Hey people, I currently have a 2005 TL (Automatic) with 86,000 miles. I recently came across a 2004 TL 6MT with 37,000 miles. I love my TL but always regretted not getting the manual transmission. I'm thinking about trading in my 05 and getting the 04. My payment would probably stay the same or go down.

What were the major differences or problems between these two years?

Thanx for any input!

 

Take a minute and do a search. There are alot of threads on this very topic.

 

Thinking about your post -- that's actually a pretty cool trade up -- I don't know the specific differences, but the biggest one you'd enjoy is yer new 6MT tranny.

With only 37k on the ODO, you can't go wrong if it drives right.

 

i have an 04 and my brother has an 05.... the differences are very minimal, next to none. other than his has navi and mine dont, those are the only obvious differences and the rims

 

the steering wheel emblem, depending on what month of 04 the glove cabinet, power steering fix. thats all i know. all that said NOTHING is different. ENJOY the manual. i think the same thing where i should've gotten the manual.

 

6mt ftw!

 

the audio system will be slightly different since the 04 TL used the rear for filler while the 05 uses it for complete sound. As well your seats now have 3 rows of stitching on the bottom, the 04 has only 2 and that causes butt-prints. The seatbelt attachment points were moved so if you sit all the way forward, the belt won't be in the way when you get in. Power wise, the 04 MT will have more power since the MT is geared better and is lighter on its feet. I say go look for a 6sp 05, and if you can't find one, then go with the 04.

 

I have an '04 manual (mine) and an '05 automatic (my wife's) and I just went out to my garage, popped their trunks and checked out the rear deck. From trunk side, they look identical as well as from the deck area. Can you elaborate about your statement, "the 04 TL used the rear for filler while the 05 uses it for complete sound"? I would like to know I am missing something in my '04.

Thanks.

 

its the signal from the head unit. 04 TL's had the signal output changed and very few early build 05's had them too. The easy way to tell what you have is to look at the cassette deck, if ACURA is written very large, you have an 04 radio. If its written smaller, you have the 05+ ones with a more present rear stage. You can easily fix this to 05 specs by just fading the signal to the rear by 1 click.

 

Thanks to everyone for the input, very helpful!

 

You're good!

My '04 was built during the first week of July 2004. The "ACURA" name is larger on its cassette deck door than on my '05 which was built in March 2005. Also, the "A" emblem on my '04 steering wheel is enclosed in what appears to be a clear plastic cover whereas that of my '05 is "open" and not covered at all. I noticed this about a week ago.

I just went out to my garage and performed the requisite one click fade to rear as you described. Thanks again for a valuable response!

 

The only regret I have is not getting the 6sp!!

 

Yep.

I know there are those who would take issue with what I am about to say but in my opinion, the 3G TL was truly meant to have a manual transmission. Not only is it a near perfect fit for the engine and car, but it just flat looks great in the car (the shifter and immediate surrounds). And I can back up my statement about the car being meant for a manual transmission.

In the TV ad spots for the car in 2003/2004, it was always featured with a manual transmission. Also, look at the sales brochure for the 2004 (I saved mine). The manual is feature throughout this brochure.

I don't mean to put anyone down who purchased an automatic and I certainly respect their decision to do so. But this car takes on a whole different persona when equipped with a manual. I know, I have two of them and one's an '05 automatic.

 

check out this thread for some of the differences between the TL Years:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/i-am-ashamed-say-636932/

 

I believe they fixed the buttprint issue in 05.

I have an 04 auto and also am starting to wish I had a manual. I wonder how much I would have to pay to trade in my 04 auto for an 04 manual, assuming equal mileage and condition.

 

Yes they did but you know, it has never bothered me with my '04. Just seems to fit me and I am not rotund in the least.

 

I can vouch for the manual too.

When test driving cars last summer I was not thrilled by the auto TL. I liked the look of it and the interior layout/comfort was great but driving it was bland. Then I came across a 6-speed and it was like driving a completely different car. I purchased it right on the spot and have enjoyed every minute since!

6 mt ftw!

 

Yah 6speed for the win!! Drove an auto and hated it.. but drove the 6 speed and loved it!! only thing i hate is my crappy 04 seats!