Which 3GTL is better '04 or '05 ?
05-07-2009, 12:01 PM
#1
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Which 3GTL is better '04 or '05 ?
I have owned a 99 CL 3.0 for last 3 years. I am about to reach 100K mileage. I am getting some tranny probs now when I do reverse after car is parked for some time. I am thinking of selling it and buy a 3GTL.
I have been a fan to 3GTL for its looks for some time now. I got some good deals on '04 and '05 models.
I went through the sticky threads for the 3GTL common problems. Some prblems scared the hell out of me
.
Can you guys suggest which one should I go for '04 or '05 models ?
Appreaciate.
I have been a fan to 3GTL for its looks for some time now. I got some good deals on '04 and '05 models.
I went through the sticky threads for the 3GTL common problems. Some prblems scared the hell out of me
.Can you guys suggest which one should I go for '04 or '05 models ?
Appreaciate.
05-07-2009, 12:06 PM
#3
i would say 05, its newer, and has the better stitching in the driver seat, most of the kinks of the first year are probably worked out by that time ... if all else is the same, i would say go for the 05
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05-07-2009, 12:31 PM
#10
I would say it depends on the price difference between the 04 and 05. Also try looking at some 06, 07 models to see the price difference in those as well. It may be beneficial to pay a little more to get a car that still has warranty, low mileage, and the kinks from previous years worked out, especially if you plan on keeping this car for awhile.
Good luck
Good luck
05-07-2009, 12:53 PM
#11
Racer
Get the 04 and save money. I took care of the seat issue on my 04 by going to an upholstery shop and having extra padding put under the seat cover. No more butt prints. And yes thes seat heater still works fine. As far as rattles. I worked at the Acura Dealer in Maple Shade NJ for 2 years and every single TL that came in had some sort of rattle. Cars rattle. I don't care if its a Rolls Royce. I've seen them have rattle problems too. If you want to save money get an 04, if you can find an 05 in good shape Certified with less than 80K miles, grab it. It's one of the best cars on the road no matter what.
05-07-2009, 01:03 PM
#12
Simple .. as the years get newer.. the problems in preceding models are going to be resolved. Its as simple as that.. 04 Had tranny problems, 05 fixed tranny but has no TPMS, 06 has TPMS and maybe a few additional subtle cosmetic changes, 07 Face lift in the front plus significant interior and technology changes with the Navi, and 08 I know there are a few minor things, but I do not know what they are. So get the 05 if you are debating between 04 and 05. 
05-07-2009, 01:10 PM
#13
Racer
Some early vin 04's had tranny problems. Mine is fine with almost 80K miles. 05 actually had that issue with the gas tank that could cause the car to catch fire. If they can get an 05 for a good price, I totally agree with you. 06 was pretty good too, but the TPMS is a PITA when its cold out.
05-07-2009, 03:50 PM
#20
Instructor
please correct me if i'm wrong.
from what i heard 04/05 model have 270 horse power.
And they try to reduce the torqe steer so
06/07 have only 258 horse power?.
from what i heard 04/05 model have 270 horse power.
And they try to reduce the torqe steer so
06/07 have only 258 horse power?.
Last edited by STEVEN05; 05-07-2009 at 03:52 PM.
I knew this was bound to come up.. 
I'll let someone explain.. too lazy to type.
05-07-2009, 04:17 PM
#22
https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/258-hp-270-hp-725274/
05-08-2009, 07:43 AM
#30
Full of water...
i never really understood this placement. i have tried to grab things out of the center console while driving and it was kinda dangerous, so why would you place something that requires both hands and eyes in a place that is so far away from what you should be looking at?...
05-08-2009, 12:18 PM
#32
Burning Brakes
i never really understood this placement. i have tried to grab things out of the center console while driving and it was kinda dangerous, so why would you place something that requires both hands and eyes in a place that is so far away from what you should be looking at?...
05-08-2009, 01:13 PM
#33
Full of water...
you can extend the cable from inside the center console to outside the center console and close the arm rest. theres a small space for the wire to travel through. you dont have to have the ipod/mp3 player inside the center console. i put it in the cup holder sometimes.
yeah, but you HAVE to change songs with the ipod while the other systems allow you to use the stereo and steering wheel controls. plus, since it is out of the headphone jack, the sound will never be as good. its not a big deal or anything, i was just trying to say that its not a major reason to get the 07+.
05-09-2009, 02:31 PM
#34
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05-09-2009, 03:39 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
TL differences:
ways to tell TL's Apart:
A 2004-2006 TL with a 6 speed manual will have huge brake capilers in the front that are black.
A 2004-2006 TL with 5 Speed Automatic has silver small brake capilers all around.
A 2005-2006 TL have an extra line of stitching on the inside
A 2005-2006 TL have the seatbelt anchored to the seat and not the floor
A 2005-2006 TL has a A symbol that is part plastic chrome, the 04 has a full plastic one.
A 2004-2006 TL has solid RED tail-lights
A 2004-2006 TL with Quartz and Ebony interior have Carbon Fiber trim
A 2004-2006 TL with Parchment or Camel interior have ORANGE WOOD trim
A 2004-2006 TL has a 4 spoke steering wheel
A 2004-2006 TL says HONDA ON WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2004-2006 TL has FULL AMBER reflectors in the headlights
A 2004-2006 TL has RED rear side markers
A 2004-2006 TL has satin exterior
A 2006 TL has a rectangle indent in the rims to have the TPMS sensor
A 2007-2008 TL has euro blinkers on the side-mirrors
A 2007-2008 TL has Fog lights at the bottom of the bumper with DRL's where the fogs were on the 2004-2006 TL
A 2007-2008 TL has a honeycomb cutout on the rear bumper between the muffler
tips
A 2007-2008 TL has larger grills on the front
A 2007-2008 TL has clear lenses Tail-lights with red parts within
A 2007-2008 TL has a 3 spoke steering wheel
A 2007-2008 TL has ACURA ON THE WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has fake black wood interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has a clear middle section of the tail-light
A 2007-2008 TL Base has satin trim on the exterior
A 2007-2008 TL-S has a fake Carbon Fiber interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has half clear, half Amber front reflectors
A 2007-2008 TL-S had grey rear side markers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has Chrome Trim instead of Satin Trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S had Huge Black Capilers in the front, both on AUTO AND MANUAL
A 2007-2008 TL-S has metal racing pedals
A 2007-2008 TL has a 10 spoke 17 inch rim while the 2004-2006 has a 5 spoke star rim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has 17 inch GUNMETAL rims.
A 2007-2008 TL-S has black rear capilers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has gunmetal in the tail-lights
A 2007-2008 TL-S has quad exhaust
A 2007-2008 TL-S has vertical stitching on the door-panels
A 2007-2008 TL-S has TYPE-S embossed into the headrests
posted things in that list that were easily visible, to an extent, I guess that the Type-S emblems Should be on there, but for the red-lighting, you can only see that when the car is on...
IF you wish to add these smaller details, here they are:
2004-2006 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest, and rear arm-rest side (near the door) is vinyl
2007-2008 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest is felt, along with the rear arm rest
2004-2006 TL NAV uses 3.xx version, XM RADIO ONLY
2007-2008 TL NAV uses 4.xx version, XM NAV TRAFFIC, MP3/WMA, AUX, Dobly Prologic 2 added
2007-2008 TL-S ANC added
2004-2006 TL ALL - gauges are black with blue semi-ring, red needles and white, MID in right, PRNDML in left cluster
2007-2008 TL BASE - Gauges have brushed background, blue rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2007-2008 TL-S - Gauges have brushed background, RED rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2004-2006 TL NAV- HFL, Navi buttons in bottom left corner of steering wheel
2007-2008 TL NAV- HFL, NAVI, MID buttons directly on bottom of steering wheel face
2004-2006 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display together in 1 unit, NO COMPASS, Manual Clock adjustment, Blue backlight added either in 2005 or 2006
2007-2008 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display appear to be 2 units, Compass, Manual Clock, white text, no backlight
2004-2006 5AT TL ALL black leather shifter standard
2007-2008 5AT TL BAse, black leather shift knob
2007-2008 5AT TL-S Black Leather with carbon fiber center shift-knob
2004-2006 TL Standard suspension firm, yet soft
2007-2008 TL BASE- Suspension softer than 2004-2006
2007-2008 TL-S - Suspension firmer than 2004-2006, but less then 2004-2008 ASPEC
2004-2006 TL 3.2 ALL engine cover simple plastic with manifold uncovered
2007-2008 TL 3.2 BASE engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol
2007-2008 TL-S 3.5 Engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol, 3.5 In red on cover
2004-2006 TL Battery cover clips on
2007-2008 TL ALL battery cover has different attachment system with knob
2004-2006 TL Air box rectangular
2007-2008 TL Air box With cut on one side
2004-2006 TL, Headliner and pillars are grey
2007-2008 TL BASE - Headliner and pillars grey
2007-2008 TL-S- Headliner is ebony along with pillars
the 07+ has the switchblade keys too
A 2004-2006 TL with a 6 speed manual will have huge brake capilers in the front that are black.
A 2004-2006 TL with 5 Speed Automatic has silver small brake capilers all around.
A 2005-2006 TL have an extra line of stitching on the inside
A 2005-2006 TL have the seatbelt anchored to the seat and not the floor
A 2005-2006 TL has a A symbol that is part plastic chrome, the 04 has a full plastic one.
A 2004-2006 TL has solid RED tail-lights
A 2004-2006 TL with Quartz and Ebony interior have Carbon Fiber trim
A 2004-2006 TL with Parchment or Camel interior have ORANGE WOOD trim
A 2004-2006 TL has a 4 spoke steering wheel
A 2004-2006 TL says HONDA ON WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2004-2006 TL has FULL AMBER reflectors in the headlights
A 2004-2006 TL has RED rear side markers
A 2004-2006 TL has satin exterior
A 2006 TL has a rectangle indent in the rims to have the TPMS sensor
A 2007-2008 TL has euro blinkers on the side-mirrors
A 2007-2008 TL has Fog lights at the bottom of the bumper with DRL's where the fogs were on the 2004-2006 TL
A 2007-2008 TL has a honeycomb cutout on the rear bumper between the muffler
tips
A 2007-2008 TL has larger grills on the front
A 2007-2008 TL has clear lenses Tail-lights with red parts within
A 2007-2008 TL has a 3 spoke steering wheel
A 2007-2008 TL has ACURA ON THE WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has fake black wood interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has a clear middle section of the tail-light
A 2007-2008 TL Base has satin trim on the exterior
A 2007-2008 TL-S has a fake Carbon Fiber interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has half clear, half Amber front reflectors
A 2007-2008 TL-S had grey rear side markers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has Chrome Trim instead of Satin Trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S had Huge Black Capilers in the front, both on AUTO AND MANUAL
A 2007-2008 TL-S has metal racing pedals
A 2007-2008 TL has a 10 spoke 17 inch rim while the 2004-2006 has a 5 spoke star rim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has 17 inch GUNMETAL rims.
A 2007-2008 TL-S has black rear capilers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has gunmetal in the tail-lights
A 2007-2008 TL-S has quad exhaust
A 2007-2008 TL-S has vertical stitching on the door-panels
A 2007-2008 TL-S has TYPE-S embossed into the headrests
posted things in that list that were easily visible, to an extent, I guess that the Type-S emblems Should be on there, but for the red-lighting, you can only see that when the car is on...
IF you wish to add these smaller details, here they are:
2004-2006 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest, and rear arm-rest side (near the door) is vinyl
2007-2008 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest is felt, along with the rear arm rest
2004-2006 TL NAV uses 3.xx version, XM RADIO ONLY
2007-2008 TL NAV uses 4.xx version, XM NAV TRAFFIC, MP3/WMA, AUX, Dobly Prologic 2 added
2007-2008 TL-S ANC added
2004-2006 TL ALL - gauges are black with blue semi-ring, red needles and white, MID in right, PRNDML in left cluster
2007-2008 TL BASE - Gauges have brushed background, blue rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2007-2008 TL-S - Gauges have brushed background, RED rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2004-2006 TL NAV- HFL, Navi buttons in bottom left corner of steering wheel
2007-2008 TL NAV- HFL, NAVI, MID buttons directly on bottom of steering wheel face
2004-2006 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display together in 1 unit, NO COMPASS, Manual Clock adjustment, Blue backlight added either in 2005 or 2006
2007-2008 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display appear to be 2 units, Compass, Manual Clock, white text, no backlight
2004-2006 5AT TL ALL black leather shifter standard
2007-2008 5AT TL BAse, black leather shift knob
2007-2008 5AT TL-S Black Leather with carbon fiber center shift-knob
2004-2006 TL Standard suspension firm, yet soft
2007-2008 TL BASE- Suspension softer than 2004-2006
2007-2008 TL-S - Suspension firmer than 2004-2006, but less then 2004-2008 ASPEC
2004-2006 TL 3.2 ALL engine cover simple plastic with manifold uncovered
2007-2008 TL 3.2 BASE engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol
2007-2008 TL-S 3.5 Engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol, 3.5 In red on cover
2004-2006 TL Battery cover clips on
2007-2008 TL ALL battery cover has different attachment system with knob
2004-2006 TL Air box rectangular
2007-2008 TL Air box With cut on one side
2004-2006 TL, Headliner and pillars are grey
2007-2008 TL BASE - Headliner and pillars grey
2007-2008 TL-S- Headliner is ebony along with pillars
the 07+ has the switchblade keys too
05-10-2009, 03:49 AM
#36
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TPMS is ghey and only makes it more expensive to get wheels.... stop being lazy and check your tires every now and then....
Get an 05... second year, they fixed some problems....
Otherwise just get a G35
Get an 05... second year, they fixed some problems....
Otherwise just get a G35
05-10-2009, 08:19 AM
#39
Registered Member
I have one of each; an '04 manual and an '05 automatic. Both are in fine condition. As for the seats, I have no problem with my '04 seats. The butt printing has never been a cause for concern for me. Actually, my '04 driver's seat seems to hold me better and be a little more comfortable than my '05 driver's seat. The '05 does seem to be a little tighter in general. I understand the sound system has a slight improvement in the '05 over the '04. The '05 steering wheel center emblem is different and the "feel" of the leather on the wheel is also different (I like the '04 better than the '05 in that regard).
A toss-up in my opinion.
A toss-up in my opinion.
