My friend is looking to get a TSX. He was looking at used ones, but I convinced him to step up to a new one. Anyone have any positive or negative experience with these? His mind is set on this car so please do not suggest anything else. I'm just looking for real world opinions. Thanks.

 

My borhter in law has an 05 6-Speed with OEM body kit. Over all build quality I'd say it is as good if not better in some areas than my wifes 04 RX330. Fit and finish is good. Paint seems to have less orange peel effect. Power is pretty good for a 4 cylinder engine, but you do need to give it some gas moreso than your typical V6/V8. The shifter/trans is typical Honda butter smooth, but the clutch system feels a little different than other Honda/Acuta cars I remember. It seems to need a little higher revs to get out of 1st gear smoothly even moreso than their RSX they traded in for the TSX. I would have no problem gtting one myself especially for the price (Under $30K).

 

Not a whole lot of experience, Liz, but I did review and test-drive one of the first ones out several years ago.
The TSX is based on the same platform that Honda sells overseas as the Accord...a somewhat smaller platform that the U.S.-market Accord. Like a lot of other Honda-designed products, it comes with a high-reving VTEC four with around 200 HP and not a whole lot of low end-torque.....you have to run the engine well up into its rev range to any power. Also like other Honda products, it has a ultra-smooth, slick-shifting FWD manual transmission.....Honda seems to do FWD shift linkage, IMO, like no other manufacturer in the world....just like BMW does steering. The automatic, also like other Honda products, is OK but not the best. Fit-and-finish is the typical first-rate Acura quality, and the interior IMO is nicely done with unique pinkish-red, white, and blue-violet electroluminesent gauges. Two basic interiors are offered, a dark charcoal with brushed-metal trim and a beige one with wood-trim. ( I prefer the beige and wood myself ). Everything inside seems to be assembled with great care and with the typical Honda and precise feel to the controls. There is not a huge amount of room inside, especially with the sunroof, but should be OK for those under about 6' 2" or so. There is not enough torque at low speeds to really cause any noticible torque steer. And being rather small and with a semi-sport suspension, it handles well for a front-driver, but obviously you can't compare the handling with, say, an S2000. Best of all is the price.....starting in the mid-20's. You can get a reasonably well-equipped one for under 30K.

Negatives? Some people might complain it needs more engine.....several of its competitiors have V6's. It is not a particularly easy car to bargain on...though I have seen much worse. And I'd like to see an AWD version offered for really bad weather.

 

Thanks for the heads up guys. I forgot he wants automatic and V6. I have no knowedge of these cars whatsoever, just trying to help him out and of course, get him the best deal possible.
I did everything I could to persuade him to get a IS, but no luck.

 

According to Acura's website they still don't offer the TSX with a V6....unless it is something very new and not yet updated. I don't ever remember one being offered. You said not to mention any other car but if he wants a V6 he may have to upgrade to the TL........and take a chance with those weak TL automatic transmissions. Frankly, IMO the TSX ,even with the 205 HP four, has enough power for all but the most spirited driving.

http://www.acura.com/

 

hahhaaa liz, tsk tsk tsk..... do your homework tsx has v6? come on, you should know better than that.... the tsx is a 4 banger, the TL is the one with v6!!!!!

anyway, i don't know anyone with the car, but from what i read the tsx is a pretty decent car. in general i see more satisfied owners than the tl

 

Just to add, the 06 TSX gets teh newe SAE HP rating of 205 HP SAE. The 05 stil used to old system and was rated at 200 HP. So, if he goes for the 06 the car should indeed feel a lot more powerful as it probably is getting around 210 HP under the old system. That said, my borther in laws 05 definately didn't feel as torquey as my SC400, but it is as fast if not a little faster in actual performance numbers. Handling is by far better as well, but it might be a little stiff for Lexus ride buyers. Steering is no way near BMW precise and feel, but out of all the other Honda/Acura cars aside from the S2000 and NSX is is the best. I never tried the automatic so I can't comment, but the manual with the K24A2 engine in the TSX is definately a great engine and has more than engough power. 0-60 in low 7s or even high 6's with the manual.

 

Oh, I didn't know it was mt only. That changes things. He doesn't like the TL so back to the drawing board I guess. Maybe I can try the IS hints again. lol

 

Actually a 5-Speed automatic transmission is available. I think we all just said we never got the change to test drive one so don't have any comments about it. It is; however, NOT offered with a V6 and only I4 engine.

 

Although not the latest model, I believe LXOGOOD's GF has a TSX. Maybe you can ping Ken to see if he has any stories.

 

Okay, lemme get this straight. There's a V6 6 speed MT? Or a 4 banger 5 speed automatic? If so, still a problem since he wants both auto and automatic. Thanks for the info everyone. CL rules!

 

Correct. 5-Speed automatic 4 banger is available. No V6 offered for the TSX. If that combo is a problem its time to look for another car.

 

That Euro Accord (TSX) is a good package for the price.

 

liz, this is no rocket science, boy boy

there is NO v6 for the tsx, only 4 cylinders... and there are both manual and auto

 

I've ridden quite often in the TSX and the backseat is very nice and roomy...the NAVI screen is big--and a touchscreen to boot (although you need to use a mini scroll joystick. The voice command uses synthetic computer voices to read destination words aloud. The ride is a bit harsh but still nice. For the money, its a very good deal.