Acura TSX

[Atl XJ]

I'm looking to get a new car in the near future and have been doing a lot of research and I'm very interested in the new Acura TSX. I need a more fuel efficient daily driver, these gas prices are killing me. I've put 25K on my XJ since I got it last August. The TSX is a really good deal compared to the other cars on the market--$26,500 and it comes fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything, etc) everything comes standard but navigation which I don't need. Its pretty quick for a 4 banger (0-60 7.2 sec) with the close ratio 6 speed and its VTEC 200hp 4 cylinder which still gives it 30mpg on the hwy. The other option in the same price range is the V6 5 speed Altima, but it doesn't seem to be quite as good of quality. I want something with a little class and not all ricerish--not that the Altima is a ricer car.

Everything I've read about it has been really good and I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with one.

 

[ACE]

I'm looking to get a new car in the near future and have been doing a lot of research and I'm very interested in the new Acura TSX. I need a more fuel efficient daily driver, these gas prices are killing me. I've put 25K on my XJ since I got it last August. The TSX is a really good deal compared to the other cars on the market--$26,500 and it comes fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything, etc) everything comes standard but navigation which I don't need. Its pretty quick for a 4 banger (0-60 7.2 sec) with the close ratio 6 speed and its VTEC 200hp 4 cylinder which still gives it 30mpg on the hwy. The other option in the same price range is the V6 5 speed Altima, but it doesn't seem to be quite as good of quality. I want something with a little class and not all ricerish--not that the Altima is a ricer car.

Everything I've read about it has been really good and I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with one.

My wife and I drove a TSX with Nav and leather and the 6-speed had about the most perfect throws in a car at this price. We liked it a lot. Until we drove a Honda Accord Coupe with the 240 hp V6 and 6-speed. It was so much smoother than the TSX and quieter. Frankly, I thought it felt more solid than the TSX. I know I shouldn't be comparing a coupe to a sedan but if it was possible to get the 6 speed in an Accord Sedan, it would be no contest especially since the 240hp V6 mated to the 6-speed gets 30mpg.
Make sure you drive the Accord Coupe.
The Altima has the performance but I'm really disappointed on the quality and feel of the interior.
Also, when I priced out insurance between the Accord and the Altima, for some reason the Altima premiums were considerably more. Don't know how Acura would have fared but they are usually in line with Honda's. Just something else to consider.
Good luck.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

I'm looking to get a new car in the near future and have been doing a lot of research and I'm very interested in the new Acura TSX. I need a more fuel efficient daily driver, these gas prices are killing me. I've put 25K on my XJ since I got it last August. The TSX is a really good deal compared to the other cars on the market--$26,500 and it comes fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything, etc) everything comes standard but navigation which I don't need. Its pretty quick for a 4 banger (0-60 7.2 sec) with the close ratio 6 speed and its VTEC 200hp 4 cylinder which still gives it 30mpg on the hwy. The other option in the same price range is the V6 5 speed Altima, but it doesn't seem to be quite as good of quality. I want something with a little class and not all ricerish--not that the Altima is a ricer car.

Everything I've read about it has been really good and I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with one.

Well, I haven't driven a TSX, but based on the miles you appear to be doing you're a good candidate for a TDI. 30mpg isn't bad for a 4-cyl gasser, but a 5-spd TDI will easily get you into the 47-52 range (and even higher if you drive more conservatively).

My Jetta's an automatic, but I'm still averaging 42-44 with my commute (mixed, mostly highway). It's got a classy look and feels quite luxurious and plush compared to my XJ, and there's absolutely no way you could call it "ricerish". Also, the price should fall a little below the TSX you priced. (I was out the door at just shy of $24K with my 2002 model, including tax/tags/registration)

The only problem you might have is finding one, given that they're rather in demand these days. If you can find one to test-drive, take the opportunity and wring it out (get in a good run on the highway where you can cruise and try the top-gear accel) - you'll be suprised at what 100hp can do when it's coupled to 175lb-ft. (1999.5-2002 were 90hp, 155 lb-ft). The power curve is very reminiscient of the 4.0 - lots of grunt down low, plenty left at speed.

Incidentally, I'm not the only TDIer here - Bloose out in the midwest has a Golf, and seems to be happy with it. You wanna jump on the bandwagon here, Bloose?

Rob

 

[GPRSDLYT]

I'm looking to get a new car in the near future and have been doing a lot of research and I'm very interested in the new Acura TSX. I need a more fuel efficient daily driver, these gas prices are killing me. I've put 25K on my XJ since I got it last August. The TSX is a really good deal compared to the other cars on the market--$26,500 and it comes fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything, etc) everything comes standard but navigation which I don't need. Its pretty quick for a 4 banger (0-60 7.2 sec) with the close ratio 6 speed and its VTEC 200hp 4 cylinder which still gives it 30mpg on the hwy. The other option in the same price range is the V6 5 speed Altima, but it doesn't seem to be quite as good of quality. I want something with a little class and not all ricerish--not that the Altima is a ricer car.

Everything I've read about it has been really good and I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal experience with one.

friend of mine has one. they are pretty sweet. 6 speed. rode along last sat night to b-more and the ride is uber-nice!
if there is any particulars you would like to find out, i can ask her and get back with you.

-g

 

[ACE]

Yeah, he'd be a good candidate for the TDI, if he didn't want the performance or luxury or quality. :laugh:
Seriously, the TSX and the Golf/Jetta are at opposite ends in just about every category. You're comparing the Highest Ranking Entry Luxury Sedan (JD Powers, 2004 IQS) to the bottom feeder compacts. And as torquey as the TDI is, you still have twice the hp in the TSX which weighs about the same as a Jetta TDI, no contest in performance. I'd say the quality of the interior materials is about the same for both though.
If he were just looking for a car with good drivability, efficiency and comfortable to drive, I'd recommend a TDI. In fact, I'm a good candidate for a TDI as that would suit me just fine. I've been looking for used ones but around here people think they are made of gold and used prices are still pretty steep. Drove a new Passat TDI and fell in love. If my wife would let me trade in her 2000 Passat for a new TDI Passat, I'd do it today.
Another good reason to stay with Acura is the luxury treatment you get from the dealer as opposed to the crappy VW dealers, again, polar opposites.
Dang, this turned out longer than I though. Anyway, I think 30 mpg and 200 hp is a good compromise for buying a TSX.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

Yeah, he'd be a good candidate for the TDI, if he didn't want the performance or luxury or quality. :laugh:
Seriously, the TSX and the Golf/Jetta are at opposite ends in just about every category. You're comparing the Highest Ranking Entry Luxury Sedan (JD Powers, 2004 IQS) to the bottom feeder compacts. And as torquey as the TDI is, you still have twice the hp in the TSX which weighs about the same as a Jetta TDI, no contest in performance. I'd say the quality of the interior materials is about the same for both though.
If he were just looking for a car with good drivability, efficiency and comfortable to drive, I'd recommend a TDI. In fact, I'm a good candidate for a TDI as that would suit me just fine. I've been looking for used ones but around here people think they are made of gold and used prices are still pretty steep. Drove a new Passat TDI and fell in love. If my wife would let me trade in her 2000 Passat for a new TDI Passat, I'd do it today.
Another good reason to stay with Acura is the luxury treatment you get from the dealer as opposed to the crappy VW dealers, again, polar opposites.
Dang, this turned out longer than I though. Anyway, I think 30 mpg and 200 hp is a good compromise for buying a TSX.

A few points here (at the risk of dragging this conversation into a side street):

1. I hardly think that a TDI is a "bottom-feeder compact", but that's my personal opinion. I'll concede that it's no Rolls Royce.

2. You say "go for TDI, if he didn't want the quality", and then later say "I'd say the quality of the interior materials is about the same for both". I see these two statements as a little contradictory - can you set me straight? Maybe my standards are low, but I think the Jetta is a nicely styled car, inside and out. (then again, I like the styling of the XJ as well, despite all not-so-nice things the car mags said about it when the KJ debuted, so maybe I am a little :confused1 )

3. To what aspect of performance are you referring? I know that if attempting to drag race or go for all-out top speed the Acura would probably win out, but I thought he wanted something nice that would spend less time at the pumps. I took the performance numbers as an indicator of what made the TSX stand out against other vehicles in its class.

4. No argument on the VW dealers - I've heard many stories, but the dealer I'm using at present has treated me fine so far. Finding a good one is sometimes tough.

If he wants to get the TSX, that's fine by me - that's why we have different types of cars/trucks/SUVs/Jeeps on the roads.

 

[Atl XJ]

I like the Jettas a lot, and I've thought about them seriously in the past, but I've read some pretty bad things lately about the reliability of them that has made me shy away. I do think they are a nicely styled and sporty looking car though. The Passat, from what i have read is supposed to be much more reliable, but the problem with the Passat is that all of the features that come standard on the TSX you have to pay extra for on the Passat. Also, while it would be great to get 50 mpg, I'm not ready to sacrifice performance quite yet. I think 30mpg will be great compared to the 18mpg I'm getting now.

 

[Atl XJ]

Well, I test drove it and I've gotta say that it drove even better than I expected. It had a lot more power throughout the RPM range than I thought it would since it doesn't have a whole lot of torque. The interior was so comfortable too, everything was right at my finger tips. I love my Jeep, but its really nice to drive a luxurious car too, I'm getting soft in my old age, lol. I redlined it in 1st through 3rd gears and its was pretty quick (it felt faster than the advertised 0-60 in 7.2 sec) and it was very fun to drive with the short throw, close ratio 6 speed. It didn't show any torque steer either which really suprised me, but I forgot to turn the traction control off so that might have been it, but it was totally unnoticable if it came on because I didn't feel any loss of power at all. I took it on the interstate for a few exits and it was surprisingly powerful on the interstate, it pulled pretty hard from 80 to 100mph, then I had to slow down before I got a ticket or gave the sales lady a heart attack, lol. She was actaully the one telling me to open it up. Its hard to tell how well it really handles on a 15 minute minute test drive, but it took everything I threw at it in stride and had great steering response and handled very nimbly as I worked my way through traffic. Anyway, I'll quit rambling on, but I almost wish I hadn't test drove it now because I was planning on waiting 6 months before I bought a car and now I want a TSX bad. I still have to test drive the 2005 V6 Altima 5 speed and the Accord V6 6 speed coupe. Although I don't really want a coupe everyone keeps telling me they are sweet and I should test drive one.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Oh yeah, I would never buy a car because it has a nice stereo system, but the stock stereo sounds great in it. I was just reading about it, it has 8 individually powered speakers with 360 total watts.

 

[Rob Mayercik]

Sounds like you've made up your mind. If so, I'm glad to hear it. if the TSX makes you happy, don't let me stop you.

Just for the academics of it, what kinds of reliability issues have you heard about on the Jettas? Mine's been pretty bulletproof so far, so I'm curious as to what people are complaining about (gives me a chance to try and anticipate potential problems, or at least be better informed should they happen to me).

Rob

 

[Atl XJ]

Just for the academics of it, what kinds of reliability issues have you heard about on the Jettas? Mine's been pretty bulletproof so far, so I'm curious as to what people are complaining about (gives me a chance to try and anticipate potential problems, or at least be better informed should they happen to me).Rob

I have read some pretty negative stuff recently, but I can only remember a few off hand. JD Powers rated Volkswagen as, I think, the 3rd most unreliable car brand and Consumer Reports had the Jetta on their "cars to avoid list". I don't know anything about the TDIs hopefully it doesn't apply. I also did a little research on the internet on sites where people put in their comments about what they thought about their cars and they either raved about them or they had a lot of problems with them. Also, this probably applies to Acuras too, but a friend of mine used to be a Volkswagen mechanic and he was telling me how expensive parts are for them.

 

[SeanP]

I love car threads beause I am such a gearhead. However, new baby, bigger mortage and one less salary has me driving a 93 Altima as a DD. I got this car free with grenaded tranny that I replaced. I have about $600 into this car and it's extremely reliable. I bought it new off the lot and sold it to my stepfather in 2000. He was quoted $2500 to replace the tranny (5 sp with ltd slip) and was just going to junk it. I grabbed it from him for free. This is a great car. Only replaced brakes on it. No timing belts to worry about. Cold AC and just as much power as the day I bought it.

I am very impressed at the quality of the nissan. They typically depreciate more than the honda, so you can get a 2002 for around 12-14K used with the V6. The nissan v6 is something else, probably the best 6 out there.

The TSX is nice, but it's built on a civic platform. The accord is a much more stout platform and is shared with the TL. My stepdad has a TL and that is such a nice car.

Jetta TDI. Great engine, except for the timing belt needing to be relaced at 40K miles. I have heard of injector issues. Build quality (in Mexico) has been lacking from every jetta/golf owner I have talked to. Stupid little stuff like power windows, HVAC, electrical stuff. Now the TDI Passat is nice, built in AG still (IIRC). But good luck finding one for less than $30-32K.

For the next several years I can only dream of having nice cars again. I know that I will never buy new, and for that matter, I will likely only keep a nice family car for the wife and drive beaters myself.

Sean"oh to be DINKs again"P

 

[Atl XJ]

The TSX is nice, but it's built on a civic platform. The accord is a much more stout platform and is shared with the TL. My stepdad has a TL and that is such a nice car.

Everything I have read about the TSX says that it is based closely on the Euro version Honda Accord and uses the same platform. Does the Civic share that platform too?

 

[Rob Mayercik]

Jetta TDI. Great engine, except for the timing belt needing to be relaced at 40K miles. I have heard of injector issues. Build quality (in Mexico) has been lacking from every jetta/golf owner I have talked to. Stupid little stuff like power windows, HVAC, electrical stuff. Now the TDI Passat is nice, built in AG still (IIRC). But good luck finding one for less than $30-32K.

Thanks for the info, Sean. If everyone can bear with me, I can speak to a couple of these issues:

Timing Belt: The 40K interval is not accurate for current models. Here's how it breaks down:

99.5-2001: 40K (Auto Trans), 60K (Manual Trans)
2002: 80K
2003-present: 100K (same belt as used on 2002 models, just rated longer)

All engines in the 99.5-2003 range can use the newer, 100K belt and tensioner (despite what some dealers will try to tell you). To my knowledge, all timing belts (even on gassers) must be changed at 60-100K intervals(depending on the specifc engine), so I don't see that it's a big deal for the TDI.

Injectors: Haven't heard anything about this, so I can't comment.

Build quality: My Jetta is Mexican-made, and I haven't noticed any reason to suggest that its build quality is less than what it should be. In fact, I'd consider the build quality on mine to be excellent.

Power Windows: Up through mid 2002, part of the window mechanism was plastic, and had a tendency to crack and fail. VW has a warranty extension on this to replace failed regulators with metal parts. 2002.5 and newer vehicles had the metal parts from the factory, and I have not heard of any failures on them. My '02 falls in the "plastic" range, and yet with nearly 2 years of cycling my driver's window up and down 4-6 times daily for toolbooths (in addition to opening them for ventilation), my plastic parts are doing just fine.

HVAC: Don't know anything about this one either.

Electrical Stuff: The 99.5-2001 models had a finicky relay that sometimes caused a no-start condition, butlater models have an upgraded relay. Replaing that relay on the older models is a 10-minute job or less. Also, some TDIs seems to chew up MAF sensors on a regular basis (I'm still on my first), but it doesn't seem that common.

To Atl XJ:

Parts can be pricey for VWs, but most dealers are expensive in that regard. Being an import probably aggravates this with respect to domestics.

As far as CR and JD Powers, a lot of their negative press is probably due to the coil pack issues that VW had for a while (doesn't apply to TDI since diesels don't use spark plugs and ignition coils). I honestly consider my VW to be as solid and dependable as my XJ.

Feedback sites on the net can be kind of dicey - I recall seeing a TDI once branded as unreliable because someone got a case of gelled fuel. Crazy, isn't it?

Whatever you end up getting, I wish you luck with it.

Rob

Rob

 

[Atl XJ]

Thats some really good info, thanks for the comments. The more I research the TSX, the more I like it. It did really well on crash test results. It got 5 out of 5 stars in all categories except one where it got 4 out of 5. It has a lot of safety features standard too that you have to pay for on other makes. I've been thinking a lot lately and I think I'm going to save up a little longer to make my payments lower. It sucks, I really want it now, but waiting makes more sense.:bawl: I hate it when my brain gets in the way of my decisions, lol.