I know nothing about the reliability of RSXs, but I'm currently in need of a reliable car that can get me to work and school. My current car (2001 Ford Explorer Sport) just took a dump on me and is not worth the hassle of fixing. So, I'm looking at decently optioned cars with good mpg. This Acura RSX seems to fit all my criteria, but I just want to know what some of you RSX owners think about it. Is the price high or fair? It looks to be in great shape, but what do I really need to check. Can I expect an RSX to last me to 120,000 miles without breaking the bank (typical reliability of the model). What are your general opinion just from the ad?

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...gIndex=5&Log=0

 

not a bad price for the miles. 2nd and 3rd gear on these cars are notoriously weak so take it for a test drive and pay attention for any grinds/pop outs. i had to get my trans rebuilt at ~130k.

also, the chain tensionor can be problematic. some people have issues, others dont. replaced mine at ~140k only because i put in cams.

 

Thanks, ill definitely make note of that. I guess a big factor for me is whether or not they have any services records.

Also, how much did that rebuild on trans cost you?

 

>3k after all was said and done. but i got fancy with it. new synchros, lsd, final drive, yada yada yada.

 

Looks pretty good on paper.
http://www.fordofkirkland.com/autoch...hicle-glossary

 

FYI on the trans: There was never a recall on the RSX (or 2006-2011 Civic Si, which has the same 6-speed) transmission, for all the people banging on about how weak and flimsy it is. Meanwhile, Honda just announced a recall on 800,000 minivans and SUVs, because 42 of them have some problem or another with that transmission.

 

there wasnt a recall but there was a TSB or whatever those things are called. but it was up to the dealerships to determine if there was an actual problem and whether to replace it or not.

 

I had an 02 type s and NEVER had any problems with it. Always ran synthetic in it and changed the trans fluid once. I did get on it from time to time...but never did anything dumb like downshifting to 3rd at 60mph just to try and impress someone. I did 2 trips from wenatchee wa to orange ca, both pretty much non stop...again never let me down. I had to sell it cause i had a family, but im sure ill get another one in the future. treat your car right and it will never leave you on foot...

 

I'm getting a reputable shop here in town to do a once over on the car tomorrow. If they say everything looks good then I'll have it Monday. I drove it Wednesday and it drove really nice. I haven't had a manual in over 5 years so my shifts weren't amazing, but the tranny seems solid to me. It took a few little charges to around 6k rpms quite well. I'll post when the car is mine.

 

x2. Back in 2003, my friend bought his brand new. Had a 3rd gear pop out issue happening 2 years later, where out of nowhere it would just pop out. He brought it to the dealer but of course the 2 times he did, it wouldn't pop out so they wouldn't fix it.

 

I bought the car Monday. It's sitting in the driveway at the moment. So far I really am enjoying the style of the car and being a driver once again as well (drove an 01 Explorer Sport 5 years prior). I'll post some pictures tomorrow.