I try to understand my fair share of OTHER Hondas/Acuras other then just the Prelude. My best friend has come to me today asking about the RSX's, other then the basic information I told him about I-vtec and all the electronic things of the newer motors (throttle body, ect) and comparing to my Prelude.

What I need more specific suggestions on is the year. 02-06. Which ones are better then the other? and why? I figure some years probably have a pro, or some have a con. Like me mentioned to me, the 06 has a large one piece stereo area; he said it looked difficult for aftermarket. Whereas he said the 03 has a standard din area.

Could someone please just give me a few highlights on each year?

 

Simple I have owned both an 04, and an 06 type-S. First off, if he is going to get a RSX it needs to be a type-S (hands down). The difference between the base and type-S is like night and day, performance wise and luxary. But the type-S comes in a 6-speed manual ONLY. Sure you can get leather seat and stuff in a base model but its extra, but no Bose 6 disc in dash changer and 40hp less. OK, here it goes.

02-04 type-S
(Pros)- You can get hondata k-pro alot cheaper than if you have an 05,06.
-More body kits available-..thats it

(cons)-there is a factory defect in the gears between 2nd and 3rd. Mine had it and alot of other people I talked to did. Its not a huge deal but its annoying, but it can be fixed.- ugly 16in factory rims.

05-06 type-S
(Pros and differances)- different cams, exaust, throttle body=10 extra hp.-A more aggressive looking set of headlights, front bumper and rear bumper. (But that is my opinion)-leather on the seats and door panels are different, slighty different gear ratio-17in less ugly rims -more factory colors to choose from- different suspension-plastic trunk mat-no gear problems in this model.

(Cons)- less body kits on the market, I have not seen aftermarket head lights or tail lights for these models so you will have to go custom made or retro-fit. For a hondata k-pro its going to cost you an arm and a leg (1700) plus you have to by an 02-04 primary oxygen sensor. Reason being you have to also purchase a 02-04 type-s ecu. 05-06 wont work. So thats why you pay extra. 700 dollars more for the upgrade around (1700) total, which for this vehicle is one of the best upgrades out there. There is also a factory defect in some models where the front right spring is messed up and it makes a clicking sound under extreme turning at low mph. But the dealership will fix this for free they did it for me and yes they said alot of people had this problem not just me.

Overall I like my 06 better, but if he desides to get an 02-04 I dont think he will be disappointed. The type-S for the money is a sick *** car, with luxary and speed combined I love the car! Type-S FTMFW Hope this helps and I probably left out something sorry in advance

 

i paid 1300 for my k-pro+ecu/o2 sensor
but that was ages ago when hondata first released it for the 05-06 models

i'm sure the prices of the ecu has gone up since its a hot item

 

yeah, but still thats like 400 more than you pay for a 02-04 k-pro. Most places I have seen on the net sell them for 1700 not including the o2 sensor. But you can always try and buy the sensor and ECU from someone and then it will only cost you like $900. Thats the best way to get a good deal on that, they just sell so damn fast though.

 

You'll also be able to get a STEAL on an 02-04 Type-S if you shop around. Got mine in near mint condition with 56k on the odometer for just under 14k.

 

I agree, I like the 05-06 models more.

 

yea but dont the 05 06 have all these small things going wrong with them after installing the k pro. like the speedo jumps and it jearks at slow speeds, the cruise does not work or it shuts off while driving. just small anoying things.

 

which ever year rsx he gets he'll be happy with as long as its the type s. These cars are very upgradeable and respond well to mods. It all depends on his budget really... try to get one with low mileage and hope the previous owner didn't abuse it as much as most of us do

 

This is actually going to be his daily driver. He wont even be modding it at all, so I was just speaking more or less factory pros and cons. This will be his daily so his TT 300zx wont have to drive out in the snow and such.

Thanks for all the opinions guys, I think he's going for the 06. Saw one on the lot with 20k miles, black on black, $19k

 

If its a type-S than thats a good price, color. GET IT!