looking at 2 acura's in new york: 2003 acura 3.2tl w/ 55k OR 2003 acura 3.2tl type-s w/ 75k

Both look near excellent. The type-s has more knicks on the rear bumper though.

I like the sportier type-s but don't know if the extra 20k miles will catch up to me. What would you do? Sorry if its a rookie question, its my first ac and just can't decide.

 

Ask your insurance agent the differance !

 

I would go for the type S.

 

Welcome, I would check their history on both cars first , check if any transmission has been replaced, check for body damage and deterioration and then I would decide which got it better.

 

High miles are fine, this car will last you a while.
As 01tl4tl said, check to see what the difference would be and if you can afford it.

 

whats the difference between the type-s and non. in physical ways not price.

 

^^ wheels and the Type S badge ( appearance wise )

 

stiffer suspension and stiffer slightly more contoured/sport seats, 40 more HP, nav unit standard, - fog lights depending on year

I see a lot of people putting P seats in the S cars- go figure!


s car go


Have any car you are really considering run thru Acura at 1-800-382-2238 x 5
tell them looking to buy and want history- they know all!
carfax also helps- but on different things
If it passes that test- have an independant shop put it on the rack- leaks-brakes- exhaust-corrosion etc

 

do a search on the difference between the type s and the non type s. It is more than just wheels and a type s badge. Off the top of my head the difference are stiffer suspension, seats, perforated leather, different intake, and a different exhaust.

 

You really seen a lot of people put premium seats in a type S? Me and another member tried to do this with our 2002 TL's but the plugs did not match up. If you have any information let me know because I know for sure that it is not plug and play. I would love to have Type S seats in my premium.

Thanks

 

First and most important thing, check to see if the VINs are covered under the extended warranty. I made the mistake of not checking before I bought my TL-S.

Personally I would go for the Type S. You may end up regretting it later down the road.

Navigation was not standard on the 02-03 Type S. I believe it is on the 07 tho.

 

both cost near same insurance wise. My only concern is the extra mileage and the faulty tranny problems with the higher mileage vehicles. As much as I would like the extra performance, my main concern is reliability at the moment. I plan on having the car for about 40k or at least 2/3 years.

 

Then its all about calling acura with each cars vin and ask history and extended warranties on each car- recalls complied with etc

1-800-382-2238 x5 6am-5pm pacific time

 

The tranny should be fine as long as it has a recent one. Check to see when the last one was replaced and if it got a "new" one and if it is still under the tranny warranty (109K miles as long as no salvage title)

 

Such an optimist!!! when the last one was replaced

words from someone on number somethingsumtin trans!!!

 

This is absolutely the most important thing to check before buying any 2003 TL.

Every 1999-2002 TL is covered and that is not the case with the 2003 TL. The later production 2003 TLs are not covered. (Acura apparently thought they had resolved the issue at that time but the consensus on this forum is that they didn't.)

The second generation TLs have serious transmission reliability issues and an out-of-warranty replair could cost $3,000 to $4,000.

Bob

 

thanks a lot, will check it out with acura monday morning.

 

Ew. Why? The TL-P seats suck. Can I have some Type-S seats and head rests please!!

 

just go for the type S, its worth it i promise, i was in a similar situation like you, but i made the right choice and opted for the S, good luck

 

the non type-s had the timing belt and tranny recall done in april 2005, and still has some SRS airbag warranty extension till 150k and the extended warranty on the transmission for 7 years 9months/ 109k miles.

the type-s with 20k more miles had a much more extensive repair history. Recalled tranny, timing belt, engine mounts replaced. Airbag warranty covered but transmission does not have extended warranty.

Unfortunately I'll have to go with the non type-s model.

 

Not true...