Honda Acura TSX 2004

Honda Models Forum Acura TSX
1

I currently have a 2004 Acura TSX. It has a rebuilt title, 220,000 miles, an automatic transmission, and is painted Carbon Grey Pearl.

We got the car about 7-8 months ago from my uncle for free. It had been parked outside its whole life and hadn’t been driven for 3-4 years. I needed a car for college since there aren’t any others in the family that I can borrow. We’ve replaced the tie rods, tires, brakes, sway bar links, right axle, oil, serpentine belt, and a few other things, but not all at once.

I feel like the car is starting to fail. There’s rust in the doorsills and left quarter panel, and the paint on the roof is mostly gone. Luckily, the rest of the paint is still decent. It makes a thunking sound in stop-and-go traffic, which might be the steering rack or rack and pinion. The air conditioning doesn’t work, but the heat does. The power steering pump has a slow leak.

I told my dad I want to get another 2004-2008 TSX, but this time with a manual transmission and in good condition because I love this car. He thinks I’ll just have the same problems again and wants me to get a Corolla Cross. It’s a good car, but it’s not really what I want. My mom also doesn’t want me to get an old car, even though this one is relatively modern (and it’s hard to believe it’s older than me).

I think getting another TSX might be better because I know what to look out for. The things we replaced seem like regular maintenance, and any car that hasn’t been driven for years would need similar repairs. As far as I know, most TSXs are reliable, with only a few common issues like lower control arms and power steering pump leaks.

I want another one because it has heated leather seats, is easy to modify (though I wouldn’t spend a lot on it), and is dependable. Yes, it needs premium gas, but I can manage that. I have enough money even though I just started college, and I think paying once for a car plus maintenance is better than making a down payment and monthly payments as a college student.

6 Likes
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These cars are pretty tough, but rust can be a problem. The TSX is easy to work on, and you can find parts easily. It gets good gas mileage. They’re old enough to be affordable, but still modern enough to look good on the road.

I have a 2010 model with a manual transmission. It has 240,000 miles and not a spot of rust, and it runs smoothly!

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Yeah, common killer of all Hondas. If I do happen to get another, I’d try my best to spray the underbody including under the fender liners. Plenty of parts since it’s a relatively common car, also made overseas

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They are amazing cars, I understand why people love them. I had a 2004 model for 12 years and a 2007 model for 3 years. Both were manual and really fun to drive. I sold them in April this year to buy my 2022 Si. I don’t regret it, but sometimes I miss them.

Before the FL5, it was the last Honda made in Japan for North America.

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The Corolla Cross isn’t quite the same. I think it’s a good car, though. I understand not wanting a car payment, especially when you’re in school and working part-time. Maybe you and your parents could share the cost of an ILX or a newer TSX to help with some of the maintenance worries.

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We already have a last gen RAV4 in the family. I learned how to drive in it, but the car screams “transportation.” Not very engaging or fun but would never break down on me. Great car, but I would like something decently fun compared to a Corolla Cross.

Mazda3 is expensive for the manual, Corolla manual isn’t made anymore, and the Civic is still there at least. I still wouldn’t want to live with the new car burden.

To me, the 2nd generation TSX doesn’t suit me. I think it looks too large, and doesn’t look as nice. A wagon wouldn’t be bad however. An ILX was also in my consideration, but extremely hard to find a 2013-2015 manual. Also doesn’t offer the same modability as the TSX

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If the costs aren’t too much for you and you really like the car, there’s nothing wrong with getting another TSX. The main issue will be finding one that is in good condition and has low mileage.

1 Like
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Yeah, I’d have to search all over the country to find one. Luckily, someone in my neighborhood has a TSX. I talked to him about an attempted theft on my car (I think they might have been trying to steal the catalytic converter). I was surprised to see that his car was a manual. He offered to sell it to me for $8,000 right away. I didn’t see any obvious rust or paint damage. It was very tempting, but I turned it down because I have my old TSX. Maybe in the spring, if it’s still available, I could make an offer.

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I would buy another one right away if they weren’t all worn out and rusty up here.

10

If you like the K series engine and want a manual, look for an 8th gen Civic Si (from 2006 to 2011). It has similar power, is about the same size, revs higher, and there are more available. Prices can vary by area, but you should be able to find one in good condition. If you prefer something more luxurious, check for a 5-speed 7th gen (2003-2007) or 8th gen (2008-2012) Accord. The K24 engine might not feel as sporty, but the 5-speed is smooth. If you’re open to spending more time and money, consider a V6 with a 6-speed. I bought one about six months ago, and I wouldn’t drive anything else daily. They have good torque for a Honda, are fun to drive, get great gas mileage for a mid-2000s V6, and there are easy ways to boost their power. Just my opinion!