I am looking to purchase a 2003 Acura RSX Base 5 spd this weekend with 128k miles.

Is there anything I should be wary about with this many miles? The car was never modified and clutch was done in the past year.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Honestly, I ran my 05 type s until 75K with absolutely NO issues. I can't remember if it's a chain or belt so check that plugs and timing (105K) service was done.

Non modified A3 motor will make you happy...reliable and decent gas mileage. Plus, I don't think many people are doing k series swaps with those...the type S I've been hearing has been getting stolen a LOT lately.

 

It has a timing chain which doesn't need to be replaced, only valve adjustments which are done every 115k(?) or as needed.

I was actually kinda relieved to find a base because I know they are not beat on and tend to last longer than Type-S' for that reason. No one wants a k20a3 lol. And the car will only be used to commute to and from school.

Just wanted to be sure there was nothing major I have to look forward to, not much popping up on the internet.

Getting the car for a pretty good price too.

 

So you are going to pass on modding the R S sex? Even the base car is very easy to gain power. Especially after Hondata raises the redline to 7700rpm.

 

I'd check for a crunchy 2nd/3rd gear, torn motor mounts (front's usually the first to go esp if the previous owner didn't revmatch on downshifts), rusting sunroof frame, SRS light (usually the passenger side seat airbag sensor if it's on), a cracked radiator, or rust in the trunk under the spare tire if the hatch or tail lights leaked.

Mine's been mostly ok, about to hit 185k miles.

 

Well, on the 05 I had I had an issue with condensation in my tails/headlgihts but that was it. I don't think you'll have many problems.

Funny enough though, I got better gas mileage in my RSX than I did in my previous EP with the A3 motor.

Supposedly the A3 is a lot better to turbo though...I think becasue of the lower compression and the 5 speed tranny. I drove my friend's that had a stage one and MAN was that thing a beast.

About hondata and modding it...I wouldn't...the TL has taught me, if you want stuff to last, leave it alone.

 

Yea it would strictly be a commuter, I don't plan on modding it at all. I'll be sure to give the car a thorough overview.

edit: except I might throw in the leather interior lol

 

Check under the rubber on the sunroof for rust. There have been many reports of the glass frame rusting badly. I know that mine did.

With the sunroof open, pull back the rubber on the side from underneath and look at what should be black painted steel. This is where it rusts. Severe cases will appear as lumps in the rubber trim visible when the sunroof is closed.

I also experienced water in the spare tire well after rain due to deteriorated taillight seals.

I can think of no other problems that would apply to the base RSX.

 

those seem like relatively easy fixes...and at least it's not related to leaving you stranded anywhere

 

Thanks, will definitely check those areas out when I look at the car.

 

some really good info in here. All the stuff that i'd list are in here, plus a couple more.

and don't get the leather interior, the leather quality isn't the greatest. Instead if you want to upgrade the interior, look into the ITR recaros, those are worth getting.

 

I am looking to purchase ... have some photos of the undercarriage, but have no idea if this amount or type of rust is normal. Can anyone help? I have photos.

 

post em up! photobucket then grab the "IMG" link and post it here.

 

Everyone's pretty much nailed the head on this one.
Great choice for a basic commuter.

 

I still want Type S because their S and if I'd get one which I would rather take my dad's car I would stack it up with security, camera's everywhere...

 

I've considered the type S, but went ahead and stood with the 02 base model; you will be happy! I purchased mine with 125K miles, and now it has 146K over a couple year span. They are great handling vehicles and the base will reward you with savings in gas unless you have a heavy foot. Unless you know exactly what the previous owner has done to the vehicle, things that you may be looking forward to are things like a minor-major tune up. As mentioned, Valve lash adjustments, possible starter, spark plugs (expensive kind). Since I purchased the vehicle, I had to buy an O2 sensor (1st bank) and a Catalytic Converter. My next project next week is changing the starter, replacing alternator (family member rebuilds / sells alternators and starters), and moving valve cover to adjust valve lash.

 

Ohh yea, also changed the shocks/struts and re-lubed and suspension components. Unfortunately, I purchased the vehicle from a guy that lived near the beach. That salt air isn't nice to metal on these vehicles; hence the reasoning why others mentioned checking for rust!

 

I would get the type-S . You'll always have more value in it if you decide to sell, plus they're getting harder and harder to find. atleast not ruined already. I'd only be in market for a base if it was a second or third vehicle and the deal was really really good.

Good luck, make sure you do a carfax and really look over the car, check to see if all vin stickers are there, if original paint, etc.

 

Yea check the basics, frame damage, color matching ( inner panels, gas lid with exterior) Vin #s ( Engine and Frame), make sure to keep that ICV clean, I had to bypass my idle control valve at 162k. Awhile to go, but to keep in mind. Calipers tend to freeze and could ruin rotors, so pay attention to the thickness esp on the Base model

 

3rd Gear might get stuck sometimes, might want to look into it.

 

I have had my base since 2007 and put 100k miles on it. These cars will treat you very nicely if you maintain them properly.


Who was the previous owner?

Your insurance will be cheaper, the car get better gas mileage, and you get the reliability of a K-series engine.

if you are really curious about potential, these cars baseline around 117whp on the dyno, after boltons and a tune I am about 170whp and will outrun stock type-s all day long.

But if you are just commuting, enjoy the comfortable ride, put a good stereo in it, and enjoy!