Acura TSX

flicmod

Thanks a lot! Greatly appreciated.

rko2

I have a Yakima roof top rack on my TSX. I have used it for both skis and bikes. The Yakima was the same price as a Thule, and it looks better on the car I think. I have been very happy with it. The weather stripping around the doors seal around the clips nicely.

You will notice a little more wind noise, but that is pretty much unaviodable. You can still slide the sunroof back, but you can't tilt it up with bike mounts on. If you buy everything at REI, you get 10% back at the end of the year if you are a member ($15 for life). That is good savings as roof racks rarely go on sale.

flicmod

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the whole rack? I see the mount system is about $230 and the bike anchors are around $100 to $200. I was looking for a tandem set up in case I wanted to take both road and mountain bike with me.

rko2

No problem. It does get a little pricey. All Yakima stuff:

Q towers: $105 (REI sale)
50" Bars: $50
Q clips (both sets): $50
Viper bike mount (2): $235 (one was 20% off)
Locks (6): $55

Total = $495

If you have (or get) an REI membership, the 10% kickback at the end of the year is helpful. Even if you can find this stuff on Ebay, you will pay just as much after shipping....I looked for a while.

The locks are essential. Otherwise someone can take off the rack or mounts (or your bike from the mounts). Fork mounted mounts are the only way to go (more secure, doesn't wreck the frame paint). If you have disc brakes, you have to get the Viper mount because the calipers don't fit on other mounts. A cheaper one may work with a road bike. Other brands (rocky mounts, etc.) may fit, but after I would have bought new locks that fit the cheaper versions it ended up costing me the same.

Unless you will have a full car, just put the front wheels in the trunk. I put a wheel on the top and it rotated back from the wind as I drove. The plastic wing nut (sticking out towards the back) holding the wheel fork onto the rack pressed into the roof and now there is a slight dent in the roof (I was not a happy camper). I'd avoid using these unless you have to.

This got long, but one more thing. Follow the directions when you put the rack on. If it looks easy and you den't measure the correct distances, it won't fit right. Once you have it set, a roof rack is much more secure and easier to use than a trunk rack.

Have fun biking.

aquaticexplore

Do have to watch the blind spots, but I like the benefit of thick A pillars for when the car turns over. Ford is being sued left and right for cutting the thickness ot heir F150 A pillars during the 90s because the roofs subsequently collapsed on the drivers. Scary reprots about a year ago in the Det News on this.

rihoops

Having driven my new TSX for about a 100 miles, it reminds me of my 96 Integra in all of the good way and none of the bad ones. Anyone else have this as a positive comparison?

pat

Hi - in case you didn't notice (lots of folks miss it), there is a Search This Discussion feature on the page bar. A search for Integra will turn up a number of posts to peruse while you are waiting for responses.

molokai

My friend saw an ad in the paper for an 05 Acura RL for 40,888. I told him that there is NO way he could get that price. I assumed it was merely bait and switch. While roaming around in the showroom, I saw the TSX and sat it in. I said to myself that it reminds me of an old A4 I used to own (quality wise). I looked at the window sticker and was shocked at the amount of content for such a low price!! I have no idea why anyone would buy an Accord if they could get a TSX!!! If I were in the market for a new car, I'd put this car at the top of the list!!! Good luck with your cars guys and gals!!!

4thaccord

rihoops, how did you find your experience at First Acura in MA? Did they treat you fairly well and did they seem to know what they were doing? Thanks.

manavi

Some people (read: most American car-buyers) prefer the torquier V6 engine found in the Accord over the rev-happy I4 in the TSX.

rihoops

First Acura is a class organization. The Sales manager is the guy you want to deal with. I had a problem with a salesman screwing up the paperwork, but they took 500 off the price to apologize. I bought my non-navi, auto for 25,800.

4thaccord

Thanks for the info...I was just there last week to see what they have; I'm looking for the same non-navi auto but didn't see any carbon grey on the lot. Maybe they'll be able to find me one )

storyman

In our case the sales manager was the guy who screwed up big time. It really depends on the dealership.

You've got to keep in mind that all these guys do all day is sell cars and the customer is buying one every few years. The most important thing is learning how to negotiate and quite frankly most people would like to think they know how, but make egregious errors like negotiating down rather than negotiating up. Often it becomes an emotional issue for them and let their triggers get the best of them.

wculbert1

I agree with this. Why doens't Acura wise up?

mbenson3

My husband and I will be purchasing a TSX in the near future. We had our first experience with nav with a portable unit rented from Avis on vacation and definitely want a navigation system for ourselves. The question for us is: should we buy a TSX with nav or a non-nav and buy a portable unit? The one we're considering is Garmin StreetFinder 2650.

Most of the pluses are for the portable: ability to move it to my husband's truck, parents' minivan, and other rental cars; price.

The in-dash system allows me to speak to it and shows other information about the car. Are there other pluses should I be considering? Anything specific about this Acura product that's special?

For those of you who have or have considered navigation, I would really appreciate your insights.

Megan

stillageek

I have an 05 TSX W/Navi and love it. My previous car (2003 Toyota Matrix W/a GM Delco Nav) was no where near as easy to use and as intuitive. In addition to having a larger screen than a portable unit, the Acura can be controlled by touch, joystick or voice. One nice surprise I found with the TSX nav was the built in trip computer. The only thing I don't like about the Acura nav is how things are categorized. If I search for Burger King I have to look under 3 or 4 catgories each with different locations. I have found a way around it, but it would have been nice if they were all under resturant rather than restuarnt, fast-food, eating places and other.

xplorx4

TSX NAV plusses:
-> integrated with other car functions (i.e. "clean" appearance)
-> don't have to buy a separate unit that must be placed on the dash
-> works well.

TSX NAV minuses:
-> $2000 option
-> integrated with other car functions (i.e. if it fails, you may not be able to control the radio or HVAC)
-> will become outdated as built-in NAV systems become more technologically advanced
-> NAV data and maps must be routinely upgraded to stay up-to-date. Updates are available for $185 at http://www.acuranavi.com/
-> Can't be moved to other cars.

An in-car automatic navigation system is a very useful tool. Certainly much more efficient and robust than paper maps.

The thing you need to decide is whether you want the portability of the Garmin so it can be used in all of your cars, or if you prefer the clean, integrated appearance of the factory-installed system. And of course, is it worth $2000?

I own a Garmin GPS V and have been quite satisfied with it for several years. When I bought the TSX, I opted not to NAV, since the TSX is a car I use more often where I'm familiar with the streets. For most trips to unfamiliar places, I drive a different car that doesn't have built-in NAV, so I use the GPS V.

storyman

We did a fair amount of investigation into Acura's navigation unit with thoughts like yours. Here's what we found.

First, Acura's nav system is built by Alpine and Acura holds certain patents that are not used in Alpine's other nav units.

Most of the after market units look a lot like a radio with a panel that ejects and positions itself in front of the unit. These type of units are designed with either a single DVD drive (which is necessary for it to operate) or a DVD and a CD drive combo. The advantage of the combo is that the required DVD is always in place and you're able to play your CDs. The TSX has the DVD drive in the trunk and the in dash CD player takes up to 6 CDs.

Of the after market nav that we located there was only one that fit into the dash much like OEM nav. Fortunately, it was one that had a DVD and CD drive combo.

When we got down to the actual operation of the unit the TSX's nav was far superior. It is by far more intuitive and the voice command is great (though it does take a little getting use to.)

Don't buy on price because a guy I spoke with who deals with insurance companies replacing stolen electronics made an excellent point about the after market nav--or any in dash electronics for that matter. He said that he's been in business for 20 years (I can verify his place has been there at least that long) and thieves steal the after market nav systems. Unfortunately, they steal just the screen and control part and leave the brains of the system. This means you have a worthless piece of equipment as does the thief. In all his years he said that thieves haven't stolen a single OEM nav systems that he's aware of (he's well known in the Los Angeles area--besides he was steering us away from buying from him and buying from the dealer). In fact that is why he recommended buying the nav unit that looked most like the OEM nav so it would discourage most thieves.

Acura's nav is better (IMHO) than the others. If you buy an after market your buying a second rate system that is more likely to be stolen.

ronabi

If you use a PDA, you might want to consider a GPS car kit that enables your PDA to act as a navigation unit. I bought a non-nav TSX on the assumption that I could provide the GPS navigation capabilities for considerably less money and yet have a reliable unit. These kits include program and map software, a GPS unit, necessary cables, and a mount for the PDA. After much research, I ordered a PocketMap GPS system to use with my Toshiba e335 PocketPC (which will not be stolen from the car because I will take it with me) at a cost of $200 plus $6 shipping. You might want to check the PocketMap web site (www.pocketmap.com) to check out this possibility. There are several different products of this type available.

I did give very serious consideration to the Garmin 2630, but finally decided to try the PDA approach. Of course, I don't yet know if it will meet my expectations but am optimistic that it will. I am sure that the Garmin unit is better, but not sure that the difference justifies spending 4-5 times the cost of the PocketMap. I'll make another post after I have received the unit and given it a fair trial.

mlego

I have a 2004 Milano red TSX with less than 16,000 km (10,000 miles) and have been noticing that the paint on the front end of my car is chipping away. I have been to the dealership and showed them the car and was told by the service rep that this was the worst case of chipping he had seen. The service department contacted Honda and I was told that their stance is normal wear and tear.

I washed the car after the winter and there was no problem. But after the thaw I started noticing white spots on the hood like someone threw a handful of salt on the front end of my car. There are no dents where the paint has been removed. It seems like the paint is being chipped away by the sand on the road (I live in Montreal). I'm going to start filing a complaint with Honda myself to see what happens. I don't feel that a car thats not even a year old should have rust forming on the hood.

I owned a 99 EL and it looked brand new after four years compared to my new TSX.

What should I do?
Who should I contact?
Has anyone else seen this problem?
Are there any test to prove that there is a paint defect?
Could anyone help me out with this?

storyman

The PDA and Garmin GPS units I've looked at for another vehicle that didn't come with nav. and for the reasons you mentioned--the units can be hand carried when you leave the vehicle.

As good as the units are they do not come close to Acura's nav system. Even the little things like "telling" it to find an ATM machine is a convenience that the hand units don't have. Once you understand giving verbal commands its safer than taking your attention off the road to program the nav unit.

Also, the resale on a vehicle with a nav unit is going to be considerably higher as well easier to sell. It's still too earlier to tell exactly what those resale figures will be, but all indicators suggest that the nav unit is a good investment and will provide a good return.

307web

Resale is absolutely not a reason to buy nav. You pay around $2000 premium new and only get a few hundred dollars in additional resale value back after 3 years.
Leasing companies know this and assign lower residual value percentages for vehicles with nav.

storyman

You might be right, I might be right. The thing about leasing a car is that the fees are based on the projected value. On this point the door swings both ways meaning that if the value for the vehicle at the end of the lease is lease than the original projected value you are on the hook for the difference. IMHO what we are talking about is the projected value and there is no way to say with 100% certainty that a vehicle (as well as options) will have a specific value at the end in N years.

My preference is not to lease unless it is through a corporation for tax purposes. The only exception I've seen are those few individuals who worked for the auto maker's corp. office. They get a sweet deal on leases.

Of course this is just an opinion and it really depends on an individual's lifestyle to say if a lease is a good idea or not. I've had too many friends who have been stung at the end of a lease because of mileage or revised resale value.

On the point of shelling out 2 grand on the hopes of higher resale value I completely agree with you. However, I don't agree with your estimation of a few hundred dollars on resale. Most drivers who don't currently have an OEM nav system don't know of their value/use. As word spreads on its value the demand on a used vehicle with nav will likely increase--in my estimation.

As for after market nav systems they really don't compare to the OEM that is in the TSX. Yes, they will get you from point A to point B. If that is all you need then the after market solution is a good fit. If you like the amenities, like voice control and voice navigation, then OEM is a better idea.

It seems that your decisions are based on $$$, while mine is based on convenience of use. It still comes down to lifestyle.

kyfdx

I have to agree with this.. NAV might be a $500 bump on resale at most..

wmquan

Just for laughs, I went to the Edmunds Used Car Appraiser and punched in a 2002 Acura TL in my zip code. The resale value of the navigation system was $887 on trade-in, $945 for private party, and $1,157 for dealer retai.

Thus, the resale is bad from the standpoint that the navigation system's value depreciates more than the overall vehicle. That's not surprising since that holds true for accessories in general.

However, the resale value is more than just a few hundred dollars after three years.

The other thing I've noticed is that sometimes it's easier to unload a vehicle with the navigation system.

Ultimately, the navigation system isn't a significant value-add for resale, and one buys it because one needs it or wants it. The Acura navigation system is probably the best stock system in the industry, and it has significant advantages over portable systems.

If you're certain you don't want it, don't get it and save your money. If you THINK you want it, go ahead and get it. It's your money, your preferences.

I have seen MANY Acura buyers who were on the fence, regret not purchasing their vehicle with the navigation system. A number of Acura forums have the common question of whether they can get the factory system refitted to their vehicle (no).

I have seen very, very few navigation system buyers regret getting it. Usually the main complaint is that Acura is slow in releasing recent mapping updates. E.g. Alpine will release map updates for its own systems but Acura's updates will lag a year or two behind. That may affect folks who drive in fast-growing areas.

307web

In my area on a TSX nav only adds $550 to the trade in value of a 2004 model with 20,000 miles according to KBB. That $550 is likely to drop further as the car ages along with the value of the rest if the car so it is likely to be under $500 after 3 years.

The original post called nav an "investment" you should buy to increase resale value.
Clearly it adds much less than the original cost so it is a money loser.
Most or all leasing companies have a lower residual percentage for vehicles with nav for that reason. Nav and only a few other options have this problem (mostly other expensive options that add little resale value such as rear seat entertainment centers). Most other options do not hurt the residuals.

wmquan

I did that 2002 Acura TL test against KBB and it put the value of the navigation much lower than Edmunds did.

It appears that KBB has a vastly different resale value than Edmunds Used Car Appraisal! I wonder which one is more "correct."

Agreed that navigation is not an "investment."

lainey

For anyone in the south with Parchment or Black interior? I want to get the Nighthawk Black non-nav. Torn on interior choices. Parchment seems like the carpet/seats would be hard to keep clean, but the black interior seems like you would bake alive in it (even with tint and a sunshade). It gets 100+ blazing sunny degrees in my area for a couple of months every summer :sick: . In the parchment, I would think that if you wear shorts in this heat, (sorry to be gross) that when you first get in, leg sweat would eventually discolor the seats, perforated or not. Too bad they don't offer the Camel interior like they do in the TL. At least it would be less noticeable. Which should I get? By the way... anybody else wonder why in the world they made the Parchment dash black? Glare?

Also, if you have the black interior and have tint, did you get the 35% all around or darker in the rear of the back and does it help with the heat?

delmar1

I own a 2005 TSX with Quartz interior and 2005 TL with Parchment while living in Southern California.

The parchment will be more difficult to maintain...but it really is cooler in temp and more unique in appearance. A good test of the black interior is to sit in one at the dealership. Try sitting in one that is even in the shade...and you will still feel some retained/reflected heat.

For parchment....get some all weather floor mats and you won't have to worry about the rugs. To clean the seats...wipe them periodically and use leather cleaner and conditioner. Stays well.

One thing you will find with the parchment is that it has faux wood trim versus the titianium interior trims. Looks great in the TL...so so win the TSX.

As for Carmel interior...in the TL...rather orangy. An acquired taste I did not get.

Black dash with the parchment....It is the distinct Acura look. That is also with the TL...and believe with the RL.

mbenson3

Hello, all. I want to thank you for your input regarding my earlier post about Acura's in-dash navigation vs. a portable unit such as one made by Garmin. We have definitely decided to purchase the TSX with nav. One of my concerns was that we will sometimes be on road trips in different vehicles... say, taking hubby's truck if we go camping, or possibly travelling with my parents in their minivan, or when I have to travel for work and use a rental car... and it would just kill me to think we would be saying bye-bye to the beautiful navigation system left behind in front of our house. As my husband pointed out, though, the occasions on which we would need to use the nav system in another vehicle are probably fewer than I think. If we find out they're not, we'll just go ahead and buy a portable unit later. The great functionality of the in-dash unit was something that we couldn't pass up.

When I think about the added cost of the in-dash unit and think that we'll be driving this car 8-10 years, I can definitely justify the added expense.

meg9713

I have decided on nighthawk black however have had a lot of people telling me not to get a black car....is it really difficult to maintain? I feel that if I get a black car knowing ahead of time that it requires more washing, then it shouldn't be a shock to own. Advice anyone?

delmar1

Depends on your definition of 'washing'. It will include not only more frequent washing...but waxing...and periodic 'refinishing'. Best bet is to go visit a reputable car wash / detailer and you can see that they typically have a specific process (with an additional fee) to get that black gloss back up and to get any paint swirls out.

Black does look great and classic. Just be aware of what it takes to keep that great look going (as with any other color there are specific maintenance requirements).

drewba

It is possible to keep a black car looking good and when they are clean and waxed, nothing looks better. I just traded in a 7 year old black Passat that still had very glossy paint. However, I waxed the car at least twice per year and frequently more often. Black also shows every little speck of dirt, scratch and scuff.

As far as if it is worth it, my new car is silver.

meg9713

Is it possible to have the dealership tint the windows prior to picking up the car or is it better to take it somewhere else? Can tinting be negotiated?

mreed

I think I want to put a hitch receiver on my TSX for a bike rack. Unfortunately, I have no idea what it looks like, and I'm wondering if anyone here has one and can post a photo of it from the rear.

Thanks!

mreed

The windows are tinted from the factory. What are you wanting to add?

mldj98

mreed,

The TSX does not come from the factory with window tint...that is an after market add on item...most dealerships have someone come in and do the tinting for them.
In fact there is not a car in the Acura line up that comes with tint from the factory with the exception of the MDX and only the back windows behind the driver and passenger are tinted at the factory.

mreed

Interesting. I picked my '05 up a week ago, and the dealer was trying to sell me 3M window tinting. I can clearly see the TSX's window tint spray distortions with my polarized sunglasses (just like I can in most other tinted window cars). I didn't see any charges that would cover tinting. Seems strange that they would add tint, not charge for it, then ask me to buy more.

I guess they also asked me to buy wheel locks, but had thrown them in (installed) free of charge prior to delivery. I wonder if there was a miscommunication between the finance mgr and my salesman, regarding tint and wheel locks.

-Mike

mldj98

mreed,

Yep...that's what they do...they try and sell you window tinting at some rediculous price like $250 but it only actually cost them like $50 bucks for material and labor.
I just had a mobile tint guy do one of my cars and it turns out that he also does cars at dealerships as well. He told me that some people want it done before they take delivery and some dealerships have it done ahead of time right after it comes off the truck. He told me flat out he was getting about $30 a car, they supplied the material he did the labor. But any account, Acura does not tint any of their windows in the sense as you and I would think of...i.e. having full dark tinting on all of the windows with the exception of the front one. The factory does put a slight tint on the very top of the windshield....but that's it.
Tinting laws are different throughout the country so that is why you see most vehicles that do have factory tint only tint all the windows behind the driver/ front passenger doors. In florida you can tint all of your windows with no more than 30% tint shade...in California you cannot tint the driver or front passenger windows period...(legally you cannot) but you see many cars out there that are full window tint...trust me I lived in both places and being in the military the bases follow the state laws to the "T"...
So there you have it...if you ever seen Acura's being delivered on a truck take note that not one (with the exception of the MDX as mentioned in my previous post) will have window tint on it straight from the factory...
Rock On!

robr2

Actually, many cars come with tinted glass from the factory but not in the way that most of us think of tint. When most say tinted glass, they think super dark 30% light allowance that is usually applied aftermarket.

Factory tinted glass is more like 90% light allowance - it's just a little bit of tint to provide some heat rejecting properties.

mldj98

robr2,

I concur...but I think we were actually talking about tint as everyone knows it by..
dark windows...the light stuff from the factory does nothing...at least in Florida!!

kyfdx

Actually, the factory tint does a lot....

If you actually had clear glass, you'd really find out what "hot" means...

Of course, that doesn't mean you can't use more of it...

mreed

Is there a tint that's just IR reflective, and not darkening? I don't care about the visible light that gets through what's on there now. I just want to kill the IR heating, and I don't want the glass absorbing it and just ratiating 1/2 of it into the cabin.

Is that what the green tint I see on all Lexus RXs is? Maybe that's just in Austin, as there's only one Lexus dealership, and they may be applying the tint themselves, according to info in this thread.

robr2

Here's a link to Llumar's properties and you can compare their offerings in terms of light transmission, UV protection, and heat rejection.

http://www.llumar.com/PDF/English/LLumar%20Auto%20Spec%20Sheet%20-%20NA.pdf

mldj98

mreed,

I have owned a 04 RX330 and again it only came with the back windows tinted at the factory....the front two were not...and I would love for someone to show me where one comes from the factory with all windows tinted...it just doesn't happen.
Bottom line is this, if you want window tint then you must have it installed after market...whether it is at a dealership or some other site. 99% of the window tint that is done at the dealership is either done by a mobile guy, or they take your car to thier shop to have it done for you...for convience sake I would just have the dealership do it and take delievery with it already done...
Now the tint comes in many forms and grades and that is where talking with your local tint shop will inform you of the different shades and grades...3M, etc...
Good luck!

mldj98

kyfdx,

Please give me an example of which cars you are referring to that has this factory tint which makes a huge difference..especially here in the great state of Florida?

Now I must tell you that I have had everything from RX330, TSX, Accord, Civic, Pilot, Tacoma, etc...the list goes on...and not one of these vehicles which were suppose to have tint made any difference whatsoever...especially the Lexus and Acura...although the Lexus did have rear factory tint which did make a difference but not the front two windows...

Here is an interesting test...take three cars of various colors and place them in the hot sun for about 3-4 hours...interior colors don't matter...have someone blindfold you and place you inside each car...then have the person ask you which car is the hottest...first, second, or third...I bet you can't tell the difference....if you actually be honest with yourself )
been there, done that, and trust me in Florida...it just doesn't matter...hot is hot!

Rock On!

robr2

I have owned a 04 RX330 and again it only came with the back windows tinted at the factory....the front two were not...and I would love for someone to show me where one comes from the factory with all windows tinted...it just doesn't happen.

There is some tint to the front windows - just not nearly as dark as the rear windows. If the glass were clear, you'd bake behind it.

In reality, it's probably a colored glass as opposed to a window film - that applies to the rear windows as well.

kyfdx

I agree about interior colors.. even exterior colors.. Most people couldn't tell the difference...

All cars have come with tinted windows for the last 20 years, at least.. I don't know how old you are, but if you are under 35, you probably don't remember when tinted glass was optional...

Compared to the old "clear" glass, today's cars have a lot of tint.... And, you wouldn't believe how hot the cars would be without it... Not just when you leave it parked.... but, even when you are driving... Without the tinted glass, you would have a hard time cooling your car, even with the A/C going full blast...

Even the RX330... if it didn't come with that rear glass tinted, it would be even worse... and, not just when parked.. even on a trip with the A/C running, it would be hard to keep cool with all that glass..

regards,
kyfdx

mldj98

concur...most windows are now made to block UV's and heat they are just more energy efficient...

But for the original topic at hand he was referring to the tinting most people think of...the dark stuff )

mldj98

Yes I am over 35....not by much....
So I do remember clear glass, 74 Coronet, 74 Fury....Chevy Impala....Dodge Charger...I have had them add....but in all fairness....when it's freakin' hot...it's hot!
And yes, todays cars are much cooler...but with after market tint...they are allot cooler....
Keep Motoring...