I've recently had a complete desktop failure and though I do backup my data it's been a tough slog locating everything. On top of that I'm still acquiring components to complete a new build so I've only had my phone for several months but that's another story. Recently I caved and picked up a new laptop that will serve me until the desktop is complete but that too is taking up much of my time since I reformatted the drive and did some upgrades and it just goes on and on...
So... all this brings me to today's post. After locating all my old data and pics I realized it will be approaching not only the 25th anniversary of our beloved 93SE in September but also the 15th anniversary of my TSX in July.
After completing my install for a new replacement iPod and Bluetooth interface so I decided it would be a good time to detail it and that in turn called for some new pics which I just shot early this morning. But before that I thought I'd post short timeline and a little info I saved leading up to and including it's purchase...
2004 Acura TSX
Premium White Pearl
6-Spd Manual / Navigation
April 05, 2003: 1st Test Drive (Bell Acura)
April 10, 2003: 2nd Test Drive (Acura North Scottsdale)
April 30, 2003: Contact (Acura North Scottsdale) ready to place order
May 01, 2003: 3rd Test Drive & Negotiation (Acura North Scottsdale)
May 07, 2003: $500 Deposit Submitted (Acura North Scottsdale)
July 17, 2003: Purchased & Delivered (Acura North Scottsdale)
Serial Number: VIN - JH4CL95974C00****
Date of Manufacture: 06/03
ACURA NORTH SCOTTSDALE
Salesman - Glen Davis
7007 E Chauncey Lane
Phoenix, AZ, 85054
480-538-4600
List Price = $28,990.00
Discount = - $1,201.00
Purchase Price = $27,789.00
Sales Tax (8.1%) = $2,250.91
Title & License = $550.38
Document Fee = $249.00
Total = $30,829.39
List Invoice Edmunds True Market Value
National Base Price: $28,490 $25,967 $28,490
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 85048 -- -- -$107
Color Adjustment
Premium White Pearl -- -- -$20
Destination Charge: $500 $500 $500
Total: $28,990 $26,467 $28,863
Accessories & Mods:
17" Acura Silver Star Wheels - Chrome Plated
OEM Rear Wing Spoiler
OEM Ground Effects
OEM Fog Lamps - Bezels Color Keyed
V1 & Remote Install
KPtechnologies - One Touch Sunroof Module
KPtechnologies - Window Roll-Up Module
VLEDS - Exterior LED Bulb Replacement
Stainless Steel Driving Foot Pedals
USASpec - iPod & Bluetooth Interfaces
Edmund's Editors' Review
Summary:
What Edmunds.com Says
Able to effectively split the line between sport and luxury sedan, the new TSX delivers on both promises with few compromise.
Pros
Conservative good looks, value-minded luxury, super smooth, 200-hp motor.
Cons
Somewhat bland styling.
What's New for 2004
The TSX is an all-new car although it is based on an existing European Honda.
Overview
Introduction:
Hoping to fill the gap between the RSX Coupe and the slightly more upscale TL, the TSX is an entry-level luxury sport sedan that will likely be most buyers' first Acura. Brands like Lexus and Infiniti have been a bit more adept at splitting the line between sport and luxury while Acura has never really got the sport part right (excluding the NSX).
The TSX certainly has a great start on its way to a true sport sedan as it is based on the European Honda Accord, a car that is much different in form and function than the American Honda Accord. That Honda recognizes the vast differences between the American and European market is just one indication the TSX is on the right track.
Of course a powerful engine is key to a successful luxury sport sedan (just ask Nissan), but the fact that the TSX gets its power from a four-cylinder might seem odd for a luxury branded car. A 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC motor that makes its maximum power at 6,800 rpm doesn't seem like a power plant befitting a luxury car. Honda's 240-hp V6 would seem the perfect solution, but then again, we're not Acura engineers. On the other hand, the TSX's horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers are right in line with such cars as the Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 325i and Mercedes-Benz C240
Acura states that the TSX cockpit is "driver-oriented" and as such, the controls are set up to give the driver a "functional and natural feeling." Seats are sporty in nature and many instruments and gauges are large and easy to read so the driver can focus on driving. Designed to further enhance connectedness to the road, the drive-by-wire throttle pedal is bottom hinged which Acura says allows for "finer control."
The TSX faces stiff competition from Euro sedans with a proven history and impressive pedigrees. Knowing Acura, the TSX will certainly offer simple and smooth precision along with just enough sport thrown in to make the car interesting. If a fully loaded Honda is not enough for you, the TSX is eagerly awaiting your first venture into a luxury sport sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The TSX is available in only one trim. An Acura Navigation System with voice-activated software is the only option.
Powertrains and Performance:
All TSXs come with a 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder making 200 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with Sportshift feature. Also standard are four-wheel discs with ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist and 17-inch wheels and tires.
Safety:
In keeping with its luxury intentions, the TSX comes standard with such safety features as four-wheel ABS, stability control, xenon headlights, turn signal mirrors and front and rear head airbags. Remote anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer is also part of the standard features list.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the TSX offers an Acura premium sound system with 360 watts and a six-disc CD changer, plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The driver-oriented cockpit has large, easy-to-read gauges and controls, a bottom hinged accelerator pedal and performance-engineered front bucket seats.
Driving Impressions:
The TSX's 2.4-liter four delivers all the sophistication you'd expect from an Acura. While a four-cylinder is usually not a luxury car power plant, Honda and Acura are able to build such refined fours that some owners may give up on V6s altogether.
The six-speed manual transmission is well suited to the 200-hp four and shifts are precise and the gates easy to find. If you're gonna have calipers as your logo, you'd better build precision cars, and the TSX hits its mark completely.
Handling is equally impressive, if not more so. The TSX rides on a separate platform than the smaller RSX and benefits from a double wishbone suspension up front with a multilink setup in back. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires and a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, the TSX slices through turns with barely a hint of body roll and the VSA does its work without being intrusive. The steering provides quick, precise action necessary and torque steer in this front-wheel-drive sport sedan is almost nonexistent. During more subdued driving, the TSX never forgets its luxury branding and delivers a solid compliant ride without resorting to a soft feel.
Anyway here it is almost 15 years later and while there were some early teething pains due to it being a new model it's been very reliable once all the recalls and issues were resolved. Overall I don't regret the purchase and fully enjoy driving it...
So... all this brings me to today's post. After locating all my old data and pics I realized it will be approaching not only the 25th anniversary of our beloved 93SE in September but also the 15th anniversary of my TSX in July.
After completing my install for a new replacement iPod and Bluetooth interface so I decided it would be a good time to detail it and that in turn called for some new pics which I just shot early this morning. But before that I thought I'd post short timeline and a little info I saved leading up to and including it's purchase...
2004 Acura TSX
Premium White Pearl
6-Spd Manual / Navigation
April 05, 2003: 1st Test Drive (Bell Acura)
April 10, 2003: 2nd Test Drive (Acura North Scottsdale)
April 30, 2003: Contact (Acura North Scottsdale) ready to place order
May 01, 2003: 3rd Test Drive & Negotiation (Acura North Scottsdale)
May 07, 2003: $500 Deposit Submitted (Acura North Scottsdale)
July 17, 2003: Purchased & Delivered (Acura North Scottsdale)
Serial Number: VIN - JH4CL95974C00****
Date of Manufacture: 06/03
ACURA NORTH SCOTTSDALE
Salesman - Glen Davis
7007 E Chauncey Lane
Phoenix, AZ, 85054
480-538-4600
List Price = $28,990.00
Discount = - $1,201.00
Purchase Price = $27,789.00
Sales Tax (8.1%) = $2,250.91
Title & License = $550.38
Document Fee = $249.00
Total = $30,829.39
List Invoice Edmunds True Market Value
National Base Price: $28,490 $25,967 $28,490
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code 85048 -- -- -$107
Color Adjustment
Premium White Pearl -- -- -$20
Destination Charge: $500 $500 $500
Total: $28,990 $26,467 $28,863
Accessories & Mods:
17" Acura Silver Star Wheels - Chrome Plated
OEM Rear Wing Spoiler
OEM Ground Effects
OEM Fog Lamps - Bezels Color Keyed
V1 & Remote Install
KPtechnologies - One Touch Sunroof Module
KPtechnologies - Window Roll-Up Module
VLEDS - Exterior LED Bulb Replacement
Stainless Steel Driving Foot Pedals
USASpec - iPod & Bluetooth Interfaces
Edmund's Editors' Review
Summary:
What Edmunds.com Says
Able to effectively split the line between sport and luxury sedan, the new TSX delivers on both promises with few compromise.
Pros
Conservative good looks, value-minded luxury, super smooth, 200-hp motor.
Cons
Somewhat bland styling.
What's New for 2004
The TSX is an all-new car although it is based on an existing European Honda.
Overview
Introduction:
Hoping to fill the gap between the RSX Coupe and the slightly more upscale TL, the TSX is an entry-level luxury sport sedan that will likely be most buyers' first Acura. Brands like Lexus and Infiniti have been a bit more adept at splitting the line between sport and luxury while Acura has never really got the sport part right (excluding the NSX).
The TSX certainly has a great start on its way to a true sport sedan as it is based on the European Honda Accord, a car that is much different in form and function than the American Honda Accord. That Honda recognizes the vast differences between the American and European market is just one indication the TSX is on the right track.
Of course a powerful engine is key to a successful luxury sport sedan (just ask Nissan), but the fact that the TSX gets its power from a four-cylinder might seem odd for a luxury branded car. A 2.4-liter, DOHC i-VTEC motor that makes its maximum power at 6,800 rpm doesn't seem like a power plant befitting a luxury car. Honda's 240-hp V6 would seem the perfect solution, but then again, we're not Acura engineers. On the other hand, the TSX's horsepower, torque and fuel economy numbers are right in line with such cars as the Audi A4 1.8T, BMW 325i and Mercedes-Benz C240
Acura states that the TSX cockpit is "driver-oriented" and as such, the controls are set up to give the driver a "functional and natural feeling." Seats are sporty in nature and many instruments and gauges are large and easy to read so the driver can focus on driving. Designed to further enhance connectedness to the road, the drive-by-wire throttle pedal is bottom hinged which Acura says allows for "finer control."
The TSX faces stiff competition from Euro sedans with a proven history and impressive pedigrees. Knowing Acura, the TSX will certainly offer simple and smooth precision along with just enough sport thrown in to make the car interesting. If a fully loaded Honda is not enough for you, the TSX is eagerly awaiting your first venture into a luxury sport sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The TSX is available in only one trim. An Acura Navigation System with voice-activated software is the only option.
Powertrains and Performance:
All TSXs come with a 2.4-liter, DOHC four-cylinder making 200 hp. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic with Sportshift feature. Also standard are four-wheel discs with ABS, Vehicle Stability Assist and 17-inch wheels and tires.
Safety:
In keeping with its luxury intentions, the TSX comes standard with such safety features as four-wheel ABS, stability control, xenon headlights, turn signal mirrors and front and rear head airbags. Remote anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer is also part of the standard features list.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the TSX offers an Acura premium sound system with 360 watts and a six-disc CD changer, plus steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The driver-oriented cockpit has large, easy-to-read gauges and controls, a bottom hinged accelerator pedal and performance-engineered front bucket seats.
Driving Impressions:
The TSX's 2.4-liter four delivers all the sophistication you'd expect from an Acura. While a four-cylinder is usually not a luxury car power plant, Honda and Acura are able to build such refined fours that some owners may give up on V6s altogether.
The six-speed manual transmission is well suited to the 200-hp four and shifts are precise and the gates easy to find. If you're gonna have calipers as your logo, you'd better build precision cars, and the TSX hits its mark completely.
Handling is equally impressive, if not more so. The TSX rides on a separate platform than the smaller RSX and benefits from a double wishbone suspension up front with a multilink setup in back. Equipped with 17-inch wheels and tires and a standard Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, the TSX slices through turns with barely a hint of body roll and the VSA does its work without being intrusive. The steering provides quick, precise action necessary and torque steer in this front-wheel-drive sport sedan is almost nonexistent. During more subdued driving, the TSX never forgets its luxury branding and delivers a solid compliant ride without resorting to a soft feel.
Anyway here it is almost 15 years later and while there were some early teething pains due to it being a new model it's been very reliable once all the recalls and issues were resolved. Overall I don't regret the purchase and fully enjoy driving it...
I do remember test driving both the auto and 6-spd back to back during early test drives. While the auto handled good the 6-spd just felt much better balanced and livelier. While I'd driven manuals most of my life ironically I never owned one before. I do feel this may have been Acura's last best mainstream models especially since the ILX has been riddled with issues. Strange how early Integras were based on Civics and were outstanding. But somehow with the ILX they got it all wrong...
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