CD Article: Acura TSX, 2004-2007

[CD_Editor]

Used Vehicle Review:


The TSX has been very solid reliability-wise, but there are a few relatively minor things to be aware of, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  Used prices are high.  "As with any Honda product, don't expect any spectacular deals on used examples," he notes.

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[2hondas]

We just bought a 2004 in December with 65K on it. It now has a bit over 72K. No problems yet, except a poor windshield replacement job done by the previous owner...(got that fixed), and annoying rattles, which is expected from a first year car.

IMO, the TSX is a great used buy...however, I wouldn't buy this car new.

and YES, the extended warranty for the Dash Console lights was issued here in Canada.
http://tsx.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36970&highlight=console+lights

[Demosthenes X]

Chris lists "premium fuel" as a drawback of this car.  I'm wondering if the competition take regular fuel?  I admit, it's only an assumption, but I would have figured that the 3-series, C-class, and A4 would all recommend premium as well?

Really, if you're looking at a used luxury car, I would expect to be putting premium in it...

[2hondas]

Chris lists "premium fuel" as a drawback of this car.  I'm wondering if the competition take regular fuel?  I admit, it's only an assumption, but I would have figured that the 3-series, C-class, and A4 would all recommend premium as well?

Really, if you're looking at a used luxury car, I would expect to be putting premium in it...

I believe the CTS doesn't require premium.

[carcrazy]

We just bought a 2004 in December with 65K on it. It now has a bit over 72K. No problems yet, except a poor windshield replacement job done by the previous owner...(got that fixed), and annoying rattles, which is expected from a first year car.

As much as I liked this car from day one and I still do, the rattle thing is disappointing. I wouldn't expect rattles on a 4-year old Honda premium/luxury vehicle, let alone in a brand new one after four years into production (I'm thinking mmret here). It only shows one more time that Honda has its share of failures like any other manufacturer.

[2hondas]

We just bought a 2004 in December with 65K on it. It now has a bit over 72K. No problems yet, except a poor windshield replacement job done by the previous owner...(got that fixed), and annoying rattles, which is expected from a first year car.

As much as I liked this car from day one and I still do, the rattle thing is disappointing. I wouldn't expect rattles on a 4-year old Honda premium/luxury vehicle, let alone in a brand new one after four years into production (I'm thinking mmret here). It only shows one more time that Honda has its share of failures like any other manufacturer.

Our 2001 Accord had NO rattles at all, but some trim pieces weren't perfectly aligned.

Our 2005 Odyssey rattles pretty bad, especially on rough surfaces.

[Mitlov]

Chris lists "premium fuel" as a drawback of this car.  I'm wondering if the competition take regular fuel?  I admit, it's only an assumption, but I would have figured that the 3-series, C-class, and A4 would all recommend premium as well?

Really, if you're looking at a used luxury car, I would expect to be putting premium in it...

The CTS is the only one I know of that runs on regular.

[Jaeger]

The TSX is my favourite Honda product to date.

Roger

[ggweci]

The TSX is my favourite Honda product to date.

Roger

It's a great vehicle, but don't forget about the CRX, ITR, S2K, NSX, CBR's... 

[Craig]

Mine rattled a little on very cold mornings, but that's gone now.  Otherwise, it's been no trouble at all.  The manual transmission in this thing is fantastic.

Like a lot of Honda products (save the earlier TL and others with auto transmission issues) I think this will be a very good used car buy for the foreseeable future, but with slow depreciation, expect to pay for it.  That's why I don't think the TSX is a bad new car purchase.  Yes, you will pay more for the early years compared to a used one, but that's true of every car.  And I think the depreciation hit is less in the early years compared to a lot of similar vehicles.

It doesn't hurt that you get usual extras like leather seats (I like 'em), HomeLink garage door remote, and bluetooth hands-free included without paying $3000 for a "luxury package".  I like how the TSX is bundled, and I wish more vehicle manufacturers would follow suit.

For me, the TSX strikes a great balance between size, content, performance, and fuel economy.  If you are a more serious driver than I am, and you need RWD or AWD, buy a 3-series, an IS250, or an A4.

In fact, now that the IS250 is discounted, I think the TSX is a harder sell when new.  The IS250 seems a little smaller to my eye, but even better looking.  I doubt it would be any less reliable, on average.  It will be interesting to see how much a used IS250 will go for when the first ones come off lease.

[Mitlov]

The TSX is my favourite Honda product to date.

Roger

It's a great vehicle, but don't forget about the CRX, ITR, S2K, NSX, CBR's... 

Hondajet, Asimo...

[ggweci]

The TSX is my favourite Honda product to date.

Roger

It's a great vehicle, but don't forget about the CRX, ITR, S2K, NSX, CBR's... 

Hondajet, Asimo...

Touche! 

[Jaeger]

The TSX is my favourite Honda product to date.

Roger

It's a great vehicle, but don't forget about the CRX, ITR, S2K, NSX, CBR's... 

It's still my favourite.  The NSX was a staggering accomplishment when introduced, but it was never a vehicle I would be likely to own.  The S2K is awesome, but very purpose-built.  Great for the track and weekend blasts, but not something I could live with every day.  Perhpas I should have said favourite "mainstream" Honda product.

Jaeger

[curls]

To Chris Chase,

Just wanted to let you know that you can edit the article to say that the headlight moisture problem is 100% covered by Acura Canada (they install clips to re-seal the headlight, or, replace the entire assembly if it's too far gone).

Also, the radio/HVAC lights issue is a faulty circuitboard in the radio, and that is also covered as part of a 160,000km goodwill warranty extension, by Acura Canada.

I've had both fixes done on my 2004 TSX by my Acura dealer here in Ottawa; both times without fuss.

As far as rattles go, a $3 can of silicone spray will fix 90% of them -- it's usually rubber seals that need a shot of the silicone to keep them from drying out.  I find this works for about 6-9 months, so I just do it as part of the spring and fall detailing and have no issues with rattles at all.

Overall, I agree with your article, and I just have to say that for $17K, the 2004 TSX is still a very good bargain if you consider what you're getting for that price.  Great reliability, impeccible handling, a splash of luxury, and a great overall package.

[2hondas]

Overall, I agree with your article, and I just have to say that for $17K, the 2004 TSX is still a very good bargain if you consider what you're getting for that price.  Great reliability, impeccible handling, a splash of luxury, and a great overall package.

We purchased our 2004 back in December for $19,550 (private deal). No accidents, senior driven, Auto, 60,000 kms. IMO, it was a very good deal compared to what was available at the time.

[captain_ron]

My 2005 RSX Type-S rattles like a CRAZYYYY!! If rattles bother you deeply, DO NOT buy an Acura!

[Mitlov]

It's still my favourite.  The NSX was a staggering accomplishment when introduced, but it was never a vehicle I would be likely to own.  The S2K is awesome, but very purpose-built.  Great for the track and weekend blasts, but not something I could live with every day.  Perhpas I should have said favourite "mainstream" Honda product.

Jaeger

I could live with Asimo every day, especially if my wife and I taught him to cook and clean for us 

[dave]

My 2005 RSX Type-S rattles like a CRAZYYYY!! If rattles bother you deeply, DO NOT buy an Acura!

My '04 RSX Premium rattled a bit at first...a little foam padding in the glove box and along the inside of the windshield - problem solved.

[dave]

Overall, I agree with your article, and I just have to say that for $17K, the 2004 TSX is still a very good bargain if you consider what you're getting for that price.  Great reliability, impeccible handling, a splash of luxury, and a great overall package.

$17k for an '04 TSX?!  I think that's a great deal.  I got more then that for my '04 RSX as a trade so you would assume thee seller will ask more for it when they go to sell it ($19k?).  Only 57k km though...

Is the RSX popular enough with the young/tuner crowd to justify a similar resale value as it's big brother, the TSX?

On autotrader, the '04 TSX ranges from $14k-25k.  '04 RSXs peak around $20k.

[stickshift]

To Chris Chase,

Just wanted to let you know that you can edit the article to say that the headlight moisture problem is 100% covered by Acura Canada (they install clips to re-seal the headlight, or, replace the entire assembly if it's too far gone).

Also, the radio/HVAC lights issue is a faulty circuitboard in the radio, and that is also covered as part of a 160,000km goodwill warranty extension, by Acura Canada.

I've had both fixes done on my 2004 TSX by my Acura dealer here in Ottawa; both times without fuss.

As far as rattles go, a $3 can of silicone spray will fix 90% of them -- it's usually rubber seals that need a shot of the silicone to keep them from drying out.  I find this works for about 6-9 months, so I just do it as part of the spring and fall detailing and have no issues with rattles at all.

Overall, I agree with your article, and I just have to say that for $17K, the 2004 TSX is still a very good bargain if you consider what you're getting for that price.  Great reliability, impeccible handling, a splash of luxury, and a great overall package.

That's great to know! Thanks for posting. I'll add that info the article.