Hi

I am the proud owner of a 1st generation 3.2tl, but I have been looking at some second gen TL's. what are the main differences between the Type-s and regular 3.2TL in the 2nd generation. If I get one I am going to be modifing it any way so is it really worth the extra money for the type-s? I appreciate guys guys

 

35 more hp in the type s
preforated leather in type s
a more stiff suspension in type s
ect..........

 

Can You get a manual in either one

 

no

 

only a manual in the 3rd gen TL or the 2nd gen CLS.

personally I have drove a CLS (auto) - I could not tell much difference at all with the power vs. my car, and the ride was very rough (even compared to my car with Comptech springs).

Its really hard to say stock vs. stock. Obviously the Type S is faster and handles better, but the ride is much rougher and I hated the seats (they seemed very thin)...even with my car now, there are many times I want to put the stock springs back on because Im sick of the rough ride on a daily basis around town.

so I would say you really need to drive both and imagine driving that car on a daily basis. But both are really great cars IMO!

 

The Type-S is fun, I have an 03 TL-S but like everyone is saying... the ride is stiff and the seats aren't that great, but it is faster. Either way you go you will have a great looking car, but be sure you look into the 2nd Gen TL's before you go and buy one... our car has infamous tranny issues...

 

If you are going to mod it, buy the Type S. Remember it only came out in the years 2002 and 2003.

It provides 260 horsepower as opposed to the TL's 225 horsepower, with the extra power coming from a higher compression ratio, a two-stage induction system, a larger throttle body (with no decrease in gas mileage), free-flowing exhaust, high-performance intake valves and camshafts, and modified variable valve (VTEC) timing. Type S also comes with an increased steering ratio and a firmer suspension, thanks to stiffer shocks, a slightly larger rear stabilizer bar, and 17-inch alloy wheels with Michelin P215/50R17 high-performance tires.
Notably, the Type-S comes standard with Acura's Vehicle Stability Assist, an electronic stability program that uses anti-lock braking and traction control to keep the car from sliding. Yaw, lateral g, speed and steering sensors all provide input, and the throttle and brakes are automatically reduced or applied as needed. (yeah I cut and pasted)

My advice is don't buy a 2nd Gen TL. It isn't worth it with the tranny issue. Great car besides that.

 

How bad is this tranny issue that you are talking about, would you mind telling me a little more?

 

bad - but Acura extended the tranny warranty for all 2nd gen TL and CL (type s and regular TLP) for 7years or 100k miles. So you are covered, but if you drive the car hard, you will probably have to get it fixed. That is another reason to look at a TLP vs a TLS - and even more look for a '99TL because it has a 4 speed and eventhough it is included in the recal, it doesnt have the problems like the 5 speeds that are in the '00-'03 TLs.

From what I have learned on this site and from the time Ive been on here (way too much time haha). I wouldnt get a TL with the 5 speed. I would get a '99TL or go up to the 3rd gen TL. The tranny issue is legit - if it wasnt for that, these cars are really great.

All cars can have problems, and Im not saying that the TL is bad or anything, its just that you need to know what you are up against.

so if you really want a 2nd gen TL and a newer one that a '99 - go for the newest one you can get with the lowest miles to make sure you have a long warranty on the tranny - because you dont have to worry about anything else.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122654


Read this entire thread

 

Well I have a 2002 type-s with almost 80000 miles on it and still on the original tranny. So they are not all bad.

 

Hey im looking to sell my car, ill sell you mine thats already modded(save you some $$) Pm me if your intrested.

 

So the 99 TL trannies do not have the problems like the 2000-03 TLs?

 

correct - I would say they are just as reliable as any other tranny that doesnt have a recal on it. I mean since Ive been on this site, Ive heard of 2 or 3 people with '99s that have had tranny problems - but there are 100s of threads about the 5 speeds breaking down now that could also be because there are many more with the 5 speeds on here, but it is a fact (from Acura) that the 4 speeds are as good as any reliability wise.

Obviously there are some that have no problems with the 5 speeds, but I wouldnt trade my car in for anything other than a 3rd gen TL (if I was staying with Acura), because I just dont see enough improvements in the newer 2nd gen models to worry about tranny problems.

 

It's probably just a matter of time before it goes! FWIW, I bought my '02 TLS in May of this year with 88,600 miles on it. Just about 3 months later at 96,537 miles the tranny had to be replaced.

 

i have a 2001 tl and its very comfortable, i dont really like the seats in the 3g TL and the Type S even though they look better