I'm considering buying a 2003 TL S type but have just been reading about lots of problems with the transmission, rotors, seals, and interior noise/rattles. What do you TL owners think - should I go for it or buy something else? I currently drive a Toyota Camry and a Mazda Miata. Thanks!

 

Buy it.

The problems you mentioned are either very rare (transmission/rotors/seals) or common (interior noise/rattles) and are covered under the cars warranttee (for cars affected, the transmission coverage has been extended to, I believe, 7yr/70K).

The Type S is quick, comfortable and reliable (it's a Honda) plus you get great gas milaeage (I average 26mpg in combo driving).

I hope this helps get you motivated.

 

I love mine but I would definitely check out the New TL as well as the g35 sedan RWD and AWD. There aren't too many entry lux sedans in that price range that can compete with the TL/TLS/G35. The ES330 is not very fast and is a little pricier. The 330 is great but you are looking at 40k+ comparably equipped. can't really think of too many others.

 

I like my 03TLS and I think the 04 TL is good. However, you may want to consider and test drive BMW325/330 and G35.

 

I recently bought an '03 TL-S and have been very happy with it so far. You should be able to get an '03 TL-S for around $27K. There really isn't anything else in that price range that compares. You can't even compare the new '04 TL since it will cost $6K more.

 

I test drove a G35 sedan today and was unimpressed. There was a loud mechanical whine in the 6 speed manual(04) when accelerating, but it was fine when cruising and no longer accelerating. Other than that thought it seems to be a good car.

 

If you get a bimmer get the 330. 325 ain't worth it!

 

My whole car rattle after 6 months and the dealer can't fix any of them except the sunroof. I had a Camry before and it has over 100K miles now and still not rattle. They claim because of the Type-S sport suspension but I think it is only B.S. My wife has an 10 years old Accord and not rattle as much. Other than the rattling problem, the car's been great. Two years ago, there wasn't much choose for a sport saden. Now there are many with similar horse power & price range to choose from. I suggest you test drive one from the dealer first and might not a bad idea test one that is over a year old. So you could sense what your car feel like after it's new. I didn't test drive the car when delivery because I had one of the first Type-S when it was available two years ago. If I did the test drive and knew that much rattling, I would have choose something else. Overall, it is a good value, I think, if you could stand the rattle. By the way, my friend had a same car as mine, two month newer, has the same problem. So it is not my car, it the quality of Acura.

 

i think you need to find a different dealer. i have 125,000 miles on mine and the only squeak/rattle was the moonroof, and headliner which the dealer was able to fix both