Home / Acura / Acura TSX / 2.4L
VERDICT · ONE OF THE SAFEST USED BUYS ON THIS SITE

Acura TSX 2.4L
is it a safe used buy?

A compact sport sedan built around the K24 — about as close to a worry-free used car purchase as this catalogue covers, provided basic maintenance was kept up.

GENERATIONCL9 (2004–2008)
ENGINE2.4L K24
POWER200–205 hp
USED PRICE$4,000–8,000

How the engine fits this car

The TSX's light, compact body is an easy load for this engine — it's never strained, which is a large part of why both engine and car have such a strong long-term reputation among independent mechanics.

The six-speed manual version is particularly well regarded by enthusiasts and tends to hold value slightly better than the automatic, which itself is a conventional and reliable unit — unlike the V6 BAXA automatic used elsewhere in the lineup.

Acura TSX-specific pros and cons

This is about the car itself — for engine-specific failure points, see the dedicated engine page below.

WHAT HOLDS UP WELL

  • Engine and chassis both have outstanding long-term reliability reputations
  • Manual gearbox option adds genuine driving engagement without reliability trade-offs
  • Low ownership costs relative to the driving experience on offer
  • Honda-shared parts network keeps repair costs reasonable almost everywhere

WHAT TO WATCH

  • Interior trim pieces can rattle or wear with age, a cosmetic rather than mechanical issue
  • Options and tech feel dated by modern standards, expected for the car's age
  • Rust can appear on neglected examples in harsher climates
  • Firm suspension tuning won't suit buyers prioritising outright comfort

Pricing on the used market

Mileage band
Typical price
What to expect
Under 150,000 km
$6,500–8,000
Well-kept, lower-mileage examples
150,000–220,000 km
$4,500–6,500
Sweet spot for value given the engine's longevity
220,000+ km
$3,000–4,500
Still viable if motor mounts and basic wear items are sound

The engine itself

This generation of TSX is the defining application of the K24 in Acura's lineup. Full detail on this engine's (short) list of known issues lives on the dedicated engine page.

FULL ENGINE BREAKDOWNAcura 2.4L K24 — Reliable or Not →

Pre-purchase checklist for this generation

Check for the VTEC solenoid rattle on startup described on the engine page — minor, but worth a small negotiation if present.

Inspect for rust in wheel arches and rocker panels if the car comes from a region that salts roads in winter.

Beyond rust and basic wear items, there's relatively little engine-specific risk to flag on this combination.