I really like the TLs and even Accords for that matter, but I'm concerned about the transmission issue. For now I've been looking at RLs only as they used 4 speed transmission from the legend. I'm looking to purchase a used Honda product for around 7-8k. Anything I buy is going to be near or over 100k miles. Should I completely rule out the 99-03 TL? If the transmission has been replaced, what are the chances of recurrence? Are there any particular years that are better than others? Is there any way to check the VIN to see if a particular car was affected or were all cars within those model years prone to failure? I understand that buying any used car especially one with high mileage is a risk but I suppose I'm a bit more concerned with the TL/CL/Accord due to their well documented issues.

Thanks!

Hey I'm from the Burgh myself. I bought an 00 TL just a few weeks ago, and my trans went just about a month after I bought the car. It was fixed at Bairel Acura, no questions. I think the cars are covered up to 108k. If I were buying again, I'd find one with less miles and the trans already replaced, OR get a good warranty. There are certain models that are covered....I'd check the transmission stick in the "problems and fixes" area of the forum.

with your budget- get a honda-

the TL goes for 10 for an old one ands more for newer/ better and the trans warranty covers 99-02 some 03s
the 99 and 00 are running out of time limit of 7 years

You can run any Acura by VIN at the customer care center 1-800-382-2238 x5
they are the warranty center - tell them you are looking to buy and need history
of warranty repairs and is trans covered to 109,000 miles?

Just look for a 6spd. Hard to find but worth it. Other than that stay away from the TL, unless you want to buy mine .

I just bought a 99 TL with 98k on it I now have 103k no tranny problems, just fixed a couple minor cosmetic things, like the rearview, and the center arm rest cause the clip broke. A/C is cold and gets 26 miles a gal. I love the car you would never know that their was 100k on it and i paid $5200 I was looking at the accord and i couldnt get one under $7k plus I am only the 2nd owner. I put my stereo in and I love it seats are still in great shape. I would just search a little bit you wont be disappointed. It tokk me about 2 weeks, I almost settled for a camry glad I waited it out and got this.

BTW, the transmission issue does not only haunt the TLs...

My understanding is that this same transmission issue plagues other cars in the Honda/Acura lineup... I think the Odyssey is one of them, not sure if any of the Accords were impacted...

Anyway, I am sure those on this board are more familiar with the details... Can anyone elaborate? Or have I heard wrong?

Early MDXs did too. '01 and '02 have solid black eyes in the CU reader reliability survey for transmission.

you'd have better luck looking for one that has some miles on it but has never had a tranny replacement. It's 50/50 on the replacements as well so just cuz it's been replaced doesn't mean ur out of the water. If the cars been on the road for a while and has had no transmission problems then it likely it wont have any problems in the near future.