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so, ive been looking at a TL for quite some time and have been wanting to know what you folks have seen as far as mechanical maladies and other pitfalls to avoid with this model. Any input will be appreciated! Thanks in advance guys!
I could write a novel here but I'll keep it to a couple points.
1. Maintenance. Every ~105k miles, the major service of the timing belt/water pump/tb tensioner/spark plugs/coolant is supposed to be performed. This is usually the most expensive service you'll ever run into, and you want to make sure that (depending on the mileage of the car), that this service was performed. If you buy a car that needs this service, plan to spend between $600-$1k for parts and labor.
2. Transmission. Personally, I would look for a 07-08 model, due to the improved transmission. If you are looking at an 04-06, you want to make sure that transmission fluid has been regularly changed and is in good condition. You shouldn't have to worry about anything if it's been taken care of, but unfortunately, finding one that's been properly maintained is not too common. Transmission service for fluid and pressure switches should be performed. Parts are about 100, and these can be done in your garage. Either way, look for any transmission issues/shudders/slips. If any are present, I would walk away.
3. Interior and electronics. Other main couple of issues with this car is the infamous dashboard cracking (design flaw, unpreventable) and the handsfree link battery drain. The dash crack issue can't really be fixed, other than buying a nice cover/pad for the entire dash, which many users here have had good success with, and it doesn't look terrible either. As for the HFL, disconnecting it is easy, and will prevent your battery from randomly dying.
Other than that, things like general drive quality would be something to look at. If your steering is loose, or have suspension issues, there are a bunch of different bushings and suspension components that wear out over time. Fixable, but again, for a price.
These cars will last forever if you take care of them properly. Mine is happily sitting at 225k miles right now. However, like any used car, there's a chance that the thing has been abused and neglected, which will amplify your issues and repair costs exponentially. Keep an eye out.
so, ive been looking at a TL for quite some time and have been wanting to know what you folks have seen as far as mechanical maladies and other pitfalls to avoid with this model. Any input will be appreciated! Thanks in advance guys!
If you want an automatic transmission and/or a Type-S, then look for a 2007 or 2008 model. If you find a cherry 2004-2006 and you want an automatic, budget for a transmission (unless it has already been replaced). For all model years, the Hands Free unit (HFL for short) can cause a parasitic battery drain (disconnecting the board is easy and will solve the issue), cracked passenger side dashboards seem to be more the rule than the exception, and then there are the typical suspension issues (bushings, axles, joints...) of pretty much any car of this age.
Other things to be aware of:
The timing belt/water pump service needs to be performed every 105,000 miles, this along with spark plugs, and optional oil seals and such.
The purge control valve is known to cause a Gas Cap alert; easy fix.
For cars with automatic transmissions, changing the ATF three times in quick succession and swapping out the 3rd and 4th gear pressure sensors helps extend the life of the transmission.
For cars with manual transmissions, there is a fairly common issue which typically presents itself with 3rd gear where you will either hear a grind going into the gear, and/or it will not go in all of the way and suddenly pop out. This is also easily remedied (if caught early enough) by changing the MTF from Honda MTF to ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified.
All Type-S cars, and all cars with manual transmissions come with front Brembo brakes; this has benefits and drawbacks (most notably a limited selection of aftermarket wheels).
If you are looking for a car to modify for more power, look elsewhere, the dollar per horsepower value for these cars is very high (i.e. LOTS of money for very little gain in power).
Owned 2006 AT since new, haven't really had any trouble and never left stranded.
Below are the repairs and major maintenance other than regular fluids I had done;
* power steering hose recall - fixed for free
* front sway bar end link needed replaced (Oct 2017) at about 95,000 miles - the first real problem other than preventive maintenance
* front left ball joint(Dec 2019) - caused by an incompetent mechanic, all other BJs are still good
* replaced all 6 engine(3) & transmission(3) mounts (Oct 2019)- front, side engine mounts were shot, rear OK, but replaced since I had new OE part ready. all three tranny mounts were shot
* replaced shock absorbers on all 4 corners (Jul 2019) - found them not really shot, but all were very weak to bounce back
* replaced dead starter in Sep 2019
Spark plugs along with TB, WP etc had been done on Apr 2017 at 91,000 miles, ATF frequently replaced with Honda DW-1, brake and PS fluids also had been flushed regularly. Twice had dead battery due to above mentioned HFL parasitic draw, disconnecting the HFL module took care of it. I do not have cracked dash, mostly garage kept.
Currently at 114,800 miles, shifts very smoothly, engine runs strong, regular maintenance is the key. Still getting 29 mpg on 95% freeway driving, no complain there. A great car for the price if you can find one well taken care of.
* Currently, FR CV joint is leaking a bit, it was my screw up, ready to replace the axle when the time comes.
Shot below was taken in Nov 2019, on I-5 freeway during a drive from Las Vegas to Oregon
Last edited by Sparky16; Jan 15, 2020 at 03:10 PM.
I could write a novel here but I'll keep it to a couple points.
1. Maintenance. Every ~105k miles, the major service of the timing belt/water pump/tb tensioner/spark plugs/coolant is supposed to be performed. This is usually the most expensive service you'll ever run into, and you want to make sure that (depending on the mileage of the car), that this service was performed. If you buy a car that needs this service, plan to spend between $600-$1k for parts and labor.
2. Transmission. Personally, I would look for a 07-08 model, due to the improved transmission. If you are looking at an 04-06, you want to make sure that transmission fluid has been regularly changed and is in good condition. You shouldn't have to worry about anything if it's been taken care of, but unfortunately, finding one that's been properly maintained is not too common. Transmission service for fluid and pressure switches should be performed. Parts are about 100, and these can be done in your garage. Either way, look for any transmission issues/shudders/slips. If any are present, I would walk away.
3. Interior and electronics. Other main couple of issues with this car is the infamous dashboard cracking (design flaw, unpreventable) and the handsfree link battery drain. The dash crack issue can't really be fixed, other than buying a nice cover/pad for the entire dash, which many users here have had good success with, and it doesn't look terrible either. As for the HFL, disconnecting it is easy, and will prevent your battery from randomly dying.
Other than that, things like general drive quality would be something to look at. If your steering is loose, or have suspension issues, there are a bunch of different bushings and suspension components that wear out over time. Fixable, but again, for a price.
These cars will last forever if you take care of them properly. Mine is happily sitting at 225k miles right now. However, like any used car, there's a chance that the thing has been abused and neglected, which will amplify your issues and repair costs exponentially. Keep an eye out.
Originally Posted by horseshoez
If you want an automatic transmission and/or a Type-S, then look for a 2007 or 2008 model. If you find a cherry 2004-2006 and you want an automatic, budget for a transmission (unless it has already been replaced). For all model years, the Hands Free unit (HFL for short) can cause a parasitic battery drain (disconnecting the board is easy and will solve the issue), cracked passenger side dashboards seem to be more the rule than the exception, and then there are the typical suspension issues (bushings, axles, joints...) of pretty much any car of this age.
Other things to be aware of:
The timing belt/water pump service needs to be performed every 105,000 miles, this along with spark plugs, and optional oil seals and such.
The purge control valve is known to cause a Gas Cap alert; easy fix.
For cars with automatic transmissions, changing the ATF three times in quick succession and swapping out the 3rd and 4th gear pressure sensors helps extend the life of the transmission.
For cars with manual transmissions, there is a fairly common issue which typically presents itself with 3rd gear where you will either hear a grind going into the gear, and/or it will not go in all of the way and suddenly pop out. This is also easily remedied (if caught early enough) by changing the MTF from Honda MTF to ACDelco Synchromesh Friction Modified.
All Type-S cars, and all cars with manual transmissions come with front Brembo brakes; this has benefits and drawbacks (most notably a limited selection of aftermarket wheels).
If you are looking for a car to modify for more power, look elsewhere, the dollar per horsepower value for these cars is very high (i.e. LOTS of money for very little gain in power).
Thank you very much for this information, i truly appreciate it and it is very thorough! Its also appreciated that it comes from an original owner since new, its a very accurate and direct experience input! Thank you. I only quoted the part above because.... well.... its the funniest thing ive read all day!
