Acura TSX | The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly… 

The first gen is more than capable of being a great handling car. I put coilovers on, out a thick rear sway bar in, and put some indy500s on. I can now outcornerna brand new gr86 on an offramp. Super under rated.

The CL9 did get a facelift. The 04-05 is different from the 06-08 bumpers and it got led mirrors.

The styling and sound system are insane. The 4 cylinder is good, but Australia sadly never had a V6 option so it’s always been underpowered.

own a 2006 acura tsx with a 389000 kms ( mileage) and still running great. transmission, engine and suspension are still working pretty good

06 TSX w/ 236k miles - Modulo JDM front end , w/ Serge Tune , coils , wheels , thicker sway bars all around , custom radio touch screen , sound system , oem wood grain interior going on almost 9 years. Used to be on air suspension too :) great car and the community is super helpful

Thanks for mentioning TSX Sport wagon, great looks and fits my entire mountain bike with no removal of front wheel. 220K strong and I buy oil by the gallon. Beefed up suspension, grippy tires, 18" custom RonJon wheels along w 3rd party stereo/sub make for a fun drive.

2006 TSX with manual owner, 120k miles, 2nd owner. Very good car and very reliable. Definitely underrated.

I had a 07 TSX for over 2 years (sold it about 3 months ago) it was reliable asffff. I bought it with 166,xxx miles and I drove it up to 196,xxx miles. Only big issue I had with the car is that it was automatic and I wanted a stick shift. Even though it had lots of miles, only money I spent on it (other than mods) was maintenance such as oil change, gas, etc. That’s the best first car anybody can get if they looking for a cheap, fun, and reliable car. Anyways, @Mark Roden the 06-08 makes 205 hp. And I don’t think the v6 made that much hp. I think they only made 201 if I’m not mistaking

Mark im a big fan, love what you do for the car community and the price points you target. My only point of advice is that the new mic you got is a Lavalier mic and can be clipped to your shirt, you don't have to hold it ifo your face. I thought this would help with future videos, keep up the good work sir.

I have an ‘06 TSX…original owner right here 🥳…thanks for this really…you just got a 👍+1…keep it going & thanks for the opportunity…love to see a Lamborghini 🤯 #strongertogether💯

Thanks for this vid bro,been lookin at these

Got my TSX for a steal with only 60k on the dash single owner, amazing car. Just hit 108k and have ran into minor fixes such as Neutral Switch, starter and coil packs simply due to the age of the car. Highly recommend a TSX for your first car or first project car you want to add a little HP to.

Keeping me entertained at work😂

They are great, bought mine for a steal at $3k in 2018 at ~98k miles, 06, automatic. Now it's at ~160k , the common issues did show up: power steering leak, AC compressor failed. And nothing else other than the usual maintenance. I'll probably keep it for a long while.

A video on the infiniti q50 would be really cool because some of them can actually be found for pretty reasonable prices

Got me a silver '06 handed down to me as my first car - this sexy sedan turned me into a car enthusiast but also got me diving head deep underneath the car fixing that pos i love, couldn't be more happy with what I have atm.

amazing video bro! Subscribed🫡

Will say if you need a reliable car, this is one. My sister had a 04. She got in august of last year and my sister not knowing anything about cars ran it for around while with dirty/low oil and it hasn’t had any problems. I did a oil change on it a 3 months ago, I didn’t notice any metal shavings in the oil, the oil was pretty dirty but the engine itself was in perfect condition, no knocking sounds or anything weird

Keep up the good work bro👍🏾🤜🏾🤛🏾🔰🏎️👏🏾

Another Acura, the TL, is under appreciated. I have a 2009 model that has been passed down to me from my brother. 13 years old, and I only just had to replace the brakes.

Lotta Hondas lately. That makes me happy

1st gen tsx is like a civic in the sense that there both dark horse sleepers in the streets. B and K series are monsters.

I have a 05 Acura tsx as my first car, and its an amazing car. I really love the look and feel of it, and ngl its been holding up pretty well these past 4 years. Since I finally got a new job im gonna turn it into a project car while i save up for a new one.

you have no idea how reliable these Acura tsx are, my Jdm rhd Honda Accord CL7 came with electric power steering never had issues with it thank god my 5 speed automatic transmission 1 month ago the Transmission D light came on started to run strange i changed the 2x transmission pressure sensor and problem solved! 200’000km still running strong

The Skyrim sounds track gets me

I have a 07 with 170k miles, only big problem I've ever faced is that it leaks power steering fluid. It's such a fun car to drive

Sold my 2006 in March and had a few of these issues. Definitely bad was the leather and the parts to upgrade the stereo were super expensive

I have 06 tsx auto with 200k miles on it still running strong , no check engine light. Only fix minor oil leaks.

recently getting into cars love the content! also the Skyrim OST in the background goes hard

Hey i was wondering if you could cover the 1g eclipse for the next video? I know you already did the 2g but i feel like the 1g’s need more love they are really good cars that can be daily’s and can be monsters if done right. Anyways keep up love the new content!

1. these do have memory power seats in the 07-08 2. they really don't have bad trans problems, that's hondas before 04 with a v6 3. you can absolutely bring it to a honda dealer 4. plenty of time attack/lap time oriented TSX, the suspension geometry on these cars with the double wishbone is great. you'll see that much more often than straight line power. nobody wants to drag race these cars. 5. they only burn oil bad if you bang vtec everywhere 6. TSX community is pretty huge honestly, I guess it depends where you live though. On the east coast you see them everywhere 7. not all k24s are the same, the one in the CU2 (second gen) is not as good as the one in the CL9 (first gen) 8. the second gen is actually offered in AWD V6 model they're just less common 9. the power steering issue is likely the most common failure on these cars and I'd say that's incredibly minor compared to what you deal with as the "common issues" on almost every other car out. the PS pump blows, it leaks, and then ruins the alternator, and from driving on a blown PS pump you'll usually fuck up the rack. just check your engine bay once in a while. new PS pump is $100 at autozone with lifetime warranty and it's a 30 min job that you definitely do not need to be a mechanic to pull off. it's like 3 bolts. overall, they do have their minor issues as I said, but if you ask your buddies what the common issue is on THEIR vehicle you'd likely be grateful to own one of these lol.

I owned a 08 Acura TSX, luckily here in SoCal there are tons of Acura dealers so that’s not an issue but most mechanic shops will service a TSX since the engine bay is straight out of a Honda Accord of those years……anyways the leather sucks ass in the TSX, the leather literally becomes DRY A’F and basically crack like no Tommorrow, other then that…the interior held up well and was good quality and solid feeling…..On par for entry level luxury cars of that time…..I did do maintenance on the car though, New alternator, New spark plugs/ignition coils, transmission seal leak, and VTEC solenoid replacement where what I did during the time I owned the car which was only a year……while is a reliable car and won’t leave you stranded far from home…..it does need a good amount of maintenance if your looking at a example with 100k+ miles , not a cheap car to maintain but won’t break the bank either

So glad i found this series! Maybe a 9th gen accord good bad and ugly???

In my experience they're great However, manual TSXes have faulty clutch pedal assemblies. Luckily M&M makes a reinforced version or you can weld up an OEM replacement. Also theyre prone to vibrating axles. But other than that, I'd say reliable and easy to diagnose issues with. Ive had an 03 CL7 for 4 years and no regrets. 🙏

How are some counter-points. I have had a first generation TSX since 2004. > "Burns oil" at 7:08 Not my 2008 model. I add 6 ounces of top-end oil to each tank of gas and the oil level rises between oil changes. So, after about 5,000 miles, the oil level is above the full mark. After making this discovery, I leave the oil level about 1/2 quart low when changing the oil. Otherwise, the oil will be above the full mark before the oil needs to be changed. I was particular when I broke in the engine (first 3,000 miles). And, apparently I got an excellent seal with the piston rings. I have also not experienced any failure of the TPMS. I change the transmitters whenever I change the tires. I consider the TPMS to be very important. It is not easy to tell from 'feel' when a tire is low on pressure. At two occasions, the TPMS notified me of a tire puncture before it was too late to drive the car to a tire store. Not fast? The car will easily cruise at 90 MPH -- and the top speed is around 130 MPH. That is fast enough for me. And, it is quite at high speeds; very little wind noise and road noise. The engine is low on torque so you have to keep the REV's high for acceleration. My first brake job (new pads) was at about 60,000 miles. The 2008 model has side mirrors that will fold in and powered seats for both driver and passenger (with 'memory' for the driver seat). The TSX is a fun car to drive, both the steering and the brakes provide good feedback, has high reliability, and represents an excellent value if in good condition. It has a running cost of about $500 per year (in 2022).

You made a comment that the side mirrors don't fold and that there's no memory seats, but in fact it has folding side mirrors. They're even heated as well for the winter months and memory seats and they too also are heated seats. I just wanted to point that out for someone that's in the market for one and these things matter for them.

my tsx (2012) has memory seat and navigation etc such a nice car but going to give it to my lil bro

I'm living in Germany now. I have a 2010 honda accord executive loaded. All leather, heated seats, folding mirrors, sunroof, setting on koni shocks and eibach springs. Modulo spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper. Rally red head Turner. Daily autobahn driven 145 miles per hour is pretty fast. Takes a minute though. Trying to get Honda love here in Germany. Its hard though.

Funny for an Honda Accord! This Acura TSX is the Honda Accord for Europe for exemple so the Acura luxury pricing vs an accord was unwarranted but in America why not? It worked

At nearly 200,000 miles, our second generation at TSX didn't have oil-burning problems. Now our 2012 MDX, well that's a different story.

Did u mean the CU2 was 2009 not 08. There was updates from 04-05 to 06-08, like bumpers, headlights, cluster and engine performance etc. There's a memory seats on the TSX. I have a 2008 Acura TSX, parts that's been replace are rack n pinion, power steering pump, starter, alternator, battery, coil packs, rear hub bearings etc... It's an old car so parts do need to be replace just like any other car. I had mines for 6 years and it's been a reliable daily driver as long as you take good care off it.

Got my car on the thumbnail 💪🏾💯

Idk about the first gen but my second gen 2011 does have memory seating. It also has heated mirrors, dimming rear view mirrors, and projector headlights on the BASE model

217k miles and still running strong with no oil burning.

1st gen did get a little facelift. 2006 had different bumper. And wheels I believe. Nothing to big. But there is a difference between them.

how did you fix the power steering problem? I have the same problem on my car

Yeah ima get my hands one of these !!!

Remember that the 7th gen (2005 - 2007) did have a wagon but we didn't get it in the states unfortunately.

Can someone tell me where I can get the 2 front lights of the last silver acura that he showed here I would like to put it on my 2007 acura tsx

The second generation did not have the K24A2, it had the K24Z3. One had independent exhaust manifolds, the latter did not. Also in Japanese markets it was sometimes referred to as the Accord Euro Type-S? and went by a different chassis code depending on which engine option you had. Overall if you had a second generation V6, you had a CU4 TSX, but if you had a K24Z3 USDM TSX it was a CU2. There was also the CU1 which had the N22A1 diesel engine for europe, as well as the CU3 which had the 2.0L for the JDM market. Basically the only reason people do the show car route is because a K24Z3 from a CU2 needs a teardown and for its ringlands or pistons outright to be replaced to accommodate a lower compression ratio (turbo) or different head on the engine (K24A1/A2 head will actually work on this) to be safe to modify. The existing K24Z3 is good in its current configuration, as the CR is nearly 11:1!

I have a tax wagon and it is a great car no major issues just regular oil changes

This makes me want to get an 08 tsx fr 🙏🏽‼️🔥🔥🔥

would love to see an S2K episode or maybe an NSX episode

Parents bought me a 06 tsx I havent gotten it yet its getting a smog today then it should be all good. Just looking at videos to learn more about the car and it looks amazing. Not sure if its automatic or manual but whichever one would be great. The community also seems amazing im excited to work on this car.

in love with this car..wanted to buy one, but because i'm broke i could not afford it got my MG ZS instead^^

I own a 2008 Acura TSX as well, I was lucky to find one in really really perfect condition with navigation. Exterior White pearl, no dent, no swirls, and no tiny scrathes at all. Only 81,466 miles. The interior is in nice condition and leather seats is beautiful no tears, no stains or nothing. The first owner had detailed it from in and out with chemical guys. Even the Engine bay is detailed already very shinney!! The first owner must of took good care of it and maintained it really well. The problem is the price was way way too high. The owner is asking for $12,580 but I'm happy, i got it right away before someone else want it with a lower price. It just look so nice with this white color in really nice perfect condition. Well the Price doesn't really matter to me anymore but the way the car was maintained to perfection, it was worth every penny. It's really really RARE and HARD to find one in this type of color condition and the low milage it has suprisingly. Took me about 6 years waited and waited to search around for this type condition and i finally bought it perfect condition" 2008 Acura TSX White premium pearl with navigation at 81,466 miles. These TSX our gone quick the next thing you know it. Especially the milage, color and navigation condition. I have already ordered the Euro R front lip bumper white and the rear Euro r bumper white. This car is gonna come out looking vey nice and aggressive once those are installed. So Happy!! $12,580 is worth it and 2008 was the last year model the first generation ended. 08 is the best!!!

Can you do one on the 90s Honda Accords or 90s Integras? I drive a 92 Accord currently and am thinking about a 95 Acura atm

thank you mark!

My 2012 has been an amazing car. I just put 18 inch Niche wheels on it and it’s changed the car for the better yet again

Idk how I came across this video but I have a 2010 Acura tax with the 3.5 v6. Lol. Had the. We for 9 years now. 160k miles now. Only intake and lowered. Lol.

not a jdm car but id love to see a good bad and ugly on the chevy caprice, particularly the 90s bubblebody

I am right about to get me an Arctic Blue 2008 TSX. I’m pumped. I love the looks of it. I think it has aged pretty well. And the fact that it has a K24 is really a great motivator for me to get one lol. Also, at 1:02 you were incorrect in saying the 1st gens didn’t go through any facelifts. The 1st gen received a facelift in 2006 with a revised front end and minor interior tweaks

do i have to worry about the no power steering wheel because im afraid imma crash....

I’ve got a 2008 Acura TSX Manual and it has memory seats.

I got a 2008 metallic grey automatic. Fun car

I've got a 2013 I4 sitting at 58k miles, figure I've got some time with this car any recommendations on mods?

At 2:17 when you said the second gen TSX/accord euro had a wagon version. The first gen also had one that was Japan only but you can also find them in New Zealand as well under the chassis code “CM2”. Unsure if you can find them anywhere else

2006 tsx 280,00 i burn oil like crazy but only have front end issues. gonna replace the sterring rack and shock struts. Hope to get a lot more life out of her

I have a 2005 Acura TSX automatic but it only has 80,000 miles on it so I haven't had any significant problems. Currently I got a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and a tune along with some lowering springs and I love driving the thing. I hope the transmission will stay reliable though since I have mods. Could get a transmission cooler to increase longevity.

Appreciate the vid bro , Im not too familiar with ehat you got on your channel , but I would like to know more about infinitys or porches (they are starting to ve more affordable)

The 04-05 TSX hp numbers were revised and it only made around 192-195 hp instead of the advertised 200 hp. The 06-08 TSX updated the 2.4L and it made the full 205 hp. The +09 2.4L was updated for more low in TQ and hp went down to 201 hp. The 04-06 didn't have TPMS, I used full syn oil after the first oil change and didn't use any oil even with +175,000 miles, I changed my 5AT fluid every 30,000 miles. It was an outstanding vehicle compared to other vehicles from the same era. Much better choices I would pick from because of the age of the TSX, expensive tech to fix like navi and ELS system, and age related issues like P/S pump/rack leaks, A/C compressor, alternator, etc...

I’ve had an 06 RSX Type-S, 08 TL Type-S, and a 2014 TL 3.7. I miss all three of them I haven’t had a TSX and idk if I’d buy one but I do like them rn I’m on the search for an EG hatch roller because I have a K24a with the swap kit and the trans but I don’t have the car lol and an HR 350z rn

I have memory seats and heated mirrors. One thing you missed is ball joints. Biggest problem for me I have 221k miles and had no other problems besides calipers ceasing

Hey Mark! can you do top American cars for a first car? pls and thanks

where do I find this car under 5k???? impossible to find it anywhere under 8k

Both gens have been offered in wagons, but the first gen wagon was euro only

good video!!!

great video; maybe the mazda protoge? (mazdaspeed protoge etc)

i have an 06 tsx 200,000 miles never had any of the problems he stated

Is the V6 a unicorn in the tsx 2014?

First gen actually made 205 stock do to the upgraded intake manifold

1st Gen TSX should be worth more, such a great car.

This may not be your niche market, but I would really love you to do a video on the Saab 900, or Saab 9-3/9-5

Maybe the tsx had a different build quality to the Euro (JDM) as the transmission fail has never happened on any of the CL9s we have seen.

Please do one for the new edge mustang 🙏

Have you done the Subaru 2.5 rs? I’m looking into getting one

You said this car was built before memory power seats, but it did come with memory power seats my 06 has them...

I very much enjoy my TSX, not a super fast car, but it has a little kick to it and gets up over 130 mph on the highway. Mines still completely stock. I don’t really know what to do with it as far as mods go.

As someone who needs to carry 200 cans of tuna, I think the Acura TSX looks like a great car

there where a few great racecar tsx's there was the spoon racing tsx (euro r accord) was sweeeeeet

i had to get rid of my 07 at 266k miles and it wasn’t even dead just no money to fix

Any clue how much this would cost to import from Japan? I'd like to stay Honda as much as possible

Do you know what year it’s was for the first tsx you showed

Oil problem RU-vid full time Go for it!!!

Where can I buy any of these cars?

Nice vid, an also good,bad and ugly idea would be mazda3 🤷

Hey man you should do a Subaru Legacy gt very underrated car

Hey man can you do the cg6 I honestly need it especially 3.0 v6 version

i dont know about america but it aus in the accord euro weve got suede on some models

2010 tsx 160xxxx miles and haven’t had any issues