First car: TSX or TL?
 

Hi I just turned 18 and am looking to get a new car this May. I've always driven Hondas so I am most comfortable with them. I basically will be mostly driving this car about 40 miles daily during the week to school and take it on a few out of state trips. I am kind of stuck between a TL or TSX. The reason why I want a TL, specifically 2004 or 2005, is because the V6 engine. I have been driving a 4 cylinder since I got my permit and am kind of tired of it and wanted more power. But I was thinking a TSX, again 2004 or 2005 and even 2006, because its easier to handle driving wise and I am a bit of a fast driver. My budget is just about $8k. What should I get and why?

I don't know how much TSXs go for used, but I can tell you for that price, either car will probably have a lot of miles. Luckily, Honda motors are long-lasting marvels, as long as the car has been properly maintained.

You posted this on the TL portion of the site, so most answers will be biased. I'd recommend the TL for the pure sake of added space, more amenities, and (maybe) better safety. I've never driven the TSX, but I can tell you the TL is a great handling car, and with aftermarket add-ons, it can be perfected to your liking. With either car, I'd recommend a stiffer suspension and a thicker rear sway bar to cut out body roll.

Just my :2cents:

I actually had a TSX as my first car. Got into a really bad accident and totaled it but was able to walk away from it minimal injuries. I loved it when I had it and given the choice between an 04-05 TL and an 04-06 TSX, I don't think I'd be able to really choose. I liked my TSX but I think I liked my TL, hence why I got another. :biggrin:

^ You will be getting a car with 120K miles on it- TSX's usually are more expensive than TLs as used cars so price might be a factor for which model to buy. There seems to be more TLs available than TSXs because the TL outsold the TSX and is more plentiful.

Seems like you answered your own question- the TL is a quicker and faster car than the TSX. But that might not be the best idea for a young driver. I have a daughter who will be 16 in April- there's no way I would have her drive a 270hp car. I'm thinking TSX though.

Make sure you have a budget for repairs and insure that the timing belt is already replaced on a TL because that will set you back at least $500 if it hasn't been done.

I don't own either car but was at one point considering both (now focused on TL). One thing I had to take into account was space. I'm no giant at 6'2 but due to my proportions (long legs) I couldn't get comfortable in the TSX. Seat all the way back and my knees were still hitting the steering wheel. Some people like that cockpit feeling, like a friend of my family who's 6'10 driving a Porsche but me personally, the TL is more comfortable. My girlfriend is getting a TSX so hopefully I'll get to enjoy both lol. Good luck sir.

why are you considering either of these cars if your budget is "just about 8k"? You're going to be getting something with like 140k miles if not more.

TSX and TL have similar in used car value they are almost in the same price because one is luxury and the other having slightly advantage in term of MPG. Either way OP will end up with one that has over 100k miles so be ready to deal with 105k services.

with 8k you can get a decent TL or TSX..if your driving that much i would recommend a TSX its good on gas and has decent pick up..check your local craigslist and check around, you can probably get a 05 TSX with under 100k for under or around 8k..

a TL is also possible..they are not very good on gas but its a v6 like you said, and agian look around..you can find one for that budget.

Coming from an Acura/Honda family that's had a 04 TSX, 06 TL, & my 08 TL. Now that said, if you're 6'0 and under the TSX should be a comfortable car even if say you had a full car. MPG is actually very similar but the difference is more separated in city driving. Now her is the big difference to ME from having riden in both back2back all the time. The TSX has a tighter body by far. Less rattles and this could be why. 1st gen TSX's were assembled in japan. The door shut test always proved it for me. But that's my .02. Both are nice cars... When I was trading my 08 Accord coupe, I was actually x shopping them but my Acura dealer had no 07-08 TSX Navi's and the TL I liked on the lot had 48k miles on it an was 08 for $23k this was a tad over 2yrs ago. You already own Hondas so drive both and what works for you (peaky powerband-TSX/ relaxed powerband-TL). Keep us posted on what you decide.

OP if you currently have a car right now that takes you from point A to point B. I would say stick with that car for as long as you can and slowly save up. Slowly add more to that 8 grand, and you'll find more better deals. Plus never be in a rush when buying a car, take your time, having patience is key. Also if you're looking for just V6's, in the 8 grand range. You can pick up: Honda Accord V6, Acura CL base model/Type S, along those lines. GL :thumbsup:.

I don't know where you guys live but in the Tampa area the only TLs that fall under $9k usually have over 175k miles and look they are beat to hell :whyme:

I did look up some TSXs on Cars.com and you might have more luck but it seems like they are in high demand since prices in my area are pretty high. Either that, or the TSX holds value better than the TL which I doubt.

^^ this is excellent advice for someone who is 18. You have your whole life to buy nice cars, so don't be a slave to one at the age of 18. Based on your age, and based on your original question, picking from the TL and TSX, I'd tell you to take the TSX because of better miles per gallon, but realize you need to use premium fuel in these cars, so that should enter into your decision as well.

Civic, since you're 18 and retarded.

Civic or rsx at 18.

My fiancé has a 06 TSX and I have a 04 TL and I drive her car pretty often. I'm 5'10 185lbs and I can tell you that the TSX does feel kind of snug as opposed to my TL. Here's what I think of the two:

The TSX
-has a sportier seating where it cups your body better
-less body roll
-stiffer suspension
-more road noise
-heavier steering
-smaller turning radius
-4 cylinder loves to rev
-better gas mileage and more forgiving when you have a lead foot

The TL
-The TL is much more comfortable like you're sitting on a sofa
-less road noise
-smoother ride
-guzzles gas with a lead foot

The amenities are pretty much the same on both cars besides for the auto up windows on the passenger side of the TSX. With all said for the TSX, I still prefer my TL since it's such a comfortable car to ride and drive but according to my fiancé who drove my car also said it was faster, but heavier with very light steering still preferred her TSX.

If I were you, I'd pick the TSX and save the TL for the older dudes like us.

:spit:

JGJ-first welcome to AcuraZine.

You're a young guy-the TSX will be sportier. You might like that a little better. The big question is-how much do you really want a 6 cylinder? i love cars is right though-with $8,000 to spend, you're going to have to get a high mileage car. Yes, this is a Honda, but it will still have a lot of mile for $8,000.


Second....OTACON-do you think your comment is funny? 2 guys thanked you for your comment.

Well, I'm not thanking you at all. As a matter of fact, let this be a warning to you. We do NOT treat new members like this...especially with legit questions on their first post.

Please think twice before you post nonsense like this in the future.

have you test driven the TSX? it's not bad. it'll be cheaper to maintain in the long run too since you dont have to really worry about a timing belt job. personally i would just wait and get a cheap car. Your tastes will change as you get older.

Good Car
 

jgj925, you're wise beyond your years to ask and get some advice.

As a dad of three boys, here would be my advice to them (and you): Start with a used, affordable, Honda, or other highly reliable car. I'd suggest a Civic. While it doesn't have the power, or style of an Acura TSX, it also will cost you half to buy, and half to run, and much less to insure. Acura parts are service are expensive. You don't want your first car to make you poor.

When shopping, take your time, don't get emotionally attached, buy from a private seller, and make sure you pick one that has been fully maintained--oil changes especially. It's well worth it to have a mechanic check it out. Good used cars are out there, but are the minority.

I hope this is helpful, good luck friend.

Not sure what 4 cylinder car you drove but, If I were you, at that age I would've get the TSX and with MT.

Guessing 4 cylinder car you drove is not better than TSX + with MT and vtec might be way more fun

Your budget is low also, might be easier to find a better TSX than TL
Don't drive fast and save gas with TSX
Want more fun? Buy MT, you'll enjoy it

If I were 18 and had $8k, i'd probably spring $6k for an 01 Prelude and spend the rest on maintenance and some tasteful mods. :)

Just added food for thought. If you do look at the 6spd, the MPG drops to a TL's MPG's. Highway MPG's for 6spd are equal to the TL's but city MPG is still 2mpg better in the TSX.

Here are some stats...

TSX 6spd data
http://media.caranddriver.com/files/2004-acura-tsx.pdf

Also, If you want Bluetooth for your phone, you'll need to dismiss the 04 TSX as it didn't get Hands Free Link until 05'.

AMEN!!! I had a 98 Type-SH and loved all 4yrs of that car. The H22 was the "torque MOSTER" of Honda 4-cyl's until the K24 was introduced. Now If you're stuck on a 4dr and don't mind shifting gears I'd also include 00-01 Integra GS-R sedan.

This may help as well. If you have the means, shop through auction. I'm playing it cool waiting for a good deal as a friend of mine who owns his own dealership does the auction game for me. Several cars I've seen are a couple grand under what a comparable vehicle would be at a dealer. For example, where I am in Florida, an 07 TL with tech and around 65k miles can be found at a dealer from anywhere from 16 to 21k. I was finding them for 12 and 13 consistently (clean carfax). Looking for an older TL or TSX through the same avenue could possibly get you a lower mileage car if that option is available to you. Food for thought

It's gonna be a junker in that price range, I'd stick to a Honda or something else, I wish I spent less money when I was 18 it's easy to dig a hole quick before you can get a real job.

Tsx.

I can't find a TL in my area for 8K unless it's salvaged or an 03 type-s. Same with the TSX. That being said, the TL is not 'bad' on gas, I regularly get about 29-30 mpg on the freeway, but it does suck in the city where you get about 14-15 mpg. The TSX will get 31 mpg on the freeway I think, with maybe 19 or so in the city.
-TL has higher crash test ratings
-TSX is better on gas
-TL is faster
-TSX handles better
-TL has better sound system
-TSX rear seat folds all the way down, TL doesn't
-TL looks much better IMO
-TSX is smaller, easier to maneuver, can get HONDATA/Tuning


There are more pro's/con's than this, but it's really what you want in a car that matters. Don't let some of these guys on here tell you that you can't have a TL because you're 18, they're wrong and kind of ignorant. I'm 19, got mine when I was 18, and there's plenty of younger guys than me on here that have them. Get what you want/can afford; and contrary to popular belief, maintenance/upkeep on these cars is nothing crazy, after all they're still just Accords and Civics under the hood.

As I already posted TSX gets 29mpg highway. The only plus in the TSX's favor is it gets 2mpg more in the city. TL now also has Hondata. Well not for the modeled he'd be finding for $8k.

He does make one good point though. I know you're wanting a 3rd gen TL but a 2nd gen Type-S maybe should be on your list. Find one with a newer tranny and change the tranny fluid to the new stuff as well as pressure switches and it should make for a fine right. It's just an IDEA but you'll def have more luck finding clean 02-03 TL-S's at the price you seek. Just have a mechanic do a thorough look at it before making a decision. A premium White 2 gen Type-S is a GREAT looking car even against today cars.

I was going to thank OTACON (I thought it was funny.)...but I don't want to get in trouble with Steven. And he's right, sometimes I'm retarded and I get treated well by the other members of this site.

OP I would 2nd some earlier recomendations...RSX or if you want a little bigger a TSX...the TL unmodded looks like a geezer (I'm a geezer) car sometimes, and with 8K how much modding can you afford?

Get an Si.
Either a Civic, Prelude, or CRX. They are more in your budget, and repairs will be easier. Not to mention there is much much more after market support.

You can tune a 4-cylinder to put out over a TL.
My stock Prelude Si would match a Grand AM GT second for second on a straight way.

I just got mine and i was in the same position you were in. I'm 20 and i recently totaled my first car. I spent about 6 months looking for anything between a G35, TL, TSX. I couldn't find any G35's with a clean title in the same price range you were searching. I then found a Tsx but i decided not to get it because i had had a v6 Camaro and i knew what 200hp felt like. So after patiently waiting I finally found one it has high miles on it but the guy recently put michelin all season tires on so he had us sold. I say go for the TL if you're wanting the power it will be worth the wait. Guaranteed.

thanks everyone, i decided to raise my budget to $12k which can get me a TL under 70k miles.

and thanks Steven :thumbsup: appreciate it

Id buy something else and save to buy a TL or TSX later. cant go wrong with either car tho.

^ agree

OP even with 12k as your limit; ask yourself, "Can I really afford this?"
Payments, Insurance, Maintenance, etc.

$12K is good. I bought my 2004 TL with 65k miles last year for $12K. Good luck with your search.

12k is a good budget for a 04-06 model TL. Definitly can get something nice. Just check to make sure the Tranny seems smooth!

i currently drive a honda crv '01 (hand me down)

If u can afford a TL yes, if u cant TSX. If u cant afford a TSX, then go civic.

I had a CL-S when I was 17 and wasn't retarded like some other people mentioned. Yeah I did some dumb stuff but everyone does in their early years of driving, regardless of what keys are in their pocket.

Out of the two I would get the TL. I was constantly hanging out with people, packing my car full of friends and going places, and the CL was cramped. Then I got the TL and had plenty of room.

Good luck :)

Just wanted to throw in, I own both '04 TL 5at and '04 Tsx 6mt. I have tracked both, and prefer the Tsx. Tsx has a timing chain that doesnt need to be replaced at 100k like the TL's timing belt. The Tsx is easier to make faster, far more parts available. Im 5'7" and the TL feels a bit big to me, have to reach to hit buttons on passenger side of the radio. The cubbies in the center console are larger in the Tsx, you can fit more than your wallet. Sound system is way better in the TL, all around. TL headlights seem better to me, but my Tsx bulbs may just be tired. 53k miles on the TL, 144k on the Tsx, speaks for itself lol