I want to buy a used Acura TL and need to choose b/n a 2006 and 2007 TLs (not the S). Is there any significant difference in the upkeep, maintenance of those two specific years? Has either one displayed any lemon qualities or has one had more recalls than the other? I am not getting one with the navigation system. Any other recommendations in buying a used Acura TL is welcome!

 

go with the 07, it has a much more advanced navi system, AUX input, facelifted interior and exterior and as well has all the recalls and other tweaks done to it such as applying felt under the shifter, headrests, and center armrest rather than leather to area's prone to rattling. 07 will be hands down better feature wise, however you will need to pay more since it's newer or have more miles for the same price as an 06.

HOWEVER, the 07 will ride a bit softer than the 06 will, as well it will have black wood trim rather than the carbon fiber trim found on the 06.

 

Go with the 07 TL. Although I personally like my 05 TLs tailights and stock wheels better than the 07s (unless its the TypeS tails), I like the the 07s turn blinkers in the mirrors, the back up camera (if you get the Navi), the fog lights in bumper, the switchblade key, the gage clusters look nice too.

 

The 07s have some niceties over the earlier models; however, they also have a softer suspension and have more issues with Body Integrity (squeeks, rattles ect.) according to the latest Consumer Reports owner surveys in the 2010 Buying Guide.

The TL is a great car which ever year you go for, but I do like my stock wheels more than the 2007 model and don't care much about blinking mirrors. The improved nav with backup camera is what I would only want.

 

I disagree I think its the older TL's 04-06 that have most of the rattle issues. I have had two 07's so far both have been rock solid. A while back I test drove an 04 that was a rattle trap (the driver door especially for some reason).

I think overall everything about the 07-08 TL's look better not to mention all the improvements.

James

 

07 cuz their more rare, but not as rare as the 09 TL.

 

It depends on how much you want to spend and what you are looking for. The 07-08 Non-Type S is automatic only. If you want the manual you might want to look for 06 manual. 07-08 Type S manual will be expensive. When I was searching, the price difference between 06 and 07 was pretty significant, unless you find an 07 with lots of miles. I do like the newer features on the 07-08 but don't like the look of the base models.

 

^ Like I wrote, I'm relaying what Consumer Report surveys report regarding the rattles. I fill out the survey each year and there are probably a few thousand owners like me do these surveys for the TL- so the surveys hold credibility with me. An 04 TL is 5 years old and I'm sure a 2007 TL will rattle similarly as the 04 does now in 2012, so that's not a fair comparison to make between 07 .vs. 04. I imagine the softer 07 suspension might also help with reducing some of those rattles too.

For used car prices, I'm not sure I would buy a 07 for 3K more than an 06 if the mileage was the same- the improvements are not be worth the 3K extra for me anyway. According to Edmunds, it's about a $3194 difference in (base) used car prices between 06 and 07. I would much rather have a Nav 2006 for $23,049 over a non-nav 2007 for $24,069. Similarly a 07 Nav at $25,826 is not worth at the extra $2700 to me as well- there are improvements in the Nav but not $2700 worth. I'll admit I'm a little biased being a 2006 owner but I think these valuation numbers should be convincing to others.

I know there are other factors in the valuations with a big one being remaining time of warranty and hopefully reduced mileage so don't clobber me on that angle.

 

As for the exterior, i think the 07 has a better face with the fogs in the bottom grill. I prefer the 06 taillights and wheels.

The 07 also has the capability of burning mp3s onto a cdr and playing them on the disc changer.

Whatever you choose, opt for the Nav, it looks way better on the center stack.

 

that's odd my 02 CL-S does not have many rattles at all. Usually when I get them it means it's time for new lower ball joints

 

My 06 had less miles than my current 07, and it rattled way more than this car does. It is pretty obvious that Acura fixed a lot of the issues.

 

get the 07 ... newer car is usually better ... and u get little upgrades here and there that in the long run make a difference ...

 

obviously choose the newer year model car..

 

07 TL cuz it meets the new Acura Standard. look at all the 2009+ Acura Models- they all have the camera, the blinking side mirrors, fog lights, HID's. Like i have an 08 TL and i dont regret my purchase cuz has the same bells and whistles if not more as a 2009 TSX.

 

Mileage being equal, I'd say go for '07 if you can afford it. As stated before, the 07's got a mid-cycle refresh that added some features and fixed a lot of issues on the previous model years - which will make them the better car in the long run.

 

07-08 models also used a modified version of the RL tranny, so it's likely it won't have as many issues.

 

I just purchased a TL about three weeks ago. Going from a 2004 Altima 2.5, either an 06 or 07 TL would be a major upgrade. I test drove an 06 first, and when I got into 07 I couldnt even think about buying the 06. Interior even without the NAV is a lot better in 07 than 06. If you know you will have the car for a while, just add a few more dollars but you will have something more upgraded and will like a lot more. But the 07 with the same mileage cost me only a $1k more than the 06 model so it was a no brainer for me.

 

I would definately go for the 07.

 

'07. But, if you want to drive a stick, you'll have to go with an '06.

 

fixed

 

07 all the way front is nicer and tail too...also the mags are nicer imo..if you can go for the type S it rocks

 

Humm you sure about that? I was under the impression that ONLY the automatic 07/08 Type S had the modified RL tranny. Can someone please confirm?

Thanks,
James

 

As expected, there are several different oppinions on which car is better, has less rattles etc. The only oppinion that matters is yours. My suggestion to you would be to go to the dealership and testdrive all the different models, this way you'll know which one is better for you. Personally, I have an 04 base TL with 84,000 miles. Guess what, NO rattles. The subwoofer rattled when I got it and they insulated the subwoofer. I havent had a rattle since. I havent had the trans problems that others complained about with the 04's. I could care less whether or not my car has a backup camera or not. The reliability is why I bought this car, and it hasnt let me down yet. Hope you enjoy whatever you end up buying. Good luck.

 

i have an 06, wished i had an 07... though fwiw i don't have any issues with it.

 

2008 TL FTW u cant go wrong with it cuz the best model is always the last year before the next generation starts. by the last year, almost all the errors should be corrected, so u kno ur getting a problem free car.

 

I'd go with an '07, the suspension IS softer but I don't think it made the handling any worse.

That was my biggest complaint with my '05, an unnecessarily stiff ride that strangely enough didn't drive straight no matter how many alignments, balances or tire changes I tried.

 

Yeah agreed....07