Hey everyone,
I'm a college kid right now, so dropping about 15,000 is a huge deal for me. I'm just wondering if there have been any huge issues with the TL (like the timing belt on the a4's which is the other car I'm looking at)? I LOVE the look and feel of the TL, I've test driven one and I fell in love, so I'm just wondering if there have been any huge defects in the 3G TL.
Thanks alot, it's nice being on a forum with so many fans

 

Welcome!

A few members have had to replace their automatic transmission. Supposedly Acura fixed the tranny after the 2G TL, but it seems like the tranny woes have found their way into the 3G.

Some people have had their dashboard crack, including myself, and had to have it replaced. When looking at a TL, see if the dash looks dried out or is faded in color. My dash was fine when I bought it but it started to crack after a few months of ownership.

 

Thanks for the heads up bud, I didn't look at the dash super close when I test drove, but I'll definitely keep a heads up. As for the tranny, that would be kind of a shitty deal if that happened, but again I'll just keep an eye out.

 

No problem man!

I want to point out that it's not guaranteed that your crack will dash or that your tranny will need to be replaced, but I've seen a few members have to go that route. Many members have a tranny that is just fine and a dash that looks brand new! Luck of the draw I guess.

 

Great car so far!



Only thing about my actual car is that it has some interior rattles.

 

Oh and my stock subwoofer blew the first week I had it. Now it rattles around.

 

Yea exactly, it's pretty much the luck of the draw. I'm super psyched, if you know anyone that's looking to sell around the Midwest, let me know (I'm not sure if that's against forum policy but I just started hah).

 

It's all good man. Check out the Black Market. There is a section specifically for Acurazine members trying to sell their car.

Be sure to look around on your local Craigslist as well. I know a few members local to me that got their TL from a private seller who posted on CL.

Just don't hop on a car right off the bat. Make sure it's EXACTLY what you want. If I were you I would look for one with navigation. It's something I wish my car had.

 

navi is the way to go!!!

04 05 have gen2 trans problem and no warranty to cover it after 50kmiles
2500 dollar rebuild cost on average

call acura care with the VIN of any TL you like , tell them looking to buy
1-800-382-2238x5 and ask for warranty history and recall ck,,
know whats been done under warranty coverage, and whats still needing to be done on recalls (those are free)- there are a few on gen3

timing belt due at 7year/105kmiles whichever first, with wp and tensioners etc- diy parts $300+ on special azine deal, shops cost 800-1500 for whole service

car probably ready for seafoam and new spark plugs after 60kmiles
cabin filter too- all these give an idea of last owners care of car

 

Yea I've been checking craigslist literally every day for 3 weeks, and I've been checking carsoup periodically as well, but I've found that normally the prices are a little lower on craigslist, but you have to hope it's legit.

I completely agree, I'm not going to settle with something without a navi, even if it would save me a bit of money. It's a huge purchase and I don't want to skimp out on something that makes it a truly luxurious car.

 

Thanks for that number 01, I'll definitely be calling that number.

 

Try autotrader.com.. That's where I found mine Clean carfax/one owner.

 

Couple of saftey recalls you should make sure are done or not applicable.

Here are all the TSB's (including recalls). TSB's are VIN specific, so until you know your VIN, you can't really know what does or doesn't apply. But it does give an indication of the kinds of problems you might run into. Most are minor and easily fixed. Mechanically the car is pretty much rock solid.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-technical-service-bulletins-tsbs-3g-garage-j-016-a-613659/

 

TL & A4? Nice options! Before I got my TL last year, I was on craigslist everyday (literally) searching for used TL's and A4's and S4's haha. The TL just seemed more practical for me to buy. Make sure you shop around and do your research. It took me a few months to find my TL. I went through a wholesaler and told him EXACTLY what I wanted (from year model, exterior color, interior color, navigation, mileage range, and above all - PRICE!). He found me a lease return and I couldn't be happier with it.

Oh oops.. back to your question, the only real issue I have my with '05 TL is that half of the control buttons don't light up anymore on the steering wheel haha. Soon to be fixed tho. AcuraZine = My Bible. Goodluck with everything!

 

Other places to look for Acuras are cars.com and acuratrader.com.

Good luck with your search and welcome to Acurazine

 

Hate to say this, but if you're a college kid and 15 grand is going to be taxing, I'd look at a newer econobox with low mileage for my DD, and wait until I had substantial funds for a TL or the like. Tires/repairs aren't cheap.

 

I will agree with that-
if buying the car will eat your budget and leave nothing for 91 octane and emergencies...
Honda makes a very nice 4 cyl with reliable transmisions and double the gas mileage

 

All that "rap" music, sheesh!

 

No comment


Well the thing is that I had the subwoofer set on -2 no matter what song was on. I turn it up to 0 one day and I hear it rattling. Not sure if it was blown before I got it and it took me a while to realize or what

It's a relatively cheap part to purchase, it's just that install is going to be a bitch. Not sure if it's worth it.

 

TLs are great cars.. mught squek a little in the interior, but otherwise mine has been great and i have 95k on it. .

 

Yea the TL would by far be my favorite car if it were RDW or AWD. That, to me, is definitely the biggest flaw of this car. FWD also makes loose out on "true" duel exhaust.

If you're planning on spending A LOT of money upgrading it you might want to look into something with a better platform that could take a TT setup or something. I.e. G35 coupe or a 350z...but you said you wanted luxury and I'm sure you've done your research so I don't think the TL has any major problems that would deter you from getting one!

 

My dad has a 05 G35x. I love the performance of it but the interior is boring as fuck compared to the TL

 

True^ but the interior wouldn't be the reason I would buy one. I'd buy one b/c of the exhaust note, the already excellent stock numbers, and its unlimited potential for upgrades.

 

I've had my tl for four years and it has 93k on it. It's been great. The only problem is minor interior crap. The finishes aren't the greatest and can scratch easily. The leather is somewhat questionable... AND the car is a huge rattle box! I mean everything and then some rattles.

BUT, if you take care of the finish and watch out for the seats, they will be fine.

As for the rattles, be adventurous and fix them yourself! I ripped the whole rear deck out and dynamatted the heck out of it! Probably one of the single best things I have ever done. In fact, I was so happy with the results, I ordered dynamat door kits. That's the project for in the next couple of weeks.

Mechanically, the car is rock solid!!!

And mine is a manual, so it's super fun to drive!