2009 Acura TSX - Opinions and Dealer Cost Requested

[hightech]

I just took a test drive in a 2009 Acura TSX and found it to be a pretty decent car for the money.

Does anyone have the dealer cost for this car, as well as could you also share some opinions about the vehicle? One concern I have is that Acura is ranked pretty low on the reliability list according to JD Power:
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj218/hightechto/jdpower2008.jpg

I just want to make sure I am not getting a crappy car for $40K.

All suggestions (and dealer costs) are appreciated.

[frogger]

I thought you weren't going to car shop until the spring because of the state of the economy?

I thought your concern of the Corolla XRS that 17" tires wear out too fast and are expensive to replace, isn't 17" standard on the TSX (it definitely was on the previous gen)? Also the TSX takes premium fuel though driven conservatively can get good fuel economy.

The TSX = Made in Japan, whereas the TL, MDX are not

I prefer the old version though. The new one seems to be more about comfort and size.

[hightech]

I thought you weren't going to car shop until the spring because of the state of the economy?

I thought your concern of the Corolla XRS that 17" tires wear out too fast and are expensive to replace, isn't 17" standard on the TSX (it definitely was on the previous gen)? Also the TSX takes premium fuel though driven conservatively can get good fuel economy.

The TSX = Made in Japan, whereas the TL, MDX are not

I prefer the old version though. The new one seems to be more about comfort and size.

I guess that is what happens when you find a car you like, and you just want to get it. In proper RFD style, I want the cost so I can get the best price. I like the larger size of the TSX and it feels really comfortable when I drive it.

After some digging, I found out that 17" tires are pretty popular size for mid size cars and help with handling. I agree it is expensive, but what are you to do? The 2009 TSX takes a 225/50R17 tire size.

After driving a bunch of Corolla's, I can safely say that the quality of Toyota is crap compared to a Civic and even a Hyundai Elantra I drove today. It blew away the Corolla in handling, steering feel, quality of materials.

[noel08]

a) Don't expect miracles on rebates for 2009 TSXs : they're just out (I'm not even sure there's anything decent you can do with the invoice price)

b) Assembled in Japan = extra tax (6.1 % if I'm not mistaken)

c) Don't compare the TSX and the Corolla, for the simple reason that it just isn't done, in good society:D

[hOrnizuka]

If i remember correctly the invoice price is MSRP minus $3000.

[ricky13579]

i can't believe audi, Mercedes and Ford are better than industry average.

[Andro]

The key here is "Initial" quality studies...

[Engi-Nir]

The key here is "Initial" quality studies...

Which is representative of problems after 3yrs.

[Piro21]

JD Power and Associates initial quality studies are based on consumer's perceptions of a car, not necessarily any mechanical problems. If a guy buys a $40,000 Acura and expects a Rolls Royce because he's never bought anything that expensive before, he's going to report that things aren't what he expected them to be and it'll show up as a 'problem' on their surveys. This is why you have some really inconsistent readings like Lexus (Toyota) and Toyota taking 3rd and 5th, while Scion (also Toyota) is in 27th place.

Honda is in 7th place while Acura (also Honda) is in 17th place. It makes no sense, especially seeing as the TSX is just a European Accord given the luxury treatment and built to a higher spec than a regular Accord. Built on the same platform, with the same engine, in the same plant as the other Hondas.

[theabstract]

hey. i was considering a tsx as well, however, the base price relative to its peers (IS250) and in the US is too expensive. i know car mfg's have been lowering prices, and i think the tsx is priced maybe 1-2k too high (for the cdn mkt). i heard a rumour a few months ago that acura was considering increasing incentives on the tsx in early 09. (dont know what its worth, but seems reasonable)


i am now considering a saab 9-3. i know there is a world of difference between the cars, but saab's depreciate signficantly, and if i can find a used/demo 2008 model, maybe i can get a good price, as well as front wheel drive turbo, and 200 horsepower..

[hightech]

hey. i was considering a tsx as well, however, the base price relative to its peers (IS250) and in the US is too expensive. i know car mfg's have been lowering prices, and i think the tsx is priced maybe 1-2k too high (for the cdn mkt). i heard a rumour a few months ago that acura was considering increasing incentives on the tsx in early 09. (dont know what its worth, but seems reasonable)


i am now considering a saab 9-3. i know there is a world of difference between the cars, but saab's depreciate signficantly, and if i can find a used/demo 2008 model, maybe i can get a good price, as well as front wheel drive turbo, and 200 horsepower..

To compare the price of the IS vs. the TSX, you need to add the same options. Also keep in mind that the base IS is rear wheel drive and can be challenging to steer in winter. The AWD IS 250 is a better bet for Canadian winters. When you factor in an IS250 AWD with same options as a TSX, the TSX is actually 5K cheaper, and has better reliability. The TSX also has more rear seat room, and better crash safety.

The Saab is not a very popular car, and I have read rumours that GM might sell that division or just close it altogether (making resale value even worse!)

I am not trying to push any car (heck I been looking at a Corolla to the TSX in my recent posts). I just try to find the best bang for the buck, and what I really want to drive for a few years.

[frogger]

Its a first year car. Its best practice to avoid those, even Hondas/Acuras.
I own the first gen vehicle, and I know in the forums there were more issues with the first model year of its generation.

[theabstract]

i think the is250 is better equipped than a tsx. the is250 has a 6 cyl engine, vs a 4 for the tsx. is is250 is also also specifically designed to be a sports sedan, whereas the tsx was designed primarily as a economy sedan, and fitted with options to be a luxary sedan.

pop the hood on an 09 tsx, and you will see its supported by prop rods, and not hydraulics. i havent done the reasearch to see where else acura cut corners on design. economy cars usually use lighter guage/lower strength steel. i dont know if this is the case for the tsx

the tsx is a great car, no doubt, but compared to the competition, i think its priced too high. my understanding is that it is not selling well anyway. anyhow.. these points are just food for thought. i am still doing my research.

as for the saab, it will not be disasterous if Saab gets sold, because there is the potential that it will be bought by a better brand., however if it is phased out.. then that could be a problem.. its unlikely that saab will be phased out before 2010 as it has alot of new products in the pipeline.. i still think its worthwhile to consider the new 9-3 though, if a used/demo, can be purchased in the higher 20's....