I'm considering buying an '04 TL w/88k on it. The vehicle seems to be in pretty good condition with an asking price of $12,900. I'm looking for a vehicle that I can drive for the next 5yrs or so without the fear of reliability issues, all while saving on gas over what I'm currently in - a quad cab Dodge Dakota. The only thing that is scaring me off right now is the potential tranny issues that I'm reading about with the '04. Couple of questions on this....

- How would I know if the tranny was replaced under the recall that was issued?

- If it was not replaced would I have any recourse with Honda / Acura at this point in getting it replaced?

Any input in regards to that would be greatly appreciated, as well as any other comments or information that can be provided unrelated to the tranny.

 

88K is out of warranty even for the tranny. The reliability shouldnt be a problem unless the tranny is no good and maintenance shouldnt be very expensive or should I say nothing out of the usual. Gas will definetely be better than your Dakota.

If the tranny was replaced under Acura it will be in their records.
You will have to pay for a full tranny replacement unless you can hassle Acura/Honda into paying for some of it, they won't pay for the whole thing.

I think you will like the car, if it comes with navi u will like it a lot more.

Drive the car around in D and in manual shift mode. If anything feels funny dont buy it. If nothing feels funny and you like buy it and IMMEDIATELY drain and refill the tranny. Drive it for awhile.. not around the block I would say about 30 mins and change your driving style see if you can get the tranny to feel funny. As for what kind of fluid to use that is up for debate but I stick with the stock Acura tranny fluid I think it is called Z-1.

edit: pretty sure the tranny warranty ends at 70K but im not 100% sure

 

The recall was for inspection and if during that inspection there was evidence of 2nd gear damage, the trans was to be replaced. If no damage, an external oil lube assembly was installed. Have the dealer check using the VIN if there was a trans recall, or only the PS and wiper motor recall.

As with any vehicle mechanical problems are a possibility, but do an intense inspection and check the fluid condition and odor. Check the tires for uneven tread wear, both front and read, brake pulsation from rotors that are out of spec and all the other normal items. I've said this before, our '04 now at 72k miles, we've had for over 4 years and I've spent $3.21 over the normal maintenance.

Also, all the body panels have a VIN from the factory, so make certain they are matching and also Car Fax for reference.

Good luck

 

Seems like a high price for an '04.

 

I paid about 13k for mine after extended warranty. I bought mine with 84k. No navi but it was a 6spd

 

KBB has dealer suggested retail, non nav, 88k, excellent condition $16,650.

Next 5 years is totally dependent upon the expected yearly mileage, say 10k per year no problems, but if you're looking at 30k per year then I'd suggest to either save your money for necessary repairs, or better yet, buy a low mileage 4 dr mid size until money isn't a problem.

 

I've read somewhere that Honda/Acura added 5% to our warranty due to a class action lawsuit. So i guess that would be 73,500 for powertrain warranty.
But OP is outta luck with 88k anyway. OP could purchase extended warranty , contact your local Acura dealers to check to see who gives the best quote.
Don't rush into buying it. Test drive different TLs so you can tell what is normal and what is not normal of a TL and then come back to the one you like. Good luck

 

The warranty on the powertrain on an 04 TL is 50k miles. With the lawsuit maybe add 5k more miles.

Jeremy- if the recall has not been performed on it, you will have zero problems having Acura do it because they are mandated to do so. It's a safety issue.

Last but not least- Welcome to the forums.

 

Is there anyway to find out from acura if the vehicle in the first place even qualifies for this recall? And if so, is there a way to find out if the owner got it taken care of? Also, does this apply to 05's? Im looking at a few 05's with lower miles than 88 but im still worried about this. What would you guys suggest doing before buying? Is it safe to say that if the car wasn't part of the recall then it is safe? Thanks guys

 

just got a 04 tl with 87 xxx on it on sunday for about that price. lowest I could find in my area and the dealers made sure that it was as they tried to use this as leverage. in the end i got a couple thousand off their sticker price.

 

oh yeah.. my bad.. his is 04