snowtrax

I really like the TL and would've bought one if it weren't for this forum. Cosumer Reports says the TL is very reliable and then I come here and hear about all kinds of problems. Were the transmission problems completely fixed by '06? Less than 150k on a '04 transmission seems ridiculous and if I'm waiting until I can afford an '06 there will be a whole other world of newer gen cars that will be affordable as well. When were the problems fixed completely?

turbo_oxide

I'm not sure a forum would be the best place to verify the Consumer Reports ratings. Most people come on here because:

1) They want to modify their car and want to know how to do it
2) They have problems with their car

Most people with TL's with no issues or aspirations to customize their car will never be heard from in a forum.

In general, the later the year model, the less prone to transmission problems. '04's are the most likely to get have these tranny issues. However, you'll still hear people say they have transmission problems on any year TL. Search the forum and you'll find countless "fix-it-before-it-breaks" threads.

imj0257

iTrader: (1)

Biggest difference is the '4' the '5' and the '6'. Also the Seats in the 4 have double stitching and 5 and 6 have triple stitching IIRC.

06tl4life

2006 has tpms and blue display screen instead of black. Some colors are also different to for example ASM is 2006 and up and SSM is 2004-2005.

erdoc48

Most people here have had great reliability with their TL's, as I have. They are great cars, so you should get one if it's what you want.

jda123

Both my 04 (150k plus) and 06 (120k) are on original transmissions. The 06 has issues with the hands free units going out. Otherwise, the cars are pretty identical. The car with the newer tires always rides better than the one with older tires, as you might imagine.

I would buy either car again.

AcuraCake

iTrader: (3)

Just get a 6MT and have no worries.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

OP- I hope you didn't expect to come on to an enthusiast website and see a bunch of threads where people are ranting and raving about how wonderful their Acura's are. I myself have 120k original miles on the original tranny.

All cars have issues. It's a fact. The most prudent thing you can do is to continue reading the forum. Learn about the issues and when you go test drive/inspect look for those common issues.
Once you buy the car, continue to read the forum and do what it takes to properly operate and maintain the car e.g. changing out the pressure switches on an automatic tranny.

spaceboy

just worry about the rattles and nothing else~~~

snowtrax

I would change the pressure switches and the fluid as soon as I get the car. I wouldn't get a 6mt because then you have the timing belt and the clutch to replace at about the same time. I like to drive my car pretty hard (in my G I rev it to about 4k rpm every time I accelerate)...can these cars handle it as well as others?

truonghthe

^^^TL is very neath car they handling extremely well. The only complaint for 3g TL is no AWD.

WayneJay

OP - You can find some great advice on this site, but I wouldn't let the misfortune of some sway you. What you read in CR is correct. This car is extremely reliable (typical Honda). Remember, all cars will have some bad examples, just as some "bad" cars will actually have some good examples. You must be mindful that some people will complain more than others.

Like my other Hondas, my 3G has been great. I now have 90000 miles (original 5AT) and I'm sure I'll get many more great years out of it. If you like the 3G, I'd say you should go for it and try to find a nice clean car.