Acura RSX - What do you think?

[xbox360]

I'm looking at getting rid of my pos Pontiac 6000, and possibly getting a 2003 Acura RSX. What is the difference with the Type-S model, and is it worth the extra price? Does this car have any known problems?

[break3r]

Does this car have any known problems?

Sometimes common problems such as Ricerphobia appear

[ryanthelion]

the rsx-s has like, 20 extra hp, bumping it up to 50.

[car_boy_16]

base rsx \has 160, type-s has 200; The k20a3 is the weak ass bas vtec that only controls one aspect of camshaft dynamics, while the k20a2 in the type-s has 200hp which controls both aspects of camshaft dynamics exhaut and intake. The compression is also improved as well as freer flowing head design. And lighter flywheel....it all adds up. The Type S is more than just an engine upgrade, the brakes and suspension is upgraded, too.....Sorry im wasted i might now make sense much

[huggy bear]

be prepared to pay a shit-load for your insurance if you get the type S...I may be wrong but its one of the most expensive cars to insure in the US

check out www.ClubRSX.com if you wanna look around for more info...ask around on the message board etc...

[Nocturnal]

I'm looking at getting rid of my pos Pontiac 6000, and possibly getting a 2003 Acura RSX. What is the difference with the Type-S model, and is it worth the extra price? Does this car have any known problems?

Rsxs aren't bad (and I don't like hondas), if it's worth the price is up to you. Don't forget to factor in the insurance difference too. Typical honda reliability i'd say.

[some_ugly_guy]

I just sold my rsx and bought a mustang last week. Torque has become very addicting. As for gas mileage, the mustang averages 19 mpg city/highway combined which is not bad at all for a V8.

[zigamabob]

Meh...I know one person that owns that car around here..its decent for what it is..but for the price..you can find better.

[xbox360]

Ok I am probably going to be financing a 2002-2003 RSX Premium which has almost everything the type-s has except better engine and a few small things.

insurance here isn't bad here its about $140 Canadian a month.

Here are a few that i found so far, do these prices sound reasonable?
Remember the prices are in Canadian Dollar:

2002 - $19500 - 51000kms
2003 - $17480 - 98000kms
2003 - $19875 - 63000kms
2005 - $22990 - 48000kms (probably out of my price range)

btw, my down payment will be around 6-7k

[pat99872]

They are a good quality car. Go with the base model if you don't wana pay the extra insurance premuim

[xbox360]

They are a good quality car. Go with the base model if you don't wana pay the extra insurance premuim

the base/premium/type-s are all $138/month

[break3r]

the base/premium/type-s are all $138/month

how old are you? when I was 18 my insurance was $220 on an SUV and I had a clean record.

[xbox360]

how old are you? when I was 18 my insurance was $220 on an SUV and I had a clean record.

I'm 18

10char

[some_ugly_guy]

You are going to regret the base model rsx my friend.

[clutch-monkey]

^ what he said

[DrYeRLiNt]

I'll just be honest here...


Do I like hondas? Yes. For a daily driver, they are second to none. Most economical package, very comfortable, reliable, great gas mileage, etc etc etc.

Do I like Acuras? no. Its the same car as above, but twice the price and marginally better options/performance.



For what you'll spend for an Acura over a Honda in outright price, repairs, and insurance... you're better off trading for an accord or civic.


If the type S is catching your eye then a sporty car is in your game... look at a prelude. it's not a muscle car. its not a performance car. its not a sports car. its "sporty".

[SyDias]

Do yourself a favor and get a WRX. :)

[Spank666]

Do yourself a favor and get a WRX. :)

Once again, I second that motion.

[fRESHPLATES]

If you are getting the 6-speed type-S Id say go for it. Buying the basemodel rnx isnt a good move, id look at the new Civic Si if I were you

[Perl_5]

I'm looking at getting rid of my pos Pontiac 6000, and possibly getting a 2003 Acura RSX. What is the difference with the Type-S model, and is it worth the extra price? Does this car have any known problems?
If you don't mind me asking but, do you do any damn research before posting?

[xbox360]

If you are getting the 6-speed type-S Id say go for it. Buying the basemodel rnx isnt a good move, id look at the new Civic Si if I were you

Yeah i cant find any type-s here that haven't been modded and shit, so i'm just going with the premium which is the middle model--leather, sunroof...

[pat99872]

it's still a decent fun to drive car. just dont drive it like an asshole

[Muzak4shawn]

The Acura RSX Type S is a great all around car. Has decent power out of the box, great mpg and Honda reliability. The fit and finish is (IMO) better than that of the WRX (say like 05 model for example). I've driven both of the vehicles and based on price, resale, mpg and looks (again IMO) the RSX would be my choce. The WRX does have a slight edge with regards to 0-60 and 1/4 but for the difference in money you could get the RSX far quicker than the WRX and still have some in the pocket. One other thing to consider is that the WRX has 4 doors vs. the RSX (if that appeals to you in a sports car).


So then I say Acura RSX Type S (JDM Integra Type R) FTMFW.

[some_ugly_guy]

I bought my Acura RSX brand new and religiously maintained it and it was not that reliable. That was one of the sole reasons why I sold it. What makes it worse is that Acura service is very under par with my experiences.

Purchased 2003 Acura RSX with 20 miles.
5,000 miles - a/c condenser busted.
7,000 miles - complete brake line and calipers seize.
20,000 miles - c/v boots and passenger side window motor goes out.
32,000 miles - complete passenger side seals come off.
45,000 miles engine acting up, give complete tune-up.
49,000 miles - driver and passenger side windows motors goes out again.
51,000 miles - SRS light comes on for no reason and stays on even with reset.
54,000 miles - engine is really acting up again and idles pretty rough when car not in motion.
55,000 miles - SOLD

There is probably more but I need a while to remember. I could have bought a lemon and went to dealers with bad service tech's (went to 3 seperate dealers) but it was enough to destroy my image with Honda/Acura and maybe never purchase one again.

[break3r]

it was enough to destroy my image with Honda/Acura and maybe never purchase one again.

what does Honda have to do with Acura? are they together?

[some_ugly_guy]

what does Honda have to do with Acura? are they together?

Bingo....!

[Spank666]

what does Honda have to do with Acura? are they together?

Acura = Honda

Acura RSX = Honda Integra

etc.

[xbox360]

Ok I just got back from test driving the RSX Premium at a used car lot. What an awesome car, it handles amazing. The car comes with a CarFax report and everything is clean. I'm also taking the car into my mechanic to be checked over.

The guy said he was pretty firm on the price, but I think I can lower it maybe $200-$300.

The car is selling for $17480 Canadian. It has 98000kms....is that reasonable?

[clutch-monkey]

The car is selling for $17480 Canadian. It has 98000kms....is that reasonable?
seems like a lot for a even the watered down type S let alone a non-type S...
i thought cars were supposed to be cheaper there?

[veXati0n]

Ok I just got back from test driving the RSX Premium at a used car lot. What an awesome car, it handles amazing. The car comes with a CarFax report and everything is clean. I'm also taking the car into my mechanic to be checked over.

The guy said he was pretty firm on the price, but I think I can lower it maybe $200-$300.

The car is selling for $17480 Canadian. It has 98000kms....is that reasonable?

I don't exactly know the conversion of km to miles, but here in Connecticut you can find RSX Type-S's with less than 50k MILES for around $16,000.

I'm probably going to be getting rid of my C5 Corvette by the end of the summer. I'm thinking I'd rather have money in the bank than the luxury of having an expensive sports car. Insurance on my corvette is probably cheaper than what I'll pay for a WRX or an RSX. It's ironic, I know. I like the style of the RSX, but I understand that they've been discontinued. Shouldn't be a problem getting parts for it, but I just don't like the fact that they replaced the RSX with the SI. :err:

Other cars to consider:

300c
GTP
Civic SI
VW
Neon SRT-4

[break3r]

16k for 98k kilometers?

I've seen cars new with 500 miles for 11k

[Spank666]

I still think you should consider getting a WRX. If you have never driven one, go test drive one. You can find a newer WRX with less miles for that price, and I can almost guarantee you will be happier with one.

[break3r]

I still think you should consider getting a WRX. If you have never driven one, go test drive one. You can find a newer WRX with less miles for that price, and I can almost guarantee you will be happier with one.

hes only 18...

[Spank666]

hes only 18...

And? I'm 19, and thats exactly what I did.

[Cee]

And? I'm 19, and thats exactly what I did.

Different circumstances, but yeah I had found a way to finance my purchases.

[Spank666]

Different circumstances, but yeah I had found a way to finance my purchases.

I think he was talking about the test drive itself; it seems the OP already has his finances planned.

By the way, I was suggesting you test drive a WRX at the dealership just to see how it feels, not to actually buy a new WRX. Test drive a new one, buy an older one.

[veXati0n]

I think he was talking about the test drive itself; it seems the OP already has his finances planned.

By the way, I was suggesting you test drive a WRX at the dealership just to see how it feels, not to actually buy a new WRX. Test drive a new one, buy an older one.

wtf is up with ur christmas avatar man?:err:

[zigamabob]

Meh I think he has his mind set on the RSX. I could put up a list of cars that are "faster" than the RSX for the same price, but considering insurance, gas, reliability and he is 18 probably his first or second car..RSX is not a bad choice..I wouldnt buy it..but not a bad choice. Plus, I have seen inexperienced drivers destroy a WRX tranny in a few days. Just because its AWD they think they can do 6,000 RPM launches.

[Spank666]

wtf is up with ur christmas avatar man?:err:

Christmas is coming soon.


......on a more serious note, I just never got around to changing it.

[xbox360]

I did consider a used WRX, but there have been almost none selling here, right now there is only a 2003 WRX wagon for $23000, which is too much for me.

this is going to be my second car btw, right now i have a 1991 Pontiac 6000 that does not run anymore

[Spank666]

I did consider a used WRX, but there have been almost none selling here, right now there is only a 2003 WRX wagon for $23000, which is too much for me.

Wow, thats incredibly overpriced. You could easily get an '04 for that price.

[break3r]

I don't think he could get a WRX he has no credit history. BTW what year WRX we talking about here? Most ones around here are 26-34k. I've done research on older models ones and they are a bit in his range. Sorry for my mis interpretation.

[Spank666]

I don't think he could get a WRX he has no credit history. BTW what year WRX we talking about here? Most ones around here are 26-34k. I've done research on older models ones and they are a bit in his range. Sorry for my mis interpretation.

26K for a used WRX? Thats $2,000 more than a new one! I think you might be thinking of STis, but 34K is still more than what you can get new one for. I got my '02 for $15,000 after taxes and fees. I've seen '04s with 50K miles, in fantastic condition for under $17,000.

He's talking about $23K (Canadian, I assume) for an '03. That car will never sell.

[veXati0n]

whats the difference in the WRX models that we should know? can u list price ranges and hp/tq figures associated with them?

[Spank666]

2002 WRX (first model year sold in America):

227hp/217tq, 2.0L turbocharged H4 with top-mounted intercooler, 5 speed manual with weak gears, TD04-13T turbocharger with a maximum boost level of 13.5 pounds

$12,000-14,000

2003 WRX:

same engine, the 5 speed's gears are 1mm thicker, and a valve is added to prevent idiots dropping the clutch at 6500 RPM

$14,000-16,000

2004 WRX:

WRX receives a face lift

$15,000-17,000

2004 WRX STi (first year for STi's in America):

2.5L turbocharged H4 with TMIC, 300hp/300tq, 6 speed manual w/ dual synchros, turbocharger tops out at 14.5 psi

$20,000-24,000

2005 WRX:

No major changes here

$15,500-$18,000

2005 STi:

Wheel threading pattern changed, thats just about it

$21,000-$25,000

2006 WRX:

Another facelift, 2.5L H4 with lower compression is used, turbocharger now peaks at 11.6 psi. Power remains around 230hp/235tq

$17,500-20,000

2006 STi:

also receives face lift, not much more

$25,000-28,000

2007 WRX:

aluminum suspension is reverted to steel-cast pieces in order to keep costs down

$20,000-$24,000

2007 STi:

No mechanical changes, there is a recurring problem with the ECU, causing the engine to remain in closed-loop mode until 4000 RPM, when boost hits fast and hard. Subaru dealerships will fix it free of charge, although I dont think it has been announced as a recall.

$26,000-30,000

[SyDias]

I think 18 is a good age for a WRX. A buddy of mine is 20 with an 04 STI and he's very responsible with it. The WRX community also frowns upon street racing so if you're active there, eventually you'll look down upon it too! :)

2002 WRX (first model year sold in America):

227hp/217tq, 2.0L turbocharged H4 with top-mounted intercooler, 5 speed manual with weak gears, TD04-13T turbocharger with a maximum boost level of 13.5 pounds

$12,000-14,000

2003 WRX:

same engine, the 5 speed's gears are 1mm thicker, and a valve is added to prevent idiots dropping the clutch at 6500 RPM

$14,000-16,000

2004 WRX:

WRX receives a face lift

$15,000-17,000

2004 WRX STi (first year for STi's in America):

2.5L turbocharged H4 with TMIC, 300hp/300tq, 6 speed manual w/ dual synchros, turbocharger tops out at 14.5 psi

$20,000-24,000

2005 WRX:

No major changes here

$15,500-$18,000

2005 STi:

Wheel threading pattern changed, thats just about it

$21,000-$25,000

2006 WRX:

Another facelift, 2.5L H4 with lower compression is used, turbocharger now peaks at 11.6 psi. Power remains around 230hp/235tq

$17,500-20,000

2006 STi:

also receives face lift, not much more

$25,000-28,000

2007 WRX:

aluminum suspension is reverted to steel-cast pieces in order to keep costs down

$20,000-$24,000

2007 STi:

No mechanical changes, there is a recurring problem with the ECU, causing the engine to remain in closed-loop mode until 4000 RPM, when boost hits fast and hard. Subaru dealerships will fix it free of charge, although I dont think it has been announced as a recall.

$26,000-30,000

+1!

Every RSX-S owner I know in Massachusetts is now an Ex RSX-S owner, currently driving a WRX or WRX STI. It's just a better car altogether if you ask me. More bang for the buck out of the box.

[xbox360]

I just got the car taken into a mechanic and there are a few things he said

-the exhaust heat shield was starting to rust (the one near the catalytic converter).
-there is a small oil leak at the oil pan gasket.
-they recommend a tune up soon.

instead of $17480 i offered him $16500

im waiting for him to call me back if he still want to sell

[SyDias]

I just got the car taken into a mechanic and there are a few things he said

-the exhaust heat shield was starting to rust (the one near the catalytic converter).
-there is a small oil leak at the oil pan gasket.
-they recommend a tune up soon.

instead of $17480 i offered him $16500

im waiting for him to call me back if he still want to sell

So you're going with the -S huh? Congratz!

Shimmy over to clubrsx (google it) and learn everything there is to know about it! :)

[xbox360]

The car dealership called and said they would fix the oil pan gasket and exhaust heat shield but not do a tune up and sell the car to me for $17300, is that reasonable?

the original price was $17480

[BluntSmoker]

wow.. Acura TSX.. well.. these cars are nice as hell in my opinion.. Very nice more on the luxury/sport side car. To me it seems more like a teenager/early 20's person car rather than an old person car.

[car_boy_16]

The car dealership called and said they would fix the oil pan gasket and exhaust heat shield but not do a tune up and sell the car to me for $17300, is that reasonable?

the original price was $17480

I would stick to my guns and offer a solid $16,500 for it, without the work done. Then have the work done (oil pan gasket, head shield, and tune-up) by an independent mechanic.


On another note, you would think that if the car is at a dealership, assuming it's a higher profile dealership, that they would have given it a tune-up before they put it out on the lot....but based on the problems you've told us, it seems to me that the dealership a little on the smaller and "crappier" side, considering they're selling a car that leaks oil and needs a tune-up -- bad business ethics.

[xbox360]

I would stick to my guns and offer a solid $16,500 for it, without the work done. Then have the work done (oil pan gasket, head shield, and tune-up) by an independent mechanic.


On another note, you would think that if the car is at a dealership, assuming it's a higher profile dealership, that they would have given it a tune-up before they put it out on the lot....but based on the problems you've told us, it seems to me that the dealership a little on the smaller and "crappier" side, considering they're selling a car that leaks oil and needs a tune-up -- bad business ethics.

How much do you think the work would cost for all of this work? I want them to do the work in case it might cost more money that I thought.

And yeah this is a smallish used car place in buying the Acura from

[veXati0n]

No more than 1000 bucks PLUS you'll now know that it was done the RIGHT WAY and not just painted with spray paint to nig rig it.

[BeeEmmmDeebahya]

Heat sheild would be cake to do and you might not have to even change it. So would oil gasket. Drain oil, take off pan, put on new gasket = cake. Tune up you can probably do most of. Tell them to go lower.

[veXati0n]

Heat sheild would be cake to do and you might not have to even change it. So would oil gasket. Drain oil, take off pan, put on new gasket = cake. Tune up you can probably do most of. Tell them to go lower.

Exactly. :wave:

[break3r]

Why in the world would you buy such an old car with those miles for so much? There are way better cars out there for your bang and buck.

The smartest thing you could have done was to take the money you made the down payment with and purchased a reliable used vehicle. then, over the next three years, take that money/ month you are making car payments with and put it into a mutual fund. $250 over three years equals just under $10,000 with interest. That means that means in three years time you could buy a vehicle worth about $12000 for cash. Drive that same vehicle for three years while putting $300/month in the mutual fund and you'll have $12,000 cash + about $6000 from the sale of the vehicle you purchased 3 years earlier. So in the same amount of time as you are on the hook for in your loan now, you could be driving around in a $18,000 vehicle that you fully owned, and still have that "car note" money in your pocket to do as you please. If you kept replacing cars every three years, you'd OWN (not make payments on) a $40,000 within 12 years, while all your friends were making payments on their rides (hoping they didn't lose their jobs) Ask yourself which position you'd rather be in?

What I described is the route I took, an now I get to drive what ever I want. And it' all because I exercised a little patience in the beginning. It wasn't easy. As soon as I got out of college, ALL my friends were buying BMW's and Lexus's, and even though I had the best job, I still drove my old mustang for three years. My friends gave me a lot of crap, but three years later when I was purchasing my first BMW 3 series for cash ( and they had to return their BMW to the dealer and get a Hyundai because the lost their job during the internet flop) I was really glad that I showed the patience I did. You will ALWAYS be in a better position if you actually OWN, as opposed to "rent" anything. Save your money, instead of making interest payments to the bank. I know it sucks not to have "just what you want" right now, but if you show patience now, you get to have almost everything you want over the majority of the course of your life....

[veXati0n]

Why in the world would you buy such an old car with those miles for so much? There are way better cars out there for your bang and buck.

The smartest thing you could have done was to take the money you made the down payment with and purchased a reliable used vehicle. then, over the next three years, take that money/ month you are making car payments with and put it into a mutual fund. $250 over three years equals just under $10,000 with interest. That means that means in three years time you could buy a vehicle worth about $12000 for cash. Drive that same vehicle for three years while putting $300/month in the mutual fund and you'll have $12,000 cash + about $6000 from the sale of the vehicle you purchased 3 years earlier. So in the same amount of time as you are on the hook for in your loan now, you could be driving around in a $18,000 vehicle that you fully owned, and still have that "car note" money in your pocket to do as you please. If you kept replacing cars every three years, you'd OWN (not make payments on) a $40,000 within 12 years, while all your friends were making payments on their rides (hoping they didn't lose their jobs) Ask yourself which position you'd rather be in?

What I described is the route I took, an now I get to drive what ever I want. And it' all because I exercised a little patience in the beginning. It wasn't easy. As soon as I got out of college, ALL my friends were buying BMW's and Lexus's, and even though I had the best job, I still drove my old mustang for three years. My friends gave me a lot of crap, but three years later when I was purchasing my first BMW 3 series for cash ( and they had to return their BMW to the dealer and get a Hyundai because the lost their job during the internet flop) I was really glad that I showed the patience I did. You will ALWAYS be in a better position if you actually OWN, as opposed to "rent" anything. Save your money, instead of making interest payments to the bank. I know it sucks not to have "just what you want" right now, but if you show patience now, you get to have almost everything you want over the majority of the course of your life....


12 years is a bit more than patient. Have fun picking up chicks at age 37.:raiseeyeb

[clutch-monkey]

My friends gave me a lot of crap, but three years later when I was purchasing my first BMW 3 series for cash
i'd still be giving you crap :lol: a 3 series? lol

[Nocturnal]

i'd still be giving you crap :lol: a 3 series? lol

Cough cough.... and? :squint:

http://forum.ebaumsworld.com/showthread.php?t=206099

[clutch-monkey]

Cough cough.... and? :squint:

http://forum.ebaumsworld.com/showthread.php?t=206099

did you drive a POS for 12 years so you could save up and buy a 3 series? no, didn't think so :p

[Nocturnal]

did you drive a POS for 12 years so you could save up and buy a 3 series? no, didn't think so :p

:D

I'm not that patient, I think it's important to balance current expenditures versus the future. I'm 27 now, and honestly my net present day value of money is much higher now than when I'm 40. For one thing my income will be drastically higher by then, and there are many experiences that I can have now that will not be able to be replicated when I'm 40. (crazy vacations, meeting random women etc.)

[clutch-monkey]

i'm gonna be poor until i graduate :D however, at that point you may refer to me as Doctor clutch-monkey :lol:

[OE800]

honestly, i don't like them, they look the same as all the other new cars. and its made of injection molded rice.:dunce: