After doing a lot of reading, typically the 2004-2006 TLs have transmission flaws/failures/problems, but I'm not sure if this includes the MT models.

I've been searching for 2007/2008 TLs just because of this issue, but if this issue doesn't exist with the MT, I'll be glad to say that I may be owning one very shortly!

 

If you can afford it, get an 07-08 anyway. There were enough other changes and improvements to it that (in my opinion) justify the cost, even if the transmissions are the same. But since you want an MT, it means you'll have to get a Type S.

 

The AT tranny issues are not rampant through the early 3G TLs. The only reason you read about them is b/c people come on sites like this to rant/vent/ or get help with them.

The only issues with the MT...3rd gear pop out or worn clutch from previous owners burning a hole in them.

I have not had any issues with my 6MT. I am the original owner. I have not put the magic GM juice into my car either to help with the 3rd gear pop out since mine is so rare when it occurs.

whatever your budget is...get the newest one with the lowest miles. finding a 6MT type-s is a tough find...along with the 04-06 base 6MT. they are out there....how clean you want it?

 

Okay, thanks for making it a little clearer. I think I would be able to deal with the ideal 3rd gear pop out, maybe use synchromesh/3x3 fluid flush or something.

I;m just afraid of a total transmission failure, the ones which end of costing thousands of dollars to replace entirely. My friends transmission just went out on his 2005 AT TL yesterday.

My budget would only be around $10,000 for now, depending if i pick up a full time summer job for four months, perhaps 15,000. I'm only 19!
(Coming from a 04 TSX 6MT)

 

I have an 04' 6mt with 83,000 miles on it. I have never had any issues with third gear. I changed the fluid to the GM synchromesh at 33,000 miles (when I bought it in 07').

 

The a/t 07-08 TL's have the RL tranny. Much more durable than the 04-06 a/t.

 

2005 Tl MT 130k, original clutch, no 3rd gear issues since GM synchromesh

 

Okay I am a new guy here and hoping someone can tell me what MT stands for and how can I tell what/which automatic tranny is in our 04 ? I am sure it has been asked before and answered ....but until I get familiar with the site and so on, was hoping to cut a few corners.

 

MT stands for Manual Transmission and AT stands for Automatic Transmission.
MT = Stick-Shift/Manual AT = Automatic (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low, Etc)

 

I have an 04 with the 6MT and its never given me any trouble. Never popped out of 3rd, no slipping at all... I put the GM synchromesh in there though at about 38K miles, its got 68K on it now

 

I just purchased mine, 2006 TL 6MT for 13850 out the door from a dealer.

If your budget is only 10,000, I really doubt you will find a 07-08 TL Type S for that price, might even be kinda tough to find an 04-06 6MT unless you're okay with high miles.


i'm still new to the TL community but I was just in your situation. I'm only a year older than you, somewhat same budget and I drove both the Type S(2007) and a regular 6MT(2006) and I while I did notice a few differences I just didn't feel like those differences were worth $6-8k more.

That being said, if you're in no rush, the best thing to do is be patient, scour craigslist, cars.com etc. and just wait for a 07/08 6MT Type S for a steal price.

 

early 04 and 05's had some tranny issues, but some in the know have done preventative maintenance like changing the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches and doing 3x3 for the ATF.

for the MT, there is no 3x3. it's drain and fill.

you have a very limited budget and you'll be looking at 04-06 high mileage vehicles (100k mi+). the low mileage variants around 06, i have recently seen go for $13k (~70k mi) for AT no navi. i saw a 6MT with navi for sale, 06, 68k mi going for over $16k. now both were at dealers. saw a 6MT type-s, 07, 70k mi, going for $18XXX, again at a dealer. these were in my area.

 

I just picked up an '05 NBP 6MT in IL off of CL for $9,500 with 108k miles. However, the paint is in poor condition with lots of marring and etching in the paint. Mechanically it's sound, but the paint is past the point of buffing and will need a repaint to correct the issues. Paid too much, but the alternative was an '06 for $11,900. I searched within a 500 mile radius of my home, and the options were very limited, and unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of waiting to find a better example. Good luck with your search!!!

 

Yea. It took me 3 months to find my tl. But it was in a 6 speed. So I had it shipped from Cincinnati to where I lived in Oklahoma. It was totally worth it. I've had it for over a year now. Still makes me smile. Then the 3.7 intake manifold swap and 3.7 throttle body swap made it even better..

 

82k miles on my TL. put in synchromesh in around 53k. No issues with pop outs or grinding (it didnt pop out even before synchromesh fluid, but i put it in anyway during routine maintenance)

 

+1 to this entire thread ! 190K Miles!

May 1st, I'll have had this car for 10 years and have been its only owner.
Running the The GM Fluid since it had 7K miles on it.
Clutch replaced 10K miles ago.


.
.

 

My '05 6MT had 106K on the clock and the original clutch when I got her; now at 128K and still going strong. Put GM fluid in around 122K after experiencing some of the 3rd gear issues and its been flawless ever since.

 

I am the original owner of a 2005 nbp 6mt. Original clutch and 2001k. I had the 3rd gear issue about 7 years ago and started using synchromesh. Have not had any issues since.

 

i got my 05 AT at 55k raced the shit out of it using Amsoil synthetic ATF (Automatic trans fluid) traded it in for my 06 6spd MT at 155k no problems...i think there rarer to have problems

but i met someone with a AT Type S and he had problems a little over 100k

Just got my 06 MT At 44k a few months ago & already tackling a clutch job in my back yard..just seperated the trans yesterday on day 3...few pics here...

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...751988&page=62

ive known two people personally one around 60k that had to rebuild their trans already so...manual is great probably almost as fast as my AT semi-fully bolted..But be prepared to pay the cost to be the boss...

 

transmission fluid is due for change at 90k & every 30k after that...May have played a role...

 

I'm rather certain even Trump's bank account can't make a TL driver "the boss".

94k no problems. Switched out to GM Syncromesh around 45-50k.

 

Mine's a clean 07 Type S for around 10,000

 

Just bought an 05 MT had for about a month now with 128xxx miles haven't experienced 3 popping out and previous owner changed clutch around 70k though