[deepbluejh]

I've been tossing around the idea of getting a TSX and I wanted some input from the forums.

My current daily driver is a 2000 Toyota Celica with 203k miles. It's been an amazing car and has had no issues outside of normal wear. The engine and drivetrain are 100% original and I fear that I'm going to have some major parts start to fail before too long. I'd also like a nicer car which is quieter and rides smoother than the Celica (which is a bit of a tin can).

I bought a 2007 S2000 a couple years ago which I absolutely love. So much so that I'm considering buying another Honda, in the forum of an Acura TSX. That brings me here.

I'm looking at a mid/higher mileage 05 or 06 model TSX. I would prefer the manual transmission, but would consider an automatic if the conditions are right (notably, price and reliability). The price range I'm looking at is 9,000 to $13000.

I've read that these cars have problems with the A/C units failing. How prevalent is that? I noticed some people have the AC fail multiple times. This sounds like an expensive problem to have with a car. Is this something that might deter you from recommending the car to someone else? I live in the south where it is absolutely blazing hot during the summer, so A/C is a must.

How are the automatics in these cars in terms of longevity and reliability? I'm concerned about how these units age as they pass 150k miles or so. I like manuals because they are more fun and generally last forever, but my fiance cannot drive one and I'm considering an automatic this time around for this and a few other reasons.

Are there any notable problem areas besides the A/C to note with this car? How are maintenance/service costs? Any advice or recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[ai3j50]

If you are looking to spend $9k-13K youll be able to find a fairly low mileage TSX. To help you gauge I bought my 05 with 80,000 miles on it back in 2009. Now 05's with similar mileage go for 7-8k. So you could move up in year and down in mileage with the amount you want to spend. As for reliability, I have an auto and have no problems to speak of with the drivetrain. I am at 136,000 miles. I never had a problem with my AC at all. If you can confirm that the previous owner performed routine maintenance then a TSX will last you as many miles as you want it to.

 

[deepbluejh]

I'm seeing a lot of TSXs in my area for sale with 120-150k miles. These cars should theoretically have a lot of life left in them, I just wasn't sure if there were any major problems looming on the horizon that caused the owners to want to sell them. Lower mileage cars (80k) in this price range are harder to find.

 

[Keyz]

From what I remember regarding the AC failures, most of them happened within the first 60K miles or so. So if the car has higher mileage and working A/C, chances are you're good.

My 05 has 140K miles on it and no problems with drivetrain or engine, with the exception of some oil being burnt, which I understand is somewhat common for higher compression engines like ours.. I have to add a quart every 3K miles or so.

Otherwise at this mileage there's a good chance you will have to replace a couple of ball joints and bushings.

 

[BoulderTSX]

If you do a search, you'll see that most of the most common A/C failures were restricted to the 04 models...(the design was changed in 05), and yes, by now they have already been replaced.

 

[D Garage]

I would suggest looking for an 06-08 model. Lots of little improvements and less problems.

 

[Gonzo]

I an 04 that I purchased new. Currently has 167K miles on it. I just replaced the AC last year (first time), so I guess mine lasted over 150K. Drive train (automatic) is in great shape - I maintain a schedule of oil and tranny fluid changes.

Only major issue I had was with the power steering hose failing, but it was replaced for free under a recall by the dealer. I also had to replace the PS pump - probably because it ran dry when the hose failed. Other than that, just routine maintenance items: brakes, belts, fluids, etc.

 

[din9lebeRrY]

Go 06-08, 07-08 if you plan to go performance modding (FlashPro tuning ability).

I would shy away from, 04, mainly due to the AC issues, and 05 only because 06 has some newer features (fogs, bluetooth, more hp).

I am not a fan of any auto transmission put in an acura from 99-06, so I would reiterate getting a standard model.

I have a 6MT 2006 and now 2 years later, am very satisfied with my purchase. I intend to keep this car, even if it becomes a beater, for quite some time.

The clutch and gearbox is so smooth, and the engine is nice and peppy/rev happy, but it doesnt give you the tin can feeling. Part of it has to do with the fact that its an i4 engine shoved inside 3300lbs lol.

The drive by wires on all 04-08's suck, its the only caveat. If an aftermarket company presents a fix for this Im sure it would be a huge hit.

---

Only unusual out of pocket repairs have been an ECT2 sensor ($26 sensor, $40 labor lol), which happened from the previous owner leaving the car in salt, snow,

and a Secondary o2 sensor that will need replacing (probably due to previous owner living in a snowy/salty climate).

Other than that its been gas fillups and oil changes. I did the 100k tuneup at 60k.

 

[D Garage]

The drive by wires on all 04-08's suck, its the only caveat. If an aftermarket company presents a fix for this Im sure it would be a huge hit.

.

They do and not really a huge hit haha
Buddy Club Racing E-Throttle Booster - JDM Honda Parts USA - JHPUSA

unless you mean converting to a cable driven throttle.

 

[Achord]

I've previously owned a 2006 S2k and daily drove it for over a year. I traded it in for a Mugen Si Civic when my wife had our kid, so I'd have something 4 door. Recently I test drove the TSX and now I have it instead of the Si.

One of the things I love most about the TSX; is for some reason I feel a lot of parallel vibes between it and the s2k. Both cars give a very very nice experience around the highway entrance and exit ramps...

My 06 just went over the 100k mile mark. Only issues I've noticed are mainly cosmetic. Stuff I plan to tend to this spring. Drive performance and Rid comfort wise, you'll feel like a King/Queen in this coming from a Celica. I know I did coming from the Si.

What other people have said about the years. Try to find 06-08 imo, but dont overlook a great deal on a sorted out 04-05.

 

[tsx 2 nv]

avoid 04s at all cost. If I could do it all over again, I'd get an 05 or newer.

 

[FZ427]

04 and no major problems, just couple of recalls and brakes. If you get one with high miles check for the cv boots.

 

[aedavis]

I have an 04 automatic, and just turned 200K miles. I am the second owner and am good friends with the original owner, so I know all the history. Problems:

1. Center stack lights don't work right - don't care enough to fix
2. AC compressor failed at 188K miles - replaced myself, total cost $350
3. Passenger door actuator failed

Other than that, tires, brakes, oil changes (Mobil 1 5W30, every 10K miles or so), and tranny drain/fill with Honda ATF have kept it running like new.

 

[kvndoom]

I haven't posted yet because I haven't taken pictures, but I'm selling mine for 11,000. 6MT, 106,000 miles. 34,000 miles on engine, 1,000 on clutch (both replaced at 105k). I bought it on 10/1/2012 with just under 100,000 miles on it. Mechanically everything is in wonderful condition. I'm just can't seem to form any emotional attachment with the car.

$11,000 is what I owe the bank and I just want to break even. I will have pictures later this week.

(mods, not trying to bend the rules, since this is relevant to the thread... feel free to delete if you feel otherwise )