I know this has been discussed like a hundred times as far as performance goes, but what about comparing the two cars based on their known major maintenance issues? I am seriously considering an 05 6sp TSX with 41k on it and buying one of the two with a possibly major maintenance issue is probably not a great idea no matter how much I want the car.

TL
-Bushing failure resulting in new control arm
-Pinging and knocking in type s (wouldn't get a type s though)
-Cracked/faded dash

TSX
-MAJOR A/C disaster (I know on 2004's but some 2005's are popping up)
-Oil consumption issue (being newly reported)
-Rear camber?

Seems to me like the TSX has the potential to be a bit more of a money pit- any thoughts?

 

Most TL's dont even have those issues you pointed out.....

Have a mechanic check out those items on the car that you want to buy, if all checks out purchase it. Remember car buying takes time, don't rush into something that doesn't check out. If you do, you'll end up like this.....
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/used-car-sales-policy-781919/

 

Yeah I would agree that not every TL is going to have all these problems, and same for the TSX.

Obviously I wouldn't buy a car with any of those issues- but since I am thinking more long term I am not sure a mechanic is going to be able to tell me if a car is going to leak oil or have a blown AC unit way down the road, that is what this forum is for.

However whatever car I consider I will take a mech and have him check it out.

Seems to me like the TSX, while fun to drive, is just the little brother of the two for around the same price (for what I am looking for). Anyone else agree?

Now if I could just get my hands on a 6-speed TL with decent mileage in my area I would be set....

 

Like i said, it takes time to find a car.
it took me nearly 3 months to find a six-speed with 31,000 miles.

I'm pretty sure a mechanic can spot out trouble for you like signs of leaking oil. it all depends on how the previous owner treated the car.
as far as the A/C, its a hit or miss. I've seen some threads on here for '04 to '05's with a/c trouble but that's a VERY low percentage.

it's also a personal preference whether you go for the TL or TSX. IMO the TSX feels cheap compared to the TL. you also said they're about the same price point, so why not go for the more luxurious vehicle?
but not knowing your situation - you have to take in account for insurance,gas, tires and just general maintenance.

 

Amen to the time it takes to find the right car.

As far as A/C are you talking about TL's? The TSX has a major problem where the compressor blows apart like a grenade- haven't heard about it with the TL.

Gas mileage is one thing I am wrestling with- a TSX has the 4 cyl vs the TL's 6, but from what I have been reading from users, it is oddly enough seeming like the TL gets better mileage I think it has to do with the TSX revving higher to get more power.

 

Take some time to explore this forum. the TL side and the TSX side.
I've only seen like 2 TL threads with A/C problems,but again that is a very very low percentage.
My TL isn't my daily driver and when i do drive it, its always in the city. therefore, i get about 17-19mpg. I'm sure highway commutes make the mileage increase.

 

To the OP, you may want to post another thread in the TSX section asking the same question and see what answers you get. Then compare the two threads.

 

Already did, and have gotten one response- there are a LOT more TL owner's out there.....

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-problems-fixes-128/tsx-vs-tl-comparing-major-maitenance-issues-782012/

 

I saw both threads this morning, duffduff you're on top of your game.

 

Good deal. Should be interesting.

 

Should be, but like I said, it is hard to get responses on the TSX forum. Another reason why I am leaning toward the TL

 

I get on average about 25MPG on my TL. granted its religiously maintained, but it runs like a well-oiled machine.

I think it may have to do with the RPMS at cruising speed for both cars, regardless of the speed you're driving at. I havent really paid attention when I loaned out the 2nd gen or 3rd gen TSX, but I know my TL and the 4th gen TL ive loaned from acura usually have revs around 1500 or so during city driving (approx 45mph) and have a steady 1800 to 2000 at the most at freeway speeds (approx 70mph).

so in theory, yes you are right when you say the TSX 4 cylinder needs more revs to get more power. however, have you considered the 6 cylinder TSX? i havent sampled one but im guessing its pretty close to the TL in power production and feel.

 

I think he was wanting a used car. the new v6 tsx would be way out of his price range.

 

my bad. he's be better off on the TL then. its just a matter of finding the right one.

 

Yeah, a V6 tsx in my dreams....

Anyway my situation is that I have a 2005 TSX with 41000 miles for 15k waiting for me (6 speed) in mint condition. Anyone want to chime in if that is a good deal or not? He is throwing in an extra set of wheels

But I know if I am patient I will find the TL through a broker that can go to auctions and get me what I want- I just have to wait.

Thoughts? How long did it take for you guys to get your 6-speeds?

 

for that year and mileage, thats pretty good. the car averaged abouy 8200 miles/year which isnt bad. that said, that wont show abuse or anything as far as the car is concerned.

 

I wasn't even looking at acuras. I was looking at g35's. Once i sat in the vehicle, i knew it was meant to be!!!!!!!!

 

Well and thank god you did considering the massive oil consumption issues the G35 VDQ Engine's have- YIKES

 

yeah, I was looking at the 06+ rev up models, which are the ones that had the oil consumption. I'm glad i got into an acura!

 

Have you driven both the TSX and the TL? I got a TSX for a loaner a few years ago when I had some recall work done, and it felt like I was driving a Civic. Just my but I love my TL and couldn't see owning a TSX at all.

 

what year TSX are you considering? the 2nd gen or 1st gen?

To address the gas mileage, before buying my TL-S the dealership gave me a 2009 6spd TSX for 24hours to drive around, and then a 2008 TL-S automatic. I did a 'fairly' controlled test run with each over a bridge, part of the speed was 45mph, then up to 70mph and a short stint (same distance with both cars) up to 80mph. the TSX did 31mpg, the TL-S 29mpg. I honestly expected the TSX to perform better. But they weigh about the same, however, it's hard to say which is more aerodynamic. Also, the TL-S has the a-spec wheels so it probably lost a bit of fuel economy due to the bigger wheels, plus i got my reading from the trip computer...

 

If you're planning to keep the car a while, one thing to consider is the timing belt: the TL has one that needs to be replaced around 100,000 miles and the TSX has a chain. While it doesn't seem like a big deal when you're looking at 20K mile cars, it is pretty menacing when you're up in the 90s, with replacement costs pushing $1,000 if you go the full dealer route. My personal opinion: the TSX is nicer to drive, nice steering feel, tighter handling, less torque steer (of course, it's not as powerful). I have a TL and am not thinking about changing, but just another $.02.

 

I partially disagree with you on the TSX being nicer to drive. Eventhough the TL has more torque steer and the wheel is harder to turn, the lack of feedback in the TSX's steering but the TL ahead in my opinion. Also, around town the TSX was quite fun to drive, however, on the highway it felt like the springs were too stiff and the shocks couldn't keepup so it had a lot of 'bounce'.

 

1st gen

 

Oh, sorry about that, please disregard my comments then, they are for 2nd gen TSXs.