I'm looking at a 2006 TL with 82k miles to buy. I was originally looking for a TSX, but I really like the TL I test drove today.

I know Honda and Acura had transmission issues, but I've read on this forum that the 2006 automatic transmission is good (2005 and earlier had problems). Are there any other significant issues I should be aware of? I drive about 30k miles per year, and am looking for a comfortable car to rack up miles on. This seems to fit the bill. Can I expect 27 mpg or better on the freeway?

Thanks!

 

Hate to say that a search would provide you with the answers, but buy the car and look at doing the timing belt job
along with the plugs at @105,000 miles, maybe $1000. Depending on the amount of highway driving you do, 27
mpg shouldn't be a problem, but you're looking at a car that requires premium fuel, although there's been
documentation that the car operates fine on regular. Most say the '07-'08 transmissions are more reliable.

 

Inspect and smell the transmission fluid. The dipsticks right beside the battery. The more red you see, the better it is. If it smells burnt then that's a really bad sign.

According to what I've seen all 04-06 transmissions are somewhat weak. I just bought another TL and most 06 I've looked at had a somewhat suspicious transmission fluid or some kind of weird shifting. (Autos only, I went with a manual to avoid the hassle)

07-08 I feel are almost bulletproof when it comes to the autos. I've looked at a bunch of them in the past 2 months and I haven't seen a single one with crappy burnt fluid or weird shifts.

 

As previously posted....

- Not much difference between 04-06 on failure rates...in theory...there are failures in 07-08, just doesn't seem to be as often
- Pure highway driving 55MPH+, expect 28-32MPG depending on speed
- City driving, expect 15-25MPG depending on speed and how often you stop and start
- Driving 30k miles per year, you "should" have the Timing Belt service in that time frame which is anywhere from $600-2000 depending on where you get it done and which items you replace
- Premium fuel really isn't that big of a deal...overall, it barely adds much to the cost of ownership (maybe a couple hundred a year depending on how many miles you drive annually)

There are plenty of "used" car posts on here to read through. I actually think there have been at least 5 in the past week asking pretty much the same exact questions.

 

i have a 2005 TL auto with 136k and the transmission on mine shifts bang on with no problems or hints of slipping... i could be lucky but i came from a 2001 honda accord auto and the tranny in that generation was a nightmare... ended up rebuilding it because of major gear slips between 1st and 2nd.. honda/acura pretty much made their transmissions from glass during that generation

if you do buy the car, id recommend replacing the pressure switches and check the fluid and at least do a 3x1 fluid change... 3x3 would be more ideal though

 

Check compliance bushings on the lower control arm for cracks as they usually fail by 60K miles or even earlier. Also check engine mounts.

 

Thanks for the input. I purchased the car (burgandy 06 TL with 82k miles) and love it! PO had the trans fluid changed at dealer about 9k miles ago and fluid still looks and smells ok. I'll be replacing the pressure switches soon and will probably plan on 3x3 trans fluid change about every 20k miles. MikeTC - motor mounts looked good, but I'm not sure what lower control arm compliance bushings are. I'll look into those and check on it.

 

don't let the 04-06 AT issue stop you from buying it, I would check the history maint. There are several 04-06 member here who has 200k miles TL with original AT. As far as MPG goes you will get above 28 MPG on the free way.

 

Compliance bushings.
power steering components.
small issues with HFL.
Rear calipers are like a princess.
mexican purge solenoid is also crap.
Nothing else really...

 

hpcacura, you could read all about the compliance bushing failures and fixes on the following link:
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-p...d-look-707888/

Good luck with your new ride!!

 

Here are my failed bushings at 115K miles: