CLNSC3 wrote:
How do you like the TBSS? I have been considering selling my RDX to buy one, could use something that can tow a little more! Anything to look for when shopping for a used one?
ive had it for a little over a year and i like it so far. mine's AWD but i think if i were to do it again i'd get a 2wd model and some 9-7x wheels/snows. 2wd is faster, better mpg, slightly higher tow rating (6800 vs. 6600), probably cheaper, less stuff to wear out, and somewhat less likely to blow the trans.
the transmission is the weak point on these. i have a trans cooler on mine for towing and it towed really nicely. plenty of power, good braking, and it didnt get tugged around much at all, though it was an open trailer.
the only thing i'd really like to change is the transmission/transfercase. it uses a slightly stronger 4spd auto (4L70E) than the non SS but its still the weak point for sure. i find myself wishing i could take it out of awd for better mileage and big sloppy drifting, and if they'd put the 6sp 6L80E it'd be more agressive out of the hole while keeping rpms lower on the highway, but still i dont hate it for that. i hear that an engine/trans tune can make the trans feel really nice, improve mpg by 1 or 2, and obviously make a bit more power. it doesnt bother me much but the fact that its an LS2 means it wants 91+ octane, and it doesnt have the cylinder deactivation for mileage improvement (less crap to go wrong imo...) but it does add to the costs a bit.
the LS2 sold me on it, but i find myself enjoying the bilsteins, big sways, de-chevy'd steering feel, and generally nimble feel a lot more than i get on it. it's still heavy but it hides its heft awfully well. it reminds me of a refined version of my old cherokee with huge sways and street truck tires, and double the power. or a big guy in a well tailored suit.
i personally dont like the in-dash navigation system as it has only 1 disk slot and no internal memory so as far as ive found researching it and according to the dealer when you use the nav you have to put in the map dvd which precludes use of the cd player. the 6 disk player's pretty nice though.
check out http://www.TBSSowners.com for lots of info on all kinds of things.