Acura TSX 2005-2008, Can someone learn me, or tell me of their experiences - esp. reliability

[silvermouse5150]

Hello,

I am looking at getting a TSX, can anyone tell me anything about the first generation model?
I will be using this as a daily driver, 60 miles highway and 15 city daily. Not looking to modify, take to the track, or beat the guy next to me in a straight line to see who gets to the light fastest. I am looking just as a daily driver. Whats highest on my list is reliability and practicality with a touch of sportiness.

I have currently found a 2005 I can get for a really good deal, so if anyone can tell me about this year's version that would be great. Any major differences in the model years?

Yes, I currently have three cars, but the Maxima is dying so that is what this will be replacing. My son, will be driving soon, so he will get the Pathfinder. The Mercedes will stay in the garage for weekends and date nights or possibly a gift to my mother, as i never drive this car.

Really any experience good or bad would be helpful in my search and final decision.

[invisiblewar]

I dont have a TSX but I do frequent Acurazine due to owning a CL. The majority view on the TSX is its an excellent car. There dont seem to be many major problems with these years. Build Quality is great and the K24 is an excellent engine. Its basically a 4 door premium version of the RSX.

Id try to look for the 6 speed but if you cant find one or dont want to drive manual, the auto is good too.

[mike02467]

solid cars as with most Honda's. These are the most prominent problems with a google search:

front seat rails get loose
noisey clutch
lock actuator

nothing that should really deter you from buying one though.

[C4 A6]

The first gen started in 2004

My father has a 2004 6spd, and for the most part it's been great.

Pros:

Silky smooth shifting
Torquey motor
Great braking
Great out-of-the-box handling (A-spec suspension upgrade makes it even more composed)
Large trunk volume

Cons:

Not really much to complain about, but:

Steering lacks "feel"
VTEC is programmed for 6k engagement, and you run out of revs rather quickly (7k redline w/ 7500 cut)
My dad's has around 105k miles and eats oil (bad piston ring, in cylinder #3 I believe)
He had bad starter a couple of thousand miles ago (he parks it outside anyway, and NJ winters aren't exactly easy going on cars left outside)
CV joints went bad on the stock axles around 90k miles (but he tracks the car so I doubt you'll experience that problem)

Overall, it's a very versatile car. I would definitely recommend buying one (and putting on the A-spec suspension, and get the DC5 ITR's LSD if you can.)

[Golgo-13]

The folks have an '06 TSX base.

Routinely gets 35mpg highway at 70-73mph. Dad's started to drive slower. He's over 60 now.

Reliable as can be, and handles nicely. Made in Japan too, supposedly the last Acura made overseas.

A nice choice.

[Uberod]

Had an '06 for 3 years. Put 72k miles on it and had 0 problems. Engine was a bit under-powered, but keep it in the higher rpm (VTECCCCCC!!!!) range and its not too bad. Everything came standard on the vehicle, dual zone a/c, blue-tooth, XM, leather, HID's, etc. I loved the gauge cluster in it. It was simple and easy-to-see.

If you are in to stoplight drags, this isn't the car to get, but you could always get a Hondata reflash to help it along a bit. I had the 5spd auto w/ sportshift and at least it held gears to redline. It has adequate power for around town driving and had a firm yet comforting ride.

Th car handled fairly well and had good feedback for a fwd. I love the taught lines of the car, but be aware of really soft paint. You will probably have to DR Colorchip any used one u get because of the stone chips. I would think its probably one of the more reliable used 4dr sport sedans out there. It had the K24 in it which has been in Honda's line of vehicles for quite some time.

Good luck!!

[GolfMKIV]

I had an '05 that I got rid of in August '10. I put 85k on it, no real problems. The only problems I can remember are:

1) Window regulator breaking (under warranty)
2) CD player was on the fritz...may have been a dirty CD that started it? I don't know, but I never looked into it further as it was out of warranty and I mostly used XM radio.
3) The care is SOOOOO boring :-)...and thus was replaced by a GTi

[Vash350z]

I thought the K24 did not have a traditional VTEC system (ie: 2-stage variable valve lift)

[silvermouse5150]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

Just curious, from searching online looks like they made a a change in 2006 - tweaks to the engine, 5hp more, and slight change to the exterior. Anyone know if its worth looking at a 2006 - 2008, rather than a 2004-2005 year model? or does it not really matter?

[Uberod]

Thanks for the replies so far guys.

Just curious, from searching online looks like they made a a change in 2006 - tweaks to the engine, 5hp more, and slight change to the exterior. Anyone know if its worth looking at a 2006 - 2008, rather than a 2004-2005 year model? or does it not really matter?

Aside from the 5hp increase, I think there were only some other cosmetic changes to the front/rear facias on the '06-'08. Newly included front driving/fog lights, standard BlueTooth, and revised plastic on the center-stack along w/ an updated MDI in the gauge cluster are things I remember.

[CarDriva]

Drove one of these for quite a while and I must say I really enjoyed it. The engine can be known to burn oil but with regular maintenance it is very reliable.

The power on this car is just right for what it is and steering feel is great for a front wheel drive car.

For what you want you seem to be looking for, you wouldn't regret one of these.

ONLY thing I can complain about is that MPG isn't quite as high as what I expected... averaged about 24MPG

[C4 A6]

The facelift version also has that thing on the roof.

ONLY thing I can complain about is that MPG isn't quite as high as what I expected... averaged about 24MPG

The you're doing it wrong because my dad usually averages 30 combined without even trying

[CarDriva]

The you're doing it wrong because my dad usually averages 30 combined without even trying

Go Dad! I probably was doing it wrong, can't argue about that.

[unintended acceleration]

My wife had one for 5 years from 04 to 09. It was very well built. Very solid car, yes built in Japan and you could tell.

We had an issue with the brake pads warping the rotors. Like 3 times in the first 30K but outside of that is was solid. We paid $25K in 04, traded it in for $12.7 in early 09. Unbelievable resale value, it was a very cheap car to own overall...

[a2a4raddo]

Made in Japan too, supposedly the last Acura made overseas.
.

Current TSX & RL are both still made in Japan

[too_slow]

I love these cars. Makes you wonder what happened to the designers that came up with the MK1 TSX compared with the latest abominations known as an Accord.

The only 'con' is that it requires premium to produce minuscule results. An Accord EX 5spd is almost as fast, softer-tuned but a lot more efficient. I'm pretty sure the Accord EX V6 has similar gas consumption costs once you factor in the premium fuel costs. The V6 sounds way better than any K24.

They are quite pricey used on our side of the planet, not sure how they're like down south.

[someguy123]

I was in the market for one and have researched(agree or disagree):

-04-05's burning oil.
-Center console lights may burn out due to a control module.
-Window and door lock actuators( you, Honda!)
-Easily worn leather
-07's or 08's started having TPMS(Hate!)

I would look for one(preferably 2006) that was garage kept with recommended oil change intervals as it may avoid some of the above problems.

I'd still take one over a VW, though(Haters gonna hate).

[nycnorb]

Just got myself an 06....

Great, solid cars. I did my homework on them and these cars will go 200K with just basic oil changes.

Compared to my previous car, a 08 g35x sedan, it slower but one can definitely feel a more solid build, and it gets better gas mileage.

There is a chance that an A/C compressor will disintegrate on the earlier model years, resulting in $2000+ worth of repairs due to having to replace all A/C components (not just the compressor).

Try to get an 06, where a number of changes were made including adding stronger internals for the k24 engine.

[Eightysixturbo]

I've only driven a TSX once and I didn't really know what to make of it...it had nice luxury features, tight enough steering and what seemed like a decent suspension set up. Yet, I felt very disconnected from the road and the car did not feel precise at all when cornering.

That's my only experience with it and it left me kind of cold, but still a great package for a d.d.

[too_slow]

^ +1 on the MY06+ .. I think that was the year where they did the face-lift as well. Diff rims, different front lower valence/fogs.. I think they also added BT integration on MY06+ as well.

[C4 A6]

Go Dad! I probably was doing it wrong, can't argue about that.

Don't worry, I'm right there with you whenever I drive his car I can barely hit 26mpg average.

[garef001]

my wife has a 2006. Only complaint I have is the turning radius.
And I did have to change out both front door lock actuators.

[a2a4raddo]

Aside from the 5hp increase, I think there were only some other cosmetic changes to the front/rear facias on the '06-'08. Newly included front driving/fog lights, standard BlueTooth, and revised plastic on the center-stack along w/ an updated MDI in the gauge cluster are things I remember.

Increase in HP for 2006 was more like 15HP. Different methods were used in 05 vs 06, which is why an 05 TL is listed at 270HP vs 258HP for a 06 TL.

An 05 TSX would be rated at around 190HP using the revised method, whereas an 06 would be rated at approx 215hp using the old method.

[someguy123]

Just got myself an 06....

Great, solid cars. I did my homework on them and these cars will go 200K with just basic oil changes.

Compared to my previous car, a 08 g35x sedan, it slower but one can definitely feel a more solid build, and it gets better gas mileage.

There is a chance that an A/C compressor will disintegrate on the earlier model years, resulting in $2000+ worth of repairs due to having to replace all A/C components (not just the compressor).

Try to get an 06, where a number of changes were made including adding stronger internals for the k24 engine.

I forgot about the A/C compressor problem(the fear factor in me).

Is the 06+ affected by this(from your research)?

[someguy123]

On the hunt for one of these again..........resale is damn high for these.

Test drove a 2008 6MT vs. the 5AT and while the 6MT is more fun rowing through the gears, I don't see it as being sportier or faster than the 5AT. The tiptronic feature can rev up to redline unlike some earlier tiptronics in other cars.

Due to mostly driving in traffic and clutch replacements getting more and more expensive, compared to just draining and refilling the ATF, will look for 5AT.

2006-2008 are definitely the best years, though I hear alot of problems with the CV inner boot causing vibrations.

[Internal Combustion]

If you're going auto, get a 07 accord EX-V6. Same lux bits but 40 more hp, no premium fuel requirement, so lower overall fuel costs. 240 hp > 200.

[adrew]

The exploding A/C compressor happened to me in my old Civic Si; Honda Corporate went halfsies on the repair with me even though I was a couple years out of warranty.

[someguy123]

If you're going auto, get a 07 accord EX-V6. Same lux bits but 40 more hp, no premium fuel requirement, so lower overall fuel costs. 240 hp > 200.

A lot of people just put in regular in theirs...........

[Chris Stack]

If you're going auto, get a 07 accord EX-V6. Same lux bits but 40 more hp, no premium fuel requirement, so lower overall fuel costs. 240 hp > 200.

No HIDs on the Accord, for one.

[too_slow]

Someguy.. are you on RS as well?
I think North Shore Auto Mall (JP ?) has a 2008 TSX with NAV for around $19k. It's been sitting on their lot for quite a while. It wouldn't hurt to throw them a lowball offer to see where it'll take you..

[batman25]

I had an 04 for about 70k miles. Like others have mentioned window regulator went bad. Rattled, creaked and groined like nobodys business. The AC compressor is only supposed to be for the 04 models. I didn't have a problem with mine. 6mt is much better than the auto and with a rear sway it handles much better. Honda had one of the best Navis back then, so I would try to find one with the tech package.

You really cant go wrong for a cheap entry lux. Its on my list as a DD when I pay off our CX-9.

[someguy123]

Someguy.. are you on RS as well?
I think North Shore Auto Mall (JP ?) has a 2008 TSX with NAV for around $19k. It's been sitting on their lot for quite a while. It wouldn't hurt to throw them a lowball offer to see where it'll take you..

Lurker there, but no account, yet.

They're listing for $23-24k on the Internet. Weren't they $32-35k new? That's insane price they're asking.

Maybe because they're used cars, but most of them are beat up with rock chips and some dings. I guess paint really is pretty thin on them.

No HIDs on the Accord, for one.

Definitely can't forget this important point.

[JCJetta]

I'm gonna go ahead and bump this one from times of old. I'm looking for one of these with an automatic for my wife. I'd rather purchase from a private party that actually keeps track of maintenance and such. Just looking for other suggestions on what to look for on the car itself.

And of course if you have one you want to sell, PM me.

[Impeccable]

If you're going auto, get a 07 accord EX-V6. Same lux bits but 40 more hp, no premium fuel requirement, so lower overall fuel costs. 240 hp > 200.

Accord didnt have signal on the mirrors

no hids

I dont see as many TSX as accords

[jmvar]

How are the auto transmissions in the 2006+ TSX's?

I know honda slush boxes don't have the best rep. Considering one of these are a daily and may consider auto but if it is a grenade I would go 6 speed. Thanks for your input.