RSX Type-S: 20 Years of Ownership Experience

It's been 20 years since I first bought this 2002 Acura RSX Type-S. Within this video I'll give you a tour of its history ranging from the positives as well as its negatives. The damages from the overfilled gravel dump truck on the bridge. Also I'll go over the repairs and maintenance that's been required to keep it on the road and what future plans it has in store. #acura #acurarsx #types #k20 #k20a #originalowner #carreview #honda #madeinjapan #jdm #6speedmanual #6speed

[@michaelmarkey3345]

I'm 77 years old. I got my 2002 type-s brand new. I put 190000 approx miles on it in 21 years in Georgia. It has never been driven in snow. 1:02 1:02 I don't drive enough any more to warrant keeping it. So I gave it to my granddaughter in New Hampshire. She loves it .

[@lnt3ch]

Awesome video! I had a 2002 Type S in college and I sold it for some reason. Now at 31 years old I wanted it back, and went and bought a 2003 Type S with 100,000 miles on it

[@Tonyk24]

Wow really cool seeing an original owner rsx

[@TBills3000]

Awesome! My Type S is a 2003 with 159k miles. I love it so much. Watching this video seeing your old pictures and memories made me tear up because I love mine the way you love yours. I’m never getting rid of mine. Best car I’ve ever owned. DC5 gang

[@bigsiv]

ditto!

[@DC5Brandon]

About the timing chain tensioner. I've found it's best to inspect and/or replace every 20-30K miles. Highly recommended. Otherwise, the timing chain will also fail and cause valve and possibly piston damage (K20A2 is an interference engine). Unfortunately, this happened to me several years ago. My 2004 is now 20 years old and I'm also the original owner. Congrats, and great video.

[@franciscoandas4411]

Happy 20th birthday to your type s I just picked up a 02 RSX type s in satin silver metallic with 205k miles and I love it one of the best cars I have owned

[@marcperras9072]

Respect for hanging on to your RSX. I am the original owner of a 1994 Acura Integra GSR.

[@7.57]

This is a great video, thanks for sharing your RSX. I have a 2002 Arctic Blue Pearl as well with 210,000! It is my 5th Type S i love these things dearly!

[@Crx018]

I think it's safe to say that this car would deserve a extreme makeover, have all the rust and dents remove and get it fully resprayed , keep us updated , peace

[@potterg04]

Thanks for sharing this awesome story about your beautiful RSX TYPE-S, I own the 04 model and it's become one of my favorite cars.

[@lennytate4246]

I love this video. Shows you really take care of your stuff and love the car.

[@magic3817]

My 2004 RSX A Spec has 160k miles on it. And it is the best car I have owned. I am not ever getting rid of it. A part on the throttle body failed . I had to replace the entire unit to address the issue. Otherwise no major mechanical issues. I hit a raccoon at speed and had to replace the ac radiator and chin spoiler. A rv backed into me at a bridge crossing and scratched up the front bumper cover. And I was hit in a parking lot. That also required a trip to the body shop. I had the leather driver’s seat seams restiched at 120k miles. But appearance maintenance and factory scheduled mechanical service is up to date and it is still fun to drive. I have replaced the stock dampers with Koni adjustable on the softest setting, added led fog lights and replace the headlights with daylight white led headlights in black JDM housing. This car even with anticipated replacement of alternator, power steering pump and clutch due to reaching the end of service life is fantastic value. It’s good for at least another 160k and fun, fun, fun.

[@Tonyk24]

This is definitely one of the best videos I’ve seen in a while, I hope to see more uploads featuring this thing!!

[@vilhelmstein2091]

I got an 03 with 189,000 miles, still going strong ❤

[@beowulf7beowulf7]

Happy 20th birthday to your RSX-S! I do miss mine sometimes. Here's to 20 more!

[@alexissoto537]

Great video! It’s reviews like these that reassure me of my decision to get a 04 type-s, it’s not running prefect yet but this just motivates me to find the last few issues so I can fully enjoy the car. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@bigsiv]

Great video! I've had an '02 type S for the last twenty years as well. I appreciate you sharing all of this. Also, brilliant move getting the 05/06 seats. They look high quality. I'll be keeping tabs on your channel. I hope you keep it up!

[@McDzy]

love seeing stuff like this! good stuff!

[@GabrielOrtizUAP]

Amazing! Happy Birthday to your RSX! Looks great considering the minor flaws from daily use. I commend you for taking care of it and loving it. I have had my 02 base Rsx since 2015 but this isn't my first rodeo. I owned an 03 Ep3 from 04-09, then got another one in 2012-14. After that I got my base, converted it to manual, replaced quarter panels due to rust and now it's in the garage taken apart, waiting for an awd conversion to be completed. You inspired me to make a video on it. Thank you sir.

[@vegeta9thousand]

Overall looks great for its age. Mine's 2006 base model, same color, same spoiler. Brought it when I was 19 and had it for about 7 and a half years. Personally don't have many bad things to saw about it but my friend is tall so he doesnt like sitting in it lol. Changing oil on this car is also more tedious than others. Still under 100k miles on mine so no reason to get another car anytime soon but if I had to choose I'd just get another Acura, Red or Orange type S with a jdm spoiler since those look nice imo. Great vid.

[@IPownNoobs4Fun]

Nice video. I have a 2009 civic si with a 120,000 miles. The car runs so well and I plan to keep it for a long time. I hope I can get it to 300,000 miles.

[@mackcummy4976]

Nice. I have a turbo 2002 RSX-S I had since October 21, 2006 here in Canada.

[@Lilith_Hypatia]

This is what I’m talking about! Fully in-depth and to the point

[@tombrazy12hunnit]

Still an owner of the 06 VBP Type S. My Daily Driven car, Let’s Fken Gooooooo !

[@abaj006]

Great video, thanks for the info!

[@vengefvll2608]

Lol the guys parachuting in the back great video cant wait to try and get my hands on one of these cool cars its my first I'm still in high school

[@caeaves]

Nice alternator headlight tip.

[@joseperezpaz9986]

It’s an amazing ride! I own 2 of them 😁.

[@evolicious-x]

Nice man.. i jist picked up a type s with 230k miles runs like a champ. Love it. Very fun daily.

[@rogerguo8352]

great video!!!

[@albono780]

Sweet those Acura are awesome. I had a 04 tsk 6 speed red and loved it I know have a 09 tsx automatic and it’s a grate car I also own a 99 Integra that I completely restored. But now that I just got my 22 Tacoma I will have to part with the 09 tsx . Nice Videos Im enjoy them

[@Shane.doe813]

Awesome vid i got my 2003 type s this year its got 166k on it been wanting to get it back to its best

[@XenomorphLV426]

I want those base seats. Good idea

[@jesselee4405]

The body of my S is crystal clean, but my clear coat is faded badly in several spots. I don't care, she still drives so good with 196,xxx miles. K24 tuned. Haha, I had to find a radio that matched my red lighting too

[@johnmiksch3882]

Like the wing!

[@averyalexander2303]

Great car and great job taking care of it! I would highly suggest not using Detroit Axle anything, everything I have used from them has been absolute crap. Energy Suspension makes a great polyurethane control arm bushing kit, I installed it on both my 7th gen Civics and it's a pretty easy install. You can also get the OEM lower control arm bushings separately, the part numbers are 51391-S6M-005 and 51392-S5A-004. It's a little more work to change the bushings separately, but it's not hard and you will end up with a better quality repair in the end. Hope this helps, keep up the great work!

[@soju.boy.01]

im thinking of buying their rotors, have you had any experience with their rotors?

[@kathymcfarland5516]

My 2006 RSX Type S turns 17 this August! After my 96 Integra GSR was stolen in late July, 2006, I was devastated. That was a GREAT car, I decided I wanted another hatchback with some power. Acura had this baby. Gets out if its own way, even in the mountains here in Northern California. Had to replace the windshield due to a bad crack from a rock, and the alternator. Other than that, just the regular maintenance! Yes, it eats tires, and I just bought a new set of four. If you had your choice of tires, what would you put on your Type S? Found out the hard way about water in the trunk area... heard some water sounds going around tight corners, and then saw the green slime! Nice to know it wasn't just our crazy winter this year, and not only do others have that problem, but how to stop it! Thanks for posting this video! I am glad I am not the only one who keeps a car longer than 15 years!

[@randomrebuilds]

That is fantastic! Would def get some hidden security installed on that RSX. For tires, I would go with 225/40/17 (215s are too narrow in my opinion) in either the Continental DWS-06, Michelin Pilot Sport A/S or the Michelin Cross Climate 2.

[@Lando-rz6gt]

I own a 05 base with 280k still going strong!

[@VidTubeWatch]

I watched the whole thing. I really enjoyed it. You really know your car. I've had my '05 Type-S for just over 5 years, but I pretty much know it like the back of my hand. I've got 170,000k on 'er. They really just don't make 'em like this anymore. I know some of the quirks just as you mentioned. I do not plan on ever selling mine either. We could get a decent penny for them now though. LOL.

[@randomrebuilds]

Thanks for watching - hold onto that gem you got there!

[@Polar-ri5km]

Nice video👍

[@user-zo4wk1dn9n]

Thanks or the vid! I'm driving an 02 wrx, same type of story just a different car. Cheers enjoy the road

[@hongchan1202]

Great car. Mine is 18 years still get 35MPG highway

[@XenomorphLV426]

I have a 2003 RSX-S, 210k miles. Its currently getting a new badly needed paint job. I like this style of wing better than the Type R.

[@AKYLE315]

The fact that u can tow 1500 pounds with a 20 year old front wheel drive car is cool

[@DavidsiervodeDios777]

I’m about to buy that hitch!

[@randomrebuilds]

Yeah I looked up the specs and was surprised to find the pre-wired harness attached to the passenger taillight harness. I take it easy when towing and not trying to race it with 700+ lbs attached to the back (empty trailer weight).

[@t-money10]

Please do a rebuild on this vehicle, maintenance and everything..

[@xxlordtcxksixx965]

Love Acura rsx amazing car❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@devinj8662]

Neat to see you’re in Virginia! You should join our local Facebook pages! Most members are pretty active including myself. Lots of us are on Instagram

[@randomrebuilds]

Nice - which page is it?

[@mackcummy4976]

Spray undercoat and clear coat behind the area with the rust.

[@DavidsiervodeDios777]

Yo I have an 04! Rsx type s attic blue but a-spec edition. Such a beautiful car. You have me an idea with the tow hitch

[@johbethemann]

Great story and great car! I own an ‘02 in Desert Silver Metallic and I’ll never sell it.

[@petea]

Awesome car! These cars have everything you need, nothing you don't, and they weigh

[@darrenclark4345]

Happy Birthday....I guess my Blue Pearl just turned 20 too! Unfortunately my rear quarters live here in Calgary, Canada and are 100 times worse than yours. These will be the deciding factor if I keep her forever or not. I think they will be expensive to replace.The bondo repair only held out for a year.

[@randomrebuilds]

The bad metal needs to be grinded out totally and the inside cavity either needs rust converter or undercoating sprayed inside before the repair goes back on. Chris Fix did a good video on body rust repair using metal mesh and fiberglass.

[@darrenclark4345]

@@randomrebuilds Thanks for the advice and the lead!

[@Framus-wm3ye]

Fantastic video really enjoyed your review especially as I'm considering buying one soon! Has it always burnt oil every 3000 miles or just when it went over 150k miles?

[@randomrebuilds]

Ever since I can remember - it’s burnt about 1 qt in between oil changes.

[@JonHop1]

@@randomrebuilds How often are u in Vtec? Vtec burns a lot of oil.. I have to do oil changes every 1k miles in mine but Im also boosted making 600whp and awd, so yeah, im burning oil at a crazy rate cuz I love above 4500rpm(vtec on mine engages at 4500).

[@randomrebuilds]

@@JonHop1 VTEC not very often but its burnt about the same level since it was new. 5k interval oil changes using full synthetic.

[@averyalexander2303]

@@JonHop1 That sucks. I have a K24A2 swapped 04 Civic and it burns hardly any oil at all despite seeing full throttle and 7200 RPM redline almost every time I drive it, usually several times every trip. After about 5K miles, the oil level dropped by about the thickness of a nickel if that and the oil seems to stay very clean. Have you changed your valve stem seals and PCV valve? How hot is the oil getting? Maybe the turbo is overheating the oil and you need better oil cooling.

[@JonHop1]

@@averyalexander2303 bud I'm boosted making over 600whp n awd. It's normal to burn oil at my boost levels n at high rpm

[@leosinhobiz2011]

Saudades meu acura integra 1995 !! No Brasil 🇧🇷 não tem deste carro

[@408niko]

nice

[@SlipsExploits]

I am 20 I bought an 04 with 112k miles last august and I am now sitting at 135k with only regular oil changes I do myself and a passenger motor mount that failed. Very good cars I love mine I cant see myself parting with it.

[@randomrebuilds]

Hold onto that for as long as you can - they don't make them that solid anymore. My passenger motor mount went out around 140k - replaced with a Poly Hasport and was happy with the upgrade solid feel to it.

[@SlipsExploits]

@@randomrebuilds I have one on the way! They are made per order so I have to wait two months but I’m excited 😄

[@JonHop1]

Had mine for 13 years now.. $40,000 later and its a completely different car... They are okay cars in stock form. Def fun, but SUPER slow unless above 6k rpm. I started with a k24 swap, then it spiraled out of control... K24 honestly makes all the difference and they shoulda came with a K24 from factory in my opinion. Makes the car so much more drivable. And just because you sacrifice 500-1000 rpm doesnt change how fun the k24's are on the top end either, but they have that low end torque that just makes the drivability so much better. But Im WAY past that now... My dc5 is awd and making 600+whp lol...

[@2strokeFORever]

Obviously this guy is just enjoying the car the way it is lol..

[@JonHop1]

@@2strokeFORever nothing wrong with that, but there are easy n affordable quality of life upgrades that really make the dc5 night n day better

[@MrDIJEN15]

What’s your IG. would love to see the build. Rebuilding my 02 currently

[@JonHop1]

@@MrDIJEN15 don't use social media for this build because it draws too much attention n people try to steal it sadly. When I used IG I had 5 theft attempts. People end up recognizing the car n the area n then it makes me vulnerable. Not worth it. If I had a nice single home with garage n security that would be different. Too old for all the BS n I have a family to protect. Just the issue living near a big craphole city. The car was featured in motortrend tho if u wanna check it out.

[@MrDIJEN15]

@@JonHop1 I completely understand no worries. I will definitely try to find it on motortrend, congrats on the build!

[@rapture7551]

Just picked one up 02. K24a2 with a k20a head, tsx cams.

[@jesselee4405]

How are you liking it? I run a similar setup but with Z1 cams. I'm starting to look at stage one cams.

[@rapture7551]

@@jesselee4405 I love it. I also have 06 si with a k24a2 swap.

[@jesselee4405]

@@rapture7551 Honda Dreams!

[@Framus-wm3ye]

I just got my first one now with 50k from new! Have you had water leak issues in the trunk? I've had to seal under the roof trims and down the joints around the tailgate as well as (with rear bumper removed) around the tail lights. Stopped all leaks now but wow that took two days of work to fix!

[@randomrebuilds]

Yes I had to replace taillight gaskets and that solved the water in the trunk issue I was having.

[@Framus-wm3ye]

@@randomrebuilds Just wondering if you have wheel spacers fitted to your car as they look like they poke out a little more than normal?

[@randomrebuilds]

@@Framus-wm3ye No wheel spacers - just straight mounted to the hub like the factory. I haven't looked to see if the 05-06 17" width is different than the 02-04 16"s.

[@njthrift]

Have you replaced the shocks yet? Cloth seats look great and are much better than leather.

[@randomrebuilds]

Had coilovers till 170k then switched back the oem shocks which now have 80k or so.

[@verdman54]

Looks like you had what I think was called the "gun metal" finished rims from accident pic?

[@randomrebuilds]

Good ol Duplicolor Gunmetal wheel paint.

[@comeconcon569]

I never was a big fan of the 02,03, and 04 model, and I personally prefer the 05 and 06 model.

[@Jahsani]

👍

[@andrewwickersham1523]

What about that Buick?

[@peacemanlistens582]

Every little dent or rock chip has a story from this guy 😂

[@winm7479]

Still have my 05 rsx s since new. Now with 150k k24, type s head, boosted 400hp. Is a lot of fun. I suggest hardrace motor mounts. You will never go back to hasport.

[@JonHop1]

Nah Hasport is WAY better for performance.. If you cant put up with 62A Hasport vibrations then you dont want performance in the first place. Especially if you are boosted, the last thing you want is a lot of motor/drivetrain movement all because you cant handle some vibration. They are ways to combat vibrations in your dash as well.

[@winm7479]

@Jon Hop lol what do you mean I don't want performance in the first place? Just because I don't want vibrations in my car doesn't mean i dont want performance. My car has no wheel hops thanks to hardrace. Lol so people who wants to buy high performance cars with no vibrations doesn't want performance in the first place? Wow you are something else 😆 😂

[@2strokeFORever]

@@winm7479 he comments on a lot of RSX and honda videos and honestly just find him annoying lol

[@Framus-wm3ye]

I just got my first one now with 50k from new. Have you had water leak issues in the trunk? I've had to seal under the roof trims and down the joints around the tailgate as well as (with rear bumper removed) around the tail lights. Stopped all leaks now but wow that took two days of work to fix!

[@winm7479]

@@Framus-wm3ye never had water leaks

[@kramer7026]

Does this car have bad rev hang?

[@randomrebuilds]

Don’t believe so - the type S transmission is geared perfectly it seems.

[@MostIntersting1]

Needs AWD and Turbo lol

[@oneday3857]

😂

[@JonHop1]

Like mine! AWD, g30-900, 600whp, Bilstein b16's with Porsche/BMW Damptronic.. Even has electric AC and PS!.. Also had the entire chassis professionally sound deadened to combat vibration and drone, but I ended up going to a valved exhaust so I can cruise on quiet and then open up if I want to.

[@blu3zi671]

What a waste of a perfect shell