I am in the market possibly for a 3rd gen TL, was initially looking at 2nd gen TSX's, but got scared off by the exploding AC units. Is there anything I should know about third gen TL's that should prevent me from buying one? I already had relatively bad luck with having my transmission replaced on my 2nd gen TL (Acura goodwilled the parts, but I still paid labor out of warranty).

So let me know guys, I'm in the market for a couple different cars around 15-17k. Thanks.

 

They're really reliable as long as you read threads on here that will show you how to keep the TL reliable...

 

There have been quite a few tranny problems with the 3g's I suggest getting a 6mt. Other than that they are solid.

 

x2 for a 6MT, but don't forget, they also have the 3rd gear synchro issues.

 

^^^ yeah but 95% of the time any 3rd gear issue is fixed by switching to the GM synchromesh fluid. Occasionally you'll get someone that truely has 3rd gear synchronizer issues, but that seems kind of rare. get the 6mt, change to Gm fluid and you will have an amazing shifting 6mt for a looooong time :-)

 

only had mine for a few months best car I've had. for 17k you could probably be in a type s. good luck

 

In 72K miles, the only thing on my 06 that needed repair was an EGR valve, and that was under warranty. If you go with a 5AT, just change the 3rd/4th gear switches and ATF, and you'll have a great, long life car.

 

6MT, 103k miles. No issues other than the front CA bushing failing, but that will happen to ALL TLs over a long enough timeline.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a car at a similar price point that can best the reliability of this vehicle.

Not going to state the obvious "IF YA MAINTAIN IT, BLAH, BLAH", because that's no different than stating 'if you wipe your butt, it won't be stinky'

 

+1.

My 2004 TL (5AT) is still in prime condition, and it's got 157,000 miles on it. I had to replace an O2 sensor (not an EGR valve), but that was minor compared to the kinds of problems I've seen other people have on much newer cars.

 

I've had 2 TL's ('04 6MT and a '08 6MT TL-S) and both have never given me any issues. The ONLY thing I fixed on was on my '04, and that was the PS o-ring to prevent the whine (even then Acura gave me the o-ring for free). Mine have literally been across the country, more than once, and only regular maintenance was required. I can't speak for the TSX's, but I can definitely vouch for the TL's. I bought my '04 TL in 07 and it cost me 17k with 72k miles on it. I bought my '08 in April this year with 42k miles on it, it was 24k. Good luck!

 

They're pretty solid. I've had a couple of minor things like 02 sensors and now an intermittent SRS light, but the power train is pretty bulletproof, which is most important. My biggest gripe is the amount of interior rattles. But if thats the only thing I can bitch about, then well, its an awesome car.

 

Before I puchased my '06 3G, I owned two Honda Accords ('92 LX & '02 EX-V6) and both proved to be bulletproof. So, I went into my Acura with high expectations and it has indeed been a great love affair. I had a troublesome passenger front seat when new. The only other issues was a tranny pressure switch and HFL unit which were replaced under my AcuraCare warranty. I have 85K on the clock and love the way the car feels.

 

Side note I just started getting this wine. What o-ring do I need. Where is it located and is it easy to get to

 

Almost at 129k miles on mine, still runs amazingly well. Maintain the vehicle like a responsible human being, don't drive it like a race car 24/7 and you will be fine.

The GM synchromesh is an absolute must have for the 6MT. Speaking of that, I need to change my fluid when I do my oil.

Anybody know of a cheap place to buy that stuff online?

 

If you get a 5AT replace the 3rd/4th switches and change over to redline racing atf

 

Lol what are these gear switches you guys are talking about? I am looking at a car on Weds, silver, 5AT 70kish miles hopefully I can get the price I want otherwise I may wait a while longer or go with a TSX. MY 2nd gen TL is getting boring (to me) and has been paid off for a while now.

 

TSX over a TL? Are you insane?

 

Just gotta find the right TL for the right price, prob not getting a TSX as the AC system exploding scares me. I don't want some super high mileage TL from an owner that treated it like an appliance regardless of price. I am gonna try to look at a few this week.

 

Is the reason the '04 5AT fail because the switches fail or what?

 

me and my wife looking for 3rd gen Tl. She has 03 tl-p with tranny issue. But I'm affraid to get the 3rd gen because what people said about the tranny issue also, especially on the 04-05. What is this the 3rd/4th switches you have to change and the redline racing atf? How often do you have to do it? why?

 

I picked mine up last May with 72K miles on it and I've put 30K miles on mine in the last 9 months. Had some minor issues with it, but nothing that couldn't be solved. IMO, it is one of the more solid used cars on the market.

 

Since my last post in this thread, I've put another 9,000 miles on my car.

Still running strong.

 

damn... that's alot of miles for only 4 month

 

Read here about the 3rd and 4th switches: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/110-b-diy-guide-replacing-3rd-4th-gear-pressure-switch-3g-tl-2007-2008-a-840630/

Lots of debate on what type of fluid, but also do the 3x3 (search this) with Redline ATF. Ya, you'll need at least 9 qts to do it right. Here is where many have found a great price...this is where I went and exactly what I bought:

http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/Red-.../64914/Cat/140

 

85k no problems so far

 

I would not hesitate to get another one in the near future. I only sold mine because I needed the money, and if that weren't the case, I would have kept it for 5 more years at least. It was a 6mt 2005 and 100k miles when I sold it.

 

fully bolted on 05 TL 5AT with 160K miles....

enough said...

 

I drive 400 miles per week just driving to work and back.

I typically put 20-25k on my car per year. Mainly highway miles for work and traveling between Florida and Virginia.

 

Don't buy a 3rd gen TL. They are unreliable. The transmission will blow and the seats will eject. Go for a VW beetle.

 

Lol at the seats ejecting and getting a beetle haha

 

If you take good care of them, they will take care of you.

 

Finally a fella with a sense of humor. The TL is good and reliable. Keep up wih maintainece and you're good to go.