Well hey I was looking to get a 2nd generation TL in the next couple weeks but now that I am seeing all this tranny problems I'm getting a little scared. I only have like 12-15K to drop on my next car so I will be buying one near 100K's miles and am afraid of my tranny going. These really are my favorite cars but I'm just not sure if I should take the risk, what do you guys think? Also does anyone have any suggestions on similar cars for around 12-15K, I need a car that will last a while and preferably 4 doors.

 

To each his own. I personally wouldn't buy a car with that many miles to start with, especialy knowing that they have sever tranny problems. At the same turn of the coin there are members who have had four and five trannies and then members that haven't replaced one yet. The trend leans toward at least one tranny replacement. You just have to ask yourself if you will be willing to drop several grand when the tranny does go out, if the warranty is up (over 100k).

 

well if u got 12-15k to spend, you can get a TL with under 100k miles easily for tha that much! Ive seen TL-P's going for about 13k-14k with only like 50-60k miles. For 15k you might be able to find one with even lower miles. I say if you can find one with low miles, then go for it, if not, I wouldn't get one past 100k miles. It all depends on how long you plan to keep the car.

 

See thats the thing, I had wanted a car that will last a while, if I wanted a car to have to throw 3k dollars into when it hits 100k then I would have gotten another american car lol. What do you think about going with something like a 2000 RL?

 

i got my 2002 tl-s with navi for 15k with 62k on it. i got a really good deal but i had to get the oil kit for the tranny a week after i got it. so far no problems and i love my new ride. i would get a tl but would find one with lower miles. like the other post said you can find a nice tl for around your asking price with lower milage than 100k. keep your eye on the black market forums.

 

Remember that the tranny extended warranty is 7 years or 100k miles, whichever comes first. So even if your buying a 99TL with less miles, you're looking at less than a year left on the warranty.

 

You can probably get a good 03 with an extended warranty under the Certified Used program for a good price.

I'm pretty biased with "end of the model year" cars since IMHO they have less headaches than new releases.

 

you can afford a 2000 with low miles....make sure you buy a car under 80k at least....i bought mine with 90k and im already at 95k after 3 months.....i love my TL but its probably going to have to be sold

 

But in the TLs case, the 2nd Generation 99 is less of a headache than its successors (of course I'm talking about the tranny problem).

 

A 2000 RL is much better in terms of luxury and reliability. Remember they were very expensive brand new, and they have the 4 speed auto tranny. They are practically invincible reliability wise. The only downside is mushy handling and so-so acceleration, and poor fuel economy (18mpg city/25 highway) i think.