Advice Needed - Buying a TSX

04-04-2006, 02:02 PM

After too many break-ins and attempted thefts, I sold my beloved 2004.5 VW Jetta GLI. It was very bittersweet. Now I am seriously considering a 2005 TSX. I have a few questions...

I looked at..
- A silver 05, non navi, manual. Brand new.
- A blue 05, navi, manual, 21,000km
- A grey 05, navi, auto, 8,000km

All of them are essentially the same price. Although I have always driven manual, I am leaning towards the automatic. I also think that if I ever sell it, the automatic may be a good thing to have for resale value. Anyone have any thoughts?

I was also curious about the navigation. I read a bit about it in the forums, but I found it a bit awkward to use. Is it as simple as just getting familiar with it?

Last question... what is the first and easiest (and inexpensive) modification to do to increase the performance?

Thanks! I appreciate any opinions here!

The Sporty Xtra · 04-04-2006, 02:33 PM

The first thing you can do to increase performance is buy the manual instead of the auto.

I've read that about 90% of TSXs in the US are automatic. I assume it's the same where you are (Canada?). Although there might be more buyers for automatics, there are fewer manuals available so I'd guess the two factors would balance out. I wouldn't worry too much about resale; the TSX holds its value well in general.

I like the Nav system, and it's far easier to use than many competitors'. The European brands in particular tend not to have touch screens, making it a PITA to enter destinations.

As for increasing performance---besides buying the 6MT---you could look at intake and exhaust. Honestly, it won't make a huge difference. The thing is that it's much harder to get aftermarket performance out of a naturally-aspirated engine than a turbo engine like on your VW. With turbos, you can just turn up the boost in the ECU. If being engine mod-friendly is a major concern, there are better cars than the TSX.

robert_tg · 04-04-2006, 04:29 PM

just make sure you get the Navi ESPCIALLY if you're buying pre-owned. Much better value

IfixJets1 · 04-04-2006, 09:16 PM

I have had bad experiences buying cars that were different. Think about this. If 90% of the tsx's are automatic, lets say you have a problem in the future with that car, then you will have a very hard time finding parts for the manual because they are so rare. I had a Chevy Cavalier Z24 that was the same way. I ended up snapping an axle and it took nearly a month to find a part because of me having a manual, vs. the ever so popular automatic

dina · 04-04-2006, 10:25 PM

Dude the 6 speed is awesome. And i agree with the performance aspect of it.

Also, the navi is great easy to use as well. Dont have one (awwww wish i got one) but used my friends and its real nice.

psteng19 · 04-04-2006, 11:10 PM

If you can drive a manual, there's no reason not to get it in the TSX.

Save 100 pounds right off the bat, faster accerleration, more fun and the shifter is sweet.

AcidLotus · 04-05-2006, 02:13 AM

My only concern for you is that those who were interested in your Jetta will be doubley interested in the TSX. The TSX is probably harder to steal, but that won't stop someone from flat-bedding it if they really want it. I love the TSX dearly, and I pray that it stays safe whenever I leave it, even though it is not as desireable for theft as say a 1992-2000 civic

Noel · 04-05-2006, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IfixJets1

I have had bad experiences buying cars that were different. Think about this. If 90% of the tsx's are automatic, lets say you have a problem in the future with that car, then you will have a very hard time finding parts for the manual because they are so rare.

Rare? I wouldn't think so, and 90& of them being 5AT, that is speculation with groundless facts. In general Hondas are built like tanks, reliable and not prone to failures as long as you carry out the required periodic maintenance. Transmission will never dictate sourcing parts.

In justified consideration, our 6MT transmission is not unique to this car only. You're better off considering what type of driving style you want out of the car instead of thinking of parts support 15 years down the line which still won't be a problem.

vidgamer · 04-05-2006, 07:45 AM

I'd be worried about getting parts if it was a car that was really made in small numbers. Years ago, I had an RX-7, and had to wait a couple of weeks for a part from Japan! What's weird is that the Prelude was not a huge seller, but I never had that problem with Honda..... Luck or better planning? You decide.

I wouldn't know what to suggest for a car that won't get broken into or stolen. A cheaper, common car like the Civic would be more likely to be stolen, as the parts would be easier to sell, I would think. I dunno!

ians · 04-05-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IfixJets1

I have had bad experiences buying cars that were different. Think about this. If 90% of the tsx's are automatic, lets say you have a problem in the future with that car, then you will have a very hard time finding parts for the manual because they are so rare. I had a Chevy Cavalier Z24 that was the same way. I ended up snapping an axle and it took nearly a month to find a part because of me having a manual, vs. the ever so popular automatic

Parts from cavalier of course always in demand no matter manual or auto

IMO, get auto TSX = you miss a chance to own the best manual tranny in the world!