Hello everyone. I wanted to introduce myself and say hello. I just recently bought a 2003 TL with 233,000 miles. I wasn't afraid of the mileage since the gentleman I bought it from had maintenance records, plus he was a retired US Navy pilot. I bought it because it was in good shape and the price was right....very right. I'm a member of other car forums and know the value of a good community of folks willing to help others. I hope that as I learn about my car and read about problems and tips to fix issues, I'll be able to likewise help others.

 

welcome, I posted `acura care` website on your brake thread, here is the 800 to register as new owner, and ask if all recalls are taken care of
03 had a few in the last couple of years including as part of the takata airbag issue

1 800 382 2238 x5 gets a human, have cars VIN in hand to reg, need VIN for the website too
The 800 people send out recall notices and need current owner info address
read the owner book cover to cover- many operating tips you need to know!

have a scroll down the main gen2 TL thread titles for things to watch for, and the section Problems and Fixes for more specialty problems

Not much goes wrong but there are certain favorite fails to know about

Welcome to the forum!

 

200-300kmiles is nothing!!

our mega moderator and master fabricator has OVER 650,000 MILES on his 00TL
It now sports a 3.5 made into 3.7 engine and 6 speed manual transmission

It is a Daily Driver that may cover hundreds of miles in a day, then sees full throttle and MAX 120mph++ speeds on the back-straight at Road America raceway during amateur track days!!
To decode that persons name: fsttyms1 = Fast Times WON

point being= take care of the maintenance and replace parts as needed- drive it forever

If you suffer a trans failure, don't sweat it- we found certain years accord trans to be improved design and nearly plug and play, easy to install junkyard unit without rebuilding
The stock TL trans has junk for cooling to 3rd gear clutches, keep the fluid fresh with Honda dw-1 and replace the external spin on atf filter = dealer barely knows about this part but WE know!

Look at your trans from above for blue paint on heads of bolts that hold trans to engine and bolts for small items/brackets to trans
You can see that blue easily, it means the trans is an acura warranty unit
Dealer can run the VIN and tell you when trans was replaced or other warranty items done
I dont trust the 800 for old info, new stuff yes- but old warranty,,,ehhh visit dealer or drop by to buy some atf from them

 

Wow! Thank you so much for the helpful information. I also own a 2001 Corvette that I've done many repairs and a few mods to. I use the Corvette forum for help, tips, and tricks in addition to all the other members experiences to learn, and will do the same here with help from folks like you. I really appreciate it. Thank you again!

 

you have found the home of the acura nut
If it can be done to a TL as repairs or mod, someone here has done it!

Much like the Vette owners, we have several auto-x competitors, a few champions, track day lovers and some people who drive a stock TL

 

Welcome...

 

Welcome to the community, you won't be disappointed here. I went from total idiot to being fairly informed about things by reading the threads here.

Here's my experience with my '03 TL with 161K (acquired '06 ~50K)

Major/Noteworthy Repairs:
Transmission died '11 ~96K miles. Rebuilt
HID low-beams (both) died ~'12 - surprisingly expensive repair with OE parts. The OE parts have a flaw in their seal allowing moisture in - eventual death
Left upper ball bearing replaced ~156K miles

Current issues:
Front wheel bearings need to be replaced
Front and passenger engine mounts likely need to be replaced (a common maintenance item on this vehicle with OE parts every 75K miles)
EGR ports/passages need to be cleaned (an unlisted maintenance item needing to be done every 75K miles)
Leak at power steering pump - pump needs to be rebuilt

1st things 1st for you:
Remove your intake resonator (1hr, $0 mod).

 

Welcome. Some things you want to check:

-Ball joints
-Axles
-Oil Leaks (rear main seal leak primarily)
-Air filters
-Suspension components, mainly rubber bushings and possible oil leaks from shocks

These are all maintenance. Only main issue is the transmission and HID ballasts going out due to moisture getting in them.

The easiest way to fix those problems are by getting an 06-07 accord transmission and an aftermarket HID kit for $40.

Happy modding.

 

Thanks so much for the replies! I will be checking out everything you guys said to check and I'll be looking at this "intake resonator" mod as well. I do not have the "S" type so not sure if that matters or not. I'm hoping to keep this car running for another 400,000 miles at least! I LOVE not having a car payment!!

 

Both cars either the TL-p (p = premium) or TL-S have the Intake Resonator.
Is there to muffle some of the awesome intake noise the engine makes.

 

Yup with the resonator off your car will still be quiet around town but if you punch it and VTEC kicks in, you'll really hear it up front with a mean growl.

 

^ With the only downside that you wont hear your exhaust ever now.. Unless you go Straight Pipes which will unleash the BEAST SOUND of the J32...

 

Even then, once Vtec kicks in, all you will hear is the intake.

 

Added a few pics.

 

The tell-tale single shiny headlamp lens! My car looks exactly the same!

bellssn690 the HID replacement is a pretty simple DIY if your headlight ballast ever gives out.

Enjoy your new ride.

 

LOL! I actually polished them both but wanted to put a "before" and "after" shot to show how well they could be "brought back" with minimal effort and MUCH CHEAPER than buying new. I need to look into the HID replacement but they're ok for now.
Thanks and WELCOME to the forum! It's been a great place for me so far. I have to make this car last as long as possible so this will be a great resource for me to do that. Everyone has been really helpful so far and I hope your experience here is a good one as well.

 

Wow, that's an impressive improvement. On mine, I have one very shiny brand-new lens on one side from when I had to do the HID service and the original lens on the other, which is pretty cloudy. I've got a refinishing kit, but no drill to use it yet. I hope it comes out at good as yours!