Acura RSX

[Minpin]

Ok, well i may be getting a new car in a couple of months and the base RSX is at the top of my list. I just have a few questions regarding the car. I am aware the the type-s takes premium but does the base take premium as well? And also does anyone know the performance numbers and specs on the car? Thank you guys very much in advance.    

[TBR]

Full specs can be found at acura.com or edmunds.com, but I do know that the base engine makes 160hp and is connected to either a 5-speed manual or auto. Expect a high 7s or low 8s 0-60 time. It does take regular.

[BMWDave]

This is for the Acura RSX Type S

Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door coupe
Price as tested: $24,140 (base price: $24,140)
Engine type: DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 122 cu in, 1998cc
Power (SAE net): 210 bhp @ 7800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 143 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm

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Transmission: 6-speed manual
Wheelbase: 101.2 in
Length/width/height: 172.4/67.9/54.9 in
Curb weight: 2848 lb

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Zero to 60 mph: 6.2 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.6 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.9 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.9 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 136 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 181 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
EPA fuel economy, city driving: 23 mpg
C/D-observed fuel economy: 22 mpg

[Raza]

If you want to break 8 seconds to 60 with an RSX stick, you need to really thrash it, if the front wheels have power.  I'd get something like a WRX for only a little more cash, or a Honda Accord V6 instead of an RSX.  Hell, with 20 grand, you can buy an SRT-4 or get something really nice on the used market.  

[Minpin]

Yea the wrx was really coming to mind as well, but then im positive it takes premium and rising gas prices are no good. Im also concerned about insurance, would the WRX be higher than the RSX? thanks

[Raza]

Yea the wrx was really coming to mind as well, but then im positive it takes premium and rising gas prices are no good. Im also concerned about insurance, would the WRX be higher than the RSX? thanks

From what I hear, the RSX would either be more expensive or about the same.  But yes, the WRX does take premium, and after a while, you get used to it.  I've never owned a car (me, or my family during my lifetime, for that matter) that doesn't use premium petrol, and it doesn't even bother me anymore.  In reality, these minor 5 or 10 cent differences only make a difference over very long periods of time, otherwise you're talking about 2 dollars or so a fillup, less than the price of a soda and a candy bar.  

[Minpin]

Yea my moms car is premium and its about the same as my dads SUV at the tank. I also like the WRX's AWD and four doors. Do you think a used WRX would be safe, it seems like a car that gets beat up alot.

[Raza]

Yea my moms car is premium and its about the same as my dads SUV at the tank. I also like the WRX's AWD and four doors. Do you think a used WRX would be safe, it seems like a car that gets beat up alot.

I know of guys who beat on them, and I know of WRXs that are driven by grandmas.  But no, I wouldn't buy a used WRX unless I had a good look at it, and were to take notice of how the driver keeps the car, the area, and his garage.  

[Minpin]

thanks alot Raza

[Raza]

thanks alot Raza

There's a problem, fundamentally, with cheap speed.  The problem is that unsavory characters can afford to get their hands on it.  Now, a car driven hard is completely different from a car driven hard and taken care of.  Take my two cars, for example.  I drove my E320 hard, but took meticulous care for it (I could have done some more interior vaccuuming, admittedly), and my Passat I've driven even harder and haven't taken as good care of it as I should have.  It's also had a hell of a lot of starts in temperatures that will make you want to cry because your precious parts are so cold it hurts.  I bet the E320 will stay reliable down the road (even though my brother drives it now), but I wouldn't bet on the Passat more than 3 years, even though it's been impeccable so far.  It's all in the owner, minpin.  

[Minpin]

Thats why im hesitant to buy used, and just go for new. I know ill take care of it, but i dont know about the previous owner. Which brings me back to the RSX, with a few mods i think it could be a great car. Anyways thanks alot. I still have a few months heh

[Raza]

Thats why im hesitant to buy used, and just go for new. I know ill take care of it, but i dont know about the previous owner. Which brings me back to the RSX, with a few mods i think it could be a great car. Anyways thanks alot. I still have a few months heh

You know, honestly, I'm not that impressed by the RSX.

Some questions, so I can further help figure out what you can afford.  How are you paying for this?  Lease, cash, finance?  Because, if you finance or lease, a few thousand doesn't come out to more than 50 dollars a month.  Besides, WRXs are abound on dealer lots--I had a 28K model down to 22K before my parents moved me to the Passat.  If you're ballsy, try a Saab 9-2X Aero.  I'm sure Saab dealers want to sell them, and they'll take it at a loss (if they sell it for $2000 less than they paid for it, they're still saving 20 some thousand dollars) if things are as dire as they seem.  Considering I've seen more Maseratis than 9-2Xs, things seem very dire.

[Minpin]

Well most likely cash all up front. And I would prefer a GM car because my dad would get the GM supplier discount. I havent thought of the Saab though. Another option is the ION RL, I think i could get that for cheap too.  

[Raza]

Well most likely cash all up front. And I would prefer a GM car because my dad would get the GM supplier discount. I havent thought of the Saab though. Another option is the ION RL, I think i could get that for cheap too.

Saab will get you a discount, since it's a GM brand. It won't be as large, I hear, but it will be discounted nonetheless.  I'd give it a try.  

[Minpin]

wow, I wish i could buy now, i just checked the employee discount on the 9-2x aero and its a full 7 grand off, MSRP is 20 thousand.

[Raza]

wow, I wish i could buy now, i just checked the employee discount on the 9-2x aero and its a full 7 grand off, MSRP is 20 thousand.

Well, I'm glad I could be of service.  Do stop by and let me drive it when you pick it up.

Get the stick.  If there's a short throw option, it should only be $300 some, and it's worth it.  

[Minpin]

Yes stick is a must. And thanks so much, great help.

[Raza]

Yes stick is a must. And thanks so much, great help.

It is what I'm here for.

[Minpin]

Well i was reading car and drivers reviews on the 9-2x and in some angles it looks really like a wagon. But then in others it doesnt. I cant figure it out heh.  

[Raza]

Well i was reading car and drivers reviews on the 9-2x and in some angles it looks really like a wagon. But then in others it doesnt. I cant figure it out heh.

It is a wagon, really.  It's based on the Rex Wagon.

[Raza]

Sexy wagon, though.

[Minpin]

I do have to agree,although being 17 its not exactly the coolest car heh  

[Raza]

I do have to agree,although being 17 its not exactly the coolest car heh

Trust me--when you smoke someone who thinks he's hot stuff, you'll have the coolest car.  

I came very, very close to buying a WRX wagon (I wanted it more than the sedan) when my parents forced me to the Passat.  It's a cool car to have.  Just say you have a European sense of taste.



That wagon will smoke a Ferrari 360.  

[Raza]

Decent interior, too.  Compare with:

[Minpin]

I really like that interior, but im december when i turn 18 i wonder how much it will cost. Im sure the employee will be over by then. Im not expecting another addition to it.

[BMWDave]

I definitely like the interior of the 92x better than the RSX.

[Raza]

I really like that interior, but im december when i turn 18 i wonder how much it will cost. Im sure the employee will be over by then. Im not expecting another addition to it.

So, convince your parents to make a move.  Pay whatever cash you have up front now, and finance the rest of it.  If you have more than 10 grand, your monthly payments will so small, you could pay it off in 2 years or less.

[Minpin]

I definitely like the interior of the 92x better than the RSX.

Yea me too

[Raza]

The stick is good too.  The clutch has a bit of a high catch, making the launch a little tough to get smooth, but it's a good shifter.  Not BMW precise or Honda light, but it's pretty good.  

[Minpin]

Well, heh im not paying for it. My dad and I had a deal and i made the deal so now i get to pick out a car within reason. He payed for me sisters car all up front, so i'm expecting the same here. I think 27k+ is out of reason.