Whats up guys, I'm new to the forum but have been reading for a little while and love the forums and the cars.

I'm looking to get a new one. I love the feel of an Acura. I saw a 2003 3.2 TL at a used place with 103K miles on it, but I checked the Carfax and everything checked out. I'm kind of having conflicting choices because of all the miles on this one, but my commute will be from the suburbs to the city every weekday.

Any thoughts and opinions would be great!

Thanks,
ROb

 

Welcome to Acurazine!

Since you've been reading the forum, you probably picked up on the significant transmission reliabilty issues with the second gen TLs. Some TL owners have gone through multiple transmissions before reaching 100,000 miles.

If you haven't picked up on that yet, spend some time reading this thread:

https://acurazine.com/forums/wash-wax-23/leather-conditioner-help-106818/

Start at the end since the thread is so massive. I'm not trying to keep you from buying a TL but it's best to be aware of the potential issues before buying.

Note also that there's a 109,000 mile/93 month extended transmission warranty on all of the 1999 to 2002 TLs. But that only some of the 2003 TLs have this coverage. Whether or not a particular 2003 TL is covered depends on the car's VIN number. (Note that TLs with salvage titles are not covered.)

Good luck with whatever you buy!

Bob

 

Yeah, I have heard that transmissions on Acuras have gone out. But i figure:

(1) Maybe already at 103K miles it would have happened already and
(2) I finally got them to work a 2 year extended powertrain warranty into the deal

Cost is about 16K out the door. Thoughts?

BTW, thanks for your advice Bob.

Thanks,
ROb

 

You can have mine for another grand; it's got half the mileage and extended warranty on the transmission. Clean.

 

16K is kind of expensive for that many miles. My '03 with only 44K miles was 15K.

 

First: CALL Acura Care at 1-800-382-2238 x5 open 6a-5p pacific time m-f
Give them the VIN and tell them you are looking to buy and want warranty history and anything they can tell you

Carfax is half reliable-it only knows what it wwas told!

Acura Knows IF they replaced the trans already or if you are covered VIN
They can also tell you of any other warranty issues or extensions

Next have a private shop check the brakes and suspension and overall condition of the car for you. Invest 50 bucks and save much more if serious problem found.

And then- renegotiate the deal with the upcoming 105K service due, and if it needs brakes- good ones not the crap they will throw on to make it look good
Or buy car from a member here- we tend to take good care of them
Cars at dealers are often from across the country- auction cars- and no history on them

100k is nothing on these cars- many go over 200k miles with engine running fine

The car calls for a $1000 timing belt/water pump etc at 105K