Hi guys. I ama long time Acura owner/driver. Ive owned a CL and a TL(love it) but dont know much about the RSX in terms of reliability. I am searching for a friend...are there any used model years I should stay away from or any big issues with the rsx's in general ? Or should I steer them towards a civic or accord

 

As far as the RSX goes, mechanically, they're very reliable. As far as issues go, primary O2 sensor tends to die around 80-100K mile, gears grinding on MT models, and popping noises in the front suspension are common problems.

 

Reliable? Yes they are.

I just wish they were cheaper on insurance and not targeted by the police and thieves.

 

I would stay away from 2002 models. I had one and had the AC go out, emergency brake had to be replaced, trunk actuator went out, cruise relay went out, and the last straw was an air bag sensor that had to be replaced. I traded it in on a 2001 TL because I needed an automatic.

I had more problems with most, but as always, stay away from the first model year of any car, including the RSX.

 

Agree on mechanical reliability (engine, etc.). However, I've only had mine for 3.5 years and have only ~16k miles on it. Have had only minor issues so far - rear taillights were getting water inside (about 8 months ago?), driver side power window would get stuck sometimes (about 2 months ago - register had to be replaced), and vanity mirror on driver side sun visor cracked off at hinge (about 2 months ago). All issues were covered under warranty.

 

I have an '04 Type S, and it's fantastic. The engine runs strong, and has had zero problems. The suspension can take a beating. The exterior and interior of the vehicle are well built to give you years of forgivable use.

As mentioned above, the primary O2 sensor does tend to go out. Mine went out at 55K. 2nd and 3rd gears are touchy, but they can be alleviated with frequent MTF changes, and/or using a different type of MTF as opposed to the Honda Green Label one. The auto up function on the driver's side tends to go out easily too, but that is an easy fix. Lastly, the Clutch Master Cylinder is a sensitive issue on these cars. They will make some squeaky noises and then one day it will go out. The CMCs off of the 01-05 Civics are better so most guys go that route when it does go out. However, this problem can be alleviated or avoided by bleeding the CMC frequently. I would recommend doing it at least once a year. It's similar to bleeding your brake lines, but easier because you only have to do one instead of four.

Goodluck with your search, and I hoped this helped!

-Eugene

 

We own a 2002 TL, 2009 Tl and 2003 RSX. The RSX is a fun car to drive. Still gets a lot of looks as we cruise by. Too bad Acura stoppd production on this model.

 

 

I own a 2002 RSX... I gotta say that you're probably just unlucky with all these things going out. I've had my door actuators and transistor module for my AC go out... other than that... she drives fine.

The RSX is a very reliable car... just some minor issues that may or may not happen depending on your luck. Actuator for this car tends to go out, O2 sensor goes out like what other people say, rare cases would be your CMC and your starter. Go pick one up! They're fun to drive, although a bit bumpy... but that goes for all sport compact cars.

 

I've got a 2002 Type-S with 73k miles. I've had it since I bought it in 2005 with 32k on the clock. Every once in a great while, I have to give it a little extra nudge to get it into 3rd or it will pop out of gear. Some people have had the 2nd gear grind, but it hasn't happened to me. Another very common issue is that the engine tends to burn a little oil; I just watch the level and usually have to add a quart between changes.

Otherwise the car has been absolutely dead-on reliable for me and has been great fun to own and drive. The sound at the VTEC swich-over and 8k rpm red-line is addicting! I wouldn't hesitate recommending one in good condition and would even buy one for my daughter if they were just a little bit cheaper.

Good luck with your search! The biggest problem you are going to have is finding one that hasn't been modded, riced out, or otherwise abused.

 

its acutally backwards for the 2nd Gen TL... the 99 is the most reliable... while the 00-03 have terrible tranny issues...

 

I drove a couple RSX's not sure on years, I think all 2002 to 2004 before the refresh and a couple had the 3rd gear grinding issue. Unless I forced it into 3rd sometimes it would kick out of gear. Fun car to drive though!

 

i have an 03 rsx,pretty reliable however almost at 200k besides the fact as the other poster said that its targeted by police .. its pretty sweet car

 

Accords are too suttle and an rsx in kinda like a super civic. So the obvious choice in the rsx

 

I've heard the tranny grind/popup out is notorious for the 6-speeds, not so much the 5-speeds. Any truth to this?

 

I haven't experienced of any problems with the 5-spds, but I have heard of 1 person that grinds 2nd gear. Tranny problems are definitely a lot less common on the 5-spd compared to the 6-spd

 

Agreed, they are quite reliable. As others have said, watch for the gear grinds. If you're easy on the transmission, you shouldn't have too big of problems. I've always babied my 06, only occasionally get a grind.

 

I am the original owner of my 2004 RSX. 125k and still going strong. Looks great, very little maintenance and I get lots of compliments. This was an Illinois car also for most of it's life with tough winters and still looks great. Love this car!