I currently own a 96 3.2 TL with 166k miles, while it is a great car, it won't last forever and I'm starting to plan ahead for a replacement vehicle.

I'm looking around for another TL, my question is should I stay away from the second generation models (99-03) because of the transmission problems I read about in their forum?

Pricewise I'm probably looking to buy somewhere in the 02-03 years, but I would be interested in hearing whether it would be worth it to pay the extra to get an 04, which is the first year of the third generation.

 

Well it comes to you honestly:

04: Redesign
No Transmission problems (Manual Option too)
Features Instilled Within ( Bluetooth, Voice?, Etc)

02-03: Option of Type S
Transmission problems
Check Warranty
OEM kit Varies

These are just the basics, but just to get you started! Good Luck on the upgrade.. Oh Yea, i would go with a 04! PEACE!

 

If you can afford the 04 go for it, there are more toys but I like the way the 2nd Gen looks that's why I bought it over the 3rd Gen

 

id get the 3gen wich im doing next year.

 

Get the 2004+

Oh and who says your 1st gen TL wont last forever?

I've seen Legends with 400,000+ miles on them

 

And this coming from a 1st gen TL owner. How is that car doing?



Yes, the c32A1 will last a long time. There was recently a report of one having over 500,000 miles. They do last quite a long time.


Get the 3rd gen. Notice, you asked this in the 2nd gen area, and we are even telling you to get a 3rd gen......get the idea. They are good cars, but the 04+ are better.

 

My '97 is doing quite well. Drives smoothly just like the day I bought it. I've only had to replace the starter.

And I love my '05. So you really cant go wrong either way

 

I'm at 223,800+ and still going strong! Took an NA MKIV from a roll and from a dig testerday, hehe.

~Cheers~

 

I like the look of the 2nd gen TL over the 3rd gen TL (biased). However, if you are looking at things on a reliability standpoint, odds are you will be better off with a 3rd gen TL if the tranny issue is what concerns you.

 

If you prefer the 2nd gen looks over the 3rd gen looks - or can't afford the 04+, then consider looking into a 99 TL which had the old tranny without any problems. Or you could spring for a CL with the 6-speed.

 

t0ast -

You said "...consider looking into a 99 TL which had the old tranny without any problems...

The 99 model is second generation, so it has the bad trans, right?



Thanks for all your responses - if my 96 can hang in there another 2 years (it'll be at 200k by then) the 04's will have come down in price and I can afford one then.

 

The difference is the 99TL had a 4spd auto compared to the others that are 5spd automatics.

 

TL's are noooooo LEGENDS...