SnooPofUC

Hello, i'm going to college soon within a few weeks I was wondering if the RSX would be a good first car driving to and back from college. And would insurance be high in california for a driver that just turned 18 with no accidents and tickets? I was looking at automatic because I'm a commuter, so please don't ask why not automatic. Thank you

SnooPofUC

I forgot to add, my budget is 10k and under

B serious

iTrader: (1)

The RSX will be fine for commuting in terms of comfort and reliability and gas mileage. But...why a RSX in particular?

The other poster mentioned a fit. I'd personally agree that I'd rather have a fit than a base RSX. The fit has space. For college girls. Eh? Knowhattimean??!!! Fuggedaboudit.

In all seriousness...a Fit would be lower on insurance, better on gas, and has more space. Its the most useable car in that size. Cup holders pop out of everything. There are 1,000,000 cubby holes to put stuff in. Etc.

Jujutsuka

Any car can be fun.
I have an RSX automatic. You can have fun with it. Just realize that you will never be a major player/competitor in the ballgame. Unless you do a lot of work to it.
It weighs more than stickshift model.
But I see you are just wanting a car to commute with.

I happen to be a big fan of the DC5 I have always loved it since it first came out. My story is that I went to the dealership after seeing online that they had a 2002 RSX-S. By the time I got there it had disappeared. But Hey... they had an 2006 RSX-base auto. So I took it because I needed a car right-a-way anyways.
I didn't originally buy it with racing in mind. I haven't raced in 8years. But I figured I would build up the RSX base for some fun. The fun of tuning it and taking it out to the track just to experience the best stress relieving sensation ever(racing on the track). Which I need a lot of stress relieving and other things to put my mind on lol. I know I won't ever put down the best lap times unless I decide to swap the transmission and swap the head on my K20A3.
But I still can have fun.


Now back to your situation
RSX base isn't as expensive as the RSX-S. Insurance is still pretty high for me. I guess it still gets counted as a sporty car. The RSX is a GREAT looking car. Way better looking than a fit imho. BUT.... BUT as these guys mentioned. The RSX ended in 2006. So you are getting an older car. I've had mine since march.
I've had to
-Replace Drivebelt
-Replace Starter
-Replace Headlight(fogged up I think moisture was getting in).
-Replace Spark Plugs
-Replace A/C compressor clutch electromagnetic coil

Things that are needed next are
-Lock Actuator
-Timing Chain Tensioner(maybe)
My car was at 120k when I picked it up.

Its still in beautiful condition.
it's still very peppy over common commuter/economy cars to impress.
Gas mileage is great.
I get told a lot that people didn't think my car was "older"
Not much room in the backseat. So you won't be pimpin' but you can settle for a G/F in the passenger seat lol. My kid can fit back there tho'.
I love the DC5.
My next car is to be a stickshift for sure. SCION FR-S.


-Edit-
I saw you said your budget was at 10k.
I think the base RSX will be around 7k-8k. Unless you get an older one.(Lower than 2005)
Unless you can work on the car yourself, be aware since it is used you might have to get some immediate work done to it. Mine came from a reputable Honda dealer. And if I didn't know how to work on my car I would probably spent just about 3k on it.
Unless you are a oddball like me who just likes a DC5. Why not finance a newer car?

B serious

iTrader: (1)

^your market is insane. Around here (chicago burbs), base model RSX's are like $3.5k-5k for good condition 02-04 models and $4.5-7k for 05-06 models.

California markets are usually out of hand on cost, though.

SnooPofUC

What newer car do you suggest? Also i have consider the Honda Fit, not really liking the looks of it. Would it be a bit easy to fix up in the future aesthetic wise?

Jujutsuka

Well since if it's a newer car and you will most likely be financing. Just get a commuter car that looks good and is pretty cheap.
I'll just throw this out there. That Hyundai Elantra/Sonata's are nice. I like them and they have some really good acceleration. They get good gas mileage like crazy. Have big *** gas tanks for a small *** car.
Of course you can always go with a Honda Civic Ex 2door coupe.
Or if you want something more sporty you can get an slightly older SI.

niterider40

I think an RSX auto is a great choice. Much better looking than a FIT. I just bought one you should too.

BillyHOEZ

Depends on the mileage and condition - - like most Hondas, the great thing is that the base model RSX really doesn't need much of anything, parts are fairly cheap and easy to come by, and if you have basic tools / automotive knowledge you can easily do most of the repairs yourself to save $$. Just stay on top of the oil changes and you're good to go. My wife's has a little over 116,000 miles on the clock and recently we've had to change out the starter, alternator, drive belt, battery, spark plugs, and did a valve adjustment. Coming up next will be a set of new struts, tires and alignment.

In terms of overall drivability, it runs all right for what it is. Not super quick, yet not super slow. Pretty reliable, low cost of ownership, doesn't look too shabby, and makes a pretty good first car.