I am thinking of buying a 2002 RSX base model with 121,000mi auomatic with tiptronic. $6,000

1. Does it need high octane fuel?

2. If I use the tiptronic function all the time can it harm the car?

3. What problems can I anticipate with this type of milage?

 

I don't think they'll make a function on a car if it can harm it.

Mileage is great on the base model k series motor.

No, a base model 4 banger will not need high octane fuel. Save your money.

 

i see tiptronic as a waste of time anyways. if you're driving an automatic, you generally would want it because you wouldn't have to do anything.

 

Well I understand that, but sometimes you feel lazy or tired from work and don't feel like using the clutch, this way you get the best of both worlds, I mean for a hardcore racer this wouldn't work, but at this price I think the car is decent.

 

just ask if the previous owner has done the 100,000 mile service. a good amount of things need to be replaced at 100,000 miles.

 

Also I meant are there any known problems with this RSX model, anything I can anticipate going wrong, or what if it has no service history, are there any basic things that I need to do? Timing belt, starter etc..?

 

Well it's a dealer so hopefully he has that, but I will certinley look into getting the service history.

 

I saw another one from a private seller who will sell it a friend of mine for 5000-6000 it has 105,000mi and is a type S 02' with 300hp , mods like pistons and such, its a better deal but the other one is from a dealer so more reliable.

 

I'm glad to see a post about buying a car that actually has thought into it lol. Not the usual I want a car what do you think kinda thread haha.

Definitely make sure you get as much service history as you can and good luck with your buy!

 

almost never ever buy someones modded car. they will end up costing you much much more because after you buy it, you will realize a lot of stuff wrong with the car.

are you buying this from an acura dealership? if so, they give you an awesome warranty on it.

 

dev203d-Timely thread
I too am in the market for a new car and am leaning towards RSX.(Coming from a 92S Prelude that was donated to daughter's finish college program ) I kinda figure the RSX is just a grown up Lude. I'm leaning more towards the Type-S

So if you don't mind I'll throw a couple questions in as well.
1. Car's model years were 2002-2006, correct?
2. in it's short production run, were there any major changes?
3. Other than increase HP\torque differences in standard vs Type-S
4. How is the longevity on the triptronic tranny. I'm guesing it's hella expensive to replace
5. How is that jade green color-all pictures I've seen it appears mostly silver

thanks

 

it'll be very hard to find the jade green. there were very few made. i've seen fewer of them than the orange and vibrant blue's and those were quite rare.

check the FAQ thread for all the changes between the 04 and 05's.

 

You say no to premium for a base model, doing some additional reading\research on the Type-S(2005) looks like Honda says premium recommended. Does this mean required????? or can the lower grades be used

 

No not a acura dealership, I know modded cars are a risk but 300hp for 5500? Almost rebuilt motor, i mean how much more would I have to spend like 1500-2500? If something goes wrong.........

 

yes, 91 octane is required for the type-s. if you use lower grades, the ecu will retard the timing. just realize that between a base model and a type-s, the gas price difference would be about 2 dollars every time you fill up 10 gallons which is almost a full tank. i don't think that is much.

 

it depends how modded the car is, i bought my car with minor modifications and have had no problems with anything thus far and that was as of last june

 

because i don't know who built the engine and what parts were replaced, i won't be able to say how reliable it actually is. i won't be able to tell you how much is wrong with the car now or even if there is anything wrong, but if you were to need to get the entire engine replaced, you might be looking at about 3500-4000 to get a replacement and swapped in.

 

Wait 3500-4000 for a BRAND new engine? and also does this include installation? Lets say something does go wrong, $5500.00+4000.00, I spent 9500.00 for a brand new RSX type S basically. I don't think that's a terrible deal

 

for a used engine. a brand new one from the dealership will most likely cost much more. you basically spent 9500 on a car worth ~8. resell value wouldn't make a difference if you plan on driving it forever, but if you get in an accident or anything like that, then insurance companies will only play you for blue book value and not your opinion of it's worth.

it could end up being a reliable car that will run for a very long time, but it's a gamble you will have to take if you're willing to put up with the trouble.

 

Thanks
Something else for me to figure into the equation-not so bad if gas stays around 2 bucks but when that $5 mark gets here(and it's coming) might make a big difference

Sage advice

I'm leaning towards as stock(and likely certified) as I can get-gonna be my DD

 

i <3 My RSX-S

 

well, i don't know how gas prices around your area work, but each grade is separated by 10 cent increments in so. cal. so, if i pump 10 gallons of 87 octane and 91 octane, the difference is simply 2 dollars. it has always been like this even when gas was less than a dollar and when gas was almost 5 dollars a gallon.

 

yeah listen to him ^^

 

it'd be far from a "brand new rsx type s." the engine isn't the only thing that can break; you still got the tranny, suspension, electronics, body, and interior.

 

That's a really good point, I never thought of it but the tranny would be a big cost to fix, depending on extent of damage.