I'm new to this forum and thought i'd ask the pros for some help. I'm in the market for a good used car, and found one I really like. Its listed as a 2003 TL-S, and I did some research and figured its a great deal. Then I got to looking at the pictures of other 2003's, and this one is without the ground skirting and rear spoiler. I looked at the car in person, and it is an 'S', but noticed Manfctd date of 05/02... is this an 02? If so, what are the differences (aside from the before mentioned body parts), and do they have any problems I should look into? This place is a small local dealership, and i'd hate to fork over cash on something misrepresented. Thanks in advance for your help!

Chris

 

The body kit and spoiler were options for both the TypeS and non-TypeS. Plenty of TypeS' running around without them.

Check to see that all the maintenance has been done. Run a carfax for what it's worth to make sure there are no glaring issues with the car.

And drive the hell out of it on the test drive to make sure everything works.

 

The model year is made and sold beginning in the prior calendar year.

 

Also, I believe that the 2002 models have separate tweeters in the doors. My 2003 has just a single speaker. If the one you're looking at has OnStar (look at the rear view mirror, or if there is a little stubby antenna on the roof, just above the rear window), it's a 2003.

 

Actually, that's not necessarily true. Onstar was only on nav equipped '03s. Mine is an '03 TL-S. No Nav, no body kit, and consequently, no onstar antenna.
It's still a Type S, though.

 

Also, make sure to check the VIN to see if it falls under the tranny recall! Very important!

And yes, only Navi equipped TLs will have the little antenna on the rear roof.

 

It's a 2003 TL-S model but sold and on service in 2002 .

 

Yep, you're right, I forgot to mention that. Mine is a 2003, and I have Nav and the OnStar antenna, so I neglected to mention that. I was just noting what my car has that 2002 models did not.

 

If it was made in 05/02 it probably has the extand warranty but your right better check your individual one.

Check it here

http://www.hondatransmissionsettleme.../php/login.php

 

This is sort of unrelated, but I went to ownerlink and ran my VIN. There's no mention of the extended warranty, but I do have the AT recall... Does this mean I got the extended warranty, as well? I"ve not had any problems, and the car is still on it's original trans, at 55K with no signs of failing, so I'm not too worried. Just curious.

 

Type-S has triangle head rests with a openeing. TL-P has just square ones. Type-S has Type-S rims. Engine is different. things to look for is the Type-S shift knob.

 

Thanks a lot guys! I drove it today, and based on what you've told me and a vin search it is a type S. The Acura owner link on the forum also used the vin# and said the trans. fix had been done on this car. Its a 2003 with 39k mi. on it. Anyway, wife and I love it- i'm buying it tomorrow

 

If today is the "tomorrow" you reference, then congratulations and good luck! I've loved mine since I got in it, and I didn't have the opportunity of a test-drive -- I bought it through a licensed broker. In fact, the first time I ever drove an Acura was the day I drove my 2003 TL-S w/navi off the broker's lot, and I've been loving it ever since. Enjoy!

 

Just curious as to what you are paying for it Chris?

 

I bought the car today. I talked the guy down to $15600- good deal if ya ask me! Anyway, wife loves it- very nice car. One thing I noticed when I got home is a lot of condensation in the drivers side headlight from when it was washed. Should I just deal with it or have the unit replaced- that sounds spendy All in all, I love this car.

 

Sounds great-I'm sure your love it! I purchased my 99TLP Navi Last year with about 39k on it for $11,000. Oct of 05. Looks like your got a good deal on the 2003S for 15600.

 

The dealer should replace your headlight if there is condensation in it, for free.

 

Congrats on the car, you will love it. Post up some pics.