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Acura RSX (All years/types)
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If you can get past the looks (get the silver, not the red!), Toyota is dealing on these now that it they are in their fourth year of the current gen. You can get HIDs and they have put in a power antenna this year to eliminate the stupid-looking stalk antenna on previous years.
When I cross-shopped the two, these were exactly the reasons I got a celica: the RSX's noisy interior and harsh ride for cruising the interstate and the local roads.
Just a thought. It does have anchors at the back for the child seat.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
To the folks who mentioned our RSX-S' crappy stock stereo, I did a ~$250 mod: I bought and installed the Infinity BassLink, which is a 10" powered sub. While it doesn't make the stereo louder, it definitely augments the bass by about a tenfold factor.
I recently hit 12,000 miles after 13+ months of owning my RSX-S. I still love this car.
Revka
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thanks.
Just bought 03 RSX base, and found its engine bay is "see-through". Front wheel wells aren't sealed from inside with shields; look into the well, and you can see through the engine bay and into the opposite wheel well. I wonder if you driving down wet road and make a turn, front wheels would splash water/snow into the engine bay. Checked all the RSX's on hte lot - same picture. Internal side of the front wheel wells does have 4 punched holes, ostensibly for the shields. Whadda I do, try to seal'em myself?
Thanks for the input - Victor
In other words, don't close the holes.
Revka
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Revka
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Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Gas mileage's come to the promised 33/gallon after 600 miles driven.
All in all, thank God it's slow seller, so I could've gotten it at invoice!
The only other complaint I have is the car feels a little sluggish on hot days with the A/C on. And the shifter is a little notchy going into 3rd until the tranny gets warmed up.
Other than that everything is good. No leaks, rattles or anything that needs dealer servicing.
To vickat, tnjrobi1, and others - Thanks for the vehicle updates! I'm sure other owners and shoppers passing through here will appreciate your notes. ;-)
Revka
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I also still continue to enjoy this car. I like sports cars, but I also NEED reliability, economy, and a good value. This is my third Acura (technically my third "Integra," as "RSX" is just what's it's called in North America where the "Acura" badging exists). My previous 1995 and 2000 GSR's were also the right mix of the above qualities I like in a car.
However, I don't get any raves about the back seat. People often have to be "extracted" when leaving, but this this is not that different from most any coupe. If more space is needed, the TSX will more than fit the bill. But don't think of it as a 4-door RSX, as it's actually the European Accord. It's quieter, much more luxurious, better stereo, etc., but IMO you therefore do lose some of the before mentioned sportiness in the handling and feel of the car. It's still a four cyl. 200 hp engine, but with a slightly larger displacement which gives you a bit more torque, but it's also a longer, heavier car. Compared with other sedans, it probably feels sporty, but I feel for my needs that the RSX is still the right car.
I change the oil every 3,500 miles and rotate the tires evey 5,000. Some may do this more often, but my mechanic feels this is a very conservative interval. Also (and you'll get a lot of differing views on this) he doesn't recommend using syntheic oil until the engine is older.
As I stated in my previously mentioned post, I personally really like the stock stereo in the Type S. Even though the bass from the rear-mounted speaker doen't translate well, the overall package is really well set up and adapted to the environment of this car. Again, no one car has everything. I still wish I had a 911 to drive around, but I'd still need my RSX for all the previously stated reasons.
Determine your needs and continue to test drive different cars. The RSX & TSX are both outstanding values, and fun to drive. My previous Acuras (in the Southern California market) have held their resale value very well, even above Blue Book.
As for colors, I knew that for me, I had to have the black interior. This limited the exterior colors available. I went with the Arctic Blue and have never regretted it. It still gets compliments in parking lots, and is a somewhat unique color. With the red & white taillights, well...it's almost "patriotic."
And, at the end of the day, it's still those fast, twisty curvy turns on Sunset Blvd. with the windows halfway and the moonroof open and Jim Ladd on the radio......
Did I mention......"Lord, have mercy?"............
The dilemma for me is that I've gotten accustomed to the "nice stuff" that I have (I currently own a Pathfinder) and the TSX would give me a lot that the RSX doesn't...except for the hatchback (which I really want) and the "extra" handling and pop.
Glad to hear you're happy with it...One question I have is whether there are any comments about waiting for the '04 RSX...I guess it doesn't make any difference with the TSX since it's an '04 now, but any arguments for waiting for the new ones? Any word on '04 pricing increases if any? My local dealer is asking $22.2 for the type S and $26.5 for the TSX (6-speed, no nav). I'm sure I could some off the '03 RSX, but probably not much (if anything) off the TSX.
Depending on the market in your area, the '03's should be pretty well discounted as the '04's start to arrive. Are you planning to lease or buy? (I went thoroughly over both options, and for me, the way I drive, etc., and the way these cars hold value, it made more sense to buy.) But Acura will probably help the dealers out with lease specials and lower interest rates to help clear their lots. But beware of "lease specials" which almost always favor the dealership. Like free liquor in Vegas, the casino knows exactly what it's doing.
Have you driven the TSX yet? It sounds as though it may be more to your liking than the RSX. It also seems like a good car value for the money, and remember that insurance rates are usually always lower on a comparable sedan than on a coupe. And I've seen that gunmetal grey finish. Looks like a high end BMW!
If you're still open to the RSX, here's a few more changes to consider over your previous Integras:
* It scored better than the previous models in the government crash test ratings for both front end and side collisions, for both driver & passenger. The body's stiffer, plus they're using struts instead of the previous double-wishbone design. This also gives you more headroom (are you tall?) and a larger than you'd expect trunk/ hatchback area. This change upset a LOT of previous Integra owners who liked the lower body and handling of the Integras. Like I said before, it's always a tradeoff, but this car is definitely more refined in certain ways than its predecessor.
* I-VTEC has a smoother acceleration than VTEC (for reasons I won't go into here, as it's already been explained better than I could.)
* The interior is probably the best in its class. 'Nuff said.
* 16" wheels are standard.
* Interior thermostats and micron air filtration.
* Very decent stock stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD player.
* It's a cleaner fuel burning car than before.
* The shifter takes a little getting used to. A lot of owners have had problems with gears grinding. The shifter's actually one of the best features on this car, and the "notchiness" seems to be inherent to the design. You may or may not like it.
* The back seats can be torturous. Wait...that was true with the previous Integras also...
Good luck with your search. Looked at in one way, the search for a new car can really tell you a lot about yourself!
My impression pretty much matched my expectations re performance...terrific handling, smooth as silk gearbox and excellent acceleration. Of course it wasn't quite as quick from zero as the RSX-S (which I test drove a few weeks ago) nor was it quite as quick in the turns. Frankly, the question for me was whether I would be giving up too much in performance over the RSX and my answer was...not too much. So it comes down to whether the extra $4500-5000 for the TSX is worth the extra level of "stuff" and the loss of the hatchback.
That's a good point about insurance...I'll be getting quotes...that could make the cost closer between the two.
As for the changes in the RSX, well...compared to the last one I owned (I sold my '90 in '01 and it was still in great shape), IMO, it's only better, in almost every way. The only "issue" I have is the almost total lack of storage space for tapes, CDs, and other stuff. The performance is fantastic and I have no problems with the shifter. The TSX has a short shifter which took a little getting used to but I thought it was even better than the RSX's.
It's a pretty tough decision, but I know that either way, I'm going to get a great car and I'm looking forward to it.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Could you explain what you meant by that? I'm barely familiar with the NSX, so I'm just curious what you mean. I've owned 2 Integras though and I'm considering getting an RSX, hence the interest.
Other than those items, the NSX (essentially a hand-built, all-aluminum, mid-engined RWD exotic) and the RSX (essentially a Civic with a PhD in phys-ed) are as similar as can be! ;^)
I don't disagree with your assessment that the RSX bears little resemblance to the RSX...but it doesn't have much in common with the old Integra, either :-)
Do you think the RSX's struts in the front are inferior to the Integra's double wishbone front suspension? Again...this is not a challenge (I ain't no auto engineer), but a question.
The only real disadvantage of A-arms is the expense.
I see the TSX has double wishbone front and rear...I guess that's why it seemed so close to the much smaller RSX in handling when I test drove the two.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
They laugh all the way to the bank.
When trying to get the seat & steering wheel adjusted for driving it seems I can't get comfortable.
In order to reach the steering wheel good I have to move the seat up so far my legs feel cramped. And if I move the steering wheel down to a comfortable position it blocks the gauge cluster.
Has anyone else had any of these problems?
If it's as good as the pictures look and there are no problems, I plan to make an offer.
Thanks in advance.
I looked for any large scrapes or gaping holes, places where body work had been done (for an accident). Also make sure you get a Carfax report for the VIN before you go.
enjoy and good luck with your dealing.
I'll put those items on the list...thanks again.
When trying to get the seat & steering wheel adjusted for driving it seems I can't get comfortable.
It took me awhile to get used to the seats also. Although now at 45,000 miles, I can't remember when they stopped being uncomfortable and started being cozy. I think it was somewhere around 5-10,000 miles.
It would have been nice to have a telescoping steering wheel...that might have made the transition easier.
If it's as good as the pictures look and there are no problems, I plan to make an offer.
Not many that haven't already been suggested (notchiness, oil leaks). All I can say is note who the seller is and question why they are selling it. Not to upset anybody, but the age of the seller may speak volumes about the quality of the car.
Perhaps you could find out if it was brought in for it's regular checkups (I still bring mine in every 5,000 miles) and if so, find out from the dealer what was done.
I say this because some RSX S's have had engine/tranny problems due to over-revving and such....mainly due to the type of person driving the car. Whether it be an inexperienced driver or someone who liked to race it.
Another thing that you might lok at if racing was suspect is scratches in the engine area from aftermarket parts being put on and taken off.
Nonetheless, hope all is well with your purchase and you have as much pleasure with your new car as I have had with miine.
So far, so good...
that the stereo sound quality is not the best in either model rsx. also complaints regarding road noise and jarring movement when going over the slightest bumps, anyone here know about these little problems??
Have a question...I'd like to put fog lights in, any suggestions for where to get them and/or advice on the install? Anyone done it here?
TIA,
Tom
Revka
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