Chiguy_2002

I am just looking for some information. I have test driven a 2004 TL with 140k miles and a 2006 TL with 49k miles. I like them both, and the 2004 is significantly less expensive, though much higher miles.

When driving the 2004 I hear a clunk sometimes going over bumps (struts?). Also I notice when accellerating I hear what sounds like gear whine, it's a high pitched whine. I have searched on here, but have not found anything that it could be. I have no idea. It does not shift harshly or anything, and the VIN is not within the range of the 2004 trans recall (it is a 5AT). I also feel a slight pulling to the left when driving straight, not sure what that is either (alignment?). The tires look to have decent tread. I am very hesistant to consider it, because of the mileage and small issues I have discussed.

When I drove the 2006, (also 5AT, and has NAV), it felt very solid, no clunks, and no gear whine. Overall it just felt better than the 2004. If I were to choose, I think I would choose the 2006. I am just trying to see if the additional cost is worth it. The 2006 is listed at $18,5xx and the 2004 is listed at $10,5xx. The 2004, however, looks as if it has the A-spec lip kit, and tint, where the 2006 does not have either.

Opinions? I would feel "safer" with the 2006, but the 2004 interests me, though I am not sure why.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

dude, go with the 2006.
spend a little bit more to go with the less beat up of the two.

Do you know if the 2004 has had its Timing Belt changed. if not, thats an expensive maintenance item that needs to be taken care of....if it snaps, the engine is toast.
At 140k miles, a lot of little things will start to go out. (anything mechanical that saw all 140k miles)

Chiguy_2002

Here are a couple more pics.

Chiguy_2002

I am leaning towards the 2006...I did ask to see if the 2004 Timing Belt has been changed, and they said the Timing Belt and water pump where replaced.

The 2006 is less beat up on the outside, though both have some curbage on the wheels. I do wonder if no one knows how to avoid curbs anymore??

What other "advantages" does the 2006 have over the 2004, say if I found two with the same mileage (other than the fact that 2006 has NAV), like where there some enhancements year to year on the TL?

Also, being in MI, I am used to having AWD (currently have a Subaru). How bad is the FWD in the TL in the rain/snow?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^the only addition to the 2006 model was TPMS.
I cant tell from your pictures, but the 2006 model rim should have a little indent where the nipple inflater tube thingy** is.

**my mind went blank.

I live in Texas, no snow here....but FWD is a lot better than RWD in snow

umakemekissu

the price is right for the 06, I would go with it considering mileage is one of the most important thing when purchasing a used car.
i dont care how cheap it is, I personally wouldn't buy a car has 140k miles. for 10k you could buy a newer civic, go that route if $ is your issue, don't buy the car just for look and you'll have to suffer later.
and justnspace is right, 06 added TPMS system, that's pretty much it. at $18,500 you could even come across a good deal for a base 07-08 @ ~60k miles if you're lucky.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^well, to be really technical the '06 6MT models got an upgrade to the computers to limit torque steer

Also, the color changed.
From Satin Silver Metallic (SSM)04-05
to Alabaster Silver Metallic (ASM)06-08

Chiguy_2002

I still like my current car, but have started to feel like I wanted something different. I must say that the interior of the TL is so comfortable compared to the interior of my Subaru. I like my H4T, but the power and smoothness of the TL's V6 is really nice.

Any opinions on going from AWD to FWD in MI? It comes down to tires, I'm sure, but has anyone driven through some winters with a decent amount of snowfall in their TL? Just wondering how it does.

geekybiker

I think upgrade is the wrong word. The '06 got nerfed.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^no wonder my friend in an 05 6MT beats me off the line ALL THE TIME.

prime81

not sure if it's the light reflection or what but both TL rear bumpers appeared to be a different shade of gray compared to the rest of the pannels.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^most light colors are discolored.
WDP, and SSM/ASM are the most obvious at it.

there are a couple of reasons.
1. they paint the bumper and body at two different locations and times.
2. some say that there is an anti stretch material in the bumper causing the discoloration.
3.some say plastic to steel is hard to blend.

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

Do these cars have Nav?

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^the 2006 does. he better jump on the '06

Chiguy_2002

Safe to say that the 06 AT did not recieve the "upgrade" (downgrade) to their computers for torque steer?

I do see the different shade of gray on the bumpers on both, though it is more noticable on the 04.

I probably should have got on it more on the test drive. I did not get on it enough to notice any torque steer. I guess that is another thing, going from AWD to FWD. I really do wonder how well (or poorly) the TL does in snow.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

^no, the auto 06 did not get this computer flash (upgrade or downgrade however you see it)
due to drivetrain loss from the auto, it puts out less horsies than the manual model...thus, no need to limit torque steer.

I really hope some one answers your snow question

erdoc48

06:
- Less likelihood of 'butt prints' in the seat as they went from 2 panels to 3 between the 04-05 cars
-Less likelihood of transmission issues as some of the 04 cars had them
-More features like TPMS
-some issues with HFL in the 04 cars as there was a TSB for this (can happen in the 06 as well, but not as probable)
-less likelihood of dash cracking (more likely with the 04 as it's an older car).
-lower mileage always wins
-if you like the 06 despite the price, get it, then add the Aspec kit for $799 if AckTL05 can still get them (I assume the price is the same).

I honestly don't see any advantage of the 04 over the 06, except for the price, and to me, that's not a great advantage for 90K extra miles. If you want an 04 because of cost, get one with in better condition and with less mileage (those little issues you mentioned will make you hate the car if you get it and then have to live with them- that was just on a test drive). Check cars.com for the 04 TL- they are out there in pretty decent numbers. For me though, I'd get the 06.

Here's a cars.com link specifically for the 04 TL based on order of ascending mileage:

http://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchr...ce&sf2Dir=DESC

ParaSurfer1979

I agree with ^ on this .

EagleEye

Dude - go w/ the 06. Agree that the spoiler and aspec makes the 04 look more sexy. But, you can be patient and buy those things in the black market and add it yourself. 100K mile difference is A LOT! You said it yourself that the 06 is safer.

I have a 06 (check out my album). Tint can be done for about $160. Engine, tranny, suspension and higher quality paint = priceless. See if you can knock the price down a bit to about $1700. I got mine full package (nav and all) for $15,500 with 68K.

Car handles well in winter with Continental Extreme DWS. I live in Chitown and just went through a pretty long and gruesome winter. Took it out during the blizzard and it was fine (not going to be zooming like the STi s but solid as long as you're driving sanely). I do have a slight pull to the right. Was probably broken LCA bushings. Check engine mount. Have them flush tranny with DW1 before purchase. You should be good. Hope you get it and welcome to the forum.

Chiguy_2002

I think the snow question is one of the answers I would like to see...I know I can't compare AWD to FWD, but if it is at least decent in the snow, I wouldn't see any worries. If it is really bad outside, I wouldn't go anywhere anyway.

The 90k extra miles are bugging me. Just something about a car with well over 100k that I am not sure I want to get into. I bought my Subaru with 30k, now has 90k, and have had very little issues with it.

Another comparo to throw in the mix, how about a TSX? I know they are smaller, only have I4 instead of V6...but are they more fun to drive? I have not driven one yet. I also don't know if the cost difference between a TSX and a TL would be worth it.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

the TSX is more toss-able especially in 6mt form. but is lacking in power.

Chiguy_2002

Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate it. The Suby has been my first AWD vehicle (though my parents and wife had one before), and I get spoiled by that. Even in the rain, I did not like FWD with wheelspin...but after looking at the TL I like it more and more.

I am still trying to decide if I would get something else or just keep my current car. If I do decide to get something else, the 06 TL would probably be it.

Actually the 06 TL has Continental Extreme DWS tires on it, and I liked that. I have read that those are a great All-season tire.

I don't think I would get a TSX mostly because of the I4. I am sure it will feel lacking in power compared to the V6 or H4T.

erdoc48

FWD with 4 wheel snow tires will go anywhere (assuming no 3' snow storms).

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

Get the 06, as others said. And get snow tires. The TL without snow tires is so-so in the snow. With, its an absolute tank. I use Dunlop Wintersport 3D, they're incredible compared to all-seasons.

Add the A-Spec kit later. I know it looks nice, but the 06 is a much better choice.

TLtrigirl

iTrader: (1)

go 06. less miles, has nav, less wear and tear and headache. if you're not comfy with a car once you've seen it...move on unless you're willing to inherit the car's problems and address them.

as far as your snow concerns....the TL will depend on what tires you run. DWS are a nice all season with good handling in snow if you drive carefully. it won't be AWD like at all. i've read many guys in serious snow country like our neighbors to the north, run dedicated winter tires. so...you could go with a dedicated winter tire for snow time and when spring comes...get a set of summer wheels and tires and you're good to go.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

06 or nothing. Best year of the TL!

P1zzaman

iTrader: (1)

4. Same paint dries on steel and plastic differently. But when they did a paint match for my aspec, it matches the body perfectly.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

5. technicalities.

P1zzaman

iTrader: (1)

6. Sustainability

Elegant TYPE S

iTrader: (2)

I think if you're not getting a Type S ... I think the 06 was one of the better years for the TL even over the 07 and 08 ones... that's if you are like me and enjoy spirited driving. With the 07 and 08 base I feel like Acura mushed it down a bit and made it too soft. And they did that to distinguish the base from TYPE S wich is not a bad thing. People don't believe this.. but you really gotta drive an 06, 05, and 07 to really understand this. Its very noticeable in the drive feel. The reason I heard was in some of the suspension bushings.

Kinetic

06!!!!!!

Bladehopper82

06 w/ Navi and only 49k miles for $18.5. Is there even a question. This is a good deal if you ask me. Take it from someone who opted for the non-navi...you will regret it if you don't go with the navi!

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

Damn, I thought $18.5 sounded high, but NADA lists clean retail at 20,900! Granted, the low mileage jacks it up 1800, but still, $19,100 for an almost 6 year old car with average miles that stickered for 35k new is exceptional.

mark4130

i got my 06 tl w/nav..had 29k on it stickered at 19.9 came out to bout 22 all together with the extended warranty..i looked for long and this was the best deal i came across so i went with it. plus i realy liked the look more than all the other years.

Chiguy_2002

Thanks for all the advice!

I found another 2006 TL locally, has 81k miles, no nav, they want $14,990...I don't know if that is a better deal? I have not seen this in person yet. This is right in between the 2004 TL and the other 2006 TL with Nav.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

^ Spend the extra 3500 and get the one with nav and 30k less miles.

BukvaMan

I wish i had my 04 mt back.... thats the fastest out of all of them, well besides the type-s but the type s is not tuned properly and tends to knock in hot weather so at certain times the 04 manual could suprise you . Ive heard from someone that they started playing with the timing from 05 and on to get better milage but seems they pushed it too far... My 05 runs like crap in hot weather.
My next car will not be an acura thats for sure An audi S4 more likely, even though i might run into more problems with it i can at least fix them, with my TL im chasing ghosts when it comes to power delivery problems...

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

S4

peters_sweet_CL

they seem to be 2 extremes when it comes to miles haha is there an '05 in your area with mileage and price somewhere in the middle?

Chiguy_2002

So far, no 2005 in my area, just the one 2004 with 140k and the two 2006, one with 49k and NAV, one 2006 with 81k...

I would think that most of these would not have any issues with reliability? Also, it was fun to drive, though I wonder how toss-able it is...compared to say...a MINI? lol...my wife wants to look at MINIs too, I know, completely different car, and tiny...

2008 MINI we found: