Hi! Newbie here.. I'm looking at getting either a 2001 (give or take a year) Toyota Avalon or a 2001 TL. Both are in the same ballpark price-wise. I drove a couple of Avalons and they are very nice, but not really inspiring.

I'm looking at a couple of TL's this weekend. Any advice? I know of the tranny issue. If the car has 125K miles on it without any tranny issues, am I ok? Can these fail at any time?

Does the S-type have the tranny issues also? Is the S-type worth a few extra bucks?

Should I look for an extended warranty if the car already has 125K miles?

I like the TL better than the Avalon. The TL says "DRIVE ME!!" where the Avalon says "here's a nice ride, don't fall asleep", but I don't have an after-purchase budget for major issues!! I'd probably have less worries with the Avalon, but I want to do my research and hopefully convice myself on the TL!!

thx!
goMO

 

If you haven't already, spend some time reading the "Tranny Failure Thread":

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-problems-fixes-117/tranny-failure-thread-566833/

 

hey i just bought an 02 tl-p in april of a private dealer it had 125xxxkms on it and so far no sign of tranny failure. if your buying it of a dealer then u should be fine, but then again u are spending that extra buck. definitely go with a TL. also, i would suggest to go with a type-s if you can afford the insurance, if you are getting a tl-p not a bad choice either, try to get one with a body kit a navi and all that goodness, make sure the heated seats are working, mine dont work. and i hear it'll be a b1tch to fix that.

 

warranty or not, if you're planning on keeping the car past the warranty period i can't recommend the TL...if that transmission goes and you don't get goodwill, it's a $4k repair. they seem to be basing the goodwill more on mileage than age, so you would likely have more difficulty getting reimbursement from acura for a transmission replacement.

 

IMO just try to find an 04 TL for cheap, shouldnt be that hard

 

The last time I checked the 3rd generation TLs were selling for a lot more than the 2nd gen TLs.

But I agree that a 3rd gen TL is a good option if you could find one for a good price.

And I would also recommend a manual transmission. It would be both more reliable and more fun to drive.

 

One with higher mileage shouldn't be hard at all. Mileage in these cars doesn't really matter as has been proven with the 2nd gens.

If you want a 6speed, you'll have to get an 05+. All this assuming you consider a 3rd gen that is.

 

lol 3rd gen TL's are not in the same price range as an 01 tl-p.
i would ask for maintenance records cause if you don't have much of an after purchase budget, make sure the cars been properly serviced.

and yea, the type s IS worth the few extra bucks. try comparing the type-s to the avalon..

 

weren't there some issues with early 3G transmissions also?

 

get the type-S

 

thanks for all the response, guys! I'm checking out a '01 TL S-type with Nav. It has 135K miles. Seller is looking for $6.9K; I think I can get it for $6.5. No way a '04 would be even close in price although they are so much nicer!!

I'll go through the threads, but is there an after-market warranty I could get for the tranny?

Any other issue than the tranny that would be something to be watchful for?

thx!!

 

assuming the body is in perfect condition, the TL-P for that year with nav has a blue book value of 6180. i don't know how much extra the S is worth, but i'd try and go somewhat lower....i knocked 2k off the asking price when i bought my TL (though starting price was higher and i am an ass)

 

Are you sure it is a 01 Acura TL type S???? Type S model didn't come out until 02-03???

 

In the 3rd Gen's the 04 and some early 05's still had Tranny Problems... so keep that in mind.

 

Rhlieu- you are correct - the one I'm looking at is a 2002, not 2001.

 

I've read that also but I suspect that just applies to the automatic transmissions. A manual transmission is probably going to be very reliable. But I'd check the 3rd gen forums to be sure of that.

 

^^ Nope, manuals are less reliable. We've had a few manual tranny failures and I suspect the reason for that is because of the end user. People that have manual tend to be a bit more aggressive in their driving pattern - Not always but usually.

 

replacing a clutch vs auto trans??
i say get the stick shift.

and if you ask me CL type-s 6spd

 

so what are my options for an after-market warranty (2002 S-Type, 135K miles), something like 3/36 that would cover me for the tranny? I'm not sure I would take the plunge without some piece of mind.
thx!

 

If the car is an original owner with documented maintenance, the warranty isn't all that important. The 2nd gen TL's are a bargain now and you probably could knock another $1000 off the price as the cars don't have much trade in value in our present deflated economy. Have the car professionally inspected. Once evaluated, make an offer if everything checks out ok. Our 2000 TL was a one owner with 130k, two years ago....original tranny, stole it for $5000. It's been a great car for less money than one would expect to lose in depreciation during the first year of owning a comparable new car. If maintained properly and utilizing this superb forum, you'll do well !

 

As much as I love them, I couldn't honestly tell you that it makes more sense to buy a TL than an Avalon. The TL looks much nicer, has more character, and performs a lot better than the Avalon. BUT transmission failure in our cars is very common and very costly to repair. If you're like me and you love the TL enough to overlook to possibility of encountering transmission failure at some point, just cover your ass with a good warranty (RESEARCH AND READ THE FINE PRINT) and forget about the Avalon.

 

thanks everyone! Its a S-Type with Nav. Its super clean and its mostly highway miles. I have him down to $6k but he won't go any lower...
decisions, decisions..

 

also - a couple of questions:

1) what does the S-Type have besides a bigger engine?

2) is there a big diff in the gas mileage between the TL and TLS?

thx!

 

The only differences I can think of between the TL-S and the TL-P are the engine (260hp vs 225hp, obvious differences in torque ratings) and the standard wheels (17" vs 16", different styling). The gas mileage is about the same, as far as I can remember.
btw $6k is a very good price for the car you're looking at