Acura TSX

uncledavid

You are obviously a thoughtful guy, and I'm sure you'll end up with a great vehicle. Good luck with the purchase!

evped

I had a 95 Acura Integra GSR. Can anyone offer a comparison?

anonymousposts

nowak: They make seat protectors for most car seats. It's a rubber mat that goes underneath the seat. Protects from scratches and spills. I have one in my Accord EX-L and the leather is fine. It will leave a slight indentation but that's in any car not just the TSX/Accord.

node8

Anyone have more information on this? The Euro Accord shows a new Bluetooth add-on available in April on their website and on this pdf http://www.honda.co.uk/brochure/download/cars/hondaAccord.pdf - Page 30

nowakj66

Thanks anonymousposts. Actually I have one of these in my Accord EX-L right now too. It works pretty well.

lmacmil

When I got in the car, it had 5 miles on the odometer. The sales guy said it had just come in the day before and they had just prepped it prior to my arrival. I drove a manual for 15 years prior to getting my Intrigue 4 years ago. I still occasionally drive my son's Matrix XRS so it's not like I'm a novice.

I was trying for smooth launches but I don't think I was slipping the clutch. My shifts after takeoff were smooth and quick. After about 5 miles or so I noticed a slight burning smell. I couldn't say for sure it was the clutch but I don't know what else it could have been unless some oil had dripped onto something under the hood.

It made me think of C&D's comment that the electronic throttle was "unnecessarily hard on the clutch" and the fellow here who's clutch was gone after 30K miles. Could one overheat the clutch in a few miles very mild city driving?

carbert

Did the car still have a plastic protective coating on the brakes?

lmacmil

"Did the car still have a plastic protective coating on the brakes?"

I didn't notice and I don't think I've ever seen that before. Is that something to keep the rotors from rusting?

carbert

Yes, it is part of the shipping wrapping. Sometimes there is a sticker on the drivers side explaining the maximum breaking speed, above which the plastic melts.

I have no idea whether that is what you smelled or not. Just an idea.

fedlawman

Where are the pictures you took at the meet?

johnny420

I spent some time after the meet yesterday post-processing.

Once I figure out how to load the darn things I'll get them up. I've got about 25-30 good ones. I'll try it again. I want to get them to embed in the thread, but if that fails I'll just post a link to photobucket.

mrstan

I just bought a 2005 MT. I drove it 100+ miles and when I got home, the burnt was there. It lasted for about 3 days of driving, and then it was gone.

Some coatings were the cause.

johnny420

Fedlawman, I just put my pics up in the "meets" forum.

fedlawman

Saw them!

There are some great photos posted from the meet. Too bad I couldn't stay longer...

See you at the next meet!

Brian

mam262

I like the White exterior, but I DO NOT like the tan leather interior with the wood trim. Does Acura allow special ordering a car that has a different combonation of exterior/interior colors?

robr2

The simple answer is No.

fedlawman

Got the word yesterday. Looks like we're moving to Chicago.

I'm seeing a lot of snow in many of the ReMax MLS photos. Should I trade in my TSX for a Jeep?

lmacmil

It's FWD, you'll be fine. Chicago only gets about 1/2 the snow as South Bend and I can't remember that last time I got stuck. Just drive sensibly when there's fresh snow (which you won't have to worry about for 7 months now.)

fedlawman

How long are the seasons there?

Are there any racetracks that have open lapping days in the area? How about the local BMWCCA Chapter, do you know anything about them?

Thanks

chiefjs

Can someone please tell me what octane gasoline is recommended for the TSX? I know it takes premium, but what grade?

lmacmil

We had about 15" more snow than normal this year, about 77" Our biggest of the season was 12" on March 1 which is very late for that much.

Gingerman near South Haven, Michigan is the closest track I'm aware of that offers this kind of thing. South Haven is 60 miles north of South Bend on Lake Michigan. Classic Lake Michigan summer resort town.

http://www.gingermanraceway.com/

lmacmil

Acura recommends premium but says you can use regular with reduced performance. Probably wouldn't be noticeable in everyday driving.

lmacmil

I spent quite a bit of time here when the TSX was high on my list. In the end, I decided I couldn't live without a torquey V6 (although I confirmed via test drives that the TSX, at least with a manual, was just fine) nor did I want to own a car with the closest dealer 100 miles away. I pick up my new Camry SE-V6 tomorrow.

ronabi

The Acura recommendation is 91 or higher.

fedlawman

Hmmm....I'll check out Gingerman on the web. I'm sure the local BMWCCA Chapter has a web site too.

A Camry?!?!?!?! Wow, that came out of left field.

copseyal

Reading through the owners manual, the TSX is only recommended to have the oil changed every 10K miles (unde Normal Conditions). Just curious to see if folks have been going by that, or recommend as such.

uncledavid

Lmacmil - Enjoy your new car! Sounds like you made a smart, informed choice, and I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase.

rko2

If you read the fine print, you should change the oil more frequently. I would be willing to bet that most TSX drivers fall under the severe maintenence schedule. The normal schedule is for modest acceleration, no idling, at least 15 minute driving durations, dry and warm weather, and little to no dust.

While you can do it every 10k miles, most car "experts" suggest keeping to the every 3k miles rule if you plan to keep your car for a while. With use, the engine consumes additives in the oil and the oil picks up small foreign particles. And, when I just took in my car for its 20k checkup, the mechanic recommended oil changes every 3k miles. If you use non-synthetic oil, an oil change is a very inexpensive way to keep your engine healthy. At the very minimum, I would say to change it at least every 5k miles.

uncledavid

Modern oils hold up pretty well, even under severe conditions. The 3,000 mile recommendation is a left over from earlier days.

copseyal

Yeah, I just found it odd that the Owners Manual would ok the 10K intervals. Usually they err the other way (conservatively recommending service). Hadn't had a new car in a while, so thought maybe with the advances made, 10K was more in line with the norm for newer engines.

uncledavid

Is it really 10K for all oil changes? I thought that was just for the first oil change (because the car starts with a special oil that is supposed to help with the break-in).

Either way, I usually change mine at 5,000 or so.

robr2

10K is common for Honda's now. My Dad's 02 CRV recommends 10K for normal driving.

gordonwd

Does Acura provide free oil changes and other service for the first few years? I noticed that after some mfrs started offering included service that their recommended oil change intervals magically increased . My BMW 325i specs 15,000-mile oil changes (synthetic oil), or at least once a year.

It has been really weird to have my car for almost a year and it's still on the factory oil. I remember the old days when your first oil change was supposed to be at about 1000 miles so you could get the "break-in oil" drained out, usually along with all the metal shavings and other grit that had been left in the engine by the manufacturing process .

uncledavid

acura does not provide free oil changes and other service.

pat

Wellll, usually that sort of thing is dealer-specific and I know of a couple of Acura dealers who do provide those things. Sometimes it's all in the purchase negotiations.

uncledavid

There are posters who have reported getting free oil changes, etc as part of their deal. But, either way, it isn't like BMW, Audi, or Saab where everything is covered by the manufacturer.

wmquan

Ultimately, though, the "free scheduled maintenance" is reflected in the vehicle's purchase price. When Volvo recently added scheduled maintenance, it was accompanied by a major price increase in the affected vehicles.

Saab limits their program to 3 years/36,000 miles as opposed to the full warranty period.

Mercedes is beginning to drop their free scheduled maintenance plan as well, without dropping their vehicle price. Hence, a "hidden price increase." This started with the 2005 C-class.

The manufacturers who do provide the "free scheduled maintenance" do seem to stretch out what's included and how often to do it. Whereas other brand dealerships seem to encourage more frequent services (e.g. their dealers often pushing the "severe maintenance schedule").

rross553

Just purchased a 2005 TSX. Anyone have experience in the snow yet?

johnny420

Given the TSX's intended purpose, I found the the car to handle remarkably well in the snow. You're certainly not going to be able to four-wheel through deep drifts, but the TSX does quite well on the slippery stuff, all things considered.

Johnny

wlb1

Overall very good....I live in Toronto, and we had lots of snow this year. One issue..the VSA. When trying to accelerate from a light in deeper snow.....the front wheels will naturally spin a bit....immediately the VSA kicks in and brakes the front wheels....and the car starts to slow...if you give it more gas...the situation gets worse. The solution is to turn off the VSA and put up with a bit of spin. When I talked to the dealer about it...he confirmed......and said...that is why there is an off switch.

LB

mam262

Two questions:

1)When does Acura release their next model year cars?

2)Any idea what, if any changes the TSX will have for 2006?

wlb1

I would not expect much change for 2006. In 2005 they addressed two complaints.....no power on passenger seat, and added lights to the steering wheel controls.

I do not remember Honda doing "design changes" within three years in the past....( I could be wrong on that)...so the only thing I could see would be the addition of a Type S maybe?.....but...all this is just speculation on my part....or maybe wishful thinking.

lainey

Acura Dealer told me the 2006 TSX is coming in September. I assume that if there aren't body changes to the other models, the same will be true for the rest of the lineup.

lngtonge18

Has anyone had a problem with a loose driver's seat or know of any TSB's referring to this issue? My mom is complaining that her 05 TSX's seat moves to the side slightly on every turn and has now started moving backwards a little when accelerating. She finds it very annoying and I was just curious if there is a known problem with a bushing or something. Thanks for any feedback.

ronabi

I have seen some posts on this in the past, probably 2 or 3 months back. Do a search on the Acura TSX Owners: Problems and Solutions forum. I believe someone reported that dealers were aware of this problem. Good luck!

indydriver

Agree with Imacmil...FWD gets around fine in all but blizzard conditions. I drive from Indy to Chicago year round and the only problems I run into are drifts on certain sections of I-65. Remember, Chicago has very astutue politicians resulting in a fleet of 700 snowplows.

Sorry for the time to respond but I'm not checking this board very often any more since I'm out of the TSX market at least for a while. Talk about a case of frustrated new car lust. I had ordered an SSM, 6sp, non-navi back in January in anticipation of my company's stated desire to eliminate company cars and convert to allowances. My car delivered to the dealership the first week of April and my company never got the new plan out so I had to pass on delivery. Oh well, now I've got $30K to do something with. Any ideas?

kyfdx

How about a TSX? I hear they still make them....

Great deals on the outgoing '05 3-series also...

fedlawman

Too bad about the alowance...

Hmmm, $30K burning a hole in your pocket? Here's what I'd do if it was me:

1. Find a way to wait for the BMW 1 series.
2. Stripper G35 sedan or Mitsubishi Evo.
3. TSX.

Keep us posted, you're still part of the family, even if you betrayed us

xplorx4

There is a TSB on the driver's seat track. I had this problem on my '04, and it was corrected by replacing the seat track and reindexing it. Provided the part is in stock, your dealer should be able to fix this under warranty in 1/2-day.

aban

I am getting an offer of 28k (+TT&L) for a 2005 Acura TSX with Navi (5 sp AT) at Austin, TX. Do you think this is a fairly competitive price, or should I be able to get a better deal? Thanks a lot for your inputs :-)