Topic: Out with the Audi, in with a 06 TSX automatic

[RayT]

So after careful considerations of all the compact sporty sedans, we chose a 2006 TSX automatic to replace our aging 97 Audi 1.8T.

This is my wife's daily driver so the car had to be practical, reliable, safe.

Our previous candidates that we ruled out were
- Legacy 2.5i special edition. a fine value but not too exciting to drive.
- Legacy 2.5 Limited. TSX was just a better value. Legacy has no HID, only 4 speed auto.
- Lexus IS250 AWD. Stunning package, but back seats too cramped, price getting up there/poor value when loaded up, no deals.
- base Infinity G35x AWD. A bit too much engine for my wife daily driver, feels a bit big and heavy.
- Acura TL. (ruled out early. Feels a bit big and heavy, FWD not a good match with big V6, handling not that great)

That was our short list.

FWD is not a liability for this car because my wife is more used to FWD than any other drivetrain. Coupled with VSA, and snow tires in the future, this should be an easy car to drive in the winter.

We just liked the combination of features.
- HID's (must have)
- Handsfree bluetooth voice command phone (nice)
- two positon memory seat
- auxiliary line-in audio jack in armrest for iPod (must have since this will be our main touring car)
- fully loaded otherwise...leather, moonroof, power seats in front, 6 disc, etc. No nickel and diming option list.

The refinement and smoothness of the car coupled with good comfort make this a great car for the highway and car trips. It's been on the market for years so most of the kinks have been worked out.

We decided on black because it's the ONLY colour that is available with tan leather interior. My wife hates black leather. Pooey on you Acura Canada for giving us such crappy limited colour choices (US buyers not only pay much less for the same car, but they can get tan leather with many of the other more interesting exterior colours) 

[mdxtasy]

Nice car RayT.....the TSX is a fine daily driver. 

[Bullet Blue]

Congrats, the TSX looks quite sleek in black. Your wife will enjoy it.

[RayT]

My wife does indeed like driving it. Quote "It drives like a dream"

Her only nitpicks:
- Passenger window has no auto up/down.
- She misses the RDS function of the Audi radio (shows current song title on some stations). She wonders why Acura doesn't supply it.
- The beep you hear when you lock the car is weak, sometimes it's hard to know if you locked it.

Some minor things that I found
- an LED light lights up the center console and shifter area from above at night. Nice touch.
- a lot of things are programmable for each driver. For example, for my remote, it unlocks all the doors with one press, two presses for the wife.
- HID lights rules. My next car must have it.
- trip info/display turns off. It should remember the display setting when you turn the car on again
- gas pedal is hinged at the floor. In the winter, it will be hard to buy a mat that covers the entire floor and keeps the slush/salt from leaking into the carpet.
- sometimes the doors for the console compartments in the console makes a creaking noise over bumps
- LED gauges should have two user adjustable settings, one for night use and one from daytime.

Now I remember why I hate black exteriors....the car shows scratches/swirls/dust like crazy.

I do like this car a lot even compared to the fancier/sportier more powerful competition. There are elements that remind me our of previous 94 Accord, but this car feels solid, and is a good blend of everyday practicality, fun to drive factor, refinement, and hopefully, it will be a better ownership experience than the Audi (less unscheduled maintainence items). Our recent day trip showed mileage of approx 7.1L/100km with cruising speed of 120km/h, so gas mileage is quite a bit more decent than my WRX. The engine is definitely no torque monster, but the power delivery is smooth, and the chassis feels stiff and the cornering is quite neutral feeling for a FWD.

[ovr50]

Very nice, RayT, you (collectively) made a superior choice, I believe. Looks very sharp, and I have always admired the fit and finish on the TSX (all Acuras for that matter). Black is a pain, no doubt, but it looks so good.

Thanks for the pictures, and Congrats. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Very slick car! The entire package is 'just right' and that interior is envyable. A co-worker has a red TSX with the two-tone interior and it looks very rich.

[G0dspd]

Great looking car!   A few questions if I may ...   Why were you looking for AWD in all the vehicles except Acuras?  RWD G35/IS250 no good?  You left the Audi club  ... impossible!    I guess the new A4 is not your cup of tea.

Looks great in black

[wing]

Nice, the perfect daily driver IMO.

[RayT]

Great looking car!   A few questions if I may ...   Why were you looking for AWD in all the vehicles except Acuras?  RWD G35/IS250 no good?  You left the Audi club  ... impossible!    I guess the new A4 is not your cup of tea.

Looks great in black

I'm a big fan of AWD in the winter so I only wanted the AWD versions of those cars. I drive my WRX in the winter (loving every second of it)....it's the only way I can stomach driving in Ottawa winters.

RWD still has a slight traction disadvantage (all else being equal) than the other drivetrains even with stability/traction control, and since my wife isn't used to driving RWD, I ruled it out. Even with stability control, power-applied oversteer is still a main characteristic of RWD.

I personally wouldn't have a problem with a RWD, but since the car isn't for me, AWD and FWD were better choices for my wife for winter driving

As far as Audis are concerned, let's just say I spent my A4 spent a bit too much time at the mechanics replacing expensive parts for my liking. I always say the best way to buy an Audi is to lease for 4 years (and having all maintenance paid for), and then walk away.

[Brigitte]

Black and tan is a beautiful combination in my opinion, Ray.  What a wonderful choice of vehicle, too. That car always catches my eye when I see it.   

Just curious:  why were you so hung up on HIDs?

[lucid0703]

This is a cool black sleek TSX..Congrats!!

[wing]

Odd, Acura / Honda constantly make weird colour decisions.  Before black only came with black did it not?  And red came with tan.... I like the red tan combo personally.

[RayT]

Just curious:  why were you so hung up on HIDs?

After experiencing the superiority of HIDs, I was adamant that our next car would have them

[Snowman]

Nice TSX RayT and a great choice. One question though, why was the LGT not a consideration?

[RayT]

Nice TSX RayT and a great choice. One question though, why was the LGT not a consideration?

Good question. I think it was a tradeoff, we wanted more in the way of creature comforts than outright performance.
The LGT Limited Auto, was too expensive for me, I think the G35x is a better value. And my wife did not want a base LGT because it is kind of spartan in options.
Lastly, we owned a Honda Accord from 1994-1999, and it was really good to us. We never put a cent into it besides the most basic maintenance items. It was rock solid. We are hoping to repeat that ownership experience.

The bottom line is: if it was my car, the LGT would be at the top of the list, but for the wife, the TSX is a better match for her driving style and her needs (more comfort items)

I also figure when my WRX is due for replacement, I have to leave options open to purchase the next gen WRX or any hot Legacys that are introduced in the next few years. Don't want to play the Subaru card too hard now. (does that make any sense?)

[Snowman]

Good question. I think it was a tradeoff, we wanted more in the way of creature comforts than outright performance.
The LGT Limited Auto, was too expensive for me, I think the G35x is a better value. And my wife did not want a base LGT because it is kind of spartan in options.
Lastly, we owned a Honda Accord from 1994-1999, and it was really good to us. We never put a cent into it besides the most basic maintenance items. It was rock solid. We are hoping to repeat that ownership experience.

The bottom line is: if it was my car, the LGT would be at the top of the list, but for the wife, the TSX is a better match for her driving style and her needs (more comfort items)

I also figure when my WRX is due for replacement, I have to leave options open to purchase the next gen WRX or any hot Legacys that are introduced in the next few years. Don't want to play the Subaru card too hard now. (does that make any sense?)

“Don't want to play the Subaru card too hard now. (does that make any sense?)”

Yes, I always feel that my ’06 WRX Wagon is a year too soon. No matter, I have a green light from wiffy to pursue a summer convertible. My sig may look very similar to yours.

[Oz]

I considered the TSX when I got my car but opted out because of the deal and difference I got from Mazda. It's a great car, congratulatons. I absolutely love the tan interior.

Question, the HIDs arent DRLS?

[RayT]

Question, the HIDs arent DRLS?

No, the DRL's are the regular H1 projector style high beams on low power. The HID projectors are outermost lights in the lamp assembly.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

No, the DRL's are the regular H1 projector style high beams on low power. The HID projectors are outermost lights in the lamp assembly.

That's the way it should be if you ask me. Then you split bulb operating time in half between the two day and night; theoretically, they should last longer. Plus, piercing HID/bi-xenons aren't necessary during daylight and their bulb replacement is much higher.

[JSCC]

SAM, I think the GTI runs the Xenons for both day and night.