Test drove a new TSX MT-6!
07-07-2003, 09:45 PM
#1
Happy CL-S Pilot
Thread Starter
Test drove a new TSX MT-6!
I went to drop my CLS at the dealer. While leaving I was checking out a new red TSX MT-6 no-NAV. An aggresive salesman approached me and started his talk to get me trade my CLS...
Here is my review:
1) Interior: 1 word AMAZING!.. much better than any Acura or honda. I thought I was in an LS400 or MB E300. It even came with door sills.
2) Cabin Space: felt as if I was in a Corolla... Not big but not tiny.
3) Trunk sapce is big for the size of the car.
4) Engine bay: Standard Acura 4-Cl layout.. had some extra space for a Turbo or SC.
And the salesman said ...how about a test drive.. I could not resist, it had only 320 miles!
Road test:
1) Start the engine, and it is whisper quiet. nice!
2) Leaving the dealer's parking lot.. the grearshift/clutch were precise and no missed shifts. The shift throws are bit long but not bad.
3) Driving the TSX was different from driving my CLS. It was QUIET. You can't here or feel the i-VTEC switch, and I do not think there is 2-stage intake here.
4) Redline came fast and forced a shift.
5) Handling is like 2X better than CLS stock.. changing lanes is fast and noticable. it is smaller and easier to handle than the CLS(as big as a boat). Taking sharp corners at 55 miles (40 max) felt that there is still some body roll. Tires hold well and did not sqeak on sharp edges (Ah 300 miles on those tires)
6) It is deceptively fast car. I was doing 80 MPH and by looking the Odo you think you are doing 60 MPH. Wierd Odo.. you have to get used to it.
7) 5th and 6th gear are strictly for cruising. I floored iin 5th around 60 MPH and it was slow to get up to speed. 5th was okay to change lanes on the HW you could still feel some pull.
8) Droping into 4th around 65-70 and you can do some 80-100 very quickly... here it is as nice as the CLS-3rd gear.
9) in 6th around 55MPH, it is like idling the engine. I find that crusing at 3000rpms is as quiet as our CLS 1800 rpms.
10) Overall impression, give this TSA some 40 HP more, some 20 lbft more and 1,000 rpm more and you get a winner.
in a word, it is a better RSX!
Downside: MSRP Price. $28,995 for a TSX with NAV... come on, it is a 4-Cylinder car. It should be no more than $25,000.
We haggled about the price (at sticker MSRP! and no less). My CLS trade in value was a joke, not worth mentioning here.. I was
The sales manger came and told me that the low valuation of my CLS is due:
1) He can get dozens of CLS with 30kmiles at the same price he offered.
2) CLS is discontinued...
3) CLS is a 2-doors car and there is no interest in 2 doors.
4) Of course the tranny problem but he did not mention it.
The irony, the salesman was talking me that Acuras hold their resale value.
News from the salesman:
1) A new coupe would be introduced 2 years from now. A 2-door version of the TL ? a new platform? 4WD/Hybrid version of the new TL? Who knows. The salesman claimed he saw sketches and tid bits info.
2) A Convertible might follow the coupe.
3) The new TL would start around $35k with NAV around $37k!!
, still a FWD, and maybe no 6-speed on the new TL 
4) New RL is coming next Spring.
BTW, I did turned off the VSA... YES VSA on the TSX-6-speed... why not on the CLS-6?!! and I did try burn some rubber... I redlined fast and the TSX hopped like a freaking monkey.
That is all
Here is my review:
1) Interior: 1 word AMAZING!.. much better than any Acura or honda. I thought I was in an LS400 or MB E300. It even came with door sills.
2) Cabin Space: felt as if I was in a Corolla... Not big but not tiny.
3) Trunk sapce is big for the size of the car.
4) Engine bay: Standard Acura 4-Cl layout.. had some extra space for a Turbo or SC.
And the salesman said ...how about a test drive.. I could not resist, it had only 320 miles!
Road test:
1) Start the engine, and it is whisper quiet. nice!
2) Leaving the dealer's parking lot.. the grearshift/clutch were precise and no missed shifts. The shift throws are bit long but not bad.
3) Driving the TSX was different from driving my CLS. It was QUIET. You can't here or feel the i-VTEC switch, and I do not think there is 2-stage intake here.
4) Redline came fast and forced a shift.
5) Handling is like 2X better than CLS stock.. changing lanes is fast and noticable. it is smaller and easier to handle than the CLS(as big as a boat). Taking sharp corners at 55 miles (40 max) felt that there is still some body roll. Tires hold well and did not sqeak on sharp edges (Ah 300 miles on those tires)
6) It is deceptively fast car. I was doing 80 MPH and by looking the Odo you think you are doing 60 MPH. Wierd Odo.. you have to get used to it.
7) 5th and 6th gear are strictly for cruising. I floored iin 5th around 60 MPH and it was slow to get up to speed. 5th was okay to change lanes on the HW you could still feel some pull.
8) Droping into 4th around 65-70 and you can do some 80-100 very quickly... here it is as nice as the CLS-3rd gear.
9) in 6th around 55MPH, it is like idling the engine. I find that crusing at 3000rpms is as quiet as our CLS 1800 rpms.
10) Overall impression, give this TSA some 40 HP more, some 20 lbft more and 1,000 rpm more and you get a winner.
in a word, it is a better RSX!
Downside: MSRP Price. $28,995 for a TSX with NAV... come on, it is a 4-Cylinder car. It should be no more than $25,000.
We haggled about the price (at sticker MSRP! and no less). My CLS trade in value was a joke, not worth mentioning here.. I was
The sales manger came and told me that the low valuation of my CLS is due: 1) He can get dozens of CLS with 30kmiles at the same price he offered.
2) CLS is discontinued...
3) CLS is a 2-doors car and there is no interest in 2 doors.
4) Of course the tranny problem but he did not mention it.
The irony, the salesman was talking me that Acuras hold their resale value.
News from the salesman:
1) A new coupe would be introduced 2 years from now. A 2-door version of the TL ? a new platform? 4WD/Hybrid version of the new TL? Who knows. The salesman claimed he saw sketches and tid bits info.
2) A Convertible might follow the coupe.
3) The new TL would start around $35k with NAV around $37k!!
, still a FWD, and maybe no 6-speed on the new TL 4) New RL is coming next Spring.
BTW, I did turned off the VSA... YES VSA on the TSX-6-speed... why not on the CLS-6?!! and I did try burn some rubber... I redlined fast and the TSX hopped like a freaking monkey.
That is all
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07-08-2003, 10:02 AM
#8
Unregistered Member
You said the new TL will start at about $35K and $37K for navi models...... but isn't it likely that they will offer navi as the only factory option?
Considering that the CL/TL already come fully loaded (minus the navi system), that's not too bad.
Considering that the CL/TL already come fully loaded (minus the navi system), that's not too bad.
07-08-2003, 10:27 AM
#10
Happy CL-S Pilot
Thread Starter
It mght be the case that Acura will do an optin package like that of the MDX touring.
Originally posted by Tom2
You said the new TL will start at about $35K and $37K for navi models...... but isn't it likely that they will offer navi as the only factory option?
Considering that the CL/TL already come fully loaded (minus the navi system), that's not too bad.
You said the new TL will start at about $35K and $37K for navi models...... but isn't it likely that they will offer navi as the only factory option?
Considering that the CL/TL already come fully loaded (minus the navi system), that's not too bad.
07-08-2003, 10:31 AM
#12
Three Wheelin'
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When I had my CLS 6MT in for oil change and for the replacement of my left armrest (peeling away)....I test drove the TSX 6MT w/ navi...it was awesome! Interior was superior to any other Acura I've driven and the styling was pretty good. For a 4-door, I wished it was a little bigger, but that's moving into TL territory. The shifts were absolutly smooth...the drive-by-wire is very precise. The feel of it was very similar to my brother's G35. Leather seats were soft...wish our CL was wrapped in that skin there. Car was peppy, but definitely not as powerful as our CLS. But suspension was very tight and the car is very quiet. I'd consider it if it wasn't so expensive...I agree...if it was about 25K-26K w/ navi, this would be great!
07-08-2003, 11:39 AM
#14
price on TSX
Wait until all the new car hub bub dies down. Since all Acura's sales numbers are down through June, except NSX, they will be firm for a while on the only "new car" they have that sells well. Personally, pushing 30 grand for a 4 banger is ridiculous......I don't care if it has 250hp. My SVT Focus only cost me 16 grand new (loaded w 6 spd, ABS, leather, roof, audiophile 6 CD + sub, cruise, steering wheel audio controls etc.) which is more in line for a 4 and a FORD......don't flame me, it's a fun car.
07-08-2003, 11:47 AM
#15
Burning Brakes
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The whole car would be freakin awesome if it had a 6-cylinder engine. This car looks very good on the road and from what I've heard, its very luxurious on the inside. But its still a good looking car; although quite expensive for a fourbanger.
07-08-2003, 11:47 AM
#16
Cost Drivers!!!!
Re: price on TSX
Originally posted by bc01cls
Wait until all the new car hub bub dies down. Since all Acura's sales numbers are down through June, except NSX, they will be firm for a while on the only "new car" they have that sells well. Personally, pushing 30 grand for a 4 banger is ridiculous......I don't care if it has 250hp. My SVT Focus only cost me 16 grand new (loaded w 6 spd, ABS, leather, roof, audiophile 6 CD + sub, cruise, steering wheel audio controls etc.) which is more in line for a 4 and a FORD......don't flame me, it's a fun car.
Wait until all the new car hub bub dies down. Since all Acura's sales numbers are down through June, except NSX, they will be firm for a while on the only "new car" they have that sells well. Personally, pushing 30 grand for a 4 banger is ridiculous......I don't care if it has 250hp. My SVT Focus only cost me 16 grand new (loaded w 6 spd, ABS, leather, roof, audiophile 6 CD + sub, cruise, steering wheel audio controls etc.) which is more in line for a 4 and a FORD......don't flame me, it's a fun car.
Wow......you are comparing a SVT FOCUS to the TSX??????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????
07-08-2003, 12:50 PM
#18
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Oct 2002
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Originally posted by importtuner
The whole car would be freakin awesome if it had a 6-cylinder engine. This car looks very good on the road and from what I've heard, its very luxurious on the inside. But its still a good looking car; although quite expensive for a fourbanger.
The whole car would be freakin awesome if it had a 6-cylinder engine. This car looks very good on the road and from what I've heard, its very luxurious on the inside. But its still a good looking car; although quite expensive for a fourbanger.
And I honestly don't think it's too expensive. A fully loaded sports sedan that's on par with Bimmer and Audi in performance, handling, build quality for under $30K? That looks pretty good to me.
07-08-2003, 03:21 PM
#20
Cost Drivers!!!!
Originally posted by joeandcarol2
Hear we all go again. Ok.. all you 4 cyl. guys on the left and you 6 cyl. guys on the right.
Hear we all go again. Ok.. all you 4 cyl. guys on the left and you 6 cyl. guys on the right.
Don't understand why people get so crazy over it. Not this much fervor over the 325s, 328s 
TSX has about the same CIs as the i6s. The engine is smooth, quiet and powerful enough for the car it's moving around.
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