In 3 weeks I am getting a 2004 TL and I can't wait! So what do I need to know, any things I need to do right away? Update the nav.etc? Would love to hear your ideas and suggestions. Going through my 47 year old mid life crisis and am thrilled! New here, my first post.

 

If it's an auto, definitely change the trans fluid using the 3x3 method (do a forum search to read more about that), the auto trans is definitely the weak point in the drivetrain. Also, while you're in there, swap out the 3rd/4th pressure switches, and replace the cabin air filter too. I'm sure someone else will chime in with some more info.

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

 

how about some specs?

mileage?
price?
history?

all that will play a part in 'keeping' your excitement level peaked...

 

108, 000 miles. They are asking $10, 0000. Car fax doesn't show anything bad. 3 owners

 

welcome Rita.

has the 105k service been done?

 

Is it an auto or mt?

Buy some 303 aerospace protectant and leather cleaner. Clean up the dash and seats and throw some 303 on to protect the surfaces. Don't want that dash to crack. Check the side view mirrors to make sure it isn't 'rusting'. If it is you have a long time but just keep in mind it will get worse.

 

I bought the same car about a year ago so I can tell you a few things:

The timing belt, water pump, and likely tensioners are supposed to get changed out at 105k. So if the previous owners haven't done that yet, you will need to do it sooner rather than later. Also spark plugs will have to be changed out around this time if they haven't already too. Price at a dealership to do all of that is about $1500. I got mine done for about $750 for everything including parts, so look for a price somewhere in between there. Unless you know how to do it yourself then you're just looking at maybe $500 in parts. Not sure if I left anything out but I'm no expert on this, just know from what I've experienced and what I've read on here.

I also had the tranny fluid changed out right when I got the car because it was experiencing the infamous shudder. The fluid needs to be replaced more often than most cars to keep the tranny from going bad.

You'd probably need to update the Navvy if it's the original one. Mine still has the original navigation software. I can usually get by with a combination of that and google maps so I didn't feel a strong need to update. You can get the 2012 version on sale for $50 i think.

Other than that it should be a good car that lasts you a long time. Just take care of it. It's a very fun car to drive whether you're cruising the speed limit in the city or flying down the highway at 90 with little effort.

As previously mentioned, the only caveat is the transmission, a topic which is thoroughly discussed on here and gets beat like a dead horse every day.

GOOD LUCK!

 

welcome!!

Maintenance is key! Be sure to fix anything that is broken and change out the fluids regularly!

happy motoring!

 

I suggest to read as much info on this forum as possible.

Here is a good place to start:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-garage-faq-3g-tl-newbies-553554/

 

Congrats Rita and welcome to AcuraZine.

 

Carfax is dumb. Everytime i do a mod i find broken or replacement parts. Just inspect the crap out of it or get a mechanic to check it out.

 

I am selling my 2001 toyota highlander limited. Bought it new, so 12 years since I car shopped. I can't afford anything new and I want basically the same features that is on my highlander just would like a car for a while. This shopping is making me so nervous. Just don't want to end up with someone else's junk. Thanks so much for all the input. Keep it coming.

 

Trust me, the forums have whatever you need. This site is filled with Acura owners who are knowledgeable in everything you may want to ask. I'm a recent owner as of this year and i look on here everyday for ideas for mods, problems I may run into and just keeping up with the community in general. Use this site for whatever information you may need and hope you enjoy the car.

 

Welcome to AZ Rita! Register him, when you get him at www.myacura.com. Save your radio and navi codes there for safe keeping.

 

Welcome Rita. Congrats. You'll love the car.

 

Welcome Rita! I would also suggest inspecting the car for ANY paint chips, as they will rust very quickly, so get them touched up. I would also suggest the 3x3 tranny drain, replace the air filter, 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches if its auto, and the 105k service, which most likely hasnt been done. When I got mine, I changed the oil to Royal Purple fully synthetic and noticed a world of smoothness over the mobil1 that was in it.

 

Welcome to az rita after maitneance i hope moddin is the nex choice haha, good luck with it nd enjoy. Post pics wenever u get it

 

still looking at 3G TL's. narrowed down to the following: all are auto and nav.
1: 2004 TL black with 108,000 miles at 3rd party dealer, waiting to hear back if 105,000 work is done. 1 hour drive to see. $10995
2: 2005 TL white with 144,000 miles at a acura dealer who says they have changed the belt, motor mounts, filters, water pump looked good. (has a spoiler on back and a front aero piece on the front bottom??? 4 hour drive one way to see.... $12,988
3: 2006 TL white 2006 93,000 miles private seller. emblems, lighting and rims are blacked out.not at 105,000 mile maintenance yet. $12,900

soooooooooo what do you guys think is best vehicle? I really value opinions. Sorry to sound so girlie. all have great interiors. car faxes show no wrecks.

 

Well for those 3 model years you're basically getting the exact same car. I'd go for the lower miles or whichever one looks to be better maintained. the 05 for 12,988 is waaaaaaaaay too much for that much mileage. The 04 is decently priced but I think you could get it for 10k out the door. The 06 seems like a decent deal but you can probably talk them down a little bit. Again, the condition is an important factor. Whichever one you decide on make sure to take it to a mechanic to get everything check out.

 

the 2006 will obviously be the newer of the vehicles.
and it comes with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS.
the 04 and 05, you have to check the tire pressure by hand.

and with the 06 being a private seller, i bet he's willing to come down in price a little. (bring up the 105k service as a bargaining chip)
I think the 06 is the winner here.