New member, new car?

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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 12:18 AM
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New member, new car?

Hey guys, been browsing the forums for the past couple of days and I really need your guys' input.

I am currently shopping for a new, used car. I have really been drawn to Acuras recently. I have about 19000 to spend, but am undecided on a TL or TSX.

I have a fairly lengthy drive to school and work, and my v6 Toyota Highlander isn't the best on gas, plus it has 125,000 miles on it. Yes, I know its a soccer mom car, it WAS my mom's car.

Now, I am looking for a new car. I have seen a nice 2008 TSX with 29,000 miles, and a 2007 TL with 48,000 miles. Both have navigation units and automatic transmissions.

Both cars are priced about the same. My question is, which car do you all recommend.

I will probably put some work into which ever car I decide to get, but not terribly much. Maybe like an intake, some tints, and subs. I know that I cannot reflash the ECU of the TSX, but like I said, I am mostly a daily driver, and would probably realistically only put an intake into the car.

TL: http://www.showcase-imports.com/newa...-Acura-TL.aspx

TSX: http://www.rkchevy.com/profile.asp?V...&zip=&distance=

Thanks guys!
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 12:21 AM
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Welcome.

If I were you and had to pick, it would be the TSX simply because of the improved gas mileage.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 01:13 AM
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Buy German. It's the American thing to do.

Out of those two though I'd take the TSX, better gas mileage and a lot lower miles are things you can't really argue with.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 02:03 AM
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TSX, Japanese build quality FTW.

plus better gas mileage and lower mileage
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 02:14 AM
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are you set on ONLY these two?
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 02:26 AM
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You can definitely reflash the ECU on a TSX. Both are great cars, but quite a bit different in terms of power and handling. The TSX is a bit weaker but much more agile, and the TL is a much more spacious car with a potent motor. Really depends on what you need.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 02:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Never Summer
Buy German. It's the American thing to do.

Out of those two though I'd take the TSX, better gas mileage and a lot lower miles are things you can't really argue with.
Sorry, but considering they are both Japanese made cars that can easily go up 200k miles with proper maintenance, the 20k mile difference between the two shouldn't be a deal breaker.

I had a 3G Base TL and I loved it. Nice power and I liked the interior too. Plus, the gas mileage wasn't that bad for a 3.2. I love the styling of the TSX and I know there is a lot of aftermarket parts for it. However, I always see the TSX as falling into the Civic category, which isn't what I like. But I don't think you can go wrong with either, good luck and welcome to Bimmerzine...I mean Acurazine!
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 05:13 AM
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Welcome to the boards.

Just from the short listings you gave it sounds like you want a Subaru Legacy..

The TSX should give you longer service, better gas mileage, and be a little less on overall expenses. Make sure you come back with pictures once you do buy it Whichever car you chose.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 08:38 AM
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Originally Posted by mrmako
Welcome to the boards.

Just from the short listings you gave it sounds like you want a Subaru Legacy.. .
Where have you been mrmako

Welcome to Acurazine! I used to own an 07 TL with Navi so I could say I'm biased. If you drive lengthy distances, it might be worth thinking about it even with the added fuel mileage as I found it to be a quiet car and just about the best highway cruiser. Not to say the TSX isn't a fine car either!!

Good luck and post up some pics
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 10:00 AM
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Tsx
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 10:36 AM
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thanks for the responses guys, i am working on haggling over price so we'll see which i can get the better deal on.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 11:10 AM
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When buying used, my preference is to get the newest I can afford.

That being said, comfort and features are important, so make sure you drive both and see what you like best, because they are a little bit different. Each has its pros and cons.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 12:28 PM
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Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
That being said, comfort and features are important, so make sure you drive both and see what you like best, because they are a little bit different. Each has its pros and cons.

I would get the TL given that they are both auto transmissions.
Actually, the TSX with an auto may not seem like much of an improvement (in acceleration) over a V6 Highlander.

I would get the TSX only if it had a manual transmission-- a TSX with a manual is lively and responsive.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 01:04 PM
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Originally Posted by madcaps
Sorry, but considering they are both Japanese made cars that can easily go up 200k miles with proper maintenance, the 20k mile difference between the two shouldn't be a deal breaker.
What about the extra 20k miles of someones ass prints on the seat? Maintenance aside wear of the exterior and interior is just as important when buying a car, hence why lower miles are generally better.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 04:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Never Summer
What about the extra 20k miles of someones ass prints on the seat? Maintenance aside wear of the exterior and interior is just as important when buying a car, hence why lower miles are generally better.


Seat prints? Haha..thats a good one. I had my TL for over 60K and the seats never changed one bit. Now if he was looking at a car that had 100K plus miles then that maybe something to consider, but thats not the case. Since the cars both have low miles I'm sure both are equally comparable in exterior and interior condition.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by madcaps


Seat prints? Haha..thats a good one. I had my TL for over 60K and the seats never changed one bit. Now if he was looking at a car that had 100K plus miles then that maybe something to consider, but thats not the case. Since the cars both have low miles I'm sure both are equally comparable in exterior and interior condition.
19,000 miles is still a big difference, that's not a small amount of miles by any means.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Never Summer
19,000 miles is still a big difference, that's not a small amount of miles by any means.
19k is not that much, but you're 19 so I'm sure you think you know everything at this point. :tonguefaw

Last edited by madcaps; Oct 17, 2010 at 05:23 PM.
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by madcaps
19,000k is not that much, but you're 19 so I'm sure you think you know everything at this point. :tonguefaw
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Old Oct 17, 2010 | 09:59 PM
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Welcome!

Like you, I was stuck between buying a TL and a TSX, but I chose the TL. I liked having two extra cylinders and the TL was a bit larger so people weren't uncomfortable while riding in my car.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 10:56 AM
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I used to own an '08 TL nav, and I traded it for an '08 TSX nav, so I believe that I can speak from experience. I liked the TL because of its plushness and comfort. I didn't like how it handled and how big it felt. But since you're coming from an SUV, you might not notice this. The TL just felt sloppy to me...
I traded for the TSX because I wanted something that handled a little better. I liked the size of the TSX better too. It has a lot more "feel" than the TL has, imo. I LOVE the way the TSX drives. It's noticeably more nimble, light and direct. Someone mentioned that they thought of the TSX as in the same class as the civic. Before I owned my TSX, I thought the same way. After owning it, I feel there's no real comparison. The TSX is WAY better than a civic. You should take long test drives and decide for yourself. These are just my feelings and observations. Good luck.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 11:29 AM
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thanks guys, i am going to get the tsx, i compared both, and the tl sort of seems like a boat.
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 07:07 PM
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i meant to disrepect to the TL by my previous post haha, the TL is a very, very nice car. i just got a black 2008 tsx a/t with under 30k miles. i am going to need to get some paint to fix some chips and scratches, also i think i am going to need to replace the cover for the change holder/cigerette charger. is this something that is fairly easy to do? thanks for your input guys, i will post some pictures soon
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Old Oct 18, 2010 | 07:45 PM
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In my honest opinion, I would opt for the more powerful/spacious car which would be the TL (just a lot more fun and comfortable)

The TSX, although not slow....is not quick either...especially if you're carrying passengers. The interior is also a little bland (wish it was more like the new TSX int.)

As for handling, I've driven both...and the TSX definitely has more of a tighter feel, but in the real world, both are agile and responsive.

Whichever one you decide to get, you can't go wrong...
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 05:52 AM
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or it didn't happen.....
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Old Oct 19, 2010 | 06:29 AM
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pics are here: https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tsx-2004-2008-124/new-08-tsx-owner-couple-questions-795437/
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