pd83

Hey all. Newbie to the Acura forums. Not sure where the appropriate place would have been to put this this question/thread. Currently in the market for another car so i've been debating between a 2015 Acura TLX or a pre-owned 2012-2014 Acura TSX. I'm only considering the 4 cylinder, base models as i don't really care for the tech package. I've emailed a few dealers and the lowest i've gotten is around $30k for the TLX. I've searched some pre-owned TSX at few dealers and it goes anywhere from $23-25k with mileage ranging from 20-30k mileage & and i probably negotiate further down. Obviously the TLX is newer and probably comes with features that the TSX doesn't. My question is the TLX worth the extra $5-7k over the TSX. Would love to get some thoughts.
On a side note, i was also considering a new Accord Sport or Kia Optima as a backup option if these two don't work out.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

that's a pretty subjective question.

if i was in the market today; i would def. go with a used TSX, as I feel the depreciation for a new car is too much and not worth my money.

and like you said; you would be getting the base anyway.

I feel if you're going to spend $30k, might as well get a well optioned car.

just my opinion, anyway.
you'll need to figure out your priorities, which one gives you the best value, etc. etc.


The only reason to go brand new TLX is if you're itching for that brand new car.
(it is in its first year and has some quirks!)
another reason, why i'd stay away.

VR1

I'd go with the tsx.

Tsx pros:
Cheaper
Looks better (IMO)
Weighs less

TLX pros:
Dual clutch
Larger

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

p.s. I currently drive a 2006 TL.

so, im not biased towards the TSX or the TLX.

xtcnrice

fixed your leak(s) yet?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

hell no.

it only shows up when there's pressure. so, when I turn on the car, it leaks.
but if i have it jacked up looking for the leak, it wont leak! lol

Ive tried turning on the car while its jacked up, but it just gets too hot and i cant look for the leak. lol

fbt

Have you driven any of these cars?

xtcnrice

damn! but I suspect there are also other ways to diagnose a leak right? maybe adding some sort of substance at the beginning of the exhaust and see where it comes out? totally spoke out of my ass there btw lmao

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

it has to be a rubber seal/gasket gone bad or not in place properly.

there's the rear main seal, the crank pulley seal, oil filter plate seal, etc.

its just very troublesome for me to go back in and check these seals, each time it leaks, because its so hard to get to.

iCrap

I wouldn't get a TSX. Ancient 5 speed auto (which sucks) and the "tech package" on our cars is a joke.
Personally I wouldn't get a TLX either but between the two it's the better option.

The accord is a better option than the TSX also.

xtcnrice

TSX 6MT over any of those cars, IMO. Great drivetrain, styling is good (subjective but I'd like to say the consensus is there), and a much cheaper option than either TLX or Accord brand new. Problem is, a decent one is difficult to find.



edit: yes tech is garbage. Even though 6MT techs are super rare, don't even bother. You're better off upgrading the base system yourself.

Terdbath

I test drove a 6 cylinder tech. TLX is newer so has upgraded interior over TSX. It rides smoother and is amazingly quiet inside. Big fan of the LED headlights too. I posted some picturs and a review on the TLX side. I think of it as Acura's version of the Lexus ES350. The TSX however is proven reliable. Mine is still as rattle and problem free as the day I got it. My plan is for this to be my daughters 1st car in about 6 years. If she doesnt wreck it my son gets it 2 years later.

joflewbyu2

I would sell my 2014 TSX Tech Package with 4k miles for $29k. TSX is tried and proven design and powertrain. Never seen a TSX auto trans problem and I been with Acura since '99. Last model besides RLX to be made in Japan. Superior build quality compared to the states. If I sell it, RLX here I come.

pd83

Thanks for the feedback. I've driven both. Relative has a 2011 TSX that ive driven a few times and I test drove TLX over the Thanksgiving weekend. TLX drives a little nicer, but not a substantial difference to me. Also the one thing that concerns me with the TLX(besides it being in the first yr of production as justnspace pointed out) is the dual screens. More electronics, more things to go wrong later.
As far as looks go, yea the TLX looks nicer, but TSX is good looking as well.

Nedmundo

Unless you want MT or a smaller car, I'd recommend the TLX over the TSX. It's more refined and luxurious, but still has excellent chassis dynamics for a large(ish) FWD sedan, and it has better fuel economy too. For a daily driver/family road trip machine, I think it's great, but it's too big for me and I don't plan to give up MT any time soon.

kurtatx

It's a decision between new and used. I would go with a Subaru WRX.

WheelMcCoy

A mechanic connected my former 1997 Odyssey to an external high pressure system. It pushes oil thru and they watch for leaks that way. But be careful. The Odyssey was so old, the high pressure created new leaks. Sometimes, if the leak is small, it's better to leave well enough alone.

Wife and I traded it in for a 2012 TSX Wagon. It's great to drive and has surprisingly good visibility.

Given a choice of a TSX sedan or a TLX, I'd prefer the smaller car with a stick.

RCJD

I think you CAN'T go wrong either way, they are both good reliable fun to drive cars.

BTW, '12-'14 TSX is 80% or 85% (forgot) japan made parts. I still think its one of the best Acura product. If I can redo it again, I would not have traded my TSX with my current TL-AWD. I do miss my '13 TSX.

The bottom line will just be your budget.

Good luck!

CybrRdr

I have driven both cars. I own a '09 TSX and over the weekend the dealer gave me a 2.4 TLX to drive while my car was in for B123 service.

For me, the TLX just didn't seem as as sporty or fun to drive.

If you looking for tech gadgets (Smart Key, Jewel LED, etc), a soft quiet ride, and passenger comfort.... the TLX is your car.

If you want a firmer ride and a more fun car to drive... that is the TSX.

The Stig CA

What did you think of the DCT transmission on the TLX? I have heard a lot of grumbling about it from new onwers saying the low speed jerkiness was a deal breaker. What was your improession of it? I would be extremely hesitant to get the first model year with a new DCT (or many first year model cars, frankly). There may be some kinks to work out.

Nedmundo

I liked the DCT more than any other automatic I've tried. It's really cool to watch the tach as the DCT fires through the gears faster than almost anyone can shift a manual, and the low gearing and quick shifting give the I4 reasonable performance. I didn't notice any of the low speed jerkiness, but I wasn't driving in stop-and-go traffic either. It seemed great to me, but I still prefer the 6MT in my TSX.

rinconvtr

Tough choice with very discounted prices on TLX in certain regions. I've bought 4 new vehicles since 2004 and I've had a few used before and one since. Upfront cost is lower buying new, but over the long run if you keep your car for near end of life terms, you cannot go wrong buying new. There is also higher risk buying used, where as if you buy a lemon new, you at least have a warranty and (hard to claim) lemon law at your side.

pinatubo

I would go with the TLX

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Depends on what you are looking for in your next car. The TLX will be quieter and softer, offering a more luxury experience. The TSX is going to be more fun and more of a driver's car.

If you are comparing automatics only, I might give the edge to the TLX since the automatic in the TSX is absolutely ancient. If you are considering a TSX with the 6MT, that is the clear winner in my book.