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Acura TSX
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Seven or eight months ago when I took my 2004 TSX in for service, I told the dealer the driver's seat was sliding. The response was: (1) "we checked it," (2) the "movement is normal," (3) "it's within within factory specificiations" and (4) "all TSX's do it."
Because I've NEVER had a driver's seat slide in any other car, I've wondered whether what I was told was dealer BS. So it's nice to know there is a TSB out there and that the problem CAN be fixed.
Does it improve the quality of the directions given as well as update the list of points of interest?
In some places I've driven (like South & Central Florida and North Georgia), the quality of the directions is quite good, but in others (like Washington, DC and its suburbs) the directions can be ... unhelpful. The Navi fails to even recognize major commuting roads like the roads through Rock Creek Park and the Clara Barton Parkway along the Potomac, let alone to provide routes that include them.
Also ... can anyone tell me whether a 2004 TSX (manufactured in December 2004) to come equipped with a DVD with the 20020930 database (when there was almost certainly a 20030930 version)?
I'll happily part with the $185 for the 20040930 disk if I know that it will not only tell me where all the Starbucks & McDonald's built since 2002 are located, but also provide better routes to them.
Thanks for your input.
I did not find a method of downloading the TSX Owner's Manual and I don't know what to pay in cash for a fully loaded TSX (w/ navigation and some aerodynamics). Please advise - Thanks, John in Vermont
Anyone have information to share with me.....or would they recommend a different car purchase??
Thanks Sherri :confuse:
Thanks so much for your help
Sherri
Sound system speakers: They sound good enough to me. Go sit in one at your local dealer. Bring your favorite CD. Listen for yourself.
Door rattles: I had this problem for several months until the factory was able to provide a solution for the dealers to install. Since then, rattles are gone.
Fuel economy (automatic): 20% city/80% highway, spririted 70-85mph driving with frequent use of sport shift: ~24mpg. On extended road trips with hundreds of miles between stops, I've gotten over 29mpg (again, 80-90mph avg.) I'm sure a lighter right foot would improve fuel economy.
I think the TSX fuel economy suffers most when the engine is not warmed up.
Thanks again,
sherri
I seriously doubt it. What's your source?
I'm trying to figure out whether Acura/Alpine deliberately left out many of the major commuting roads in the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area (e.g., Rock Creek Parkway, Canal Road, Clara Barton Parkway). They were missing on the DVD that came with the TSX when I bought it, and they are missing on the DVD update I just bought (but may return).
My best guess is that Acura/Alpine leave those roads OUT of their database because they reverse direction during rush hours. (That is, all lanes come into Washington during the morning, and all lanes go out of Washington in the evening). And Acura/Alpine either doesn't have the capability based on the time of day to give routings that include those roads when they are moving in the right direction (and omit them when they are moving in the wrong direction) or doesn't want to take the chance that the times the roads are open/closed may change.
Which really stinks, because if you are travelling from/to the District from/to parts of Montgomery and Prince Georges County, those roads are HUGE shortcuts/timesavers.
I have never noticed my engine buring oil. That is the first I have heard of it and I did plenty of research before my purchase. As with any car, someone may have gotten a lemon, did not break in the engine properly, drives it really hard, or only changes the oil every 10k miles (even though Acura says it is ok, most people drive in "severe conditions"...read the manual...and should change the oil at least every 5k miles, preferably every 3k miles). For how cheap and quick oil changes are, why risk the life of your engine?
Personally, I think the speakers are just fine and the stereo sounds great. If you max the bass there can be some vibrations, depending on the frequency (there would be in most cars). But, there is a technical bulletin on this subject, so the dealer can fix it under warranty if it is a problem.
Gas mileage is pretty good, especially if the engine is warm. In a 50/50 mix of city/hwy, and a roof rack on, I average about 25 mpg. With no roof rack and all hwy, I have gotten almost 32 mpg before. In very short trips in the city where the engine does not warm up, mileage will be lower (this is bad for your engine anyway). Maybe the VTEC system is to blame here?? If you are light on the gas until the engine is warm, this isn't a problem.
While every car has a few quirks, I think you would be hard pressed to find a car that is as much fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, and as well built as this car. For example, I just drove in a near-new Volvo S40 T5 manual, and I am really glad I have my TSX. I look forward to driving it every day.
My '04 mt TSX is 13 months old now. First let me go over the downside.
1. My auto climate control sensor was replaced - 46 degrees outside,
set on auto and no heat came out until temp set above 80 No
signal was being transmitted - still seems out of whack.
2. Distortion on voices on radio and some instruments on CD - they replaced
the amp but I still hear it. I'll try cleaning the CD lens.
3. While removing the windshield to do a tech repair for a creaking noise on
the passenger side, the windshield broke and they had to install a new one
The replaced a backup light and did the trunk recall too at the same time.
I have owned 4 Acuras and never had a light go out. I did replace my headlights
once as they get dim over time.
The dealer was right on top of this, no complaints there. It is very unusual for
an Acura to have any problems .......
That said, I love the car. I had a '96 GSR for 6 years and the TSX has much
better diveability. That is the car's plus. I can be in 4th or 5th gear at slow speeds and not have to downshift unless I need to really get going.
I tested both the AT and the MT and the MT was quicker. I had a 2000 TL for a year and loved the V6 and the auto tranny was pretty good but I prefer a stick for control. I may have kept the TL if it was a type S as I did not care for the mushy handling
> about pep - the TSX has gotten quicker than when new. It is
almost as quick as the GS-R. The shifter is sooo much better too.
Because of having a car that redlined at 8K I have redlined the TSX - It seems
like red line could be pushed some. The 6 speed's close ratio gears changed
my shifting though so no problem. It's quicker if you shift sooner than impulse
might dictate and not wind the gears out - that's the advanrtage of close ratio gearing. The Integra GS-R was considered one of the best handling FWD cars, Type R even better the TSX is close to my GS-R
(The TSX engine is smooth and a gem!
> I have driven on 2 lane roads and passing is a breeze. This cars mid range is great. Downshift to 4th (or even 3rd) and go. I have also driven in south Fla and had no trouble on the expressways at 70, 75, 85 mph It is not bad from a standing start. Driving in Alabama now and I leave people at the light without really trying. But, my 82 year old mother leaves them behind too. The car is quick. Once on an open, empty Xway I got it to 120+ with more to go and it
was solid as a rock.
> Handling - again, almost, or perhaps as good as the GSR . I am looking forward to putting better tires on it. Get on a twisty 2 lane and wind 'er out and the suspension seems to tune in. Almost better as you go faster. (I usually leave the traction control off).
> The Michelins are not that bad in the rain. What do people expect, the same handling in the rain as dry? Yes, there are better tires in the rain. Cart (Champ) racing puts rain tires on in the rain and they run SLOWER lap times so why do regular drivers expect miracles on wet roads from their tires? Reminds me of people who drive in snow and expect to start as fast and stop as quick - aint happ'n - snow is slippery, accept that and slow down and use gentler braking and acceleration. I see so many people trying to power out of some snow spinning their wheels like mad when they need to ease out - laughable really as I only drove in snow once before moving to Wisconsin and by listening to the experts, was doing better than lifelong residents. Don't whine about tire grip in bad weather if you expect the same handling as on dry pavement. Same as 4wd or AWD drivers in the snow - "look at me I can go real good" But their stopping ability is no better with AWD, so they are actually more of a hazard to everyone else.
> People who have had to have the throwout bearing replaced - do you ride or slip the clutch?
> '04 vs '05 - I do know the '05 has heated side mirrors which I even made use of in my TL in south Fla when condensation was present. Wish my '04 had them. and XM radio
>Speakers - Yeah the speakers are Pioneer, much to my disappointment. [non-permissible content removed] speakers are usually fairly mediocre. But, 8 speakers would be expensive to replace. I put Boston Acoustics in my GSR and Infinity's in my '87 Integra.
> Headlights are great - not a dead spot, great in fog and rain. Can see no reason to knock the Xenons.
> Someone mentioned it hard to get 240 horses out of a 2.4? Uh what about the Honda S2000? 2.0 - 240 horse? I'd like to see a 2.8 litre V6 wih about 225 - 240 and over 200 lbs of torque but it is doubtful they will do that.
> IS300 Lexus - it's skid pad G force rating is about .79, the TSX is .84 - BMW 325 is .85 Put some high performance tires on the TSX and it would be even better......
> So many projections in the earlier postings about a car that has not been driven. Drive a TSX, you'll like it!
> Comparing to the Accord and M6 - one plus Acura has - 4 yr 50K warranty and TLC service
Sounds like you don't need to use the NAV after all!
It's a terrific car that I know I'll miss, but I was ready to move on. I know you'll all continue to enjoy yours, and don't worry, I'll stop by every once in a while ...
Here is the link...
fedlawman, "BMW 3-Series Sedans - 2005 and earlier" #28584, 29 May 2005 11:51 pm
Don't flame me too hard for switching to the dark side...
I wasn't able to do it for a long time either. The TSX was the perfect blend of comfort, performance, and reliability. If I could only own one car, the TSX would still be in my garage.
But I already have a company car for during the week, and last year I bought a new Volvo for the family. The Volvo is a really pleasant touring car that has similar luxury, safety, and reliability (imagine that!) as the TSX. Suddenly, the TSX was too much car for being a simple weekend toy - the TSX's perfect blend of comfort, performance, and reliability was no longer a match for my lifestyle. So I decided to replace it with something with a more undiluted driving experience.
I started looking at used BMW 3-series cars, Porsche 911's, restored 1970's Alfa Romeo's - I even considered the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi. But no matter where my attention drifted, I kept coming back to the E30 BMW. I've just always loved it - the steering, the sweet I-6, the looks. But good ones are rare, and it took over a year for this one to cross my path. Thankfully, I was in the right place at the right time.
Just a purely emotional decision. Long answer to a short question, huh?
The 400 lbs less weight alone will probably make a big difference. I'd also be interested to hear how the Acura I4 stacks up against the BMW I6.
Anyway, good luck with the new ride. We'll miss you at the TSX meets.
Johnny :shades:
Gee35 - Have you been to Bobcor Alfa's Website? No quicker way to raise your spirits (and drain your wallet) then to peruse their inventory of fully restored Alfa Romeo GTV's, Guilia's, Sprints, and Spiders. http://www.bobcoralfa.com/salespage.html
This is my first time posting so be nice to me
I bought my car last October. It's my first new car. Previous car (my first car too) was a '90 Civic sedan. That thing was a beast, I'll tell ya! I used to think it was the [non-permissible content removed]. The TSX changed that.
I opted for an AT instead of the MT because I do a lot of city driving and shifting none stop for my commute would take the fun out of driving the TSX. It's arctic blue, factory ground effects, rear spoiler, fog lights, the five-spoke factory wheels. I wanted it to look sporty, but not like that rice crap that my generation thinks is so hot. I think, appearance-wise, it's modest, yet cool.
Enough of that though... the real meat and potatoes is in the mechanics of the monster. I haven't had any problems yet (has 14k miles on it now). I do a lot of road trips too, and honestly, I enjoy driving it in the city as much as I love driving it on the open road/expressway. Power is nice. It's a lot better than that 105hp coming out of my old Civic. Like 4acuras said in a post above, you can let someone sit at a traffic light, or you can accelerate to pass someone on the highway or two-lane road without even thinking about breaking a sweat.
The VSA system is fabulous. I don't know how many times I've driven around sharp corners at high speeds just to push the limits of the system and it works great every time. I'd like to drive the new RL to see how the system feels in an AWD car.
Sound system is great. I don't listen to loud, thumping rap music (again, like the rest of my generation) but whether you have the speakers blaring up around 20-24 on the volume setting or at low volume, it works fine. You can always be better though.
The interior of the car is, in my opinion, even more eye-catching than the exterior. Leather with the polished metal trim is catchy. I think that's what sold me on the car. The gauges and displays help a lot also. No nav-system though. I didn't feel like forkin' out 2k's for something I'll never use. If anyones got props for it though, let me know.
There are two things that bug me about it though. Both are minor, but with a car this good, you're forced to resort to picking out the small things that are wrong with it. The first is that there are two fairly big blind spots in the A and C pillars. The latter being the worst of them. The front blind spot I run into quite often, especially when I'm making a turn at an intersection. You never know when a pedestrians going to walk out in front of you! The rear spot is bad on the right side when you're merging lanes on the highway. There's been a few times I saw the car next to me at the last second. Although, I've spent 6 years driving that Civic that had no blind spots whatsoever, so a lot of it is probably me not used to having them.
The second "complaint" I have is that there is no option to turn the TCS off. I know most cars with the system don't have an option either, apart from some of the muscle cars like the Trans Am and the like. One problem I ran into with this was over the winter (I live in PA) a freak snow storm came in while I was out and I got caught at the bottom of a pretty steep hill in an inch of unplowed snow. If it wasn't for the TCS to keep kicking in, I would've made it up no problem. But the blasted thing had to keep interfering with me so I couldn't get enough RPM to climb the hill. Only complaints though.
Alright, I'm done now... I'll post pretty regularly on here when I have the time.
Wes
PS- also to 4acuras: I agree with your comment about the S2000 and its power. When that car first came out, I was blown away to know that Honda got 240 horses from a 2.0. Whoever said it's impossible is on crack. Imagine GM doing the same thing with a Corvette, or Ford with the Mustang. You're talking 6-700 hp from a 5.7 liter engine, N/A too. Way to go Honda!
Oh yeah! Does anyone know of any venders who sell roof bike racks for the TSX? Since mine has a spoiler, my old trunk mounted rack won't work on the Acura.
The second "complaint" I have is that there is no option to turn the TCS off.
Yes there is. TCS is the same as VSA. The button to disable VSA is on the dash next to the sunroof switch. When VSA is disabled, the /!\ light glows on the instrument panel.
If you enjoy driving at the limit, you will find that the car handles very predictably and comfortably with VSA disabled. It neither oversteers nor understeers excessively; it's pretty neutral.
I might have to try disabling it to see how fun it is. I was always a little hesitant to do it before because I didn't know how it would exactly change the handling. I'll test it out though.
Well, at least other owners have found the A pillar blind spot to be troublesome. Glad to hear you didn't drive over the guy though!
If the system is on, you cannot spin the tires. VSA will reduce throttle and apply brakes as necessary. Of course, in hard cornering, it will also brake the appropriate wheels to prevent oversteer.
Well, not exactly. Stability control adds inputs from the yaw and steering angle sensors to selectively brake one wheel to correct an oversteer or understeer condition. TCS just looks at wheel slip and brakes the slipping wheel or reduces throttle input until traction is regained. The reason one switch disables them both is that they share solenoids in the ABS modulator.
Here's another thing, but correct me if I'm wrong... the VSA on the TSX is the same setup as on the RL and I would assume the TL has the same also. The VSA on the RL allots 60% of power to the front wheels and 40% to the back, but when cornering, the VSA can transfer up to 100% of power to the outside wheels. I was always under the impression that since its the same system on all the cars, that this is what it did. Similar to a limited-slip diff.
Does anyone know of a vender that sells roof bike racks for the TSX? My trunk mounted one wont work on it because I have a spoiler. Any help would be great!
Go to:
www.yakima.com
www.thuleracks.com
www.saris.com
Good Luck.