reaper101

so im considering of buying the 04 tl and i wanted to get some perspective on this year model? anything recalled or bad on this one? test drove one today and i loved it but what am i looking into problem wise? currently have a 99tl

Shensell

Check the dashboard. Seriously, it's been a problem with 04 TL's to have dashboard cracking, so check all over, especially near the passenger airbag and where the instrument cluster hump meets the windshield. Other than that, make sure that if it was part of the transmission recall, it was performed, and you can use the VIN number on an Acura website to check if that specific car has all of its recall work done.

YeuEmMaiMai

don't buy the automatic?

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Tranny tranny tranny. At least from what I have read. I have never owned an 04.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

buy a 6MT if you can. check the condition of the seats. as mentioned previously look at the dash closely.

Kevin17112

If you can, get the 05-08 model. Avoid the 04 model. Like the others said, check the dashboard carefully.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

If the dash and seats are intact, check on the transmission's condition. Find a 6MT if you can. Best decision I've made on a car.

Beyond that the dash and seats need to be cleaned and doused in 303 aerospace protectant to keep it that way. Beyond that you're pretty much set. There are things to take care of once you invest in it but those are the couple things you should look at first.

bouncer07

Avoid the TL, go grab a G35.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Wrong forum buddy. Drive both the cars and see. Personally I prefer the TL just because of the ergonomics and reliability. I've beaten on my car hard and its performed exceptionally. Again it is opinion based. I'm not a fan of the G35 interior or color scheme for that matter.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

uuuuuuuggglllyyyy

350

iTrader: (4)

The 04 was made 10 years ago, figure if it had tranny issues it was rebuilt already. Expect normal 10 year old wear and tear.

DaeHanMeenGuk

i would try to go for a 07-08 TL. it has a few more things the 04-06 didn't come with.

Gil'sUA5

Price difference between 04-06 and 07-08 is big, i agree the 07-08 had much less issues but not everybody can afford it. If u want a TL but cant afford an 07-08 get an 05-06 stay away from an 04.

Kevin17112

Newer models are ok but the older ones are not as reliable as TL, plus TL gets better mpg than g35.

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

In the grand scheme of 3G TL's, Im willing to bet that automatic transmission failure isn't all that common. But there is always the 6MT. You could get an MT and then the trans will be a non issue. Plus you get factory front brembos.

Packina-Ac

With any car make you should always avoid the first year, if not 2 years of a models redesign as these are the years with the most issues before they get the kinks worked out.

csmeance

I think at least 50% of 3G TL's on the road today will need some sort of transmission replacement. The Trans in the 2004-mid 2006 wasn't the best design but it sure is better than the design in the 2G TL where everyone went though 2+ Transmissions. The fluid changes every 60K with CRAPPY HONDA Z1 fluid is the main root cause (fluid oxidized as soon as 15K). The newer DW1 fluid is a LOT better and the mid 2006+ design used in the TL seems to be pretty rock solid. The 2007 TL-S got the RL derived transmission which is pretty impressive. With all the HP members are running here there I haven't heard of any real failures. Plus all the RL members with 200K+ miles are a testament to that trans even with the crappy Z1 fluid!

The TL got a host of improvements in 2005 that make it slightly nicer. As well the 2006 TL got TPMS! Buying a first year car is always a gamble, but a second year is much less of one.

Honestly to the OP, I'd look into a 2006 TL at a minimum if you want a car that can reach 300K with only changes to basic fluids and elements. If you can find a 2004 or 2005 TL with a transmission that's been replaced by Acura/Honda you are set to go! As I understand it they are using upgraded/revised units to help with the problems. As well they are being filled with the DW1 fluid from the get-go so there aren't any issues!

nttstt444

iTrader: (1)

^I do remember the 2G TL and the CL trans nightmares. I completely agree about the modified RL trans in the 07/08TL's I don't think iv ever heard of one failing.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure he just forgot to put this post in red text......

yoks032rs

For all you guys who will not buy an 04 tl AT
These are in (how many miles on your car forum)

My '04 5AT just hit 193K. I've never had any issues with it, I've just done regular maintenance. I even have the original brakes!

And another one with over 170,000 and no issues too. But don't know if he's
the original owner.

I also have an 04 AT with 109,000 on it, but I did the 3rd/4th gear switch
change and 3X3 trans flush. Run good so far. I bought the car with 102,000
6 months ago and I'm the 2nd owner.

Grand_hustle17

Are u serious? Lol.... If you grab any vq35 outside of a vq35hr (07-08 G35 sedan) you will have oil burning issues... This post is a set up for failure

sho423

I wish someone told me this a few months ago when I bought my 04 TL.
Don't get an 04!

YeuEmMaiMai

04 to mid 05 used the same trans as the previous models ....

bouncer07

Who doesn't like the Skyline? It's only JDM, lol.

turbobora

I have an 04 TL, just passed 90k, and no issues thus far. Other than one crack on the dashboard :-(

erdoc48

If cost is an issue, go with a 2004 as others have said. If anything happened to my 06, I'd probably go out and get another 06- it's got the better (more panels on the seat surface) seats than the 04, and not nearly the dash cracking issues (although you could always get a dash cover if the car you find has dash cracks but is otherwise in excellent condition). The 06 cars had the TPMS and I don't think the rate of tranny failures is as high (although as others have said, they have high mileage 04 cars without an issue). My old 00 TL had a replacement tranny at 32,000 miles- my brother owns that car now- is in the 150K range and never needed another transmission (so about 120,000 miles on the replacement tranny w/o an issue).

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

2004 6mt owner with 176000 miles. No crack on dashboard. Still wary of it. I keep it moisturized and protected with 303 Aerospace protectant. No tear's in the leather, some pieces gouged out in the back but covered up. Car feels brand new, clutch changed before it was sold to me. 74000 on the new clutch. Some rock chips on the front of the car. Windshield needs to be replaced at some time. Everything else is just dandy!

bouncer07

If this guy can find a 6MT in his area for XXXX amount, it's better than going 2000 miles to get one. These cars are getting rare and it was sold off production as 1/30 manual and now, it's probably 1/100 to find one as most are totalled, junked, salvaged, or over 150,000 miles. As long as it's Clean title, you live to learn your mistakes you take in life. Give it a shot and live what the car will give you....it may will give you 300,000 miles, it's all risking.

PFloyd

A lot of great information here to help the OP make an informed decision. One thing a wanted to clarify is that both the basic 07 TL and the 07 TL-S received the modified RL transmission. The proof: http://www.hondanews.com/channels/ac...-tl-powertrain

Scottwax

Early VQ35s, definitely. My first '02 Maxima was the 91st one build according to the VIN, used a quart every 1500-1800 miles. Second '02 Maxima was a lot better, a quart every 3500-4000 miles.

But my Accord...accidentally went to 10k miles (with synthetic) and it was still on the full line.

Back to the topic on hand....if you are getting an '04 5AT, make sure it was built the transmission issues were fixed (you can have a dealer or mechanic plug in the VIN to see if it has the extended transmission warranty and/or had the jet kit or another transmission installed under warranty. My Accord is well known for the same issues with the automatics behind the V6, my car has an 05/04 build date and was not affected by the recall/extended warranty. Just under 135k miles and so far, so good.

Based on some of the '04 TLs I have detailed (coincidently detailed a pearl white '04 today!), stay away from the nighthawk pearl black paint especially, but also be wary of any darker colored Acuras due to issues with clear coat failure. But NHP not only has had clear coat failure issues but the clear coat is also very soft and tends to be sticky, making wiping off polishes difficult.

The tan interior is much harder to keep clean and tends to look old and worn quicker than the black. I've seen issues with the leather on the center console armrest detach from the armrest giving it an odd wrinkled bed appearance. But it doesn't flat out tear up like the 1st gen RL's.

Scottwax

Oh yeah, if you get a 5AT, switch the ATF over to the DW1 fluid. Huge improvement in shift quality.

jpm3071

If you're into the turns and performance go for the 6mt. Limited slip, brembo brakes, better control, and bigger rsb are worth it

reaper101

Yea atm money is an issue I truly love the 07type s but right now I just started my new job and I need a car that's reliable so that I don get late at all or I could be terminated(probation period) I truly plan on buying the 04 as that's whats in my down payment area but after I pay it off I'm getting an 07 I have seen two cars so far one I love cause the dark grey exterior and black interior but like u guys mentioned the dashboard was all cracked and the seats were tore up with 115 k miles and than I found a silver one with tan seats but it was all perfect no cracks or tears and 102k miles(cheaper too) ill double check on to see if trans was replaced Ty all for ur opinions and ill gladly choose a acura over an infinity any day ^__^

reaper101

So I have come to these last choices and hoped that y'all would help me make a decision these are the contestants which should I choose give an explanation tks

By the way these are all fine as far as no cracks in dash or tears in seats

04 tl fire pepper red 99k 6 speed manual (as is) 13900
06 tl white diamond pearl 119 k automatic nav(as is) 14900
04 tl silver 103k automatic (2 year warranty) 12900

Again tks for ur help ur input is always appreciated when coming to problems I have

EvilVirus

iTrader: (8)

Should have just kept your other thread going. Go with the one with the least amount of issues and the one you can afford.

reaper101

True but I don think everyone wanted to go through messages to reply to mine

EvilVirus

iTrader: (8)

LOL that's the point of the thread.

Anyway, whatever car you get; make sure you have a trusty mechanic to inspect it.

Good luck to you friend

05_NBP_TL

iTrader: (1)

Reaper, where you located?

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Reaper, Evil Virus is absolutely right.


Your two threads have now been merged.


In the future, just continue on with your original thread.

blkmz3

i like how people say stay away from the 04 but don't give a reason for it. Yes be careful of the dash cracks but that happens on all years. Just pay attention to the service records and maintenance upkeep of the seller. The 07-08 models had few updated stuff like tail lights, side mirror markers, foglights, and some updates but it's the same body and motor.