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Acura TSX
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So where are they on the new Accord? Way down low where they are hard to see. It looks like they are in the same place on the TSX. Pretty poor design in my learned and esteemed opinion.
I've had both generations, and I like the new ones just fine. I also find them very easy to see and use.
One thing about the TSX engine, it's phenomenal. It will rev out when you get on the throttle, but it's more than happy to tool about town or cruise on the freeway. And the 6MT rocks hard.
I don't know what car you're comparing it to, but keep in mind that the ride is a bit on the tight and nervous side. This contributes to the cars excellent handling characteristics, but you will feel every bump in the road. Road noise is pronounced, especially on textured surfaces. At the same time, it's very solid. I've yet to hear a rattle, and I live in arguably one of the worst states for road quality in the country.
It will also carve through turns better than any car I've owned, and the drivetrains performance belies its 200 HP rating. The car is NOT underpowered. It just doesn't have a ton of torque. But it has enough, and it comes on pretty early and stays with you. The car's not mind-blowing off the line, but, once you're rolling it's very quick.
It's a very nice machine, but it's up to you, through your test drives, to determine whether it's the right car for you.
Hope that helps.
Johnny
regards,
kyfdx
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I also wanted to update some of my earlier posts regarding the HID headlamps.
I had stated that I found the distinct cutoff of these lights a bit disconcerting, especially in pitch black conditions, and that I hoped I would get used to them in the future.
Well, after three weeks of ownership I'm happy to report that I hardly notice them anymore. They are indeed quite bright. The only other negative I can see is that sometimes I get flashed by other drivers who assume I have my high beams on. Other than that, they're great.
BTW fellow TSX enthusiasts, what's up with this board? There hasn't been much activity lately. In fact, it's been downright dead!
Contrast that with the Subaru Crew, which I can barely keep up with. We need to pick it up over here!
How're those cars? Are we having fun or what?
C'mon folks! ;-)
Johnny
1) My commute is 25 miles straight road like newtoma's. The highway here in California is so so. I did a test drive, but the salesman only allowed me to drive a short test route. So I am still not sure how confortable it's gonna be in the long-term, say 7-10 years. What do you guys think? Also, the driver may be ok with the stiff suspension, how about the passager? Johnny, have you had someone sit with you? How did he/she feel?
Have you taken any long drive, say >100 miles?
2) During my testdrive, I feel quite a bit body roll in the high ramp, which kind of surprise me since I feel subaru outback (which I was interested in getting originally) handled better. No to mention the BMW 325i I testdrove the other day. What do you think? Maybe because surbaru are all-wheel-drive and BMWs are RWD?
3) What color did you get? I want the satin silver, but when I was in the dealership the other day, I feel silver is really bland(Maybe because it was a cloudy day?) I feel the more I look at the white ones, the more I like them. I just feel a little bit wired about white ones, I though they are for ladies. Also, the parchment is really hard to keep clean.
Thanks,
I too think the silver is kind of bland. In fact, the one I test drove was silver. If blue doesn't turn you off, I'd suggest checking out the Meteor silver.. I saw one of those with quartz interior that I thought was a great combination. I know this is really subjective, but IMO, the gray (anthracite?), is the best color.
regards,
kyfdx
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Are these cars difficult to get hold of? Does that mean the dealers are going to be even less willing to negotiate on the price?
Thanks.
However, IMO, the TSX is a much more refined vehicle, with better fit and finish as well. It's a very polished car.
As far as body roll is concerned, there is some, but this is a sedan after all. The car will have some initial body roll on turn in, but it squats down nicely after that. It will rail through turns. It is not, however, a 325i, but it's quite good.
My first drive was 300 miles home from the dealership, so I have had an extended drive. I was pretty comfortable. The seats in this car are excellent. Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to drive on a trip with passengers yet, so I can't comment.
I picked up the Satin Silver with quartz interior for a couple of reasons: It was available at the time I was buying, and it's a color that's easier to keep clean looking here in Washington. My last car was dark green, and it was always dirty looking. Personally, I like the silver and overall I'm happy with it.
I do agree with kyfdx that the Meteor Silver is very sharp and also uncommon, as is the Carbon Gray.
I don't believe any color is "for ladies." Ok, maybe pink ;-). If you like white, get white.
I will say this about the TSX: if you don't think you can get used to a stiff-riding car, don't buy it. It's not THAT bad, but it's probably stiffer than you're used to, and 7-10 years is a long time.
It's also a blast to drive. You will find yourself seeking out the twisties at every opportunity. My advice is to drive it as much as you can before you commit to the purchase, on all sorts of roads, especially rough ones.
Johnny
Are these cars difficult to get hold of? Does that mean the dealers are going to be even less willing to negotiate on the price?
Thanks.
My wife complains that the passenger seat is too low, though, probably because the power driver's seat is almost maxxed out to the top of its adjustability, while the passenger seat has no height adjustment.
As for performance, the TSX handles quite well, without much body roll. Naturally, if you're used to driving a sports car then it probably has more roll. But comparing to both my Accord, and of course, the Pathfinder, the TSX corners like it's on rails. The tires tend to scream at me way before I notice excessive body roll, but that problem will go away when I get new tires.
Finally, I do notice that the ride is somewhat jarring on poorly surfaced roads, such as US101 between San Jose and Gilroy. My daily commute is 20 miles between Sunnyvale and San Mateo, and I try to avoid the non-carpool lanes when possible because the TSX suspension doesn't absorb the concrete freeway expansion joints that well (the carpool lane is asphalted, so it's smoother). But it's a price I'm willing to pay for the great handling the TSX provides, especially during spirited driving.
I like white because it is looks so sharp and bright when it is freshly clean. Makes washing it very satisfying! Contrary to popular opinion white actually hides dirt very well and looks clean most of the time.
I have a camel color leather interior. I don't have much trouble keeping it clean. Even though I drive fast I do tend to be pretty easy on my cars.
This car begs to be driven hard. I have a heck of a time keeping my foot out of the throttle, and my gas mileage is suffering because of it.
LOL!
Subies are sweet too. I took a long, hard look at the Forester XT. I just couldn't pull the trigger. Too rough around the edges for me.
If you're set on a sedan, you may want to hold out until this spring/summer and check out the '05 Legacy GT Turbo. They look awesome. And AWD.
Johnny
I have a feeling the Legacy won't have the fit and finish problem. The preliminary specs on the car look really promising. And that turbo. WHOOOOSH!
Johnny
As for the stereo, I've always put aftermarket systems in my cars, so I measure stock systems against a high standard. That said, the stocker in the TSX is pretty darn good. I think I might eventually upgrade the speakers, but I almost always do that as a matter of course. It sounds pretty good, especially with CD's. To be honest though, if you're used to good aftermarket systems, you might be disappointed. My advice is to take CD's with you on your test drive and crank up the stereo.
The FM comes in pretty good in my car here in the Seattle area. As good as it ever did in my 2000 Accord. I think any reception issues people are having is more a product of the antennas being embedded in the rear window than anything else. An exterior antenna will always be better, IMO.
The XM would be nice, but oh well. If you really want it you could check out the Accord. They're pretty nice too.
BTW, I've yet to hear any door rattles as a result of the stereo being too loud, and I like to listen to loud rock 'n roll. I think any issues there may have been with stereo-induced rattles have been resolved by Acura.
The TSX is a very nice automobile.
Hope that helps.
Johnny
I have concerns about the big difference between horsepower output and torque - 200hp to 166 lb/ft. In past experience I've found that low torque diminishes the effectiveness of the available horsepower. But, I've been told by a couple of Acura salesmen that new, sophisticated computer management has eliminated that issue in the TSX. I've driven the TSX once and that seemed to be true. I'm wondering what it has been like for y'all who drive 'em on a daily basis. Thanks!
I'm using premium gas, tire pressure is set at the recommended pressure and I'm taking the miles per tank, divided by the gallons pumped. My previous car was an Acura and I did not have to "wait" for better mileage. If I take my car into the dealer, are they just going to tell me that there is nothing wrong with it?????????
HELP!!!!!!!!!! Any suggestions????????? Thanks
Speaking of price, Acura dealers so far were not flexible at all, but we got a $26,499 (transport included) Internet quote. I guess that's the best we can get...
If you are driving it on longer trips and not letting it sit and idle then wait until the first oil change to see if the gas mileage improves. It seems that my 04 Accord started getting 3 MPG better after I put some miles on it (I am at 10,000 now).
As far as the car warming up properly goes, it seems to me that these four-banger engines warm up particularly fast, at least compared to a V6. My commute is about 15 miles one way, almost all freeway, and 1-2 miles into it the car is already at operating temperature.
I hope what you say about the mileage improving as the engine logs more miles holds true. Otherwise, 22 MPG seems mighty thirsty for a NA 4 cylinder engine. That's what most people have been reporting with their turbocharged Forester XT's. With premium fuel prices possibly spiking towards the $3 mark this summer, that's a pricey proposition at best.
Johnny
I could be wrong though. Hopefully something can be done to improve mileage.
Johnny
I don't have the data to do the computations, but it would seem to me that this could easily drive mileage down from the expected 25 or so to 22.
The only valid way to ascertain whether a car is not getting expected mileage is to reduce the variables: Get out on the highway, and go through a tank or three, keeping track of miles travelled and gallons used. Conditions in commuting, city driving, short trips, etc. are just too wildly variable to make any valid comparisons.
- Mark
What is the difference between the two silvers? On the web site the Meteor looks like it has a bluish silver tint.
regards,
kyfd
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gpsiir
TSX/5A/Meteor Silver/Navi
I drive an Integra without traction control that weighs 700 lbs less than the TSX, and I have no problems in snow and ice with 4 snow tires. The roads are closed long before I have any problem getting around. Remember snow tires not only help you accelerate they also help you stop (unlike AWD). Generally you hit things when you can't stop.
Most people are worried about getting up a steep driveway, but being able to stop on the way down is much more important.
It is a win win situation. You protect your summer rims from winter damage, and your summer tires last longer.
I believe you roll them up with the key by turning and holding it in the lock all the way to the right or left. Can't remember which.
Kind of a cool feature which lets you roll down the windows before you get into the car on hot days.
I can't think offhand of any other "tricks" you can perform with the fob.
Johnny