I'm was thinking of buying new 2003 TLS with navi, got a quote a while ago at 31600, I think I can get lower, here in northern Jersey. My question is'nt really about the price but if I should avoid the car because of potential Tranny Problems. I'd like to believe it's fixed on TLS's produced recently. I would love to get a G35, but with the same options as a TLS with NAVI, the
G35 is almost 5k more. The other thing is the TLS is front wheel drive which is probably a better choice here in the northeast. The price/performace/option ration of the TLS just can't be touched, if only honda would come out and be more up front and imformative about the trany issue, "Some 2003s are covered by the 100,000 mile tranny warrenty" why not just extend it to all of them.

 

Why don't you wait 6 months and see how the '04 TL compares.

Check this thread out:
http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showth...threadid=47399

As you can see here is a member with a 3 week old car and it is still happening. Acura/Honda claims that the problem is fixed but it sure doesn't look like it does it.

 

Is the 04 really gonna be out in 4 months thought it would be longer..Maybe I will wait, unless I can get a decent price on the G35 which probably won't happen....

 

It's going to come out mid- late Summer. It's a total redesigned acura TL, and it has more Hp than the TYpe S. It has around 280 HP, and its no longer going to be 3.2TL its 3.4TL. So definitely wait man, unless u rather get ur G35, but dont get that car.

 

It's the proverbial "waiting for the best .....", you can wait till next year when the new 04 comes out, but then the 05 will be right around the corner. The deciding factor should be whether you feel you need the car now or not, and if you're willing to "chance it" and go with the TL with the "tranny issues". People can tell you what to do or what not to do, I can only tell you what I think. I've had my TL-S for a year and 17K+ miles, it's been great. Sure, I know about the tranny failures, and so I'm always keeping an eye and ear out for any problems I may have, but I know I'll be covered if anything happens.

 

I agree with Cycx ... you either need to decide to take the plunge now, and get a great car, or play the waiting game (and the dealer markup that's SURE to come when you purchase any new model car). And let's face it -- when you wait, other car manufacturers start to entice you with their new lineup, as well. In regards to price, I think that's a pretty decent deal, well below "market" value. I got mine for that price which also included the protection package (you're talking a couple hundred for that, so you can factor that into the price if you like). I'm sure others have gotten it for cheaper, but I guess it's your final decision. At the very least, get quotes so you can at least have the peace of mind that you actually went and shopped around. You don't owe anything to any dealership, so work 'em as best as you can. "Hey, I can get it for $31,400 at another dealership ... can you beat that?" Leave the dealer's name out of the haggling (no need to bring it up) ... just talk about the dollar amount. And yeah, you're actually getting quoted $31,600 but they don't need to know that

Danny

 

04 TL, September of 03. And don't think the base price isn't gonna jump. It will prob be a few grand more. Acura is bringing in another small 4 door sedan that will be more afordable. Like the old 4d integra. So the TL will most likely step up in price. Also I don't think there is going to be a Type S for the first year.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, still not to sure what I'm gonna do, if honda would just come out and say, we have a fix and all cars made after X date are ok and those before that who have tranny problems will be replaced with the fixed part, I would be ok with that. But it seems like they really have no fix, and have some idea of which cars are really effected but refuse to say anything. I can understand this, as no one would buy the cars with the deffective trany parts if it were public knowledge..

 

I had an Idea tell me if this seems possible, or worthwhile.
I was thinking before I buy new TL, I got just get the VIN#(many dealers post there inv with VIN on the web) call honda and ask if this vin number has the 100k tranny warrenty, if it does'nt then the car probably does not have the deffective tranny part.

 

That is a magnificent idea. Now that you mention it, it seems like so obvious. I can't believe I didn't think of it. You put a big smile on my face when I read what you wrote. I too am debating the purchase of a TL-S.

 

ummmm Park Avenue Acura .....

 

No. Courtesy Acura. I live north of downtown Orlando in Winter Springs. Courtesy Acura is in Longwood which is 10 min away. This area is considered suburbs of Orlando (about 30 minutes from downtown).