Buying an 04 TL maybe
06-16-2009, 02:40 PM
#1
Buying an 04 TL maybe
Hi, I am not a TL owner and never have been. I am debating wether to buy a 04 TL with 56K for 14,900 from the dealer. They say they are bottomed out with that price. I also will be getting rid of a fairly new Mazda6. I drove the TL for awhile today and like I am sure you guys realize, it was awsome! I am a little worried about some of the stuff I read here about some of the minor problems, dashboards, window motors, etc. Any help with my decision?
06-16-2009, 04:21 PM
#3
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
+1
Knowing your luck with an 04, your dashboard is going to crack and warp over time, like mine and other members dashes did. I'm not saying all 04's do that, but it's pretty much known that 04s have the most rattles, squeaks, and little things wrong with them compared to the 05s.
Knowing your luck with an 04, your dashboard is going to crack and warp over time, like mine and other members dashes did. I'm not saying all 04's do that, but it's pretty much known that 04s have the most rattles, squeaks, and little things wrong with them compared to the 05s.
06-16-2009, 05:14 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
You guys don't know what you're talking about. There are no differences between the 04 and 05 (except for some REALLY minor stuff like larger letters on the radio).
If more 04s have cracked dashes, that's because they are older so obviously they will have more problems, the 05s will have the problems too they are just a year behind.
If more 04s have cracked dashes, that's because they are older so obviously they will have more problems, the 05s will have the problems too they are just a year behind.
06-16-2009, 06:00 PM
#6
Senior Moderator
You guys don't know what you're talking about. There are no differences between the 04 and 05 (except for some REALLY minor stuff like larger letters on the radio).
If more 04s have cracked dashes, that's because they are older so obviously they will have more problems, the 05s will have the problems too they are just a year behind.
If more 04s have cracked dashes, that's because they are older so obviously they will have more problems, the 05s will have the problems too they are just a year behind.
If you can find an 04 and an 05 with the same miles/condition and a price that is not far from each other, get the 05. CPO is a benefit to have.
Differences:
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 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
06-19-2009, 04:59 PM
#7
7th Gear
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New England
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$14.9 for an '04 with 56k miles from a dealer sounds about right. I ended up with a CPO '04 with 32k, but spent a bit more. I was originally looking for an '05, as I try to avoid the first model year of any vehicle, but it was the right car for the right money, and no one can convince me that any of the changes from 04 to 05 were significant enough to make one more desirable than the other.
That said, the best advice I can give (all other things being equal) is to buy the LOWEST MILEAGE, NEWEST CAR you can afford. Good luck.
That said, the best advice I can give (all other things being equal) is to buy the LOWEST MILEAGE, NEWEST CAR you can afford. Good luck.
Trending Topics
06-19-2009, 05:13 PM
#8
Area on my XM
As the poster mentioned above, I also try to avoid first year models of new or redesigned models. However, my '04 is immaculate inside and out, and I wouldn't trade it for anything but an '08 TL-S. If the car is calling to you, and it's at a reputable dealer, don't let the vehicle year keep you from buying the car.
06-19-2009, 07:24 PM
#9
Racer
Get that car. The TL is an awsome car. 04 is fine. Cars are going to rattle because they move and settle just like anything else. I wish I could have got my customers to understand that when I worked at Acura. I've done a few minor mods to my car that made quite a difference. Believe me you will enjoy this car. Good lcuk.
08-12-2009, 10:52 AM
#14
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
This thread is kinda old and the OP hasn't returned.. hmm.. well here's my 
Doesn't matter if you treat your dash with 303 & sun shade it.. many members who swear to have always treated their dash well have had cracks occur.. '05 models have reported cracks as well.. Early 04's might have the old transmission design so an 05-06 would be playing it safe.
The price is high even at that mileage IMO. If you're an enthusiast the 3G TL is an excellent cross between performance and luxury. It handles very well.. decent aftermarket support.. and overall has proven very reliable. There's at least 1 guy in my area who has clocked 260k miles on his 04 with no problems..
Doesn't matter if you treat your dash with 303 & sun shade it.. many members who swear to have always treated their dash well have had cracks occur.. '05 models have reported cracks as well.. Early 04's might have the old transmission design so an 05-06 would be playing it safe.
The price is high even at that mileage IMO. If you're an enthusiast the 3G TL is an excellent cross between performance and luxury. It handles very well.. decent aftermarket support.. and overall has proven very reliable. There's at least 1 guy in my area who has clocked 260k miles on his 04 with no problems..
08-13-2009, 01:51 PM
#16
Keep Right Except to Pass
+1
Knowing your luck with an 04, your dashboard is going to crack and warp over time, like mine and other members dashes did. I'm not saying all 04's do that, but it's pretty much known that 04s have the most rattles, squeaks, and little things wrong with them compared to the 05s.
Knowing your luck with an 04, your dashboard is going to crack and warp over time, like mine and other members dashes did. I'm not saying all 04's do that, but it's pretty much known that 04s have the most rattles, squeaks, and little things wrong with them compared to the 05s.
<pauses to knock on wooden computer desk>
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