I have a 1999 tl with 177000 miles on it. Last week I the trans strated to go. The dealer qouted me $4200 for a for a complete new trans with 3 year 36,000 miles warranty. There are some other things wrong with it that would cost about $2000 to fix. I have found a 2003 TL Type S w/Nav for $6000 It does have 140,000 miles on it. I want your toughts on what you would do. Should I fix my TL or buy this Type S.

 

I'd cut your losses man and upgrade. Who's to say how much life your engine has in it before you need an overhaul / rebuild... I'd hate for you to drop 4200 in the car and its barely worth that.

 

Uhhhhhhhhh.... You're really considering buying another auto TL?

I'd advise buying another car. Either way, I wouldn't dump that much into your current TL.

 

I am very picky on my cars and unless it is a Mustang Convertible (which my wife will not let me have right now) It is going to be a Acura. I have had this one for 2 years with no major problems until now. If I get 1 or 2 years out of it I feel I get my money's worth. Beacuse I drive about 100 miles a day to and from work, I am not spending a lot for a comuter car, but I like the styling of the TL's.

 

If it's mostly highway miles and your staying in 5th gear, you should get that much out of the tranny. Unless it's already dying, which you should check for.

If it is the post 2005 trans case design, I would go for it. GL whatever you do.

 

the 99 is not worth much, and fixing it is more than the value--for something you only want a few years out of

the 03, has the trans been replaced under warranty? has the 105 service been done? thats a biggie
will you freak if the 03 trans goes in a month after purchase?

local shops rebuild the TL trans for about $2000-2500 with a 1-2 year warranty
the dealer one is a full swap, but the 99 doesnt get the `new case design` the 5 speeds got in 05, so there is no benefit to the dealer rebuild for you

if you really are stuck on getting the 03--which a survey here will reveal that as much as we love our TL- getting another one past trans warranty isnt worth the risk- there is a reason that car came up for sale!
We would not buy another gen2 TL today

the engine is no worries, 200 kmiles and still look perfect inside-
change oil 7500, do timing belt water pump every 100 and all will be well

Options for the 03 trans failure include an accord or oddessy trans swap

the best option at this point- with your high miles daily commute- a good used honda for that 5-6g and you will have a good runner with style, good mpg and no worries