Thought I'd say "hello" as a new member.

Just purchased a 2003 Type-S two days ago.

Found the site... so here I am.

BTW, what's the cliffnote version of the transmission problems and rotor problems? Those threads are really long so if I could get a summary that would be great.

I'll admit, it's kinda worrisome to get a new car and the first two threads are about problems with it...

Anyway, I'm still loving my new ride.

-Lawrence

 

Welcome aboard. Summary: The tranny is a POS!

axleback

 

Welcome aboard!

Cliff notes: The tranny may fall out and your rotors may warp!

 

I see... some funny guys on the board... that's a first for the internet... :thefinger

Seriously, I've read that if your Type-S was made after a certain time, you *may* not have issues. Can anyone confirm?

 

I think it is all BS...It'll either fall out or it won't. They'll either warp quickly or they won't. That's what the warranty is for...

I've had both happen, so go figure...I'm still happy and in love with my baby!

 

 

Welcome to the club bro!!
congrads on the purchase!!
As far as the tranny goes, i think you're all set. Acura claimed that they fixed the tranny problem after the manufacture date of Oct 02(?). If not, then your car should be on the 100k miles warranty. Dont let this issue paranoid you. Enjoy the car!!

 

Welcome to the board!!

Don't worry about the problems... every car has its problems which is why there is a warranty

If you just bought your car you should be fine on the tranny issue... only very early 2003 models were affected... everything else is 2002 and earlier.

As for the rotors, you've probably read about it... but I do not believe it's as common as the online community makes it out to be. I personally know about 8 people with TLs or TL-S' and not one has had any rotor problems. There is no consistancy with the problem, so my advice is to just drive and enjoy!!

 

Seriously though. I've been on this forum for almost a year and a half now and here's a list of issues I hear most often. Anyone is welcome to chime in:

1) Tranny failing (knock on wood, I'm not on the list...yet)
2) Sunroof rattling (Dealer fixed it in 20 minutes)
3) Warped rotors (Dealer resurfaced my rotors and replaced front pads twice)
4) Stock tires POS (Go with Sumitomos. 100x better at a fraction of the price)
5) Brakes are severely under power (go with the SS brakelines. I got them and you do notice a difference).
6) Leather seats bubbling (not much the dealers can do for you there. Many say that the dealers' attempts to fix it is useless. They just bubble back up within a week). I just left mine the way they are. Fits my ass better IMO.
7) Paint (I'm sure all on the forum agrees our paint quality is just as good as the next Yugo. Earl Schibbs [I'm sure the mispelled his name. but some of your old schooler would remember their commercial: We'll paint any car for $99.95] has better paint quality than our TLs).

That's all I could think of right now. Despite all these problems, I'm still loving it. I still find myself walk over to my patio window once in a while and check her out. Enjoy it.

axleback

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I do have a question about the potential paint problem: May it be worth it then to get the "sealant" the dealership tried selling me when I purchased the car? It's supposed to add additional protection to the exterior (and interior, I think).

 

No, it's not worth it...Just take a weekend and detail the car yourself...Fork out the $$ and use something high quality and reapply every 6 months or as needed...

Remember...issues with the car or not, this is the best car with the best performance with the best options at the best price on the market. Period...
Toyota/Lexus is better quality; Nissan may be a tad sportier; Infinity is more expensive for the sportiness but interior is so-so, we won't include anything from the Big 3...

Enjoy!

 

Waste of money/pure profit for the dealer.

I'd say to either:

* Get a good wax and apply it (Zaino, Mothers, Blackfire, S100, etc.)
* Buy a 3m invisible bra for the hood and front areas which will protect those areas that are the most vulnurable.

Paint has pretty much gone to sh!t on all cars thanks to new standards for paints and chemicals. Not sure if I saw the link on here or on the CL board, but there was a link about this.

 

Welcome Aboard !!!!

 

Thanks again everyone for the feedback.

All I can say is that I'm lovin' my new ride. I wish I would have gotten it sooner. It's everything I want... plenty of power with comfort. It is a nice mix of everything. It may not excel in one specific category as some of the other cars (BMW, Lexus, etc.); it just does everything very well.

 

YO!