For the past almost four years (46 months and 7 days, to be exact) my daily driver and proud and joy has been a 2010 Acura TSX V6. Purchased new-to-me, right after it came off of its 36-month lease, this Acura was the second car I’ve ever owned, and the first vehicle I actually chose to be mine. The TSX has been a wonderful car that has served me well, but after four years I decided it’s time for a new adventure.
(Note: I had to get new plates just a few months ago)
In my nearly four years of ownership, my TSX provided me with reliable and cheap-to-maintain transportation, with competitive for its time technology and luxury features, all with a bit more panache than your regular Honda-badged vehicle sold in North America.
Finding a V6 model made all the difference, as not only did it offer a significantly more pleasureful diving experience, but it gave me those beautiful 18-inch, split 5-spoke alloy wheels that really made the car’s exterior styling pop, especially in profile view.
During my ownership, I invested very little money into the car beyond basic maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires). It was a car that suited me well and one that made me happy every time I slipped into the drivers seat and started the ignition. If I were just one of those people who is content without change, then keeping the TSX would’ve been a no brainer.
But driving the same car every day for four years is a long time for someone whose taste in cars is always changing — I was ready for something new, and ready to trade-in the TSX while it still had some decent equity.
On July 29, 2016, as I signed the contracts for my new car, I officially handed over the keys to my Acura TSX, saying goodbye to the car that had been such an important part of my life for almost four years. It was bittersweet, but along with some other big changes this past year, I’m ready to start this new chapter of my life. I couldn’t be more thrilled in my decision and what is easily the biggest purchase I’ve made in my life so far. So what did I get? Don’t worry, I’ll be letting you know soon. (And to those who already know, no spoilers!)
Related Reading:
COAL: 2010 Acura TSX V6 – My full car of a lifetime article on this car
Is it… A mini ? 😀
’84 Chevette Scooter?
He said: no spoilers!
It takes a while, but eventually these young’uns learn to appreciate the finer old machines that are the true heart and soul of CC! 🙂
1974 Ford LTD. I can’t believe you ruined it for everyone.
Maybe he bought back that ’72 Galaxie 500 that went to Germany!
Chevette Scooters didn’t come with spoilers, you had to go up to a Chevette S for that 🙂
TL SH-AWD?
Still a great-looking car! I can sympathize with your yearning for something new–I’m currently in a similar phase of ownership, with the Kia closing in on 5 years old and having passed the 3.5 year mark with the Crown Vic. However I’ll probably be standing pat for a while, as it makes financial sense to keep the CV and we’ll keep the Forte until such time as we need something with 4 doors (my wife likes the car quite a bit and has no desire to upgrade at this point).
Also looking forward to hearing about the replacement! Something from the BMW-MINI stable would be most logical given your employer…but it doesn’t always happen that way, does it?
Something from the shop of Count Louis Zborowski no doubt
http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/race_drivers_count_louis_zborowski.php
Brendan’s new license plate will read GEN-11
It is good to know that the Acura has been a good car for you. Be sure to appreciate the faithful and low-drama service that it has given you over the last 4 years. I am one who has been through enough cars to know that this can be the exception rather than the rule. 🙂
It is also good to know when it is time to move on – I certainly understand that mental process. Four years has always been kind of a decision point for me – a good car that has provided good service (especially when it is older) may not stay that way forever, so moving on can make sense at that point. Keeping it for much longer can often turn into a commitment for the long haul, or at least until it becomes cheap wheels for thrifty parents of high schoolers.
And we all know that Brendan bought a Studebaker Lark, so let’s just stop pretending.
1962 Ford Fairlane with a dented hood.
I’m surprised you haven’t curbed those nice alloys. Good job!
Brendan, I always enjoyed reading about your TSX and am glad it served you well. The TSX always makes me think of the Golden Age of Acura–back when they had actual model names like Integra and Legend. Like those great Acuras of yore, the TSX was a sporty, stylish and practical car. It’s my favorite car in Acura’s 21st Century line-up, at least so far, though I don’t have high hopes at present for more great cars from them…
Now looking forward to hearing more about your new baby!
Well, congratulations are in order and I’m looking forward to seeing what has taken its place. The TSX certainly seemed to be a well taken care of car and the new owner will no doubt enjoy their time with it. Assuredly you will do the same with your next one.
It’s just getting broken in!
Did you go with the Yukon or FJ?
🙂
I’ll be shocked if it’s not an A4.
Did you feel that the level of road noise was acceptable for a car at that price point? It seems that every tester can’t help themselves but comment on the interior noise in any Honda or Acura tested.
I know! A 1980 AMC Pacer Limited “station wagon” with a V-8!
My guess is a new BMW Die Autobahn, the Bavarian interpretation of the El Camino. Vollgasfest, Herr Saur !
Big changes? New chapter in your life?? Sounds like Mini-van time!
Haha, more like a new job. I’m not ready close to buying diapers and baby formula yet, and hopefully not for a very long time 🙂
As I am fond of saying to my friend with three kids as he tries to cram them into a Hyundai Sonata: “The time is right… for a full size American Station wagon.”
Yup, I enjoy my Caprice quite a bit, and I have no kids.
I know what he got but I’m not saying!
Brendan, as rare as those V-6 TSX’s are, we just had a woman trade in her 2010 TSX V-6 this week! It only has 45k miles on it and is like brand new. They are a rocket with the V-6, I can attest to that!
They truly are great cars. Very reliable and a joy to drive. I hope you enjoy your new ride as much as you enjoyed the Acura!
The V6 is a rare bird; I think I’ve only ever seen one in the wild. I enjoy the relative rarity of my TSX wagon, I can go weeks without seeing another one on the road here in Vacationland. But I do wonder how it would drive with a V6 under the hood, or a 6-speed manual…or both…
Imagine the wagon with a stick or V-6! Wow. I loved my ’93 Accord EX 5-speed wagon. Wish I could have replaced it with another!
Congrats Brendan! Every time I read your posts, I feel like in the back of my head I associate them with your TSX (the bar is set fairly high). I hope your new set of wheels gives you that feeling that you are looking for 🙂
As to the fun part of guessing what you upgraded to? You seem to be stylish, current, and modern (as if that narrows anything down). I’m thinking you might like a GLA? Regardless, best of luck with your new adventure-mobile 😉
I’m going to make a very poor guess and say Mini Clubman.
I have a similar restlessness to you, but my way of dealing with it is far more stupid, if I could and had a place to put them I’d just buy more and more cars. I’m on COAL #5 but if repairs and “respectable” parking were free I’d still have #1-#4.
I hope you enjoy your new ride, and, as with many of your articles, while I don’t always agree with you I certainly enjoy seeing what you have to say.
New job, that’s a clue. Either you’re not working for Mini anymore and are freed up to buy a direct competitor, or maybe you got a company car and have room for a complete toy? So….Ford. Fiesta ST or 1975 LTD 2-door.
Wouldn’t you rather drive a Buick?
let’s do a little deductive reasoning here Brendan.
as said earlier, you are a young and hip guy so it has to be something stylish.
you said you dealt the acura in, so it has to be something new or fairly close to new.
acura’s keep their value, especially when you have kept your’s up so well, so I don’t see it being a cheap little runabout.
you are very proudly a mama’s boy(aren’t we all at heart?) and we know mama liked her suv’s
so my guess is some sort of lexus suv. unless you got the steal of a lifetime on a Porsche Cayenne!
Good read, thanks for the fun.