REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

jtang84 · 03-22-2010, 01:57 PM

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a 2000 Acura EL Premium or a 2004 Acura RSX Premium.
Which car of the above mentioned cars is better for the first time car owner? Which of the above mentioned cars are more effectively tuned with aftermarket performance parts? How is the cost of ownership like for the above mentioned cars?

twitchyzero · 03-22-2010, 02:02 PM

is that base/premium or type-S? there's more aftermarket support for the rsx.

overall it's the better car but the insurance will be a lot more than the EL.

Shun Izaki · 03-22-2010, 02:03 PM

The RSX will have more response and more aftermarket parts, even though the 2000 EL has most of the civic counterparts as well.

were you planning on getting a premium or type-s rsx? type-s's can be had for pretty cheap these days, very easy to drive stick, and great car to learn on!

Mugen EvOlutioN · 03-22-2010, 02:10 PM

since he did not mention S, im guessing the premium/base model

first gen is pretty cheap now, 2nd gen is a lot more rare...hence the price tag is still around $20g

drunkrussian · 03-22-2010, 03:25 PM

i had this same debate. Went for an integra instead because i don't like RSX's and frankly, it has the highlights of both imo.

But if you're going with those two, based on your criteria, i would choose the RSX.

The EL is like a civic so most parts will maybe fit. But the problem is not many people buy an EL and soupe it up, so the research online is limited. The RSX on the other hand has tons of aftermarket parts available and a huge gathering on clubrsx.com where you can see others' experiences, ask questions and even buy used parts from members.

Both cars are reliable and common, so good for a first-time car owner in that sense. As for the insurance issue above, I don't agree with this at all. People told me that insurance for my Integra will be expensive when I asked the same question, but I checked for both and it was not more expensive. Even if it is more expensive, it would be by a few bucks total per year. I would stay away from the horror stories and extreme examples on this. I have a full or almost full discount on insurance and pay $2100-ish a year for comprehensive.

Lastly, what made me stray from the EL is that it looks like a civic with leather. It's a good car, but I mean...it's an overpriced civic with leather. If you're gonna pay the same money for both, I'd go for RSX. Well, I'd go for an integra lol

RollingStone · 03-22-2010, 03:26 PM

The RSX drives and looks a lot better but is more to insure. I'd go for the RSX.

twitchyzero · 03-22-2010, 04:27 PM

the insurance really depends on whether it's type-S or not..and assuming the demographic of RS i'd say the majority of us won't have full discounts on insurance rates

Leopold Stotch · 03-22-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtang84

I'm trying to decide whether to purchase a 2000 Acura EL or a 2004 Acura RSX.
Which car of the above mentioned cars is better for the first time car owner? Which of the above mentioned cars are more effectively tuned with aftermarket performance parts?

well i'm going to have to make a few assumptions because i've no idea what you're looking for

1. The EL will more likely than not to be a lot cheaper than the RSX to purchase, maintain, insure and buy modifications for.

2. Depending on your income level, assumption 1 can be blown out of the water completely, because the amount of money assumed to be spent may be negligible.

3. what are you buying the car for? for many obvious reasons the EL will be more practical; larger trunk, more space for occupants and four doors.

4. the rsx will respond better to mods.

so why are you comparing these two cars? is it because you saw ads for both and they're similarly priced? Honestly speaking, those two cars don't seem too out of the ordinary for a first time car owner.

illicitstylz · 03-22-2010, 04:41 PM

I came from an integra (previous gen of the rsx) to a 1998 premium acura 1.6EL

1- little aftermarket support and online forum/community (clubel.ca)

2- cheap to purchase, modify (all civic parts), maintain

3- great fuel economy (500km per tank until the light turns on)

4- lower insurance (4 door sedans)

5- first car will usually be in an accident (in any small or big way unfortunately since it is a first car) so better to have that on an older car

The_AK · 03-22-2010, 07:23 PM

there was actually an EL with either a b16 or b18 engine in it, you can do a b18c swap and have one fast EL

Shun Izaki · 03-22-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mugen EvOlutioN

since he did not mention S, im guessing the premium/base model

first gen is pretty cheap now, 2nd gen is a lot more rare...hence the price tag is still around $20g

first gen is the BETTER gen :P

Lowered_Klass · 03-22-2010, 07:33 PM

I'm not the hugest fan of the RSX (looks wise), but yes they are nice cars, especially the type-s. I would much rather an Integra though...

I bought my EL after I wrote off my old Accord coupe. I still wanted a honda, but it needed to be a sedan since I wanted/needed to save as much on insurance as I could. Sure I could have gotten a Civic, but the EL's look a bit nicer. Parts are very easy to find. Most Civic stuff bolts right in. It's only cosmetic stuff (like lips, body kits, etc) that doesn't swap over. But for the love of god, get a manual. Took me a while to find mine, but they are out there. Same goes for the RSX for that matter!

Almost 4 years later and I've still got it. Can I afford a better car? Absolutely. But my EL's been a great car, especially after the engine swap. It's fun to drive, and I never get hassled by the cops. Cheap on insurance, and cheap to fill up. So for now, it's a great commuter car. I'll most likely keep it as my daily even when I do get a new project car.

Mugen EvOlutioN · 03-22-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shun Izaki

first gen is the BETTER gen :P

in ur dream that is right?