and checked out the interior, and was mostly impressed. I didn't drive anything because since I had a manual previously, I was more focused on wanting to drive another one, and there are zero manuals on this lot. Maybe I drove them wrong, but the automatics of previous TSXs I had tried didn't seem to have enough pep, where the manual control seemed to allow me to get closer to what I was looking for. Anyway, they did have a 2011 V6 automatic, but it had just showed up and they hadn't prepared it for customers to look at it (he called it a PDI, can't remember what it stands for - pre drive inspection?). They said it should be ready tomorrow, and for me to stop in and try it out. The thought is that it will have enough power to satisfy me, and if I wanted, I could always "play" with the paddle shifters.

I'll check it out tomorrow and see how it feels, but at $38k+, the price is a bit higher that I'd prefer to pay, where I guess I could "order" a 6 speed for around $32, but I'm concerned that the 6 speed won't feel like enough pep since it's actually lower in HP compared to the 2006 (albiet only 4 HP).

I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and comments.

Thanks for reading!

ttk5

Truss me...the 4cylinder 6spd can be plenty "peppy." Just go test drive it. Who knows, you might not like it at all but there have been many people in the same boat as you and they generally have a positive experience with the TSX.

dooks

I wish I could go test drive one, but the dealer where I'm at does not have one. According to them, they don't order them because not enough folks will buy them.

No1nfoProvided

The 2nd gen TSX's have higher torque though, so it might even feel peppier than your old 1st gen. I would look really hard for a 2010 TSX manual though. People have been saying they're getting a base for $27,00 OTD which is an insane price.

MrOtocinclus

I also would not be so quick to discount the automatic. Once you get used to the paddle-shifting you can definitely make the car feel peppier than when it's shifting for you.

If you test drive the automatic, try to get on the freeway, and hold it in 3rd. Once you're around 5000 RPMs, you'll feel it.

miner

For $42K you can get a RL tech package.

easyman1211

just nit picking but the is250 is a 6 cylinder .. Good luck with the test drive.. I actually preferred the auto in the TSX. Mostly because the car is so big ( i came from an e46), the manual transmission didn't suit the feel of the car for me.

The 2nd gen TSX is likely going to feel less "peppy" because of bloat. The car is quite a bit bigger and heavier.

Deisun

I have the 2011 6-speed and it definitely has enough pep and is very fun to drive. Your definition of fun may differ though but all I know is it's very enjoyable for me.

I think the dealers near me try to always have only 1 manual on the lot at a time. I noticed after I bought mine that 2-3 days later they had another manual in a different color listed on their website.

Anyway, my suggestion is to do what I did - find a dealer with the manual and test drive both the manual and the automatic one right after the other. After doing that, it was crystal clear to me that I wanted the manual.

ressling

I agree with others that the 6spd has plenty of pep, and if it's any consolation, I've only owned 6-cylinder vehicles prior to my TSX.

I have a few friends that have newer model A4's and they are all envious of my 6MT 2nd gen TSX; they are hard to find, but they're out there.

dooks

My apologies, you're right. I think that I might have automatically assumed that it was a 4 after driving it.

baltimorecaesar

FWIW, If I had to do it over again, I would not have bought my 2010 TSX.

nj2pa2nc

if you want and like 6MT I would advise you to try to find one. I once settled for a car with automatic (yes paddle shifters) and was very disappointed, Never again.

dooks

Did you buy an AT or MT? What would you buy if you could do it again?

HondaOnWORKS

No one will blame you for thinking the IS250 is an I4, because its a pathetic piece of crap. The IS250's engine is worthless. Toyota replaced the old IS300 2JZ engine with some crap engine. The IS250 can't perform or handle. Don't buy that car for sure. Waste of money, unless you buy IS350.

An I4 TSX equiped with 6spd MT is very good, buy it. I would say the 6spd MT TSXs are better than the automatics, however, if you do a lot of driving and get stuck in stop and go a lot, settle with an automatic.