I am in the market for a used car and Ive been looking at Acuras. I have heard they are reliable. I dont know much about cars and I need to make sure whatever I get will last me at least 3 years with no major issues. My price range is $5500-6500. Through glancing online it seems like I can get something from 99-02 with 80-100,000 miles.

I found a 2002 Acura RSX for 6500 with 100,000 miles. Is this a good price? What are the major parts I need look for at the 100,000 mile mark that may be a red flag. Reallistically I need this car to last me a while. I will not have any more money to put into it and I need to make the right choice. Any advise/suggestions would be a great help. Thanks!

 

I have one thing to say. Get it inspected. I bought mine with no inspection and it followed with 6 monthes of engine swapping, painting, and everything else imaginable. Otherwise thats a dec deal. You should check out the first generation Acura CL's if 6500 if your price range they are great cars and very reliable

 

Yeah, you definitely want that car to be inspected before you commit.

My 2003 RSX (bought new originally) has 1725XX miles and the only thing I needed was throttle body (under warranty). It sips gas and has been reliable.

Personally, I wouldn't touch one that has any internal engine modification, such as header and stuff. CAI or SRI are quite common and should not decrease reliability.

 

The K series is a very low wearing engine. Theres a dude with an Element with 500,000 miles on the honda mile makers website! Make sure its not been modded AT ALL (If theren an intake, you know the driver was a boy racer) and maintained. These are great cars when treated right. They do have a TON of random rattles when cold though. If u dont like rattles dont buy this car. It doesnt rattle but maybe 10% of the time but it is annoying..

 

only thing to be done around 100k is the timing belt wich will cost some. Other than that its mainly consumables. I dont know what age youre at or what exactly youre willing to do with the car but Id have a look at the cl/tl as well, it wont perform as well as the rsx handling wise but it will cost a whole less in insurance and has less chances of being beaten all the time by the previous owners.

They are good cars though I would buy a honda/acura with double the miles of any other brand in a heartbeat. I would consider a toyota as well but its just not the same driving experience at all.

 

All K series engines use timing chains, so that is not necessary. You still have to change drive belt (accessory belt) at around 100K. I changed mine at 145K, because my commute is pretty much all highway.

 

Yeah, like previous poster said, RSX motors use timing chains. the 105k is cheap if the car was taken care of(4 bills in so cal), whereas my TL cost roughly +1200. Also I agree that you should get the car checked out by a trusted mechanic before you buy it

 

Good price, was in the same situation, bought my 03 rsx at 100k runs great almost at 190k but honda/acura are reliable in my preference as the other poster said the cl is a good car as well