A very quick "Learn Me" on Acura TSX's...

So... in the process of finding a cheap, reliable, Japanese car, I have found a couple reasonably priced Acura TSXs. Any problems I need to look for?

Thanks in advance fellas!

My wife has had one since new, 2011 model. No issues to speak of except she always manages to find nails with her tires.

Main weakness im aware of is the AC condenser has little to no protection. She lost AC on her way down to Miami because a rock punctured her condenser. Easy job to replace, but still annoying.

K series motor is bullet proof and the ride quality is very good. No genuine complaints.

Interested in this thread. Very strongly considering a 2011/2012 TSX wagon as a DD that I can put stupid amounts of miles on. Just wish they offered it in 6spd instead of autotragic only. Otherwise, it's exactly what I want. Reliable as the sunrise, luxury, decent mpg, somewhat sporty, nice looking, big cargo capacity.

The first gen came in manual, not sure if that was already known? Very reliable, nice shifter and an all-around great handler. Consider it a refined Civic Si (minus the LSD).

My only complaint on the second gen one is that the back seat is really tight.

This idea appeals to me as well. I may be in the market for a UP-SIZED small car in the next bit. TSX has been on my radar as well.

Oil consumption is hit or miss. Seems the manuals suffered the worst of it but one qt every 1500 is considered "normal" for Honda. First gen's had an issue with the audio/hvac lighting/controls. Takes a new PCB and a couple hours of work to repair. Unfortunately there is no long term repair on these. AC condensors as mentioned are easily breached. If buying used, get one with a real service history. LAck of oil changes stretched the chains on these and are a bit costly in time/parts.

Just be aware that there are more than a few "acura only" parts that have to be overnighted from Japan because there's no US Honda counterpart so that means more $$ on stupid crap. Overall though great cars to drive. A bit small on the inside to their Korean and domestic counterparts but not too bad. Just be of asian proportions to ride in the rear seat.

Wife had an 06 manual as her daily driver. Got 220K with nothing except routine maintenance and rear wheel bearings (it has a timing chain). Never saw the dealer. No oil consumption until the end but even then could go between changes without a top up. Great 6 speed and engine. She loved it but I never really "took" to it; it was so close to excellent but not quite there. I've driven manuals all my life but this was my first drive by wire manual. Honda missed something with the set up; can't explain it. Takes premium fuel and the price spread between regular has spiked around here.

If they still made that body style we would have another.

Overall I recommend.

Very nice cars. Only issue is TSX specific parts are not cheap.

Bobzilla wrote: Oil consumption is hit or miss. Seems the manuals suffered the worst of it but one qt every 1500 is considered "normal" for Honda. First gen's had an issue with the audio/hvac lighting/controls. Takes a new PCB and a couple hours of work to repair. Unfortunately there is no long term repair on these. AC condensors as mentioned are easily breached. If buying used, get one with a real service history. LAck of oil changes stretched the chains on these and are a bit costly in time/parts. Just be aware that there are more than a few "acura only" parts that have to be overnighted from Japan because there's no US Honda counterpart so that means more $$ on stupid crap. Overall though great cars to drive. A bit small on the inside to their Korean and domestic counterparts but not too bad. Just be of asian proportions to ride in the rear seat.

In for you to explain how not changing oil at a certain interval causes a metal part to stretch. 10/10

My girlfriend was given one by her father, it had every factory option, amazing car. She treated it like absolute E36 M3 and it never gave up. Interior is in terrible condition, leather so bad, makes me so angry when I think about it.

In reply to Dietcoke:

I was going to type out a reply, but I'll let Bob the Honda tech explain how/why this occurs.

In reply to Dietcoke:

The same way any chain stretches. Dirt gets into the chain, causing wear in each joint, that wear when added up between all the links turn into a longer chain than the same one without wear. Just like a bicycle or motorcycle. Dirt causes chains to stretch.