Hey guys - I recently bought an '05 automatic TSX as a project fixer-upper. I got a steal of a deal on it and replaced the front wheel bearings, PS pump, master window switch, stereo head unit, and front tires. It currently has 199,400 on the clock.

I also own an '08 CBP TL Type-S with the 6M (AKA a unicorn). It currently has 164K and change.

Now that both of my cars are in good running condition, I obviously don't need to hold on to both of them. Before y'all tout me as insane for wanting to get rid of a 6M Type-S, hear me out.

TL-S Pros:

• Obviously a better ride than the TSX
• Three pedals
• Excellent cosmetic and mechanical shape
• Quieter and "sexier"
• Less miles on it than TSX
• More space

TL-S Cons:

• More difficult and cumbersome to drive in ATL traffic
• Drinks gas in city driving
• Expensive to insure especially in ATL
• Hasn't been as reliable as I expected in 3 years of ownership (had to replace heater core valve twice, alternator, HFL module, and PS pressure hose)
• Will need new PS pump and compliance bushings in next 30K miles
• Can't mod sound system without messing with the wiring and installing a new amp
• Back seats don't fold down
• Heat soak effect on acceleration in summer is disappointing
• I care if it gets scratched or dinged

TSX Pros:

• Much easier to drive in the city with automatic and low-end torque with the K24
• More nimble handling, also a pro for city driving
• More fuel-efficient than TL, although not by a whole lot
• Easier to work on and so far has been more reliable
• Cheaper to insure and won't depreciate as much due to higher miles. Don't care if it gets dinged or scratched
• Can easily mod the sound system (already replaced factory unit with a Pioneer double din w/ Apple CarPlay)

TSX Cons:

• Definitely less sporty and not as nice as TL
• Clear coat sun damage on driver-side A pillar and passenger-side C pillar
• Autotragic
• Needs new control arm bushings in next 20K and new rear tires in next 10K.
• Annoying-ass sagging sun visor issue
• Higher miles = more potential for future issues

What do you guys think? A huge factor in my decision will be the fact that I live in Atlanta and have to put up with ATL traffic every day. Am I out of my mind to consider keeping the TSX?

 

you're not insane...just practical...


it's really up to you...are you willing to give up the v6 6MT for an i4 auto??? which you've already said...it sucks driving the 6MT in ATL traffic.
if you can give up the torque and row your own gears...do it.
these decisions are personal and only YOU can decide....

because I personally couldnt give up the v6 and 6MT....and I live in Houston..with equally or worse traffic than ATL.
the trick is to keep it in first gear and cruize.. absolutely dont stop, or else it will suck. I keep it in gear and cruise at like 2mph in stop and go traffic...only stopping if i truly have to.

 

Keep the 6mt OP, its a no brainer for me.

Yes the insurance is more, but look what you drive......
Your reliability issues are not really issues, but just normal maintenance for the most part.

Also, going from the v6 manual to the v4 5peed is going too succccck big time.

 

I am sure there is someone who would love to take the TL. I've sunk close to $14k restoring worn out parts on my 6MT.
It comes down to what the car means to you and how much you value it.

 

You know full well that at Heeltoe both cars are regarded really highly. It's keep the TL-S, because the TSX is auto.

You're going to regret getting rid of that TL.

Couple of additional comments:

• Limit your cons. Most of your cons are just saying the opposite of the pros which aren't really cons. Focus on the pros.
• Changing six or seven parts that needed to be fixed on a car that's more than 10 years old and has 170,000 miles is in my estimation not unreliable.
• There'sno getting around the fact that City driving and traffic driving is difficult in a manual more than an automatic. But bad asses do it because manuals are better. Don't give in!
• If you want better sound out of that TL pick up one of our Phantom audio amplifiers. You'll be blown away by the improvement.

That being said, if it was an equivalent TSX to a TL, Arctic Blue on Ebony 6MT, I'd take the TSX at least 7 out of 10 times.

 

+1 on keeping the TL. No brainer.


Plus it doesn't help that you're in the 3G TL subforum, we're probably a tad bit biased
But on the flip side, I bet if you posted the same thread in TSX, they'd also tell you to keep the TL because they wish they could

 

Keep the TL-S MT, recently I gave up the idea of owning TL-S MT mainly because I ONLY wanted in certain exterior color and interior color combo. I am surprise that you pay more insurance on the TL, since here in TX the TSX cost more to insure than my TL.


BTW ALT traffic doesn't even come close to H-Town, and I do drive MT TL from time to time.

 

TL Type-S 6MT vs. a TSX auto (with higher miles to boot)? No brainer, the Type-S all day, every day, and twice on Sunday.

 

I am pretty sure OP is trying to get some assurance from us to make him keep the TL. Deep down inside, he really wants to keep the TL but us chiming in would just put the icing on the cake. I drive my 6MT in NYC traffic daily. I've gotten used to it. When I know there's a stop coming up, I usually pop it into neutral, coast and don't have to worry about having to use third pedal.

 

TL Type S 6MT will hold good value forever. It is just one of those cars.
I don't drive too much in traffic but even when i do, i prefer a manual because it coasts alot easier than an auto and can also roll alot slower without speeding up on it's own minimizing body roll and gas/brake use. I can drive most of the time in heavy traffic by speeding and casually slowing with just the accelerator and I can close gaps in an instant and avoid braking by upshifting smoothly. You may want to remove the slave cylinder delay valve because that makes a difference as well.
TSX? meh.

 

You say the TSX does have low end torque?

 

To add fuel to the fire I think the power steering rack in the TL is starting to bind. It creaks when turning the wheel at low speeds.

I don't feel like dropping the subframe and putting a new one in, but hopefully the noise isn't the rack and just a worn out compliance bushing.

 

Funny thing, I'm actually looking forward to mine failing; my plan is to replace it with the Type-S rack and pump for less boost and more steering feel.

 

Swap an auto into the TL-S, hit it a few times with a shovel and pour brake fluid over the paint, then drop insurance to liability
Now you won't give a shit about it's condition, easy to drive in traffic, and cheap to insure
You're welcome

 

Or sell both and get something that costs way more to buy, insure, and is way less fuel efficient

 

C'mon...

Heater core valve is like $10, alternator ~$75, PS high-pressure hose should be under recall - but if not ~$130 (just a PITA to replace, but not as bad as others)
PS pump rebuild ~$20, compliance bushings - window weld, boom done.
Sound system mod isn't that bad.

 

TL-S Pros:
Pussy Dick Magnet

Say no more fam.. ladiboi on the way..

 

got dawmit.. i fell right into this one