Acura RSX (All years/types)

nitromax · April 2003

Wow! How many cups of coffee did you have?
:-)

Another thing to consider on the RSX when deciding on paint if you're getting the base model (manual or auto), the strip of plastic along the bottom side edges of the car is black. With the Type S it's the color of the paint. This doesn't seem like a very big deal, but on the lighter color base models (DSM, silver, white), the black strip actually give the car an appearance of being "leaner" looking....that's the only way I can describe it. I like that look...it looks less "bulky" than the Type S.
If you get the base in black it will have that bulky look to it because the paint is the same color as the plastic. I bet now when you look at them, you'll look at them differently...:-)

One thing to consider when choosing between the base manual or base auto. The final gear(5th) is lower in the auto than the manual version. This will give better highway cruising speeds...if you like that sort of thing. For instance, my auto's rpms are around 2500 when I'm traveling at 70 mph. Which is much lower than they would be if I was doing the same speed in a manual.

I didn't get the spoiler on mine. I have heard that it does block the view somewhat. I opted for the foglights though seeing as how those would be a little harder to add down the road.

nippononly · April 2003

is that in the manual the revs are high enough that for many highway situations, there is enough acceleration available that you will not have to shift down.

To the earlier post re: Tib V-6 vs RSX-S, these cars feel so different in the way they drive, that should be the determining factor. The Acura will enjoy revving to the sky which can be a ton of fun. However, it will not develop a lot of power at low revs.

If you are not into this, the Tib will have a lot more low-end power, and will need less revving in most situations.

If you are into monitoring fuel economy, you will probably be able to get way better mileage in regular driving from the Acura.

prelude00girl · April 2003

To Nitromax:

Thanks for your additional input especially about the spoiler. Everyone except for my one client/friend that called me tonight (when I say everyone I mean the 7 people I have been sharing my car purchase decision with ... if I don't count this list that I am grateful I found on the Internet) keeps telling me to add the spoiler to my car for extra sportiness. I had it on every Prelude I owned since it helped me see where the trunk ended on my car. But the Acura RSX is a hatchback/liftback so I may not need to see where it ends. If the spoiler would block my view, I do not want it since being not quite 5 feet, I really want the best view I can have. I can always add the spoiler on at a later date if I change my mind.

Does anyone else that reads these postings have the SPOILER and have a different view since it is a low spoiler? The dealer had given me a really good price on the spoiler if I want it now and I know I would not get this same great price at a later date.

I think I know why I loved the black car now due to the color coded parts throughtout the car. Thanks Mark for this insight! I was never into black cars before but that black shiny pearl color looks so rich on this particular car. I love the way the RXS-S has the body molding strip on the bottom of the car the same as the car's color. All my Prelude's had been color coded so all parts were the same color. I can only drive an automatic so the RSX base model in automatic is the only RSX model I can consider.

I will go back tomorrow to see if this will bother me or not. A few of my friends that have black cars or had black cars tell me I would love the Desert Silver Metalic or the white due to the lighter outside and the lighter inside colors which will brighten up my car and be cooler in the summer. One friend thinks I would love the silver. I have now had red cars for so many years (even a car before my 4 Preludes was red) so this is something new for me to pick another color that I will have to live with for many years. A few of my friends tell me to get the black if I like it and not to care since I never had a black car before and I do have a garage. A few friends tell me to get the cloth seats since the leather seats have no heat warmers and leather must be conditioned and maintained or it will crack. One client/friend just called me to tell me the car will look so much richer in leather and to skip the spoiler. BUT he drives a Mercedes with heated leather seats and owns 4 cars between him and his wife. He loves cars and also owns a corvette, Porche, Mercedes SUV and a Lexus. I can only buy one car and I am comfortable with the price range of the Acura RSX for what I get for my money. I like the way it is classy and sporty looking at the same time and looks like it won't date easy. I am leaning towards the cloth seats still but will retest the car with the leather seats.

I did notice that the breaks on my Prelude have a shorter stopping distance. What does everyone on this list think of the breaks on the RSX?

I wonder if the dealer will let me take the car home for one day to test it to be sure before giving up my leased Prelude? If not, I wonder if I can rent this car somewhere? Or I can just retest it again to make absolutely sure. It is scary for me since I have driven the same model car (and same red color) in my last 4 Prelude leases. I do know I am sure now I want to be in a new car with a new color, a new warranty and start out with a "purchase" this time which will give me the same payment I had in the lease but over a 5 year buyout after a down payment. I guess I am scared since I used to travel a lot years ago and when I had to rent cars, I had so much problems judging with them due to my petite height.

Thank you! Susan (preludeoogirl)

beowulf7 · April 2003

Hey, no problem. I started reading some of the posts, but not all so far, so what I'm about to say might be repeated of what others have said.

Despite the very cold winter, the leather did not freeze my [non-permissible content removed] off at all. I was very happy w/ it. Then again, I never had my flesh exposed directly to the seats. In the summertime, when I'm wearing shorts, my legs can get scorched a little by the hot leather, but no where as bad as what black leather would do.

For maintaining the leather seats, I use Meguiar's leather wipes. They're pretty easy to use. I simply use a cloth sheet (towelette) to wipe the front leather seats and another towelette to wipe the rear seats. They shine up the leather pretty good.

However, they didn't remove a couple dark stains I have. One looks like a pen (black ink) dot. Another is a fine line about an inch long. I have no idea how they got there. I've heard that using a leather conditioner for sofas will do the trick, but I haven't got around to trying it out.

I don't know where in NJ you live. But if you're in Central NJ, there's a "meet" occurring this weekend (Sat., 4/26/03). There'll be a bunch of RSXs there, not to mention some other imports. If you're interested, I can post the link here. Let me know by Fri.

beowulf7 · April 2003

OK, I finally finished reading through the rest of the posts, including your two massive ones. I have only four words to say about the OEM spoiler: DO NOT GET IT!

Let me explain. On the Integra, the spoiler looked really nice. There was that integrated brake light and the wing just looked like it really belongs there. However, the OEM spoiler on the RSX is an embarrassment, IMHO.

But I didn't like my car w/o the wing b/c my previous car (the aforementioned Integra) had a spoiler, and it really did add to the "sportiness" aesthetics. So after a bit of research, I went for an aftermarket spoiler: Type-R rear wing.

It looks *so* nice. Not only is it way better looking than the OEM spoiler or no spoiler, it's way cheaper than the OEM spoiler. You can buy it painted and shipped for $300. Installing it is very easy to do, too. A friend helped me do it using his drill. It took about 45 min. If you're squeamish about doing it yourself (or by a friend), you can go to a body shop and they can still the spoiler for ~$50-75.

The Type-R wing does not obstruct my rear view. From what I've heard, it's less of a hindrance than the OEM spoiler. The reason is that the Type-R spoiler is very high (8"), so you can see all the traffic behind you under the wing. It's hard to describe it here, but I guess you'll just have to trust me on this. I've seen pictures people post from inside their cabin of the rear view mirror showing their view. It looks just fine.

If you have no idea what the Type-R spoiler looks like, check out this site:
http://www.transformspoilers.com/
You'll see the picture on the top left corner of the page (unless they changed the site).

Good luck and let me know if you're interested in the RSX meet occurring in central NJ this Sat.

prelude00girl · April 2003

Beowulf:

I really appreciate your input on the spoiler. I decided not to buy the spoiler today when I signed the contract. I love the one you had in the picture that looks very sporty!

I went today to the dealership and tested the Acura RSX (if I knew how to drive a stick shift, I would get the RSX-S model) with the light leather and then with the cloth with the air conditioner on as the sun was beating on me. I could not notice much of a difference in my comfort and my back being warm in both about equally. I decided the leather was a bit more comfortable so I bought the Acura RSX in Desert Silver Metallic with the Titanium leather seats. I can always add accessories at a later date since I live so close to the dealership. Since I got there so late today, I have to wait until tomorrow to pick up my car. I am so excited! I have had 4 Preludes in 14 years all with the same red exterior and black plush cloth interior. I now know I am ready for a change with a different color exterior and a light interior! I hope the weather report of rain all day is incorrect.

I am flattered that you invited me tomorrow to the Saturday RSX meet. If it wasn't for needing to pick up my car tomorrow and having to get some work done due to spending so much time not working as I focused on my car, I would love to go! I live in North Jersey but used to live in Central, NJ, so I am familiar with Central, NJ. Please invite me to the next RSX meeting since I would love to go! I am self-employed so I spent a lot of work days not working since getting a car I would really enjoy in the price range I was looking for was very important to me. I really enjoy cars and I love car shows and talking about cars. Tonight I am staying home to do chores since I want to have time to enjoy my car in between getting my work done this coming week.

I would love the link to the Saturday Meet anyway and the time in case I find I can get away tomorrow after I pick up my new car. I am so happy with my decision and I feel I am lucky I had such a patient salesman who was a big help in not being pushy like other salesmen are, as well as giving me a very fair price.

revka · April 2003

We look forward to hearing all your ownership experience.... Happy motoring!

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

prelude00girl · April 2003

Thank you both for the congratulations on my new DSM RSX Car! I will post more after I have a chance to drive it. It was too rainy today for me to want to drive it when I came home from the dealership later in the day. I want to first get used to my new car in good weather so I will have more control in bad weather and will react faster if another driver is driving carelessly. I enjoyed the drive home from the Acura Dealer with my comfortable leather seats, the new car smell, the fun sounding engine, the sporty ride, etc. But I have to learn how to use the windshield wipers (so different from my prior car's simple wipers with only low, intermittent at one speed, and high for only the front window). I then started to grieve for my precious red Prelude. I really loved the bright red color. Right now seeing my car in the garage it looks like a gray color. I am sure tomorrow in the sunlight I will see the pretty sporty color I saw at the Acura dealer that made me choose such an exotic color with such a unique cool name as Desert Silver Metallic. I thought I should get another color other than red since all my prior cars were red except for a bright LEMON Ford Escort I bought myself used out of college that I got rid of after 1.5 years. I also thought a lighter interior would be nice since all my other cars had dark interiors. So that left me with either white or desert metallic in the base trim I chose since I can only drive automatic. I loved the Neon Black Pearl color the best but the interior would be very hot in black leather and I felt I really liked the taupe color steering wheel on the cars that came with the titanium interior. I know Acura calls the color Titanium but I think it looks more like Taupe which is one of my favorite leather colors.

prelude00girl · April 2003

beowulf7, please let me know about future meets since this weekend is not a good weekend for me to drive one hour to Menlo Park. I did sign up tonight as a member of the RSX forum. Thank you!

prelude00girl · April 2003

I am beginning to really enjoy driving my fun RSX! I also am starting to really love the unique color that looks different in various light settings. I love my leather seats. I am so glad I went with the light interior since it feels so different from all my prior cars with the dark plush cloth interior. I like the climate control feature very much and the silver gadgets in the car. The drive is exciting for a little car!

Thank you everyone for helping me to decide to buy the RSX and that I will like the DSM color!

nitromax · May 2003

Congratulations! Glad you're enjoying your new car. Nice choice on the color too...just saw one this morning and thought of you.
Have you played with the sport shift yet? I use mine all of the time...mostly in traffic though...that's when it's the most fun for me.

You'll also find the sport shift quite handy in the winter. Use it for downshifting when slowing down in the snow. The engine-braking effects are similar to a manual transmission. I use it in conjunction with the brakes to cause less sliding on snowy roads.

I have close to 40,000 miles on mine and I STILL have a blast every time I drive it.

Have fun.

joe249 · May 2003

Since,giving daughter my Type S for college ,she managed to get some crud under the left side of hood's propel.
Since, it's put on with Johnson's Baby Soap, do you think I can heat it up and clean it. Then just adhere it w/soap again. You ought to see and hear the compliments people give when they finally figure out the car has an invisible bra.The only time you see it is when it's not in the sun
Himler, hope you're doing well ,still love my Beemer 5. I take the GSR out alot now that Spring is here.

volcom378 · May 2003

I need peoples opinions please, i dont know where else to post this. I dont know if i should get the Acura RSX-Type S. I am looking at one that is Black with chrome rims, small spoiler and a cargo mat thingy. The dealers offered it to me for around 22,000. What does everyone think about this car? i dont want to get into something that ends up having problems. i want to feel confident going into the dealership. driving it was great, i just want to know what everyone other than the salesman thinks, Please reply, i need help. Thanks

himiler · May 2003

Yup, doing great. Glad to hear you're well, also.

Switching off between your M5 to the GS-R must be like going from a heavy bomber to a F-16. Fun comes in all sizes.

I hope your idea with the soap works. I have a little bit of crud that's worked its way under the pieces on the frontsides of my mirrors, but I've yet to bother trying anything to clean it.

nippononly · May 2003

the RSX is one sweet car, and the integra that came before it was an extremely reliable car, so it is unlikely the car itself will give you big problems.

joe249 · May 2003

Type S is extremely reliable and a fun ride.It has Accura quality.Shop around,discuss it and you'll buy a RSX.

beowulf7 · May 2003

I'm literally a couple miles from braking 10,000 miles.

I got my oil change done today. The car is still running well (knock on wood).

I finally got rid of the idiotic A/C bug that all RSXs come with. By default, Acura forces the A/C to turn on whenever you use the defrost. I finally fixed *their* flaw.

prelude00girl · May 2003

Nitromax, Thank you for the congratulations! I am enjoying my car a lot. After I finish a few more work deadlines, I am going to read the manual and also try out the sport shift which looks like it will be both fun and handy! I am enjoying the sporty ride and all the compliments I am starting to get on my new car based on the sporty but classy styling and the Acura quality name. I am happy with my purchase and so glad I purchased my car this time rather than leasing it.

prelude00girl · May 2003

To Undecided about buying the Black RSX-S for $22,000.00. I think the price sounds excellent and the black on black is a stunning very sporty looking car with the Acura name. The car is build on the reliable Civic Platform with extra sportiness added, just like the reliable Acura Integra was build on. I think it will be reliable, as well as have a high resale value. I am enjoying my new Acura RSX (base model since I can't drive a stick shift)in the DSM color. The ride is a lot of fun and the styling is sporty and classy as the same time. I think you will be very happy if you decide to buy this car. My former car was a Honda Prelude which as you can see by my former postings I was very attached to as if my car was part of my family. I miss my Prelude but now I realize it was time to have a different car in a different color that I purchase this time, rather than leasing it so I can be the one to decide when I am ready to trade it in.

nitromax · May 2003

I finally got rid of the idiotic A/C bug that all RSXs come with. By default, Acura forces the A/C to turn on whenever you use the defrost. I finally fixed *their* flaw.

"Their" flaw? That's what the defroster is supposed to do. It removes moisture from the air...that's why it uses the AC compressor. If you look, you'll notice just about every car does the same thing. All AC (refrigerant) compressors do this (remove moisture from the air)....try putting an open bowl of water in your refrigerator and watch it dissapear. (not instantly of course)

It also serves another purpose. In the wintertime, the cycling of the AC compressor when using the defroster exercises the compressor and keeps the internals of it lubricated.

Having it not cycle at all over several months will cause problems with your compressor in the long run.

nippononly · May 2003

it is extremely helpful to have the A/C running with the defrost, especially when it is raining but mild temperatures. In my old integra, built before the "flaw" was designed in, I turn ON the A/C when I run the defrost.

And it is a huge tangential benefit, that this lubricates the A/C compressor in the winter when it otherwise would not be in use.

beowulf7 · May 2003

Believe it or not, I parked my car in front of my apt. on Sun. night. The odometer reads 9,999.9 miles. I thought for sure I'd break 10,000 miles, but I'll have to wait until Mon. morning. I thought about just driving forward and back for that extra tenth of a mile, but realized how silly it would be.

BTW, before you call BS, let me explain. Obviously our main odometer doesn't display the tenths. So the main odometer reads "9999". However, I've never reset Trip B (just Trip A), so that is synchronized to the main odometer. I wish I still had my digicam.

beowulf7 · May 2003

OK, I have 2 points. 1.) I wish Acura let me, the driver decide, if I want the A/C to turn on or not when I run the defroster. Otherwise you're unnecessarily wasting HP and gas if the fogging isn't too bad. I mean, one can run the defogger for a couple minutes with A/C, then continue defogging w/o AC once the initial condensation has cleared.

I didn't know that prolonged lack of A/C is bad for the compressor. That's news to me. However, it seems odd why that would be the case. Being that I'm not mechanically inclined, I'll take your word for it.

prelude00girl, how many miles do you have on your car? Overcoming the breaking-in period can be a little frustrating b/c it seems to take forever.

himiler · May 2003

NOT running the A/C compressor for long periods of time causes the seals to atrophy and crack, which results in the loss of A/C function. It's important to run the A/C at least 20 minutes a week, particularly in the Winter months when the cold temps cause the seals to shrink even more.

michiganman · May 2003

Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks, good to know!

joe249 · May 2003

Need web site ,or e mail address for the propel or xpel ,what ever I put on hood as my daughter got a stone chip in fog lamp lens. . Dealer wants $132.00 for lens ,you need to purchase the whole assembly.
Same fog lights as 2001 Honda Civic. I know it will happen again in winter driving, so I want to cover it. Do you have any other ideas? Never like that Type S since the day I bought it.

himiler · May 2003

Yikes! That's a bummer -- I've been lucky so far with my xpel kits. If you bought xpel, the kits come with a warranty card.
http://www.xpel.com

beowulf7 · May 2003

Again, thanks for enlightening me, but I'm still puzzled by what you said:
NOT running the A/C compressor for long periods of time causes the seals to atrophy and crack, which results in the loss of A/C function. It's important to run the A/C at least 20 minutes a week, particularly in the Winter months when the cold temps cause the seals to shrink even more.

I know I've gone lots of winters and not used the A/C. The RSX is the only car I've driven where it forced you to use the A/C (until I solved it) when you use the defogger. I don't remember having A/C compressor problems the summer after.

Then again, I never kept a car for more than 2-3 years (b/c they were either parents' hand-me-downs or I leased). I'm having a hard time believing such a modern car would use A/C compressors that can exhibit atrophy.

nippononly · May 2003

the refrigerant in car A/C systems does double duty - it also lubricates the compressor. If you do not use the compressor all winter long, year in and year out, it will last a much shorter time (measured in years), because it will not be receiving lubrication every winter for several months at a stretch.

Now I do not use this 20 minutes per week standard as a measure. Really as little as ten minutes a month or every couple of weeks is enough, I believe. That is what a mechanic told me.

Just don't let it go months without using it at all. This truly is a case of "use it or lose it". At least, in the long term it is. Replacement compressors can be very expensive.

It is just the nature of a refrigerant system. Obviously, if you never keep a car more than 3-5 years, why should you care? But it is a very little thing to do as a favor to the next owner!!

:-)

michiganman · May 2003

This info should be more widely distributed. Seems to be an important thing to know...

nippononly · May 2003

the car's manual would tell you to run the A/C once a month for ten minutes, precisely for this reason.

I have not looked at more recent manuals that closely, but if they no longer say this, it is probably because of the defroster-linked thing...they figure it will get used a lot anyway, so no need for that message.

beowulf7 · May 2003

Until last week, I would have thought you and himiler were crazy to suggest we use the A/C during the winter. I plan on keeping my RSX-S for many years, so I'm definitely concerned about the A/C compressor and want to make sure it's in tiptop shape.

That said, I have a response to what you said:
I have not looked at more recent manuals that closely, but if they no longer say this, it is probably because of the defroster-linked thing...they figure it will get used a lot anyway, so no need for that message.

Maybe the more recent manuals don't mention this b/c the A/C compressors are so much more advance these days (vs. cars of the '80s) that the compressor can go months w/o use and still perform well and long? I'll check my RSX manual the next time I get the chance and look for what they say re: air conditioning.

BTW, do all new cars now link their defroster w/ the A/C? My '99 Integra didn't do this, so maybe only the very recent cars do that. : /

michiganman · May 2003

I already did that. There is no mention of running the A/C regulary, but that does not mean nippononly is not right. I believe him.

nippononly · May 2003

the defroster-linked thing varies by make. Toyota has been doing this on all their models for about five years or more now. I know a friend's Civic did NOT have it, and hers was a '98, so it may be a little less time that Honda has been doing it.

Ford has been doing it even longer than Toyota.

It usually clears the glass much more quickly than hot air alone.

And as to advancement of A/C systems, I don't doubt they have advanced, but there is still one basic reality: the compressor needs to be lubricated occasionally, and the only way that is going to occur is if you turn it on.

zenzikora · May 2003

Hi guys, I wanted your opinion on the lease specials for the RSX out right now. Terms are 2078 total due at signing, and 229 a month for 48 months. I was thinking that was a good deal, but when I ran it through the Edmunds calculator with the same down etc, it told me I should be paying like 164 a month. Somehow that seemed low to me. I drove the RSX base 5-speed and it was great, I loved it. The salesman who I contacted first by email was also great, encouraging me to push it a little and very friendly and low pressure. What do you guys think? is this lease a good deal or not? (I would bump it to 15,000 ayear, which he said would only add about $10 a month)
Thanks

volcom378 · May 2003

i also read about that lease special, and i to dont understand. i am looking to get a TYPE-S and the payments are at like 249 for 48 months, and when i did it here on edmunds it told me, after 2000 down the payments would be at around 481 a month. just talk to your dealer and they should give you all the fine print, and catches if they wanted to sell that car. another thing is to haggle the dealer and you can probably get that monthly payment lower. i bought a 2002 ranger that was invoiced at 20,000 after talking to them i drove the price down to 16,000 and the same thing happend when i talk to the internet sales man at my local acura dealer (cush to be exact) and he drove it do 500 under invoce, so just haggle and that monthy payment may become smaller than that.

zenzikora · May 2003

I went back and fiddled with the calculator, and I think it depends on the money factor, because that changed the amount a whole lot, depending on what I put in.
but I figured to buy it with the same down and 60 month financing, would cost me about 120 a month more, so its a good deal to me. Maybe I'll try to get him to up the mileage without upping the price. I was worried that it was a special Acura deal so no negotiating on it, but then I guess incentives are negotiable too at the dealer level (you can haggle before your cash back price etc.)
Boy it was fun to drive! and roomy cargo area too. And the stickshift is such a pleasure (I drove a chevy previously, so you know. . .)

volcom378 · May 2003

*Maybe I'll try to get him to up the mileage without upping the price. I was worried that it was a special Acura deal so no negotiating on it, but then I guess incentives are negotiable too at the dealer level*

the dealer i went to (in san diego) told me that if you wanted to raise the mileage to 15,000 it will only raise the monthly payment by 10 bucks. also, best time to go buy a car is in the morning, right when they open, because they want to get the cars off the lot so they can get the backstock on the lot. thats a great way to lower the price so you can get the deal you want for a very sic car

zenzikora · May 2003

Well so I should go in the morning, in the middle of the week, at the end of the month right?
I think those are all the best times. . .
10 a month is what they told me to raise mileage as well so I guess that's fairly universal for this lease.
Don't know if I can wait till the end of the month! Now I have to decide what color. . .

From some of the things I've heard of Honda dealers I expected some snootiness from the Acura dealer, but they were really really nice, demonstrating nicely, easy to deal with, very relaxed long test-drive down backroads, and he offered for me to take it on the highway but I declined, as I will probably drive it again before I make my final decision (try to drive the exact car to make sure there's no oddball factory quirks) BTW this is Reading Acura in Reading, Pennsylvania
Can't wait

nitromax · May 2003

Maybe the more recent manuals don't mention this b/c the A/C compressors are so much more advance these days (vs. cars of the '80s) that the compressor can go months w/o use and still perform well and long? I'll check my RSX manual the next time I get the chance and look for what they say re: air conditioning. BTW, do all new cars now link their defroster w/ the A/C? My '99 Integra didn't do this, so maybe only the very recent cars do that.

As far as I have seen, every car cycles the AC pump during defrost mode. It may not show you visibly that the AC pump is cycling, but it does turn it on and off while the defroster is on. This "cycling" would not affect winter heating performance.

I don't see why elastomers would be any different now than in the 80's.....all elastomers need to be lubricated. Nothing else would provide a dynamic seal and still not need lubrication.

Perhaps if you're concerned about performance, just turn the knob off on your AC when you're about to utilize your cars performance. (notice I didn't say "race")
:-)

beowulf7 · May 2003

nippononly and nitromax, thanks again for the info. I've decided what I'll do is let the A/C turn on when I use the defroster (it still turns on by default). Then once all the condensation has cleared, but I still want the defrost on, I'll shut off the A/C part. This way, the compressor still runs for a little bit, but for the majority of my use, I'll have A/C off (better performance, less gas usage).

zenzikora, I leased my previous car (1999 Integra). Those figures you're mentioning seem high b/c I was able to get that car for about $1k down, about $250 and change/mo. for 36 mos. That was at 12 kmi./yr. I thought going at the end of the day would give you the better deal (since the dealership employees want to go home but make that last sale/lease).

BTW, as prelude00girl would agree, I'd suggest desert silver metallic color. That's what we have.

zenzikora · May 2003

thanks for your input. It's actually 1599 down, the 2078 includes the security deposit. I haven't been back to the dealer yet, as I have to coordinate with my father who needs to cosign since I have no credit (yet). I thought perhaps I would go with the regular silver color (Satin or whatever it is). I would really prefer black looks-wise, but I don't spend enough time cleaning/waxing etc to lease a black car. If they have a Desert Silver one on the lot I'll take a good look at it, but I know they have at least one satin silver in stock, as that is what I test-drove (it only had like 3 miles on it when I got in, and the loop he took me on was at least 5 or 6, so I think I was the first).
So for a few days I will stare longingly at my brochure and try to decide, and email my salesman again.

mws1672002 · May 2003

Does any one know when the 2004 RSX's are going to be released, and if so will they have any major changes from the '03 models?

beowulf7 · May 2003

I finally found proof that running the A/C regularly is considered good maintenance (as nippon and nitro correctly mentioned). Too bad the manual doesn't mention it - the authors must have assumed that all drivers live in climates that require running the defroster weekly.

Here's the proof from Honda/Acura:
http://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/Maintenance/maint_prev_maint.asp

beowulf7 · May 2003

Good luck w/ the lease. I still feel that buying is the best option (unless you can get a tax write-off for leasing). But regardless of what you decide, going w/ the Acura RSX will be a good choice.

jp182 · May 2003

Yeah what you gotta find out about those advertised leases is how much you have to actually put down including taxes, fees, destination charges and etc. and then find out the monthly.

For example,
i have a deal where i put $2000 for everything listed above including the first month and my payments are around 270.

I'm going to try and go lower though.

zenzikora · May 2003

Well in my case if I buy, it's gotta be something in the economy range, and I'd rather not end up with an underpowered, or ugly, cramped, or unreliable vehicle which I will owe more on than it's worth when I go to trade it in. I don't think I'm up to keeping a car more than 4-5 years, because I need to know it's going to be reliable enough to drive across several states, plus I always want whats new rather than what I have. (right now I have nothing)
I did some math on buying this same car, and I think I would have to put my maximum down that I could possibly afford, and still need like a 72 month loan to pull it off, and payments would still be more than the lease.
I noticed the Civic Si lease for 189 a month is still on, this sounds like a good deal, but I don't know if I could get past their style (ugh)

unagidon · May 2003

I test drove the Civic SiR (Si in the US) before purchasing my base RSX (with leather). I gotta say that the Civic was very fun to drive - kind of has a "video game" feel to it. However, the RSX definitely feels tighter, and is a classier car. Regardless, I would have bought the Civic if in a cash crunch... BTW - you should see if there are any brand new 2002 model years around. I picked up my RSX about a month ago, a 2002 but brand new, sat in the showroom for the past 5 months, and got a great deal!

zenzikora · May 2003

good idea. the dealer I test drove at had quite a few '03s, more than I had expected, so perhaps an '02 may be hiding somewhere nearby. I haven't driven the Si yet, but it doesn't look like the dealers near me keep as many in stock as the acura dealers do RSX's. i hear they sell for pretty far below MSRP though as well. thanks.

revka · May 2003

For anyone considering the Civic vs the RSX, here's a discussion you may find interesting: Acura RSX vs Honda Civic Si - Driving Impressions. Good luck.

Revka
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