“MOAR JDM Wagons please!” And something along those lines were the many responses that I had received over the last few months. So I listened… This week’s blog entry feature has been in the works for a couple months and it’s finally happening! After featuring Manuel’s Blue on Blue 2nd gen TSX Wagon (see Entry #32) in June of this year, it opened a new door of friendship with other TSX wagon owners. And that was how I met Martin; the owner of this Graphite colored TSX wagon. To be honest, that’s what I like about having this Avantturous as a platform for wagon enthusiasts to share their passions with one another.
Martin has a passion for the Honda brand. His passion for wagon platform came later after he spotted a dope example during one of his work commutes. From that point on, he decided that a wagon ownership was next on his list. He acquired this wagon in 2017 as its 2nd owner. After riding stock for about a year, mod bug bit him hard and the search for parts began soon after. The main goal of Martin’s TSX wagon is to be his reliable weekend cruiser; therefore the modification is concentrated around enhancing the exterior look. It didn’t take long before a Type-S front lip, OEM Modulo sideskirts, OEM bodycolored rear splash guards and OEM visors made their way onto this wagon. Just like any car enthusiast would suggest: lowering a car is a must! A set of coilovers were acquired to be combined with a set of Rays 57DR wheels in matte black finish. To finish it off, an exhaust was purchased to add some grunt during his weekend cruises.
In short, Martin has showed us what simple modifications could do in reaching his goal of owning a cool weekend cruiser. The result delivered when the wagon was complimented by a few passerbys while we were taking photos around Art District in Downtown LA. Martin had this wild idea of taking this TSX wagon out on a track day one day; and it’s definitely something that we would like to see in the near future!
Introduce Yourself:
My name is Martín. I’m born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles. If you’ve ever watched Blood In Blood Out or any other classic cholo/chicano 90s film then you probably recognize my home town, Boyle Heights.
WHY A WAGON?
My story dates back to 2017 when I was daily riding my motorcycle. I had a 98 CRV that I wouldn’t really drive. Eventually the transmission gave out so I was on the hunt for another car. I’ve always been a 4 door kinda guy but after seeing a slammed TSX wagon I knew I had to get one. My search started online and within a month of research I found the one. A 2014 Acura TSX Wagon in Graphite Luster Metallic sat at Acura of Glendale for a month before I purchased it. I’m the 2nd owner and I bought it with 20k miles. Currently about to hit 125k miles.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
Just like my boy Burro (previously featured on Entry #32), I also looked into buying a 2014 CTS-V wagon because of the beefy look but in the long run it wouldn’t have been a good financial decision haha
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
Since the car is already a good looking car, the original plan was just to lower it on wheels and call it a day. Since then the objective hasn’t changed although I did consider supercharging the car at one point. I had the money to buy a supercharger kit but instead made the decision to buy another EK Hatch instead.
What style would you say best describes your car?
I would say an OEM subtle look. These cars do not need much to stand out.
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
There wasn’t much modding done besides the coilovers/wheels/mufflers. I installed the SPC adjustable arms set myself along with all basic maintenance. Although I will admit much of the influence stemmed from a good friend of mine named Tom. (@chuonthis1)
What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?
It’s pretty cool knowing in 2014 (last year offered) only 2000+ TSX wagons were made. Comparing to other wagons I think the rear is definitely the best looking from them all; along with all the optional parts Honda offers which are beginning to reach interesting prices.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
In contrast to other wagons maybe the reliability along with looks. Comparing to other TSX’s maybe the technology package, it’s a flex having the trunk open and close with the push of a button haha but can’t forget my personalized plate either. “WAGNFOO”
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
Besides minor dings and dents that have happened over the years maybe the wheels lol one had to be replaced due to a crack near the spoke. But other than that it’s a great car all around.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Taking the leap to learn to work on my own car. Instead of paying stealership to do basic work, I invested that money on tools to become a certified YouTube mechanic 😎
What one word best describes your car?
WAGONFOO! Countless times ppl go up to me and say “I didn’t know Acura made a hatchback!”
What is your final goal with this car?
I have 2 cars and this is my more luxury/weekend car so I’m not gonna do much to it. As far as looks go, I’ll change the wheels in the future but for now leaving it as is. I would like to add full bolts on and dress up the engine a bit as well. Since day 1 I said I would track the wagon for fun as I never saw one hit a track day so that’s still in the works.
