RSX as a fun second car?
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I just need to have an RSX long enough to figure out that perhaps an s2000 is more fun (plus a used RSX is way cheaper). If I just held out for an s2000 I know I'd still be wondering what I was missing out on. For me hatchbacks and minivans are some of the finest inventions ever devised by man. The main problem I have with the s2000 and similar roadsters is how purely hopelessly one dimensional they are in function. Folded seats in a hatch makes for more usable space then get from any trunk. And RSX can hold two little people in the back. While not being roomy it's still more roomy than a roadster. I drove a Miata once, I felt cramped and rather vulnerable.
Some might say if you're getting a fun car then there's no need for flexibility but I like to have fun while doing things that require flexibilty.
Some might say if you're getting a fun car then there's no need for flexibility but I like to have fun while doing things that require flexibilty.
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I had a 2002 RSX-S and traded it for a 2006 TSX.
The RSX was a little faster than the TSX. Better power-to-weight, gearing, and no electronic throttle to mess with your shifting. That said, I wasn't blown away with the quality of the car. My old 96 Integra was built better, but maybe later years of the RSX improved. I also think the integra was a better handling car than the RSX. The RSX-S was more powerful, though.
Anyway, RSX's are really nice, but in the end, if I were you and I was getting a second car I'd get something completely different like a miata. Cheap, tons of fun to drive, tons of mods available, etc. The S2k is obviously great if you want to spend more money on it. If you need practicality, I would seriously look at a 2000/2001 Integra GS-R and compare it to the RSX-S.
The RSX was a little faster than the TSX. Better power-to-weight, gearing, and no electronic throttle to mess with your shifting. That said, I wasn't blown away with the quality of the car. My old 96 Integra was built better, but maybe later years of the RSX improved. I also think the integra was a better handling car than the RSX. The RSX-S was more powerful, though.
Anyway, RSX's are really nice, but in the end, if I were you and I was getting a second car I'd get something completely different like a miata. Cheap, tons of fun to drive, tons of mods available, etc. The S2k is obviously great if you want to spend more money on it. If you need practicality, I would seriously look at a 2000/2001 Integra GS-R and compare it to the RSX-S.
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Follow up on the RSX-s fun second car project. I finally test drove one today because I don't like to test drive cars if I can't possibly buy one there on the spot which would waste the salesmen's time from the get go.
:thumbsdow
I liked everything about the RSX-s up until I actually drove it. The interior works for me, this one looked beautiful. The cargo space is fantastic. A 2.0 litter engine should be fast, especially the Type S trim. I was expecting something of a lesser, smaller TSX, but the once I drove the RSX it was clear that it's not even in the same game.
First major issue was the gear shift felt like a broken kid's toy. Cheap plastic number with a long throw that jiggles every which way. I was afraid to really plunge in through the gears. It was not too much fun to shift.
Second major problem is that it's a rather slow car in the lower RPMs, it takes forever to get to the upper RPMs and once you're there it's loud engine on top of (third problem) rediculous loud road noise. Usually you can drown out background noise with the radio but that would be tough here. You can't casually drive the RSX fast.
Maybe I have revisionist history but I recall my '98 Integra feeling like a much more solid vehicle.
I have a new found appreciation for the TSX now. It's a much much better car. It costs a third more but it's easily twice as good. It's more fun to drive despite the added size because it has such as precise shifter, smooth handling and far more even power band. I've become over accustomed to the TSX's awesomeness.
They were willing to practically give the RSX away but I couldn't take it because no matter how good of a deal it is I know that 9 times out of 10 I'd reach for the TSX keys sooner than the RSX keys.
I'm kind of at a loss for what to look at for a fun second car now because the RSX seemed perfect. Someone suggested a TL-S which I laughed off but now it's looking like that might make some sense.
:thumbsdow
I liked everything about the RSX-s up until I actually drove it. The interior works for me, this one looked beautiful. The cargo space is fantastic. A 2.0 litter engine should be fast, especially the Type S trim. I was expecting something of a lesser, smaller TSX, but the once I drove the RSX it was clear that it's not even in the same game.
First major issue was the gear shift felt like a broken kid's toy. Cheap plastic number with a long throw that jiggles every which way. I was afraid to really plunge in through the gears. It was not too much fun to shift.
Second major problem is that it's a rather slow car in the lower RPMs, it takes forever to get to the upper RPMs and once you're there it's loud engine on top of (third problem) rediculous loud road noise. Usually you can drown out background noise with the radio but that would be tough here. You can't casually drive the RSX fast.
Maybe I have revisionist history but I recall my '98 Integra feeling like a much more solid vehicle.
I have a new found appreciation for the TSX now. It's a much much better car. It costs a third more but it's easily twice as good. It's more fun to drive despite the added size because it has such as precise shifter, smooth handling and far more even power band. I've become over accustomed to the TSX's awesomeness.
They were willing to practically give the RSX away but I couldn't take it because no matter how good of a deal it is I know that 9 times out of 10 I'd reach for the TSX keys sooner than the RSX keys.
I'm kind of at a loss for what to look at for a fun second car now because the RSX seemed perfect. Someone suggested a TL-S which I laughed off but now it's looking like that might make some sense.
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Maybe I should give another RSX a try. It occurred to me that maybe a lot of the noise was due to some sort of custom exhaust they deny was there.
The sales guy said that there were no mods and that modded cars are sent to wholesale rather than made CPO but the exhaust port looked a little bigger than I would have expected, about the size of a fist. The loose play might definately have been from abuse.
The sales guy said that there were no mods and that modded cars are sent to wholesale rather than made CPO but the exhaust port looked a little bigger than I would have expected, about the size of a fist. The loose play might definately have been from abuse.
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The 05-06 Type-S has a big shiny exhaust tip over the real one, and yes it's pretty big. It's definitely not loud though.
I have an 02 Type-S, and I'm not sure I'd do it again. It's very moddable, but it almost needs those mods to keep up with other sport compacts. Sometimes I wonder why I don't get a GTI or MS3, since they come with the things I've had to add to my RSX myself: wheels, sport suspension, F/I, LSD, etc ...
Then again, my inner ricer tells me that it's all worth it in the end, that I'm driving a car that's more unique, that there won't be a newer model to make it look outdated, blah blah blah. It's an odd compromise between an S2000 and a TSX for people who can't fit 2 cars into their lives.
I have an 02 Type-S, and I'm not sure I'd do it again. It's very moddable, but it almost needs those mods to keep up with other sport compacts. Sometimes I wonder why I don't get a GTI or MS3, since they come with the things I've had to add to my RSX myself: wheels, sport suspension, F/I, LSD, etc ...
Then again, my inner ricer tells me that it's all worth it in the end, that I'm driving a car that's more unique, that there won't be a newer model to make it look outdated, blah blah blah. It's an odd compromise between an S2000 and a TSX for people who can't fit 2 cars into their lives.
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Honestly I don't think you can compare the RSX and TSX - the idea that you could is what led me to the RSX in the first place. The only thing they have in common is similar engines. If you are driving an RSX now and have never driven a TSX I highly recommend you do so because it's like night and day. After you get through with the smoother shifting, more balanced feel, tight handling theres the navigation, XM, hands free yada yada, for only a couple grand more than an RSX if that.
I haven't modded my TSX at all but I think if it were lowered a bit and maybe stiffened the suspension it would feel like what I wanted the RSX to feel like. The only thing that makes the TSX a little unsatisfying in the curves is the feeling that you are riding a little too high and that it's a tad softer than you'd want. The 0-60 time might not seem impressive but it has a very satisfying pull. I think I'll have to look at other brands now. I might sooner get an IS-350 than a TL-s.
I haven't modded my TSX at all but I think if it were lowered a bit and maybe stiffened the suspension it would feel like what I wanted the RSX to feel like. The only thing that makes the TSX a little unsatisfying in the curves is the feeling that you are riding a little too high and that it's a tad softer than you'd want. The 0-60 time might not seem impressive but it has a very satisfying pull. I think I'll have to look at other brands now. I might sooner get an IS-350 than a TL-s.
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I used to drive my RSX-S and an 06 TSX auto back to back daily. When both cars were completely stock, the TSX had much less body roll. I've since added the A-Spec suspension and wheels, which have tightened things up considerably.
I've also driven an 09 TSX manual, and the gearbox was about the same -- well defined, but not as mechanical as an S2000. I'd hardly call the RSX sloppy. Also, one of the first mods most people do is the shift knob -- TSX/S2K/Civic Si knobs will swap directly with the stock plastic RSX knob.
I've also driven an 09 TSX manual, and the gearbox was about the same -- well defined, but not as mechanical as an S2000. I'd hardly call the RSX sloppy. Also, one of the first mods most people do is the shift knob -- TSX/S2K/Civic Si knobs will swap directly with the stock plastic RSX knob.
It might be exactly what you're looking for.
.
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I think I had an extreme reaction to the poor quality of the RSX and now I'm reflexively moving in the oposite direction. I'm going to test drive a TL-S auto this weekend and if it does the trick I'll have them bring in a manual from out of state.
I had two Integras and loved them. I'm surprised so many reviews described the RSX as an all around step up from the Integra. I thoroughly disagree. The fabric and vinyl was replaced with cheesy plastic, the Integra's 3000 RPM growl was replaced by a constant droning noise.
I had two Integras and loved them. I'm surprised so many reviews described the RSX as an all around step up from the Integra. I thoroughly disagree. The fabric and vinyl was replaced with cheesy plastic, the Integra's 3000 RPM growl was replaced by a constant droning noise.
Last edited by wackura; Nov 13, 2008 at 01:02 PM.
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I agree. I hate to admit it but I resist reving high in the TSX when I'm around other cars because I don't want to advertise to all the world that I have to wind up the engine just to page their V6 Ford Taurus. It's embarrassing. So I don't, and I often don't have as much fun as I'd like.
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I agree. I hate to admit it but I resist reving high in the TSX when I'm around other cars because I don't want to advertise to all the world that I have to wind up the engine just to page their V6 Ford Taurus. It's embarrassing. So I don't, and I often don't have as much fun as I'd like.
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why does he have to have a boosted car notice the Civic Type R which will be more powerful than a MS3 GTI and John Cooper Works Mini Cooper S. all those are booster cars. boost doesn't automatically mean it's better.
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Ya I'm not opposed. I really don't want to leave Honda Acura so I'm checking out a TL-S this weekend. s2000 too small. Civic-si too Civic. I might be doing myself a disservice by avoiding VW but they're Hitler cars.
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I agree. I hate to admit it but I resist reving high in the TSX when I'm around other cars because I don't want to advertise to all the world that I have to wind up the engine just to page their V6 Ford Taurus. It's embarrassing. So I don't, and I often don't have as much fun as I'd like.
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Oh ya, when I'm alone on the road I wind it up all live long day. The TL-S has a lower red line I believe, I'll be sure to take that into consideration during the test drive.
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AP2's with 20-30k on them are going for less than 20 right now. I'm thinking about dumping my '06 before they hit rock bottom and waiting for the next gen. S (s3000?).
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Found this:
Manheim Results for 2003 S2000:
10/16/08 MID AMER Regular $14,000 65,828 Above BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/17/08 NEVADA Lease $11,700 51,680 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
10/22/08 BAY CITI Regular $12,700 49,591 Avg RED 4G A Yes
10/23/08 W PALM Regular $10,500 74,535 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
10/23/08 SO CAL Regular $11,900 64,161 Avg SILVER 4G 5 Yes
10/29/08 NADE Regular $10,950 59,463 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
10/30/08 ST PETE Regular $12,300 42,797 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
11/03/08 TENN Lease $12,500 52,238 Avg WHITE 4CY 6 Yes
11/05/08 DALLAS Regular $10,500 102,927 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CEN FLA Lease $11,600 51,458 Avg BLACK 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CADE Lease $11,750 54,363 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 ALOHA Lease $6,700 59,740 Below SILVER 4G 6 No
11/12/08 NADE Regular $7,000 161,952 Below BLUE 4G 5 Yes
Results for 2005 S2000:
10/16/08 MID AMER Regular $14,000 65,828 Above BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/17/08 NEVADA Lease $11,700 51,680 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
10/22/08 BAY CITI Regular $12,700 49,591 Avg RED 4G A Yes
10/23/08 W PALM Regular $10,500 74,535 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
10/23/08 SO CAL Regular $11,900 64,161 Avg SILVER 4G 5 Yes
10/29/08 NADE Regular $10,950 59,463 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
10/30/08 ST PETE Regular $12,300 42,797 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
11/03/08 TENN Lease $12,500 52,238 Avg WHITE 4CY 6 Yes
11/05/08 DALLAS Regular $10,500 102,927 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CEN FLA Lease $11,600 51,458 Avg BLACK 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CADE Lease $11,750 54,363 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 ALOHA Lease $6,700 59,740 Below SILVER 4G 6 No
11/12/08 NADE Regular $7,000 161,952 Below BLUE 4G 5 Yes
Results for 2007 S2000:
09/11/08 CINCINNA Regular $22,625 7,920 Above White 4G M Yes
09/16/08 FAAO Lease $22,200 17,339 Above BLACK 4G 6 Yes
09/24/08 NADE Regular $21,200 8,136 Avg BLACK 4G Yes
10/07/08 FAAO Lease $19,200 20,503 Below BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/22/08 DALLAS Regular $20,200 7,964 Avg WHITE 4G 6 Yes
11/04/08 FAAO Regular $20,200 6,069 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
10/16/08 MID AMER Regular $14,000 65,828 Above BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/17/08 NEVADA Lease $11,700 51,680 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
10/22/08 BAY CITI Regular $12,700 49,591 Avg RED 4G A Yes
10/23/08 W PALM Regular $10,500 74,535 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
10/23/08 SO CAL Regular $11,900 64,161 Avg SILVER 4G 5 Yes
10/29/08 NADE Regular $10,950 59,463 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
10/30/08 ST PETE Regular $12,300 42,797 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
11/03/08 TENN Lease $12,500 52,238 Avg WHITE 4CY 6 Yes
11/05/08 DALLAS Regular $10,500 102,927 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CEN FLA Lease $11,600 51,458 Avg BLACK 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CADE Lease $11,750 54,363 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 ALOHA Lease $6,700 59,740 Below SILVER 4G 6 No
11/12/08 NADE Regular $7,000 161,952 Below BLUE 4G 5 Yes
Results for 2005 S2000:
10/16/08 MID AMER Regular $14,000 65,828 Above BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/17/08 NEVADA Lease $11,700 51,680 Avg SILVER 4G A Yes
10/22/08 BAY CITI Regular $12,700 49,591 Avg RED 4G A Yes
10/23/08 W PALM Regular $10,500 74,535 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
10/23/08 SO CAL Regular $11,900 64,161 Avg SILVER 4G 5 Yes
10/29/08 NADE Regular $10,950 59,463 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
10/30/08 ST PETE Regular $12,300 42,797 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
11/03/08 TENN Lease $12,500 52,238 Avg WHITE 4CY 6 Yes
11/05/08 DALLAS Regular $10,500 102,927 Avg RED 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CEN FLA Lease $11,600 51,458 Avg BLACK 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 CADE Lease $11,750 54,363 Avg SILVER 4G 6 Yes
11/05/08 ALOHA Lease $6,700 59,740 Below SILVER 4G 6 No
11/12/08 NADE Regular $7,000 161,952 Below BLUE 4G 5 Yes
Results for 2007 S2000:
09/11/08 CINCINNA Regular $22,625 7,920 Above White 4G M Yes
09/16/08 FAAO Lease $22,200 17,339 Above BLACK 4G 6 Yes
09/24/08 NADE Regular $21,200 8,136 Avg BLACK 4G Yes
10/07/08 FAAO Lease $19,200 20,503 Below BLUE 4G 6 Yes
10/22/08 DALLAS Regular $20,200 7,964 Avg WHITE 4G 6 Yes
11/04/08 FAAO Regular $20,200 6,069 Avg YELLOW 4G M Yes
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Ya I will probably get an s2000 type car someday because when you think sprts car it's basicly the ultimate conclusion under $30k, but I was attracted to the RSX and now the TL-S for their duality of being fun and also useful.
OK here's another little issue. Isn't it hard to pass in the country when you are so low to the ground? Doesn't that kill your range of visibility?
OK here's another little issue. Isn't it hard to pass in the country when you are so low to the ground? Doesn't that kill your range of visibility?
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You won't find a better second car than this when it comes to fun, affordability, and reliability: http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/fe...e_r/index.html
I owned a 2001 and in 2008 it was stolen and had 80K miles on it: got $3000 less than the purchase price.
I owned a 2001 and in 2008 it was stolen and had 80K miles on it: got $3000 less than the purchase price.
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I test drove and RSX and TL and didn't find either very fun for different reasons. The TSX felt cheap and wasn't fast enough to justify the cheapness. The TL felt too big and heavy to fit my definition of sporty. I had to test drive an 5AT and the slow response time and funky torque band were real turn offs. I had one as a loaner for a day and at no time did I really enjoy anything about the car and I was happy to hand the keys back when I was done with it.
So I test drove an 09 TSX for the hell of it because I was fresh out of ideas and about to look at other brands and was surprised by how much more fun it was to drive and all around improved over the 1G TSX so I ended up trading the 1G TSX for a 2G TSX. The only things that suck are the electronic steering and the chrome grin but the list of positives is exhaustively long.
So I test drove an 09 TSX for the hell of it because I was fresh out of ideas and about to look at other brands and was surprised by how much more fun it was to drive and all around improved over the 1G TSX so I ended up trading the 1G TSX for a 2G TSX. The only things that suck are the electronic steering and the chrome grin but the list of positives is exhaustively long.
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