Hello, I am a new member and am very excited about this site. I am looking into getting my first Acura TL. I am looking at a 2002 type s and at a 2003 tl for about 6k. Both cars have similar milage (around 130k) and are very close in price. Which would be the better option for the price? Which would you choose? Also I heard a lot of bad things about these transmissions, how can I choose the right car that wont give me many problems? Thanks in advance

 

buy a basic honda for better luck with trans
see the many other threads of a similar nature
the 105 service was probably NOT done,,thats going to run 1500$+ depending..add valve adjustment,,,
along with other fluid flushes that were due at 60 and 120,,
may need brakes and rotors,,shocks,,

there was never a fix on the trans,,not till 06! did they really get better

ck our `Members cars only` for sale section--marked Used Cars near top of pages here

 

Between the two, get tl-s definitely.

 

If both are in similar condition go S type all day no question.

 

Thanks for the input. I drove both the base and the type s and loved how the type s drives. There is not much difference but it is noticeable. I got the type s and its amazing.

 

Are you saying you bought the Type-S or that you liked it better? Either car will give you tranny issues. It has nothing to do with power. The 200hp 98-02 Accord v-6 transmissions failed just as much as the 225hp & 260hp 00-03 TL's. Just take added pre-cautions by swapping out the tranny fluid for Honda/Acura's new synthetic DW-1 fluid or Redline's Racing ATF fluid and enjoy the quick shifting qualities and added protection those fluids give.

 

para surfer is right i have had my tl since 10-1-10 i did research and i didnt want to buy my car at first cause of the recall but then i got a reinsurance deal from acura so i thought it would be aiite. so i went ahead and got the tl drove it for 20 k did the rear brakes and the fluid at same time i will only use acura automatic transmission fluid since that is the highly recommended. dont be afraid just drive it and just take the best care ya can for it.

 

I bought the type s. I'm worried that if I change the fluid its going to shock the system and the transmission is going to give out. Does anybody know if these cars came with a transmission oil cooler? I was thinking about getting an aftermarket one to help out the tranny a little bit.

 

Can anyone tell me how to adjust the headlights with a + screwdriver or a link? I tried to look for it but couldn't find it.