Baskingshark

Hi, I'm a noob. Well, actually pre-noob. My coworker has a 4G TL and I am impressed with it, except for the beakface and the fact that it's automatic (it seems to shift very nicely, but I don't like auto cars). The 6-speed 3G Type S looks like it would suit my tastes nicely, however, so I was wondering if there's a buyer's guide somewhere? Apologies if there's one somewhere obvious and I've overlooked it!

TacoBello

Buyers guide? What do you mean? What are you looking for in the buyers guide?

If I can make a suggestion- find a type S you like and post it here. We can let you know what to look out for and what to consider, depending in mileage, etc. the more photos, the better. Maybe we can spit something that you might otherwise overlook.

The one expensive service for all TLs is the 105k service. It can cost you like $1500. I'd look for a TL-S that already has it done, or use it as a bargaining chip to lower the price.

Baskingshark

Thanks, I'll look out for that. By buyer's guide, I meant a list of things to look out for specifically, any particular weak points etc.

TacoBello

Haha, start reading through the 3G TL section. You'll find plenty, lol.

To be honest though, Acura seemed to fix a number of issues the TL originally had, from 04-06. The 07-08 models are more reliable. Sounds like you're looking for a 6mt TL-S- they are rare, but there are still plenty around. You may just have to be a bit patient.

Items that normally shit the bed: compliance bushings (the big bushings) on the lower control arms, the engine mounts fail, the Bluetooth device fails (if you can't connect your phone, it likely is pooched, but is easily replaceable), sway bar endlinks, various interior lights- easily replaceable though.

Beyond that, you just have to look at maintenance items. Tires, brakes, fluids (are they clean or dirty looking?), air filter, the 105k service (which includes timing belt, water pump and tensioner, spark plugs, etc)

Baskingshark

Awesome, thanks, that's really helpful! Yeah, I am looking for a 6mt car. There seem to be a few around. If the 105K mile service is the big one, it sounds like it's best to look for one that has a way to go until then or which has just had it done.

One other question - I thought the 6mt was only available on the TL-S, but some cars have a "TL S-Type" badge on the trunk and others I've seen just have a TL badge even though they have the 6mt. Did they change the badging for different years and am I correct that all 6mt cars are S-Types?

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

04-06 TL's came with 6MT as an option. There was no Type-S in those model years.

In 07-08, you have to buy a Type-S to get the 6MT.

Welcome to AcuraZine and good luck with your search.

TacoBello

Yup, I have an '06 6MT. It is NOT a Type S though. The Type S didn't show up until the year after.

I dunno if it's the same down south as it is up here, but at dealerships, the 04-06 6MT TL was known as the "TL Dynamic". You won't see the "dynamic" name show up anywhere, besides the window sticker for the car, if you bought new.

Baskingshark

That makes so much more sense now. Either the Wikipedia article is wrong or I misread it! Thanks everybody!

ScoobyTL

Good luck on the search for a 6MT Type-S. I had a hard time finding one so I settled for a Base '08. I couldn't be without a car any longer, but the Base '08 I found only had 40k miles on it so I couldn't pass it up.

Baskingshark

Thanks - there do seem to be a few around. On the other side of the country...

mtiaz

6MT's from Acura/Honda are notorious for 3rd gear synchronizer problems in which the gear grinds or pops out of gear. Some TL-S 6MT's suffer from this problem. Make sure to check for this

Waiting for a clean 6MT TL-S is totally worth it, I waited roughly 4-5 months before coming across mine & made the decision within 2 days of seeing the car.

Test-driving & seeing junky examples will help you tell the difference from a good and bad example

TacoBello

This is waaaay overblown in my opinion. Yes, it does happen. It happens to everyone of Honda's/Acura's 6MTs. However, the AC Delco FRICTION MODIFIED syncromesh transmission fluid all but cures the issues.

If a tranny was beat on hard, the fluid will obviously not save it, but, if it was relatively decently cared for, that fluid can extend the transmission life for a very long time. I'd be more nervous buying an 04-06 5AT, over any 6MT.

If the 3rd gear is already popping out, it's too late. Just look for another car, or use it as a bargaining chip to cut down the price and get it fixed/replaced.

mtiaz

Agreed the issue is overblown^ people make it seem like its inevitable to have 3rd gear synchro problems but its still an expensive issue which is among the "common" problems the 3rd gen TL faces.

OP good luck on your search, this is a list I've used and I've posted a couple times to other members so just give that search bar a quick try in the future;

1) Compliance Bushings - check for broken rubber
2) Noisy power steering hoses - check to service records to see if recall performed
3) Oil Pump Seal - look for a small area of oil residue usually covering a little bit of the oil pan, they do not leak as so much to pour on the ground so just give the oil pan a quick glance
4) Rear Main Seal - this is pretty obvious, you'll most likely see oil on the ground
5) 3rd Gear Syncro - if you're shopping for a 6MT, check to see if 3rd gear is abnormally notchy, grinds or pops out of gear
6) Loud valve tick noise - this could be due to the 5th cylinder spark plug being loose which is an easy fix as you just have tighten it back down

At around 105k miles/170k kilometres there is a timing belt service which is a major service which can cost anywhere from $600-$1500 depending where you get it done.

TypeSZilla

That oil pump seal is definitely a culprit to look for! I picked up my TLS last fall and she drove like a dream from a couple states over. It checked out and everything.

Long story short, she is being garaged and while taking her out here and there I noticed a small oil leak on the floor. It seems like it's the oil pan leaking but but per my readings/research here on the forums it is most likely that darn Oil Pump Leak.

That said and if you happen to notice this it is best to bundle that seal fix with the timing belt service. Here in Chicagoland that's a $1,200 (Local Shop) -$1,650 (Dealer) for seal fix and 105K timing belt service

Baskingshark

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the great info, it's really helpful!