I've been looking at purchasing a 2003 type S. I'm thiiiis close to pulling the trigger. I've read about 25 threads on different aspects of the TL.

My last car (we'll get into that later) had a nice community as well, but I fell into some common problems because there was no n00b thread.

If this community is anything like that last one, and I'm sure it is, everyone is in this together and helps each other out.

So, as a new owner, I would like to suggest a place for new owners and new thread members to go to find out what to look out for..."if this happens it means this"....make sure you do that....

I ask this...because a very simple preventative maintenance item, that is specific to that car... could have saved me $5,000 in repairs.

I haven't pulled the trigger yet....likely will on Saturday....but I'm sure I'm not the only one that could benefit from something like this.

Thanks,
Matt

 

I've created a database to capture Symptom / Cause / Fix....if anyone cares to use it.

http://sp.texultant.apps4rent.info/P.../AllItems.aspx

Thanks,
Matt

 

Sorry....better use this link instead:

http://sp.texultant.apps4rent.info/P...gnoseList.aspx

 

You're fully aware of the transmission issues and have assured that the car you're looking at had the transmission replaced post March 2003 (even though this is no guarantee that it won't fail)?

 

actually is was early 2005 when they changed the trans case design and made improved oil passages inside
plus it moved the `recall installed external oil jet kit for 2nd gear`--to inside the case

blue paint on bolt heads on and around trans mean its a warranty replaced unit
existance of oil jet kit on top of trans tells when,, or if original

We have a noobs thread area--its called Problems And Fixes
plus the general thread area- scroll down and see all the common problems
HID lights are common this year, brake rotors always, trans always, possible ps probs if fluid not changed
caliper prob if fluid not changed

the TL can be very expensive to repair,,,and if you are on a tight budget pass it by
requires 91 octane--not 87!!!
even the only `correct spark plugs` are 8 dollars EACH,,glad they last several years!

I would not buy a gen2 TL NOW--well past trans warranty,, UNLESS it was so cheap I could put 2500 dollars away for that rainy day when the trans quits

 

Oops sorry. Meant 2005 NOT 2003.

 

The guys here who normally are on these threads are really good guys and know their stuff. Occasionally you'll get flamed if you don't take the time to search well but even then you'll still get the help you're looking for. Take some time and browse around and get some general knowledge to take back w you when you check out that car again when you go to buy or not buy it. An older style transmission doesn't exactly mean death of your car it just means that you probably will end up replacing it but I've also seen instances where original old case transmissions have surpassed 200k miles. Personally if I would have know about the tranny issue at the time I bought my car I'd still buy it because of the condition the car was in, the miles on the clock, and the price I paid for it. Good luck whatever u decide and if you do buy the car, welcome to the forum.

 

every one of the trans will eventually need rebuilding,,the clutches wear out
thats just life of any auto trans
a bad trans wear out in less than 40-70kmiles
a good one may go 150-200 and the owner never knows about the problem--not a member of acurazine!
the newer case design doesnt cure the wearout, but reduces it by getting needed oil to the clutch packs