[jbherri2]

Hello All.
I've owned 3 Accords - 2002, 2013, 2017 (still have the '17 and really love it). I'm looking at both a 2008 and a 2010 TSX for my 20-year-old. Anything that I should be on the lookout for in terms of issues? Really appreciate any insight.

 

[_Sam]

I'd go for the 2008. Having owned a 2009, the 2nd generation falls a bit short of what I would consider "Honda feel". They're sporty, but in all the wrong ways. The electric power steering feels pretty vague, the gearing was short (I had a manual) so the acceleration was good enough but it was well over 3k rpm on the highway, and it's heavy. The 1st generation was a little more refined.

As far as the actual issues, I can't say much on the 1st gen but my 2nd gen was pretty solid when I sold it at about 180k miles. The only issues you'll really have will revolve around the rear brake calipers sticking, the VTC actuator rattle (which you'll be familiar with if your '13 had the 2.4) and a fairly rare EPS module failure. I had all of those problems to some degree. My rear inner brake pad on the left side was sticking ever so slightly so I had to change the pad after about 30k miles. I rebuilt the caliper and no issue afterwards. With the rattle, they'll all do it, and it's pretty much unavoidable. It doesn't really hurt anything, but it sounds very unpleasant. With the EPS module, mine would throw an error below -20C about 50% of the time on cold start. As soon as the car warmed up, I restarted the car and the issue went away. This has to do with the fact that the module is located in the passenger foot well and over time, it will accumulate moisture. Mine accumulated enough that it eventually froze the module, and it would eventually thaw. There is an active service bulletin on the 2010+ models so even if it did appear, you should be sorted out.

 

[jbherri2]

I'd go for the 2008. Having owned a 2009, the 2nd generation falls a bit short of what I would consider "Honda feel". They're sporty, but in all the wrong ways. The electric power steering feels pretty vague, the gearing was short (I had a manual) so the acceleration was good enough but it was well over 3k rpm on the highway, and it's heavy. The 1st generation was a little more refined.

As far as the actual issues, I can't say much on the 1st gen but my 2nd gen was pretty solid when I sold it at about 180k miles. The only issues you'll really have will revolve around the rear brake calipers sticking, the VTC actuator rattle (which you'll be familiar with if your '13 had the 2.4) and a fairly rare EPS module failure. I had all of those problems to some degree. My rear inner brake pad on the left side was sticking ever so slightly so I had to change the pad after about 30k miles. I rebuilt the caliper and no issue afterwards. With the rattle, they'll all do it, and it's pretty much unavoidable. It doesn't really hurt anything, but it sounds very unpleasant. With the EPS module, mine would throw an error below -20C about 50% of the time on cold start. As soon as the car warmed up, I restarted the car and the issue went away. This has to do with the fact that the module is located in the passenger foot well and over time, it will accumulate moisture. Mine accumulated enough that it eventually froze the module, and it would eventually thaw. There is an active service bulletin on the 2010+ models so even if it did appear, you should be sorted out.

Thank you for your thoughts!
Both cars are at a dealer, so I don't know how much they'll haggle with me.
The asking price for the 2010 is nearly $11k. One owner, clean title, just under 100,000 miles.
The 2009 is also a clean title, but has had 4 owners (that seems like a lot to me), and has a little over 140,000 miles on it. Asking price is $10k.
I feel both are somewhat overpriced - but that's true of everything automotive these days it seems. I'll need to purchase a car for the Kiddo sometime in the near future, and we both really like the TSX (plus with my wife having had 3 Accords, we are familiar with the whole Honda Sedan experience).
As an aside, I'm in NC, if anyone is looking to sell a clean title TSX

 

[MWD]

Between those 2 choices, the 2010 single owner with 100K is definitely the better option for only 10% more. As Sam noted, the 2009 being a first year has had more problems. They are a little overpriced and in 2 months, prices will come down further, but more so for a 20k car than a 10k. With a clapped out 200k mile beater going for 5k, there isn't much room for a nice 100k one owner clean car to come down much. I've bought 2 2012 Special Editions in the last year for my kids. A 70k super clean manual for $16k and a 140k auto 2 owner for $10k. I was looking for another 2014 Honda Accord, but the prices here in NC were ridiculous, $15K for a salvage title and it went up from there, so I ended up looking at 1st gen TSX, but even the good ones had issues and miles.

The main things to watch out for is the oil consumption, the timing chain tensioner, the bluetooth module and the interior vinyl which starts to peel, especially the arm rests on the door and console.

 

[_Sam]

Between those 2 choices, the 2010 single owner with 100K is definitely the better option for only 10% more. As Sam noted, the 2009 being a first year has had more problems. They are a little overpriced and in 2 months, prices will come down further, but more so for a 20k car than a 10k. With a clapped out 200k mile beater going for 5k, there isn't much room for a nice 100k one owner clean car to come down much. I've bought 2 2012 Special Editions in the last year for my kids. A 70k super clean manual for $16k and a 140k auto 2 owner for $10k. I was looking for another 2014 Honda Accord, but the prices here in NC were ridiculous, $15K for a salvage title and it went up from there, so I ended up looking at 1st gen TSX, but even the good ones had issues and miles.

The main things to watch out for is the oil consumption, the timing chain tensioner, the bluetooth module and the interior vinyl which starts to peel, especially the arm rests on the door and console.

I meant more for the pre-facelift models, which would be pre-2011. The 2009 and 2010 models were mostly the same.

 

[Timothy Vick]

Its to bad your in North Carolina, i am in Wisconsin and i have a 2012 TSX 2.4 liter 4 cylinder auto with paddle shifters with technology package thats perfect for someone young who likes music and techy stuff. Its mechanically sound, I bought new brakes last year, I got Performance brakes( Pads, Calipers, Rotors) with drilled and slotted rotors, not cheap and that solved all brake issues. I even bought weather tech floor liners to protect the floor in wet weather. I bought it from my neighbor a year ago who sold it to me at 155k miles, it now has 170k miles on it. I always used synthetic oil and premium gas. Only recently did i just start to use regular. I added chrome around the windows to match the black and chrome themed color of the car. The tires are good, newer battery, and I called DR. Vinyl to repair the interior seat, which yes, its true, the interior is cheaply made around the doors and sides of seat that are not leather. Otherwise its black interior leather heated seats, heated mirrors, power everything, sunroof, tech package that includes burned cd ability right to cars hard drive, voice activated navi and bluetooth for phone and has a power distribution center built in to center console as part of the tech pack... that allows for extra plug and play. AC works, heat is great, it handles well, always starts, no complaints accept the cheapout on certain spots of the interior material. I washed it all winter to keep salt off, it has one minor small unnoticeable rust spot on the inside wheel well, other wise it is rust free, EVEN IN WI! Im a truck driver by trade so im picky with my cars. Now im thinking about selling it, I posted it on craigslist for 9,900$, i think thats fair since it has tech pack that does increase value a little bit. Some TSX's Do NOT have the tech package so the screen is smaller and its designed differently. Anyways i just randomly saw your posted comment about looking to buy a car. If you look up appleton oshkosh Wisconsin area Craigslist its posted for sale with pictures. You should be able to access it from your state. If interested, let me know, im 36, my name is Tim and i think a younger person would really like this technology package. Im more old school im not big on gps Navi and music galore, xm raddio i forgot to mention, the younger generation seems to like that stuff more.
P.S if the mileage is to high i understand, just remember, these cars go forever if properly maintained...
Sincerely,
Tim

 

[_Sam]

Its to bad your in North Carolina, i am in Wisconsin and i have a 2012 TSX 2.4 liter 4 cylinder auto with paddle shifters with technology package thats perfect for someone young who likes music and techy stuff. Its mechanically sound, I bought new brakes last year, I got Performance brakes( Pads, Calipers, Rotors) with drilled and slotted rotors, not cheap and that solved all brake issues. I even bought weather tech floor liners to protect the floor in wet weather. I bought it from my neighbor a year ago who sold it to me at 155k miles, it now has 170k miles on it. I always used synthetic oil and premium gas. Only recently did i just start to use regular. I added chrome around the windows to match the black and chrome themed color of the car. The tires are good, newer battery, and I called DR. Vinyl to repair the interior seat, which yes, its true, the interior is cheaply made around the doors and sides of seat that are not leather. Otherwise its black interior leather heated seats, heated mirrors, power everything, sunroof, tech package that includes burned cd ability right to cars hard drive, voice activated navi and bluetooth for phone and has a power distribution center built in to center console as part of the tech pack... that allows for extra plug and play. AC works, heat is great, it handles well, always starts, no complaints accept the cheapout on certain spots of the interior material. I washed it all winter to keep salt off, it has one minor small unnoticeable rust spot on the inside wheel well, other wise it is rust free, EVEN IN WI! Im a truck driver by trade so im picky with my cars. Now im thinking about selling it, I posted it on craigslist for 9,900$, i think thats fair since it has tech pack that does increase value a little bit. Some TSX's Do NOT have the tech package so the screen is smaller and its designed differently. Anyways i just randomly saw your posted comment about looking to buy a car. If you look up appleton oshkosh Wisconsin area Craigslist its posted for sale with pictures. You should be able to access it from your state. If interested, let me know, im 36, my name is Tim and i think a younger person would really like this technology package. Im more old school im not big on gps Navi and music galore, xm raddio i forgot to mention, the younger generation seems to like that stuff more.
P.S if the mileage is to high i understand, just remember, these cars go forever if properly maintained...
Sincerely,
Tim

Oof, I struggled to get 4 grand for my '09 manual with the same mileage back in May. Was in great shape too. Best of luck either way.

 

[Timothy Vick]

Oof, I struggled to get 4 grand for my '09 manual with the same mileage back in May. Was in great shape too. Best of luck either way.

Oof, I struggled to get 4 grand for my '09 manual with the same mileage back in May. Was in great shape too. Best of luck either way.

your kidding? well inflation and used car prices as well as new car prices are always changing thats the nature of our economy. I did lots of research before choosing that price. Autotrader, online, craigslist, dealerships,etc.... i was willing to negotiate on price but not much lower. Anyways, we are in crisis in america right now in so many ways and believe it or not a car like an Acura that gets great gas mileage with its reliability, like honda and toyotas have resale values above any other vehicle.

 

[Timothy Vick]

your kidding? well inflation and used car prices as well as new car prices are always changing thats the nature of our economy. I did lots of research before choosing that price. Autotrader, online, craigslist, dealerships,etc.... i was willing to negotiate on price but not much lower. Anyways, we are in crisis in america right now in so many ways and believe it or not a car like an Acura that gets great gas mileage with its reliability, like honda and toyotas have resale values above any other vehicle.

2 years ago My 2012 car based on market value, was worth 7 grand, today its worth almost 10,000 $$$, not because im stupid or greedy, but because the car market has shifted and inflation is on the rise.

 

[_Sam]

2 years ago My 2012 car based on market value, was worth 7 grand, today its worth almost 10,000 $$$, not because im stupid or greedy, but because the car market has shifted and inflation is on the rise.

Maybe Canada is strange, then. There was a 2013 manual A-Spec posted here recently with about 120k miles for just a hair over 8.

 

[Timothy Vick]

Maybe Canada is strange, then. There was a 2013 manual A-Spec posted here recently with about 120k miles for just a hair over 8.

Canada ? whos in Canada lol anyways each car is a case by case basis, that A spec in Canada for just over 8 grand? my 1st question, whats wrong with it? lol its worth more then that unless its broke or in rough shape... you see a price for a car and you cant assume anything, that A spec may need a timing belt replaced it may have bad tires or brakes,,, making it worth a tad over 8. But that car could sell for way more in america, i know our economy is different then Canada.

 

[_Sam]

Canada ? whos in Canada lol anyways each car is a case by case basis, that A spec in Canada for just over 8 grand? my 1st question, whats wrong with it? lol its worth more then that unless its broke or in rough shape... you see a price for a car and you cant assume anything, that A spec may need a timing belt replaced it may have bad tires or brakes,,, making it worth a tad over 8. But that car could sell for way more in america, i know our economy is different then Canada.

The 4 cylinder has a timing chain, and it's in better condition than what you're describing yours to be. Looked like a regularly maintained car with 120k miles.

 

[Timothy Vick]

i just spent the last few hours looking at all the acuras for sale across the united states, i found a 2013 acura a spec for sale for 12,995 with just over 100 k in miles, my 2012 acura tsx is being sold for 10 or 11 thousand dollars with similar mileage as mine(170k), i cant believe how outrageous it is, it seems high i agree, but your saying 4 grand for an 09 tsx manual? thats crazy cheap UNLESS its broke. the a spec you saw could sell for 12 grand minimum here today.

 

[Timothy Vick]

i just spent the last few hours looking at all the acuras for sale across the united states, i found a 2013 acura a spec for sale for 12,995 with just over 100 k in miles, my 2012 acura tsx is being sold for 10 or 11 thousand dollars with similar mileage as mine(170k), i cant believe how outrageous it is, it seems high i agree, but your saying 4 grand for an 09 tsx manual? thats crazy cheap UNLESS its broke. the a spec you saw could sell for 12 grand minimum here today.

right timing chain i knew that, not a belt, i mis spoke, point of me saying that was to simply prove a point. a lot of times people sell you a car that has problems or expenses such as regular maintenance attached to it. They dont advertise that when selling you a car. you find out later thats why there only asking so much for it.

 

[_Sam]

i just spent the last few hours looking at all the acuras for sale across the united states, i found a 2013 acura a spec for sale for 12,995 with just over 100 k in miles, my 2012 acura tsx is being sold for 10 or 11 thousand dollars with similar mileage as mine(170k), i cant believe how outrageous it is, it seems high i agree, but your saying 4 grand for an 09 tsx manual? thats crazy cheap UNLESS its broke. the a spec you saw could sell for 12 grand minimum here today.

Mine was fine. I think the US market is just a mess in comparison to the Canadian one. During the pandemic, especially right at the beginning, a lot of cars were being exported from Canada to the US, presumably for that reason.

But for reference, I bought my clean title FR-S with 88k miles five days after I sold my TSX for $7500 USD.

 

[Timothy Vick]

sorry i did not realize you live in Canada, yeah things are getting strange everywhere... the used car market is bi polar. In the last 2 years , food prices, car prices, home prices, clothes, everything has gone up, even hourly wages. They call it inflation i guess, it pisses me off... our government is out of control, i hear Canada has Trudeau and its not doin so well... just what i hear in America lol but anyways, FR-s Subaru?

 

[Timothy Vick]

sorry i did not realize you live in Canada, yeah things are getting strange everywhere... the used car market is bi polar. In the last 2 years , food prices, car prices, home prices, clothes, everything has gone up, even hourly wages. They call it inflation i guess, it pisses me off... our government is out of control, i hear Canada has Trudeau and its not doin so well... just what i hear in America lol but anyways, FR-s Subaru?

i thought you were the one trying to buy a TSX right now but that was the other guy it looks like

 

[CG1120]

I have a 2nd gen v6 with about 175,600mi and it is a fantastic car. It’s not without some flaws cosmetically but mechanically I couldn’t be more pleased. I have owned it since ‘15 with 77k. Doesn’t burn any oil, starts every time, still sees 26-28mpg on a highway trip.. for a v6! 4 cyl are fine it seems late 2011 build date and on as far as the oil consumption issue and timing chain rattle.
Having owned both generations, I think they both have pros and cons however they are a fantastic car overall.
I may part ways with my 2010 as our family is growing but the other part of me wants to just keep it for a toy and also to see 250k+

 

[Timothy Vick]

I have a 2nd gen v6 with about 175,600mi and it is a fantastic car. It’s not without some flaws cosmetically but mechanically I couldn’t be more pleased. I have owned it since ‘15 with 77k. Doesn’t burn any oil, starts every time, still sees 26-28mpg on a highway trip.. for a v6! 4 cyl are fine it seems late 2011 build date and on as far as the oil consumption issue and timing chain rattle.
Having owned both generations, I think they both have pros and cons however they are a fantastic car overall.
I may part ways with my 2010 as our family is growing but the other part of me wants to just keep it for a toy and also to see 250k+

i always wanted a V 6 version. more power for sure, the 2.4 4cylinder is kind of a putz trying to pass people on the hiway...i only wanted to sell mine last month, this month i may keep it... lol

 

[_Sam]

FR-s Subaru?

Scion. The Subaru is the BRZ. Essentially the same car. My point was just that they basically go for double that in the US.