Hi all, im considering buying a late 2nd gen TL. Im just wondering whats the best way to tell if its a type s. I see some type s's online for sale from dealers that actually say type s on the trunk lip. Then I see type s's for sale from dealers that don't say type s on the trunk lip. Thanks for any input.

 

Type-S will have:


1.- Silver Dash instrument panel (Type-S) vs All Black Dash panel (TL-p)
2.- "S" Emblem on gear shift lever
3.- Perforated Leather seats (Little holes in the center of the seats leather)
4.- 17" Wheels, Check tire size 2XX/XX/>17<
5.- Engine will have 3.2 VTEC plastic cover on RED LETTERS vs TL-p which has Green/White Letters

 

Welcome to Acurazine!

Get as much info on your potential purchase. It could help out greatly for future maintenance and repairs.

Good Luck!

Note: Type S has the bigger and faster engine. Hope that helps!

 

Only the Type-S has the following visual cues :

- white face gauges
- VSA warning indicator
- triangular and hollow front seat head rests
- perforated leather seats
- shift knob with a "Type-S" emblem
- OEM 17" wheels
- Type-S badge on the trunk lid.

 

Only cali vehicles had the Green ulev letters.



non cali TL-P




Type-S

 

Welcome Strickland !!!
It's a popular mod to "debadge" our 2nd Gen TL's....so it's possible to have a type "S" model with no badge emblems and on the other hand it's possible to have a regular TL that someone tacked the "S" emblem onto for show.

Anyways, these guys have gave ya the main things to look for besides the "S" emblem. Then again, some regular TL's have been modded or upgraded to appear like the type "S" model. Beware !!!

Personally, I'd be more concerned about the car's PM history and the tranny's condition.

 

I think theres a better way to know before even seeing the car in person so as long as you can obtain the VIN number of the car. When you do go to Carfax.com type in the Vin number and at no cost it tells you if its a Type S or not. Give it a shot keep us updated

 

They also fall off making it appear like a TL-p lol

 

Ima Cali guy In my heart all TL-p´s has the green ULEV letters.

 

Thanks for the input.....Ill definitely check the vin.

 

This is one of the ones im looking at....what u think? Type S or not?

 

 

And I just came across this one..it looks to have a "body kit" that the other apparent Type-S doesn't.

 

They are both Type-S but the one with the lip kit looks way cooler.

 

So do you mean that not all Type-S's have the body lip kit???

 

It's possible to install a "lip kit" on any of the TL's.
The best way to verify if it's an actual type "S" is by the VIN serial #, as previously suggested by ErickUa5.
With the age of these cars and different owners, anything is possible.

 

This one looks lowered not because of the lip kit though. It might be on coils, cut springs, heated or Lowering springs.

 

Hey Strickland......what have the car's been ranging in price and miles ?

If ya find one that ya really like, take it to a good shop and have everything checked over on a rack. Once ya get a detailed evaluation of the condition and any repairs necessary....negotiate a price from there. Money well spent !!!

 

There are four basic models of the 2G TL you can get:
-Base
-Base with Navi
-Type S
-Type S with Navi

Each model has optional accessories that can be added any time. The lip kit is one of those, and probably the most important one.

 

The lip kit is the nicest mod but finding a used one is next to impossible, and new costs an arm and a leg.

Keeping up the maintenance IMO is the most important, also A Tl or TL-S that drives better than from the factory and looks better.

 

Not all had them. The lip kit was NOT a type-s thing. Any of the TL's could have had them.

 

^ Yah when I ordered my TL-S the Lip kit was a Dealership Option! Back in the day I didnt care for it, Now I just nod my head in stupidity cuz It looked way better.