I'm going on 160K on my '99 TL and thinking of something new. I drive in stop and go traffic somewhat but Denver isn't quite LA yet.
When I've driven first gen TSX's the lack of torque makes them seem gutless. I really enjoy passing people going uphill in the mountains of Colorado.
My choices seem to be an '06 TSX manual or auto?
Or an '05 TL manual or auto?
What about turbo TSX's? any experience there?

I would like to hear your pros and cons.

Thanks!

 

05 TL 6MT the only way to go (then again I'm biased on that!)

 

Welcome to Acurazine!

I would recommend to get a TL 6MT. It would be a HUGE upgrade from 99 TL.

And with a few bolt-ons, these 6MT TLs can become very balanced sporty sedans.

Good luck.

 

I was faced with the same problem in 04, I was interested in the TL but ended up getting the TSX and it was possibly the best all around car I've ever owned. I really liked my 04 TSX and strongly recommend that platform(preferably 06+) to anyone who is interested. That car was ahead of it's time and I still feel is competitive in many ways today. I feel it's a little dated now and is showing it's age in a very fast paced segment, but they are still great, reliable and economical cars to drive.

 

'05 TL or '06 TSX? TL. I doubt if you want to go from a V6 to a 4 banger. The only way I would recommend the TSX over a TL is if you were looking at an '09 or 2010 model, preferrably the V6. They are nice looking cars.

 

I'm a puss I guess. I wouldn't want a FWD car in Colorado.

 

Both are great choices, however they are a bit different. The TSX will of course be cheaper to own if you are in stop and go traffic, however if you cruise on the highway a majority of the time going 75+, then the TL will be cheaper to own.

The TSX is a nice vehicle in it's own, and a 6MT one is even nicer. I suggest you go and try to find one and see if you can test drive it to see how it drives. Even though it is a 4 cyl. it has plenty of pep.

The TL is a grown up version of the TL; it has power and comfort that's great to have everyday. The downside is that in stop and go it won't have that great of gas mileage, maybe 18 or 19 MPG whereas the TSX can have 22 or 23 MPG. It's a great highway cruiser and as well gets 35 MPG going about 75. A 6MT one makes the TL so much better and you won't have to worry about having a glass transmission.

One downside to the TL is that it'll need to have the timing belt service done at 105K and that can run a bit of money, atleast 1K.

If you like to modify cars a bit, then the TSX is better; it has a whole lot of aftermarket support. The TL has a bit less support, but none-the-less it can be made unique and tasteful.

IMO I would test drive both cars and see which was better, I chose the TL because I needed the extra room, liked the extra power and the cost of gas wasn't an issue really since I drive a 50:50 mix.

 

In late 2004 I was asking myself the same thing. In fact wanting to ask specific experiences in regards to either car drew me to this forum.

I found the TSX to be a wonderful car. It handled beautifully and was obviously well constructed. The only downsides were the lack of interior space and torque. I found the TL quite a bit larger, but still enjoyed it's handling dynamics. Not quite as crisp as the TSX, but still entertaining. Especially when equipped with a 6MT. The torque was adequate and overall the car was quite brisk.

In the end however, I chose neither. Instead I purchased an Accord Coupe 6MT. And I've been enjoying it ever since.



Terry

 

I was set to get a 2005 6MT TSX, until my wife asked for a car with an auto transmission, which meant that I had to go to a V6 to get decent torque with an auto.
The 2005-2008 TSX 6MT is a very enjoyable and pretty refined car, but the auto TSX feels really unresponsive in comparison.

I'm quite happy with the TL, even in auto trans form, but have not driven the 6MT version, which is somewhat rare.

G/L!

 

TL is more comfortable, TSX is better on gas...

Depends on what you're looking for.

 

6MT TL or Auto if you're just plain lazy to drive MT lolz.

back in 2004, I was thinking if I wanted TL or TSX too. But in the long run I'm so happy I picked the TL due to comfort wise and power Haha. V6 is yummy

 

Jim -

Having lived in Boulder for a spell, I'll go on record to say that a 4-cyl TSX will be an absolute slug at those altitudes, especially with an automatic. A manual TSX will be faster, but not by much.....you'll constantly be caning the thing to get it out of its own way. Turbocharging a TSX is a good solution to that on paper, but it would be a pain in the ass to put together (not to mention expensive) and would have to be perfectly tuned to run well in high altitude traffic.

I'd look at TLs all the way, and this comes from a former TSX owner.

-Mirror

 

How big of a person are you? If you are over 6'3" the tl will be a far better car for you. I cant even come close to fitting in the TSX. Im 6'5. The TL has much more room and would be my choice.

 

^ I'm 6'4 and I couldn't get comfortable in a 04 TL...

Something about my damn right knee, most cars are very uncomfortable.

 

*cough* TSX.

 

Since I own a 06 6MT tsx I will give you my personal opinion. I have driven it on 3 cross country road trips (2 times in Colorado) It has more than enough power to manage the mountains of Colorado. It was a very comfortable riding car with two adults, a trunk full of luggage and the backseat filled with stuff that grew along the way. I suggest you test drive them and you decide what you like.

 

both are great, but if you can afford the extra 40-60 bucks a month on your payment- TL all the way man.GL

 

I agree 05 TL manual