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Acura TSX
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Comments
Now I know I'm not the only one who looked at a TSX but went with the Camry
I loved the TSX 6-sp but thought the auto was a little wimpy. Beautiful interior and nice looking exterior. In the end, the lack of a local dealer and the fact that I didn't want to go back to shifting for myself steered me the the Camry SE-V6.
The Camry has a better ride though gives up some handling prowess. I'm a little disappointed in the highway mileage which is only averaging around 26 mpg. But I love it none the less.
Definitely, the ride is stiffer in the TSX than the Passat, but that is because it is a sports car. I personally did not drive the Camry, but don't think it will be as sporty as the TSX. With all the options included and purchasing the Navigation system, I find the TSX to be extremely good value for the money.
Even using a floor jack or ramps, I found there just wasn't really enough clearance between my face and the undercarriage to make oil changes a pleasant experience. This isn't to say it can't be done, it's just a pain in the butt.
I eventually purchased a mid-rise scissors-lift for my garage to make working on my family's cars easier. Here's a photo. A mechanic's creeper makes things easier, too.
In addition to an oil-collection container, you'll want a 10mm socket to remove a small plastic cover beneath the oil pan, and a 14mm (or maybe 17mm) socket to remove the oil drain plug. You'll also want a wad of shop towels to clean up when you remove the filter, which will pretty much drip all over the place, since it's mounted horizontally.
I just use the jack in the trunk, and then place a jack stand under for safety.
Acuras initial oil fill includes an additive formulated for breaking-in the car (the most critical factor to longevity). You want to allow the additive to perform its duty. Refer to the 'break-in period' secion of the owner's manual...and this was confirmed by the lead service manager at my Acura dealership. Keep it in for closer to the 10k mark...with perhaps changing it at 7.5k if driven harshly or conditions warrant.
After the initial change...I suggest following a more frequent changing schedule...including the change of the oil filter each time.
Johnny
http://steiner.gamma.timdorr.com/tsx.jpg
I wonder what the fuel economy will be?
Now...for decision making purposes...if you want 'economy'....buy an economy car. For a well balanced sports-luxury....consider a TSX.
Also...people are making too much out of the price difference between premium and regular. If you drive 12,000 miles a year at 25mpg (In reality...you will get about 27+mpg)...you will require 480 gallons. At a $0.20 price difference between premium and regular...you are looking at $96 a year or 52 weeks! Geez...that is $1.82 a week! Just buy one less Cola and enjoy the ride of a sports-luxury vehicle.
I appreciate the argument. But do you or others you know go slightly out of their way to get gas at Costco, to save less than half that amount? I would buy premium if premium was recommended, but I can understand the desire.
RX400h gas mileage is not that great. A 40 mpg TSX would be nice.
Glad you brought that question up....
Believe it or not...I and many others get different MPG from different grades of gas AND brands.
For cars optimized for premium, you will find the best mpg when the designated gas type is used. Yes...the TSX will run on regular...but it is likely to get about 1 or 2 mpg less. Honest. Read through this (and the TL) board and you will see.
As for Costco gas...I used the premium grade in one of my previous cars (Infiniti). Although Costco is about $0.10 less, the mpg is less..all but negating the cash difference.
Also...I get the best mpg from Chevron and Shell...running under similar driving and road conditions.
What are others thoughts?
However...this is the issue. The TSX is a 200hp four door sedan that has great utility for the passengers...great fun for the driver....and has a rather sizable trunk. Stack that up and you also get 27mpg mixed driving...and well over 30mpg on the highway. Now to me....the mpg is great for what fun and enjoyment you will receive...while having the ability to purchase a well appointed car for the mid 20k's.
Now...if you want economy...look at what you will find in Europe and Canada:
http://www.smart.com
1) Total ownership cost may be higher as the diesel car costs more at the time of purchase. Save some minimal gas dollars...pay more for the car...not a receipe for success.
2) Performance will not compare to a gas engine.
3) Repairs costs may be higher
4) More difficult to find a diesel dispenser.
Now...I am not bashing diesel as that may be an alternative. But goes along with what I am saying in the recent posts. People are too focused on marginal incremental costs between fuel types. Save some money on a fuel type but pay more overall costs to own and run the vehicle with less joy.
Having a 700 mile cruising range and diesel torque for around town driving would be nice.
Or as '307web' indicates: I could buy a 5 year old Ford Focus for $5000 and save more money.
So let's think about the penalty in gas mileage for a moment. Back in the day (a year ago) when gas was "only" $1.60/gallon for regular, it was $1.80/gal for premium. So your premium-fuel car that got 30 mpg cost you 6 cents a mile in fuel... and the "break-even" point for using regular was about 27 mpg (26.7 to be exact). Fast forward to now, with premium touching $3/gallon... it's 10 cents a mile... and if regular only costs $2.80/gallon, you need to get at least 28 mpg on regular to break even!
As gas prices spiral upward, the "premium for premium" on a percentage basis goes down, so it makes even less sense to be a cheap-skate than it did before!
Someone above suggested 2 yrs until Honda brings this engine to North America. Is this scuttlebutt or fact? About that time, I may be looking to trade my 04 tsx. If Honda or Lecus IS doesn't offer their Euro diesels, I would consider a diesel Passat, ugly and all.
Exactly....we don't know the future and by the time the future reaches us, there will be other alternatives away from diesel.
If Honda or Lecus IS doesn't offer their Euro diesels, I would consider a diesel Passat, ugly and all.
I don't drive ugly cars. I don't buy just for a mode of transportation. It is like saying I will buy ugly clothes because it is more economical. Nah...
While this is true, the stations in my area have started upping the "premium for premium". It used to .20 over regular. Then Shell upped it to .22 a few months ago and now everyone but Arco seems to be charging .21 or .22 more. Percentage wise, that increase doesn't keep up with the total increase in the cost of gas, but it is happening. :mad:
Let me run the math:
$0.20 / $2.00 gal = 10.00%
$0.22 / $3.00 gal = 7.33%
Sure does appear that the incremental cost is declining as a percentage.
http://www.hondanews.com/CatID3039
I really don't like the 2006 exterior refresh. The side sills are much more pronounced...but it just doesn't flow well on the TSX. The sills don't 'flow' into flared fenders like on the TL. Just lacks flow with the rest of the side.
The TSX side is like the BMW 3series..where it is slabbed sided...flush. Then it introduces a sill that looks like an aftermarket add-on. And if you look at the BMW 3...it doesn't have sill flairs. In addition...the TSX sills to me appear to disturb the natural lines.
The front bumper...hmmm...not. It looks too busy near the fog lamps and takes too much attention away from the angular grill. The lower air intake is way too big and wide...and takes away from the shape of the front. The angular grill is one of the most attractive parts of the car...remininscent of an Alfa R.
I also don't care much for the new rims either. Looks like nine spokes...kinda Pontiac-ish.
Any case...my personal opinion. Perhaps my expectation prior to viewing these pictures were set higher.
While I don't think the new styling is that much more distinctive or attractive (totally subjective), I like the overall changes. A bit more power never hurts. The Bluetooth and AUX port and more up-to-date navi are nice. Memory driver's seat, etc. I do like how the side sills look, actually. Integrated fog lights are also nice to have. Extending the powertrain warranty to 70k miles (and 6 years for low-mileage drivers) is a plus too.
So, I'm happy with the changes. As long as the price increase isn't large!
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If I didn't have one already and I was looking to get a 2005 or a 2006, I would run out and get a 2005 tomorrow before other people see the new look and 2005s disappear.
Oil companies in Canada raised gas by 40 cents per L since the storm. That is approximately $1.3 US per gallon, depaite the fact there is no oil shortage here, and the fact that Canada is a large oil exporter. Federal govt wont do anything because their tax revenus is based on a % of selling price. If any otheer industyr gouged people like this, there would be a boycott.
Is diesel lower in price in other parts of the country and the world?
In Cincinnati, last week... Regular was $3.09 and diesel was $2.74.. Before the price run-up early last week, diesel was about $0.10 more than regular...
regards,
kyfdx
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Thanks.
Acura's 2006 TSX sport sedan gets a round of improvements for the coming model year, including a bump in power and a new nose and tail. In terms of power, the TSX's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine now puts out 205 hp, a 5-hp increase over the previous year's model; it's also governed by a drive-by-wire electronic throttle now, too, which means it is also more tightly integrated with the vehicle's stability control system. A new front bumper sharpens the five-sided Acura grille, and oval foglamps are integrated into the bumper for a new appearance. Deeper side sills and a restyled rear bumper and taillights round out the exterior changes, while inside, the steering wheel controls add a few more functions and the DVD navigation system now has access to Zagat restaurant information, too. The updated TSX goes on sale shortly.