which 2nd gen tl is considered the best overall, considering longevity and reliability and overall customer satisfaction. everyone's opinion is welcome

 

what do you mean - year type S or Plain, navi or not
they all suffer the trans problem

 

just plain ..no navi...just interested in others opinion

 

What do you mean which one is better? They are for all intents and purposes the same car. Only thing that changed was the 4 speed<- 99 only to a 5 and they added a type-s version.

Not one year was really better than another for issues.

 

if you are looking to buy a TL, i would go for the Type S because of the added power. but other than the engine there's not really anything else noticeable. i think memory seats but mine doesnt work anyways so i dont count it.

oh also perforated leather inserts and different seat structures. but i think the TL-P seats are more comfortable (although very ugly ).


edit: different gauge cluster as well. they are white faced and more modern looking.

double edit: Type S wheels.

i wonder what else i forgot....

 

Are you talking about like which model year has the least issues? Kind of like how consumer reports gives certain years of a car a better rating than others? If that is what you mean, you will find that in the TL's case, they all pretty much are on par with each other. If you were shopping for one the ideal one would be an 02-03 Type-S with navigation. The transmission issue is one that spans across the whole generation of TL's. The 99's are said to be a bit more reliable due to them being a 4 speed automatic, but ultimately buying a 2nd gen you run the same risk of a failed transmission no matter which year you get.

That being said, outside of the transmission (which is a big deal, dont get me wrong) the tl is a very reliable car, and very well built. The design and interior materials hold up well against time. If you were shopping for one, I would recommend one that has documentation of the transmission being replaced fairly recently by Acura.

 

The 2003 Type S. It has an excellent power to weight ratio, great gearing and handling. It still looks fresh, even being 2 generations old. It seems that the newer versions always get heavier and bloated.

 

99TL is the wierdo of the bunch.

 

yup. right up until you hit 4th gear

5th gear cruise at 70mph is also a little on the high side for rpms. could really use a 6th gear (aka 6MT swap).

but i agree, the 02-03 design doesn't look too outdated IMO.

 

I rep the 99 all day i think its the best out of the bunch

 

I think the 02 type s in ABP is the best, may be a little biased though, LOL

 

They're all pretty much the same if you drive them lol, nothing really that you will actually notice a difference, but I've only been in one that actually had a granite wood grain steering wheel def brings out the luxury out of an older car

 

The best 2nd gen, is the 04-08 3rd genin 6sp

 

i have a late 03 tl-s,150000 miles stock tranny.i've had no problems. i hear alot about these trannys.maybe it's the chossin one. i do like the car alot.

 

the best 2g TL's are the ones with the 6-speed swaps

 

wasn't there a fix on the tranny in the very last days of the 2cd gen?something about the 3rd cluch being put in.

 

i here about these trannys. my 03 still has stock tranny,no differant colored bolts no indication of a change. 150000 miles.dame! should i start saving for 6mt swap.these trannys are only getting 30to40000 miles.it's gotta have something to do with the clutches.

 

No, there was nothing fixed in the "specific" vin range acura claimed wasnt affected. Even they failed.

 

Still driving my 99TL....hope she keeps going.