richnbc

I'm about to purchase an 03 TL automatic trans with 72K mi, seeking advice for what to look out on the purchase, as well as potential issue with that year model. Please help! The car was a 1 owner and he seemed to keep the car nice and clean, asked for $9600. Please let me know what you guys think. thanks.

I'm new to this site. This site rocks!

Russell B.

I just bought an 03 TL automatic in October 2011 with 133,000 mi that doesn't look like anyone has ever driven it for $5,400. Both HID headlights quit within 2 months of each other. Dealership diagnosed the ignitor and transformer box and wanted $795 when I brought it in. I paid them $80 for the diagnosis and bought OEM parts and did it myself, not the easiest endeavor. The front bumper needs to be removed to service the headlight and greatly increases the labor costs. Who engineered this? It was much easier the second time I did it, but still frustrating. Keep in mind 72K is getting close to timing belt time, looking at $1000 + or -. I also had a time keeping an alignment and had to replace struts all around.

01tl4tl

smart ziners buy aftermarket hid `kit` to replace the stock system--59$!! for everything!!

the $1000-1500 `105` service is due on age- of past 7 years,
expect other repairs needed at that time, such as all fluids flushed,
egr port and passage cleaning- TB service
may need brakes etc

an 03 is a time bomb with the trans probs--60+kmiles is right where it starts happening

get a nice honda or toyota

03tl-s04mdx

^ This.

If that tranny lasts past 100K I'd be surprised.

01tl4tl

few people sell their beloved TL after many years,,unless the trans is starting to act up and they have just been quoted $5000 at the dealer,
plus another $1800 for the 105 service and extra needs at this time

failure to flush some vital fluids every few years causes severe parts wear,,,and not the cheap parts

all those estimated cost = The car gets sold to an unsuspecting party
at 9 grand I would expect all services to have been done recently, and trans is a recent replacement in perfect condition,,
but I think you are looking at The Money Pit

If you really want a TL see the Used Cars section here- only cars owned/being sold by ziners are allowed,,hopefully a well cared for machine,,
and easy to look up someones post about their car problems....

richnbc

^^^. Thank you so much for all good info! Didn't realize tl model has that horrible trans issue. Better to stay away than sorry, I suppose.
01tl4tl, you mentioned a Honda or Toyota. Is Honda trans a big problem, too, as they're from same manuf? I used to drive a '94 Integra and didn't have issue with it at all. It might be wrong forum to ask this but what about nissan maxima? Any problem you guys heard of? Thanks very much for all good info, guys!

Type-ES

Unless they can provide proof the transmission has been replaced with a revised one, stay way or be ready to swap one in.

Then the Price. sure its low miles but its still 10 years old. 9k I don't think so, Unless you can talk them down to 6k it might be worth it if your ready to deal with the trans issues.

Skirmich

Stay Away from:
Honda Accord V6 from the years 01 to 04 same 5 spd Crap.
Acura MDX V6 from the years 01 to 03 same 5 spd.
Acura CL/S V6 years 01 to 03 same 5 Spd.
Acura TL/S V6 years 01 to 03 horrible issues 04 and 05 had SOME.

I dunno if the Honda CRX had the same tranny but those are the one I recall having the same Tranny...

I dont know any issues with Toyotas except the Drive-By-Wire thingy but I believe those are in the Top of the Line Models.

01tl4tl

excellent info,,thanks for posting!

TonyCD

Side note: As reported in these forums by others before, the RL's brakes are not Brembos. They're fixed caliper, similar in design to Brembos, and they're very good, but they're made by Honda's usual Japanese supplier (whose name escapes me at the moment).

The RL does not have a problem automatic transmission. It's not related to the fragile box that was in TLs and Accords. It's a newer, sturdier design also used in Odysseys and it's bulletproof by comparison, although I'd still change the fluid just as a matter of good hygiene.

The advice above about the engine mounts is good advice. The motor mounts are liquid-filled rubber and eventually rot and tear, though they're under $1,000 to replace (use OEM, not aftermarket, so you don't spoil the NVH of the car). The other thing to verify is that the car has had its 105,000-mile timing belt change, which is about another $1,000 if you have to pop for it.

LikeMyTL

Cad2,000 +hst is the going price. Some sell for cad900 +hst. If in really good condition - cad3,500 +hst.