Acura TSX vs Acura TL
I have between 25 and 35K to get rid of. I am very value oriented and want a trouble free ownership. Wait for the new TL and order at MSRP or get the new TSX now at MSRP (for the most part). Any ideas or thoughts about either the TSX or any older version 00', 01', 02', 03' TL's??
See Also
2015 Acura TLX
See Also
2015 Acura TLX
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Comments
If I were you, I'd probably hold off a month and look at the TL. If you have the extra money, and don't mind a slightly larger car, go for the TL. The TSX is smaller and less powerful, but handles great and is another nice option.
The Accord is a better buy than either the TSX or the TL (IMO). But, it the sedan is kind of wonky looking and it won't handle nearly as well as the TSX.
The TSX, TL, and Accord are all fine choices. The Accord for bang for the buck, the TL for the most power and gadgets, and the TSX for a smaller tight handling car.
MSRP of TSX with Nav $28,990
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6,510
Assuming you can get $500 of TSX MSRP you have a $7k difference
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I liken it to someone giving me free box seat tickets to see John Tesh in concert...thanks, but no thanks.
(disclosure - haven't driven the 04 yet, but neither have y'all...so this is all heresay)
I fully understand that the 04 TL is a new animal (from the y2k one), but the TL's mission is different - it's an entry luxury sedan with a touch of sport, while the TSX is a sporting sedan with some luxury accoutrements. Our TL was a great touring sedan, comfy on the highway, but didn't handle nearly as well as the TSX. I also prefer the small size of TSX, and I'm 6-5, 205lb (I was amazed when I discovered that I could fit under the sunroof comfortably - better than the TL).
JMHO...
Squirrel
BTW, tranny problems affected approximately 2% of Acura TL drivers, according to the auto editors at Consumer Reports. That problem was nowhere near as widespread as some people seem to assume.
judging by how they addressed the current TL's tranny issue, they are.
Admittedly, the new manual on TL could help make that car feel sportier. One of the things I hated about the TL was the auto trans with no engine braking [without manually downshifting].
Squirrel
PS. Resale value on the '03 TL might be a problem if you intended to sell in in a couple/few years. The Navi screen is smallest in the TL and Largest in the TSX (graphics look stretched IMHO) and the EX V6 has an 8" screen. Good luck.
If you were financing I would have suggested that you put a "FOR SALE" sign in the window and get rid of the car.
Listen- I am not trying to be rude, as I said, I get the feeling of frustration from you whenever you post a message.
1. The seats seemed really hard and less comfortable than my TL. (I guess this is what they mean by "sport" seats)
2. When I closed the door on the TSX I didn't get the solid "thunk" sound like my TL. Instead I got more of a tin can sound. To me, this made the car feel cheaply made. Not something I would expect from Acura on any Honda product.
3.That 4 cylinder engine just doesn't cut it. I'll take my 225 horsepower V-6 any day.
Bottom line I think you should get a TL. I think even the 2003 TL, which may not be as modern or contemporary looking as the TSX, is a better car for the money than the TSX.
TSX: I4, $26.5K, 200hp at 6500rpm?, nimble, sporty feel but not as fast as the other two. Mixed material better than Accord but less than TL, no stability control nor air curtain. Sitting for 4, or 5 unless all three are kids or super Models with knee at chest, better styling with A logo. Better equiped Japan/Europe version Accord but not on the par of Luxary brand. Interior noise is worth than the other two but consume less fuel. Price go as high as $30k after adding expansive options.
TL V6: $35.5k, 270hp in roomy package. Much better exterior with European taste, full features including EBD, Break Assist, Stability and air curtain, high standard interior materials (better than the other 2), quiter and refiner, longer warranty(5yr/60k vs. 3yr/36k), XM radio standard, full loaded. Prestige brand and Model but cost 4-6K more plus additional fuel cost yearly.
Which is for you. It depends on your priority and budget. And how long is goign to keep it. It you will sell it in 5 years, you probably will sell 4-5K more on TL due to the quantity. In used japanese car market, higher trim and high price one usually hold their value better since buyer can affod and not favor lower trim and model.(that explane why small or compact Japanese cars have the highest depreciation rate). If that is the cast, the 5 years overall cost is not that different. But if you intend to keep it very long, then the 4-6k difference is for life, well almost. So sorting out your priority is the key. No car is for everyone, it depends on what you want from it. I rather go for most I can afford and save form something else is unnecesasary like clothing or fansy resturant. I don't want to be regret later why didn't choose the more luxary one when both meet your priority. Devide the 6k over 10 years, is $50 per month only! The more important is you have to stay with the car for 10 years! So you have to sorting out the functions you want the most not the 4k to 6k in the pocket. For some, image is everything, like my wife!
The TSX comes standard with stability control and side-curtain air bags. I'm not sure what "expensive options" you are mentioning. But, you have the choice of the model with and without Nav. The only other options are relatively inexpensive dealer add-ons (mudflaps, wheel locks, trunk luggage net, trunk mat, foglights). Nobody I know spend more than $500 on that stuff, and most owners didn't spend anything. Usually, the dealer is willing to give you most of the add-ons as part of the deal. In the Acura line, like the Honda line, there are no factory options available.
As for the TL, don't forget that prices have not yet be released. It may wind up costing less than $35.5.
I love the TSX, and the RSX I traded in........
BTW, in Consumer Report's surveys, American built Hondas are just as reliable as the ones built in Japan.
The switches in the Accord were a bit more flimsy, and the climate control dial used to crack every year or two. There were also gaps on some of the panels.
"The front-wheel drive TSX was engineered and appointed to compete with Europe's best sedans in the sporty near-luxury segment (the European D segment). This segment includes cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series.
The TSX is based on the sophisticated European Honda Accord, a completely different and more performance-oriented vehicle than U.S. Accord models. This lineage makes perfect sense for Acura, because the European Accord is a high-line, high-performance vehicle that directly competes with the German luxury brands. In Europe or the U.S., as the European Accord or TSX, this vehicle competes with the same European origin sedans."
"In keeping with its European competitors, the TSX driving character is sharply focused on the sporty end of the scale." "The takeaway for the driver is an ultra-competent entry luxury sports sedan that's immensely fun to drive."
http://www.hondanews.com/Forms/acura/TSX/*ws4d-db-query-Show.ws4d- ?*ws4d-db-query-Show***004074***-wieck_media***-***acura(director- y)TSX(directory)***.ws4d?acura/TSX/results(r)_text.html
As to the comparison between Honda and Acura, I personally see that as an illusion. The TSX is called "Honda" in Europe and in the JDM, as are all Acuras. Acura is not a company so much as it is a marketing concept.