CiViCKiDD

I've already searched, and transmission issues seem to be the most prevalent (as with many automatic hondas from back then).

I'm looking for a beater to put a lot of miles on, and as much as I'd like a stick this needs to be shared amongst people who can't drive manual..only way I'm buying a stick is if I get it dirt cheap (missed out on a 2001 Accord LX sedan, manual, ~80k miles, for $2100). Used 01-03 TL's go for ~$4000-$4500. I'd prefer to get something cheaper, but with most automatic accords going for almost the same price I figured the TL is a better bet.

During a brief test drive I guess the only thing I can look for when assessing the condition of the auto is a slipping transmission? Are certain years more prone to failure than others?

Other than that what I've read shows this car to be fairly rock solid and dependable..there's nothing else to really "watch out for," right?

01tl4tl

smell the trans fluid- burnt? walk away!
you wont feel a trans failure unless its about ready to go---- if they even let you drive auction cars-most are `start in place` and thats it-

the 105k miles service is critical with water pump-timing belt -tune up--$1200


The TL is not a good `beater car` to put a lot of miles on,, within a budget.
gets poor mileage in town, vtec encourages poor mileage everywhere,
and overzealous use of the SS mode in downshifting to 3rd and 2nd will wear out the known weak clutch disc/packs! Its NOT a 5 speed!! $4000 out of warranty or salvage cars

other things to know- some 03s had a recall for free timing belt replacement
worst trans years 00-05
How to tell if its got a warranty replaced trans- blue painted bolt heads on the trans

01tl4tl

the steering rack leaks if the fluid isnt changed now and then
The brake calipers and abs can fail due to no brake fluid flushes
Ball joints are prone to wear

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

what 01tl4tl. sometimes u get a great deal on auctions cars. like when i bought my 03 smr cl-s6 for $1800 and about another $1300-$1500 in parts and paint.

also if theirs a vin on they trans then it has not been replaced. look under any car u buy to make sure that when teh car was moved they didnt rip any brake, fuel lines or wires.

01tl4tl

the acura techs are supposed to swap the trans vin plate to the replacement unit ,, but most are too lazy (according to the Senior Tech at my dealer)

I was addressing the OPs stated desires, vs the reality of owning a TL.., like when 50 bucks for spark plugs shocks you....how will you take the news of timing belt time?

If you dont get the lucky one at auction- you could have a problem that effects several people who depend on the car--not just you needing a loaner or rental

Many auction cars are salvage flood cars or `retitled` thru some states~-
so it makes me shudder at the thought of not having access to all the cars history and being able to drive and put on the rack- thats the mechanic part of me

Take your cell phone and call acura 1-800-382-2238 x5-
tell them you are just - `looking to buy-research` `NOT registering as new owner of that Vin` and can they give you a records check-
check if any recalls open/need to be done, and was the trans ever replaced--

they will do it for you no prob- more fun than taking a complaint call!

The other items were just notes on expected cost or probs to look for - as the OP requested
Would I get another gen2- sure! If there is a trans warranty available for it aftermarket

Maybe its from looking at so many TLs' in the search for mine- lots of cars had not been cared for- that can lead to problems
A TL you can test drive to at least give the clutch packs a quick check- is risky biz- in my opinion

01tl4tl

the quick check for trans replacement is to look under the car at the bolt heads that are part of the trans main bolts- blue heads = acura rebuilt unit

I agree Raj- sometimes you can get a winner- you scored!!
In my time working at shops, there were some real pieces of auction garbage- that got buffed out and smallest amount of work to cover up existing problems that indicate near future part failure

When you go in knowing the car will need work and have that budgeted for- thats one thing- To get one and expect to thrash it as ~beater~ without any initial or ongoing expeditures...not a realistic concept in my world
The OPs statement about the intended trans useage makes me think they have not driven a TL, or read the tranny failure thread on here
an auction score for a MT track day car- thats cool!!!

pillsbury8

dam i got my wdp tls for 10500. 81k on it

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

all i can tell the op is to keep his eyes open and not be too picky. i search for about 2 years for my cl. if its possible try to buy it in your state so u can go and personally check the car out.

FireNation23

I think the 01-03 non S are prone to the tranny problems then the TLS, good luck with your buy.

TequiLa

iTrader: (3)

Rajca

iTrader: (8)

00-03 tl-p and tl-s and 01-03 cl-p and cl-s 5spd auto trans are prone to blow early and often. trans made after feb 2005 are supposed to be improved and better (or something like that)

03bl AC k CL

fwiw my post feb 05 trans failed anyway and it wasnt even the recalled part.... i love my car but prob wouldnt buy one again just for that reason