I had an 02 rsx-s for 5 years that got me through college. The only big problem I had with my car was the ac compressor. I had to replace it twice. Never had problems with water in my tail lights though. It was a good reliable car.Of course I'm way happier with my 2IS now .

 

I had a 02 RSX for 9 years and traded it in for a IS250 last month. The car was very reliable, but had a handful of of problems once it hit 80K. It was a fun little car, but not as comfortable and quite as the Lexus. If you are going to get one, get a 06+ and try to find one that was not modified or have been in a accident. I say watch out for those that have been in a accident, because I got rear ended and the damage to the frame lead to suspension and engine mount problems. Other than that the RSX is a great commuter car with enough sport for a little spirited driving freeway.

 

I miss my RSX-s but would never go back to it. If you going for a base RSX you will regret the move even more. Test drive one and im sure that alone will help sway you?

 

How about an IS300? K20s are great for putting out power. My buddy has one and I've driven it a few times.. My bro n law works for Honda as a Mechanic and said that k20s have a great tranny so iono what other people on here are doing to thier rsx-s.

 

I would also say IS300, its auto still comfortable, your still in the Lexus family, and honestly can find them around the same price as the RSX.

 

Only ONE thing that never really latched onto me with the IS300 was all those annoying meters jumping up and down as you pumped the gas or brake... The 2is electronics are much much less annoying.

 

The ONLY thing I'd worry about with the RSX is theft! Other than...it's a HONDA!

 

I had the RSX type S before I picked up my IS and I loved it with the exception of the gear issue, which shouldn't matter to you since you are going for the auto.

It was a good car other than that problem, and it's hard to find a better choice for the money, I say go for it. No idea how it handles in the snow though.

 

you're in the snowbelt, so how about a nice used Tacoma? or 4runner? or a rx300?

 

it might just be me, but if your getting married, buying a house and looking to drive the car to 200k. It seems like you will be having a child somewhere along that line (your on the road to it). You might want to consider something with a few more doors?

 

IS250 is more practical than the RSX. If your getting married and may have kids...

 

I've owned both an 02 base RSX and an 06 type-s. They were both great cars and neither ever gave me any serious issue. The type-s had a crunchy transmission and would occasionally pop out of 3rd gear, but it wasn't horrible by any stretch.

The 02 base was a very reliable car. No problems in the 30k miles that it was owned.

Only complaints - no armrest - atrocious stock stereos (even the bose in the type-s).

 

I would much rather have a FWD than RWD. All my previous cars were FWD and with snow tires they're fine in the snow... I'm sure RWD is okay as well but I'm just not as familiar with them.

I hate hate hate sitting up high in a vehicle.... won't do it. Trucks/SUVs are out. My IS2 at stock height feels to high up.
...the Mrs. has an RX330 (she likes her little SUV)

[QUOTE]t might just be me, but if your getting married, buying a house and looking to drive the car to 200k. It seems like you will be having a child somewhere along that line[QUOTE]
I maybe hopefully because there are always "whoopsie" babies but we're both in agreement no kids until she is at least 28... so hopefully, and if things go as planned I'll have a few years before carseats become an issue.


Going back to a "no-frills" interior might be tough but my last two cars were that way (Civic and Prelude)... As long as it has AC/Heat/Cruise I'll survive and can add a headunit/screen.

I know someone mentioned theft - the area I live in, that really isn't an issue. I can say it has been 7 years since I remember even locking my car doors at home (have been driving for 7 years).... same with my mom/dad/brother.... we don't lock out house either - ever... just is a safe area.
Work is a sercure parking too and it has great security... I'll lock the car at a mall or something, but theft isn't really a concern to me.

I also know someone mentioned make sure it is un-molested and accident free... I agree 100% - and is making the search hard. Everyone seems to think they're a master mechanic and as soon as I see mods that touch the engine area besides exhaust/intake I instantly says no.

I really just want a runner that looks alright (doesn't need to be fancy) that I can count on to get me a lot of miles with minimal costs to keep it running. Both my other Hondas were great - between the two I had a combined 450k on the cars and had to put ZERO dollars in non-standard maintenance into them.... great cars.

I love the IS2 but if I move and sell the car that is an extra $650-$700/mo.... that would seriously cover the mortgage on the house I'm looking at.... housing market is great for me these days - I can get a completely updated "old" house with some character for what I'm thinking will be 80k (still have yet to offer - but I think it will be between 80-90k for the house pictured!) Live there for a few years to save time/money and then use it as a rental (close to local University)

Here is the IS2 at the house I'm looking at:

 

Ball till you FALL!


J/K

Good luck with your decision.