How Reliable Is Your High-Mileage Acura RSX-S?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reliability and condition of high-mileage vehicles, particularly focusing on personal experiences with various car models, including the Acura RSX-S. Participants share insights about their cars' conditions, maintenance issues, and general longevity, touching on both anecdotal evidence and personal opinions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the condition of high-mileage cars, asking about rust, interior condition, and any major faults that might prompt a new purchase.
  • Others express skepticism about the relevance of the topic to science, suggesting that discussions in the forum can be broader than strictly scientific inquiries.
  • Several participants share their personal experiences with high-mileage vehicles, noting that some cars, like Toyotas, are reputed for their longevity and reliability.
  • One participant mentions a 1996 Toyota that has over 200,000 miles but is still operational, attributing its longevity to careful driving habits.
  • Another participant discusses their experiences with various models, including a Nissan Pathfinder and a Chrysler Town & Country, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of each vehicle.
  • Some participants reflect on the importance of curiosity in discussions, suggesting that asking unusual questions can be a valuable part of human interaction.
  • There are mentions of specific mileage figures, with one participant recalling a Toyota that reportedly had over 380,000 miles, indicating a potential for very high mileage in certain models.
  • Concerns are raised about the performance and maintenance of specific vehicles, with some participants noting issues like rust and mechanical reliability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share personal anecdotes and experiences, but there is no consensus on the reliability of specific models or the relevance of the discussion to scientific inquiry. Multiple competing views on the topic remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of concern about the condition and reliability of high-mileage vehicles, with some emphasizing the importance of maintenance and driving habits. There are also references to geographical factors affecting vehicle longevity, such as climate and road conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in automotive reliability, high-mileage vehicle performance, and personal experiences with car maintenance may find this discussion relevant.

wolram
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And what condition is it in, is there any rust showing through, is interior falling apart, any major faults that caused you to think about buying a new one.
 
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not sure what this has to do with science?
 
Brett Royale said:
not sure what this has to do with science?
Rules in the PF Lounge and General Discussion forum in particular are slightly relaxed. Topics in this area don't have to be about science.

That said, there's no reason one couldn't do science with the data requested...
 
point taken but it just seems a bit strange to be asking this
 
Perhaps. But isn't asking strange questions for the sake of curiosity a really important and wonderful part of being human?
 
In person maybe but curiosity is just asking or looking for the answer in a general manner,(asking questions people can relate to or understand why you asking) he doesn't exactly have and explanation of why he's asking
 
wolram said:
And what condition is it in, is there any rust showing through, is interior falling apart, any major faults that caused you to think about buying a new one.
i have a little over 3,000 miles on my car and its in perfect condition, i do not plan on buying a new one car anytime soon
 
Brett Royale said:
i have a little over 3,000 miles on my car and its in perfect condition,
It should be, unless you live in Iraq.
i do not plan on buying a new one car anytime soon
Why should you? Your car is barely broken in!

Come back when you've got an extra zero (or two) on that mileage figure. :wink:
 
yes sir!:wink::biggrin:
 
  • #10
SteamKing said:
It should be, unless you live in Iraq.

Actually I would expect problems also in different places. Say, Nauru. Hard to drive hard, as the all around trip is 10 miles, yet because of salty drizzle everywhere cars tend to corrode fast.
 
  • #11
We have a second hand Renault safira,2002. with 130000 miles on it, the interior is still fresh, the exterior has a few tiny imperfections, so far the only cost has been for an electric
fan for the cooling system.
 
  • #12
nice
 
  • #13
I don't drive yet but family's car, the oldest, has over 200,000 miles. Toyota, good car and hope it lasts for even longer time.
 
  • #14
FritoTaco said:
I don't drive yet but family's car, the oldest, has over 200,000 miles. Toyota, good car and hope it lasts for even longer time.
damn that's a lot of miles. shouldn't think it to last long with that amount. what year is the car?
 
  • #15
Brett Royale said:
damn that's a lot of miles. shouldn't think it to last long with that amount. what year is the car?

It was like year 1996. Here and there, the car doesn't start right away in the winter time. It's color is starting to rust badly. My dad takes very good care of it. He also drives slower than most and accelerates the same way. I heard the nicer you drive your car, the longer it'll last.
 
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  • #16
FritoTaco said:
I don't drive yet but family's car, the oldest, has over 200,000 miles. Toyota, good car and hope it lasts for even longer time.

Toyota is legendary for high mileage and longevity, is there a bad one out there?

Gunners:rolleyes:
 
  • #17
FritoTaco said:
I don't drive yet but family's car, the oldest, has over 200,000 miles. Toyota, good car and hope it lasts for even longer time.
200,000 miles is way tooo long of a distance your currently usable old car has made, which sounds quite ideal to me. I would resell it when a good chance for a better model or similar but more modern one comes if I were you.
 
Last edited:
  • #18
not sure exactly.
 
  • #19
FritoTaco said:
It was like year 1996. Here and there, the car doesn't start right away in the winter time. It's color is starting to rust badly. My dad takes very good care of it. He also drives slower than most and accelerates the same way. I heard the nicer you drive your car, the longer it'll last.
nice especially if its one of the older models
 
  • #20
2003 Nissan Pathfinder - 170K - Very good, interior is excellent. Un-stoppable in snow or sand - pulled a UPS truck out of a ditch in the snow 2 years ago. But it could be more fuel efficient ( the Nissan V6 is one of the best engines ever made)

2012 Chrysler Town&Country - 35K - rattles like crazy, electronics not 100%, hard on brakes ( most of the loaded minivans are due to the weight and distribution) ( Our third mopar minnivan ( 220K sold for $500 it was beat when we were done, but the first was the best of the three, 2nd went to 140K - pretty much rusted out - but still ran well, got peanuts on the trade in), This third will be our last due to kids moving out - but also this one was a disappointment (as well as with the dealer / sales)- still you can not beat the utility / versatility of a minivan - today I would go for the Toyota ( it is actually a little bigger inside as well)

2010 Ford Taurus 120K ( Company car) - Good condition, runs well, good for long drives. Good - but would not buy for myself ( Seems to be a lot of maint, tires, brakes) and unacceptable level of understeer, and transaxle occasionally will not engage into 1st when coming to a stop - engine revs and then bam! - about 1 / 100 stops.

As for high mileage we had a 1997 Toyota Tercel - we felt like we paid a lot for an entry level 4 door tiny car - a little underpowered, but we drove it to 190K, when we sold (for $3000!) it was the same car it was when new - performance, fuel economy,cloth seats were in great condition, unbelievably reliable - MAYBE one breakdown in the time we had it,,, highly recommend but not available today, and it was very basic.
 
  • #21
About 20 years ago, there was a Toyota that I would see regularly during my commute to work. The last time I saw it, it had about 380,000 miles on it according a sign the driver had on the back of the car. It may have exceeded 400 K miles.

The family cars generally accumulate more the 100,000 miles before replacement.
 
  • #22
My car is an Audi A3 with 150,000 miles on it. It's mechanically sound, yet I desperately want a more suitable car. I just haven't been able to find the time to shop or take test drives.
 
  • #23
Windadct said:
2003 Nissan Pathfinder - 170K - Very good, interior is excellent. Un-stoppable in snow or sand - pulled a UPS truck out of a ditch in the snow 2 years ago. But it could be more fuel efficient ( the Nissan V6 is one of the best engines ever made)

2012 Chrysler Town&Country - 35K - rattles like crazy, electronics not 100%, hard on brakes ( most of the loaded minivans are due to the weight and distribution) ( Our third mopar minnivan ( 220K sold for $500 it was beat when we were done, but the first was the best of the three, 2nd went to 140K - pretty much rusted out - but still ran well, got peanuts on the trade in), This third will be our last due to kids moving out - but also this one was a disappointment (as well as with the dealer / sales)- still you can not beat the utility / versatility of a minivan - today I would go for the Toyota ( it is actually a little bigger inside as well)

2010 Ford Taurus 120K ( Company car) - Good condition, runs well, good for long drives. Good - but would not buy for myself ( Seems to be a lot of maint, tires, brakes) and unacceptable level of understeer, and transaxle occasionally will not engage into 1st when coming to a stop - engine revs and then bam! - about 1 / 100 stops.

As for high mileage we had a 1997 Toyota Tercel - we felt like we paid a lot for an entry level 4 door tiny car - a little underpowered, but we drove it to 190K, when we sold (for $3000!) it was the same car it was when new - performance, fuel economy,cloth seats were in great condition, unbelievably reliable - MAYBE one breakdown in the time we had it,,, highly recommend but not available today, and it was very basic.
You say the Toyota was under powered but it did 190.000 it must have been a good engine if you had to put it to the metal all the time.
 
  • #24
lisab said:
My car is an Audi A3 with 150,000 miles on it. It's mechanically sound, yet I desperately want a more suitable car. I just haven't been able to find the time to shop or take test drives.

Don't you have an equivalent to the RAC in the states, they will check a car over before you buy, you all so need a car buyers guide so with the two you can literally shop from home.
 
  • #25
Our Ford Galaxy is 10 years old and has done160,000 miles. Only major part changed was the clutch at about 120-130k.
 
  • #26
I don't have a license and I'm not sure I intend to get one anytime soon, public transport is efficient enough to get me where I want for now :rolleyes:
 
  • #27
wolram said:
And what condition is it in, is there any rust showing through, is interior falling apart, any major faults that caused you to think about buying a new one.

Model year 2004, Purchased used with 5,500 miles on the clock.

Today: 109,000 daily driven miles. Excellent condition (discounting some road rash), no rust, interior in good condition (minor wear).

Major Faults: None.

Annoying Faults: One — some computer appears to have lost its marbles and the door chime goes off when exceeding 72 mph. Dealer and independent shops unable to fix it, so I had to remove the chime transducer. Silence is golden.

Thoughts on a New Car. NONE. It's paid for and a blast to drive (still performs like the day I got it). I'd rather not have a new car anyway. Too much dependence on electronics. Don't want a vehicle Black Box, either.

Entertainment System: Most amount of fun you can have with your clothes on — 6-Speed Manual transmission, dual Exhaust, and 8,200 RPM redline. :-)
 
  • #28
Brett Royale said:
damn that's a lot of miles. shouldn't think it to last long with that amount. what year is the car?

You can make cars last as long as you want (as long as parts are available).

Modern cars have excellent rust protection, superb engines and suspensions. As long as you maintain it and don't have a crash, it will run virtually indefinitely. There are cars on the road that are near 1 million miles. Not that many, mind you, but it's possible.

The biggest cause for getting rid of a car now days is getting sick of it. Some people are addicted to that new car smell, too.
 
  • #29
Loren said:
Model year 2004, Purchased used with 5,500 miles on the clock.

Today: 109,000 daily driven miles. Excellent condition (discounting some road rash), no rust, interior in good condition (minor wear).

Major Faults: None.

Annoying Faults: One — some computer appears to have lost its marbles and the door chime goes off when exceeding 72 mph. Dealer and independent shops unable to fix it, so I had to remove the chime transducer. Silence is golden.

Thoughts on a New Car. NONE. It's paid for and a blast to drive (still performs like the day I got it). I'd rather not have a new car anyway. Too much dependence on electronics. Don't want a vehicle Black Box, either.

Entertainment System: Most amount of fun you can have with your clothes on — 6-Speed Manual transmission, dual Exhaust, and 8,200 RPM redline. :-)

Please no moonies while at 8.200RPM
 
  • #30
Loren said:
You can make cars last as long as you want (as long as parts are available).

Modern cars have excellent rust protection, superb engines and suspensions. As long as you maintain it and don't have a crash, it will run virtually indefinitely. There are cars on the road that are near 1 million miles. Not that many, mind you, but it's possible.

The biggest cause for getting rid of a car now days is getting sick of it. Some people are addicted to that new car smell, too.

Obviously you have not owned a Ford
 

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