racer_x_60659

Hey guys
Im torn...I love the 2nd gen TL-S but man I dont want any tranny issues. Whats the deal with Acura? Why havent they fixed this issue? Some owners are even having problems with the 3rd gen cars. How common are the tranny issues for gen 2 TL-S's? Should I be worried? Can you guys recommend any dealers in the LA area?

Thanks
Irfan

415ua5

just get a TLS with like 30k and your covered for 70 thousand miles

the average life span seems to me around 30-40k a tranny....i made 93k on my first tranny on a 2000 TL

hiliters1975

The trannies suck! If I had it to do over I would not make the purchase. Get a G35

cannan

If you don't like a maintenance hastle in anyway shape or form then I would steer clear. I am trying to unload my 02 TL-S right now because I don't want to have to worry about the tranny problem if it arises.

dvsxlt247

Look, the tranies on the 02 TL-S have a bad history of bustin around 60K miles or sometimes they last a little longer maybe till like 70K. I dont know, do a search on this issue and u can find all kinds of people who posted when there tranny finally busted. I have a 99TL so its diff for me. The 99TL isnt known for having tranny problems so im not really concerned about mine but if it does go then oh well. If u dont wana be changing your tranny more then 1 time then stay away from the 02 TL-S. If its got low mileage like 20 - 30K which is gona be a little hard to find then id say go for it but other then that, dont do it. Look, if u can afford a G-35 then FUUUUUUCCCKKKKKK YES GET THAT. But if its your first car like MEE then ok no big deal really, just make sure its got an extended warranty.

racer_x_60659

Thanks guys. This sucks. I freakin love the car, I just test drove one at South Coast Acura yesterday. I need a car that I can rely on. I thought about the G35, the coupe is sweet but the 4-door is just fugly and I need a sedan.

dvsxlt247

Aight well as far as sedans go, i think the best sedans would be the Infiniti M, Mazda 6, and the Lexus IS300 if thats considered a sedan. Its a 4 door but i love the IS-300. WAIT!!! How could i ever forget the 2004 ACURA TL. The 3rd Gen of our TL's is a sick car too of course.

racer_x_60659

I wonder if I the 4-speed auto from my 91 accord would fit in a TL?

dvsxlt247

Good idea, BUT, I DONT KNOW SHIT ABOUT DOIN SWAPS AND ALL THAT
Maybe it would, i mean, HONDA and ACURA is the SAME SHIT. HONDA MAKES ACURA, worth a try if u do enough research and Homework first. GOOD LUCK!

Duffer71

I was hoping to go for a nice, new '06 TL (or an '07 next year) but my finances aren't going to let me, so I'm looking at '02-'03 TL-S models. Anyone know how common the tranny issue is (5% of all TL's? 25%?)? Is the replacement/remanufactured tranny any better, or are they pretty well guaranteed to die as well?

I know the Chrysler Ultradrive transmission in the late 80's/early 90's was nearing a 20% failure rate, and I'd hate to hop into an Acura that's encountering the same. But then its unique combination of performance and amenities, especially in that $15-$20K price range, is a strong draw for me.

I've always owned 4-cylinders all my life, the latest (and most powerful so far) is my '97 CL. It's fun to drive, but I'm ready for something really strong!

vanirl

the transmission problem seems to be VERY prevalent; most of the subscribers to this site have had or are having problems with their transmissions. In fact, you can find quite a few members who are are on their third, EVEN FOURTH tranny. The good thing is that Acura at least has the decency to stand behind their product. Up to 100K miles you can get a recall done on your original tranny free of charge and then that replacement will be covered by an extended warranty. To get an idea of how serious this issue is, go to carpoint.com (you will be redirected to autos.msn.com) and go to reliability ratings. Peform a search on the acura tl and you will see for yourself.

03CoupeV6

The percentage is actually small. This forum blows it way out of proportion. I think it's widely accepted that the failure rate percentage is in the single digits. So, to correct you vanirl, the transmission problem isn't prevalent.

I knew about it and bought the car anyway. Any buyer's remorse I've had hasn't had to do with the transmission and it was replaced at 47k miles on my TL-P.

NYbsbl04

This is true...no one on the forum is gonna come on just to brag about how good their tranny is. On any message board, you wil always most likely hear most complaints rather than compliments about a product, unless it is outstanding.

vanirl

Good observation, guys..I apologize IF I provided any misdirection. My statement regarding the frequency of the transmission problems was based on complaints made here at this forum and also information I have obtained from sites such as carpoint.com, which has been right on target in the past for me! Do I smell a survey coming out of this?

MikePA

I hope not. It's not needed.

PiKap335

Check out the Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT (non-limited model). My girlfriend just got one and I am strongly considering getting rid of the TL-S in a couple years and getting one of these.
Awesome sedan, faster than a TL, 4WD and rides on rails. Seriously fun to drive and she picked her's up for $26K out the door. I don't know what your budget is, but you may want to consider this. Good dealers in so cal, Tustin Acura seems to be decent, Mission Viejo is OK. If you're interested, Irvine Subaru is good- but she ended up getting the best deal from San Bernadino. Good luck