HI all,
I am a new member as I am shopping for an Acura Tsx now. I have a questions about a better deal and wanted your opinions: I have the opportunity to buy a 2006 TSX in spotless mint condition from a private seller(all maintenance records included) with $150k miles on it for $7000. I also have the opportunity to purchase a 2005 TL in excellent condition from a dealer with only 59k miles for $12000. I know they are different cars, my question is which vehicle offers the better deal in your opinion? I am new to these cars and appreciate your experience?

 

Hi,

Please create a new thread, not in someone else's thread. In Short $5,000 in difference > 100k more miles in difference. So take the TL.

 

Post moved to new thread...

 

they both do things differently.
sure, they both have 4 doors, but one will be more powerful, leading to more gas use.

the TL is the better deal monetary wise upfront....BUT might not be the better deal with what you may use the car for.

remember, cost of ownership includes fuel and insurance and maintenance. The TL will have a higher cost of ownership.

so, now...instead of the question of which is the better deal, we ask you...WHICH of the two will better suit you.

 

The TL is the better deal. A 100k mile difference for $5k is not a lot to ask.

It's also a bigger, faster, and more comfy car provided it is in good shape and has been maintained.

 

OP - what are your needs/priorities?

 

The TL automatic transmission in the 05s is a piece of junk. Make sure it has either been well maintained or already replaced. Otherwise you may be in for expensive repair eventually. It may last you a very long time. It may die tomorrow. And it will give very little notice once it starts going.

That being said, I have owned a 2005 TSX in the past and now a 2006 TL. I liked the TSX for what it was, but the car never wowed me. In fact, I sold it after just a handful of weeks of owning it, lol. The TL on the other hand, is a much more refined car. Granted, the updates they did on the TSX in 2006 made it a nicer car overall, but still, I don't think I would choose it over the TL.

The TL is bigger, has smoother power delivery and the v6 is a nice engine. Inside is more comfortable. Feels more luxurious overall. I prefer the stock TSX suspension over the stock TL suspension, but luckily my TL had that already taken care of when I bought it. In both cases, the cars were equipped with Navi and 6MT, so they were fairly comparable.

The TL is no rocket by any stretch, but it feels faster than the TSX. I also hated that the HVAC controls on the TSX were on the actual navi screen as opposed to being physical buttons in the TL. I'd have to wait for the Navi to boot up before I could adjust the temps/air flow and that is no fun when starting the car in -20 degree weather.

The one thing I absolutely hate about the TL is not being able to fold down the rear seats, so you can't fit anything half large in the car. Pisses me off. All you get is this small tunnel which is pretty much useless for most things.

 

Neither.

What is the point in purchasing a 9 or 10 year old card for that kind of money (considering the cars)?

Save/budget and purchase new/newer. Some newer Corollas/Hyundais/Altimas if you're into the import Asian types are within reach. I love the 8 years I've had the TL, but I wouldn't buy another one especially in 2015. IMO

 

I Also do not believe that any car with 150k miles on it is spotless and mint. I guarantee that within five minutes I can likely pick the car apart with its flaws.

Personally, I would shop around and buy a privately owned TL. That one you mentioned for 12k is a bit overpriced in my mind. If it was being sold privately, you could likely get it for 10k.