Hey everyone, I'm new to these forums but have been browsing a lot lately. I'm really impressed with some of the pics I've seen of yours cars, you guys really take great care and pride in your cars! I decided to join up and ask some questions, since in in the market (in the near future) for a 3G TL. I'm looking into a a couple cars at the moment (leaning towards G35x or TL). About me: out of college, working for over a year and have some money saved up to get a fresher ride. I will, however, be going back to grad school in a year and will be very broke for a long time afterwards. I'm planning on keeping the car for at least 8-9 years from purchase (going to dental school 4 years+training etc). So the two biggest concerns I have are reliability and cost. Since I'm in it for the long haul, I'm looking at later model TLs (06-07) and G35xs with less than 50k miles. Now I know this is an Acura forum, but generally speaking:
1. Will I be able to get the better part of a decade out of either the G or TL with minimal problems, which is more reliable? Which is cheaper to maintain?

2. If I can find a TL would I be better off with a low mileage '05 (say 35k mi) or an '07 with 50k miles?

3. If i wait a little bit longer (say Octoberish) would I get a better deal (on any year) since more 07s will be coming off lease?

4. How is the stock audio system in the TL? I've read about features, but how good will stock sound?

5. I know someone who has a dealer license and offered to take me to an auction to check out some cars...would you guys advise buying from an auction? Is it possible to be ripped off on some POS? Would I save a decent amount?

I think thats about it for now, but I can honestly say I'm leaning towards a TL for a a lot of reasons (they are so sahweeeeet), but the only thing appealing about the Gs are the AWD option (which is the model im considering). Thanks for all you help, hopefully soon I can show off my car too!

 

If you get FWD, AWD becomes less important. (I think at least) One of the big reasons I got a TL over say the G35/IS350 was FWD since I live in an area that gets snow.

Also, I ponied up the extra cash to go with the 07-08 model refresh. Lots of nice little options get added in 07 that really make it worth it. Plus, if you need the extra push you could always go with the S.

 

Welcome to AZ! As far a getting ripped off or getting a poor car at an auction, I'd ask your friend on that one.

The stock stereo system is awesome! I simply love it. Especially when I play DVD-Audio disc. Just adjust the system the way you want it.

I think you get more bang for your buck with the TL. I'd also consider getting the Navi as well. Great to have and the console looks better IMO.

Good luck!

 

The TL is much better than the G35 in the long haul, reasons:

1. FWD - no need for snow tires or very careful driving in inclimate weather.
2. Costs - the G35 will eat though expensive tires, the TL can get about 40K from a set of good A/S tires. As well the TL is amazing on gas, it can get as much as 35 MPG (driving at 75) on the highway and nice mileage in the 20's in the city.
3. Honda vehicles have great motors with really no issues!


Reguarding your other questions:
2. If you get an 05, you will have a bit more initial expense, the brake fluid will probably need to be changed ASAP, transmission fluid, coolant and a few other items to get it into tip-top shape. However, the cost to insure it will be significantly less than getting an 07 (varies by carrier, get quotes before hand for differences). The 07 will need these services, but it will be in a little bit later time.

BUT you can save a ton of money by doing about 60% of the stuff yourself, the DIY's are listed here, and you don't need many tools either, just the regular few things such as screw-drivers, plastic baggies and tape.

3. If you want an 07, wait until october, as well the prices will have decreased a bit on the older ones.

4. The stock system is great for what it is, if you turn it up to max of course it will distort. Howver just know that the 07+ ones support Mp3 CD's, but all the 04-08 TL's can have an Ipod input added in.

5. Be careful at auctions, most cars being sold there are there for a reason. Either a dealer couldn't sell it (most likely due to damage/lemon) or because someone wants to get rid of it fast (band-aid fixed)

 

That sounds great! Thanks for all of your help..I do agree with you, and I'm 85% TL at the moment. I guess I'll be looking around for a while until the prices come down a bit. Another question though, if i buy from a private seller, will I be able to buy or extend a manufacturer warranty? If so, is it a wise idea? How much would this cost? Thanks for your help everyone i appreciate it a lot!

 

Hey everyone, another question: for those of you who have owned your 3G TL for some time, have you been able to notice a difference in the way your car drives? Pickup, mpg, suspension, etc

 

You may be able to depending on how old it is and the mileage, also the state you live in matters. In FL I had to get it at my local dealer, and paid around 3K for the honda one, 100 deductible and a few other benefits. So far it's paid off itself numerous times with small little issues here and there.

There is a slight difference from when the car is new and when the car has 80K, for example brand new the TL is quiet and makes a higher pitched sound when the starter first moves. With 80K its slightly louder and makes a deeper sound.

Performance wise, its still the same, maintain it properly (use premium fuel, change filters, oil, etc. on time).

MPG has oddly gotten better with time, when I first got it, it was doing maybe 28 MPG doing 75, now it can get around 35MPG cruising at 75 on the interstate.

The suspension of-course will wear a bit, I've gotten an alignment as a force of habit every time I change the tires (twice) or when I feel it's not driving right (twice because of some driver error)

The only thing that I dislike about the TL is the leather, at first when I got it I never conditioned it or cleaned it, a year later it was starting to crack and was looking really dirty, and then I started taking care of it. I used lexol which helped about 50% in preventing new stuff from occurring. However I recently (6 months) switched to a product called leatherique (time consuming to do) but the results are amazing (redo every 6 months). It helped a few of the fine cracks disappear, it lightened the leather back to it's original color (all the years of grime) and greatly softened the leather; a huge improvement! My advice to you is to condition and clean the leather regularly from the start to keep it looking good.

 

My coworker bought a 05 TL w/ 70k miles or something from the auction and it was a salvaged title. Car was stolen. Good thing about it was that he paid straight up cash so he doesnt even have to worry about a car payment. He hasn't had any major problems with the car so its probably hit or miss at an auction.

I was basically in your situation looking at a g35 and tl, ended up with the TL because of its better gas mileage, better looking interior, all inclusive features, and better looks (imo). Ended up with a used low mileage 06 that i bought in Jan. 08. I love the car so far and the stuff that broke have been fixed under warranty. I dont think you can go wrong with the TL.

*TL's and most v6 automatic honda's have glass transmissions, might want to check that out when you buy one.

 

Hey all, thanks for the replies. Sorry to bring back an older thread, but it beats making a new one. Back with some more questions.

What's a "glass transmission" JT? Or does that mean its just fragile?

Also, I really like WDP but after reading about the bumper mismatch its pretty much the first thing I notice when I see a TL, so I unfortunately have been turned off by this (unless I get an awesome deal on one!) To the CBP and RBP/ABP ASM/SSM (not sure what the difference is) owners out there, is yours as noticeable?

Thanks in advance! Looking to be driving in one by the end of the month!

 

go to the top of any page here- click OFF TOPIC then scroll down to Member Cars for sale
Find a well loved TL or post a wanted ad there for free

search `paint` - there are a few cars with bumper paint issues and its not warranty
There is a list in FAQ of all the paint code names, but you cant always figure out what that means for actual color~

The Glass Trans-lol the 5 speed auto in the gen2 had a horrible problem with the 3rd gear clutch packs wearing out from low oil flow to that area.
There is a 2nd issue that was a recall that extends into 04-05s iirc, for install of an external kit on the trans to send more oil to 2nd gear shaft- thats RECALL item- free
Differant issue than the clutches

the 04 and 05 used essentially the same trans as gen2. For gen2 a major change to the trans case of the warranty replacement units was made in 2005- with improved oil flow,
it helps but has not been a 100% fix- those replacement units still have some failures.
Its my guess that warranty units are test beds for changes to production- once the new case was tested on us it went to gen3 production liine- or maybe the other way around, gen3 got a new case in 05 so gen2 warranty units got it too

gen2 got a court ordered 7.9year/109kmile trans warranty which gen3 did not get-
Trans goes out and you `may` get some help from acura and still spend 2500$ your part!!- its $4000++ for the trans unit complete, and they are all just rebuilt units thru the warranty program, not even brand spankin new for that price

A good aftermarket warranty is worth looking into

when looking for an early gen3- consider its ownership history, make sure the recalls have all been done- call 1-800-382-2238x5 acura customer care with the VIN of any car you really like, ask for pre-buy history and recall check
They cant tell you the last owners names- but can say when and where it was first purchased, anywhere its been registered with them since- and more

When you do get a car call that same number and register as the new owner.. so if any future recalls- they can reach you by snail mail
Good Luck~

 

Hey 01tl4tl...thanks for the great tips on calling Acura Customer Care and the glass tranny (although I'm looking into later 3rd gen TLs)...I'll def do that when I've narrowed down the choices. Does anyone else have any input about my tons of questions?

Thanks all!

 

Regarding the suggestion on waiting till October, is it because when the 2010 TL's come out all used ones will go cheaper? I am looking to buy a 05 or 06 but I am trying to get the best deal possible.

 

Yep, that's pretty much my thinking, and I also want the best deal possible. I think the 2010 TL's are already out, and an increasing number of 06/07s on lease should be coming back into the market. These 2 reasons should account for depreciation leading to lower prices. That's just my logic, which may be wrong when it comes to the auto game. Maybe someone out there would have a better idea or observations.

For those of you who are familiar with Acura's lease terms...is the standard lease agreement for 36,39, or 48 month?

 

People won't purchase the 2010 models right away...so we may need to wait till like November to get a better deal....but then again, I really don't know much about the auto game either.

 

With the '07s it seems like there are a lot more TL-S versions around than the non-S (at least in New England) so the prices of TL-S vs. TL with Nav are really close - anyone have thoughts on why that might be?

 

Perhaps your just noticing the Type-S more. I know in my area there's a ton of TL's and not many TL-S'.

 

Yeah, I've noticed that around my area as well (NJ). I have no idea what that is, but I have noticed that the prices from dealer to dealer are pretty inconsistent, ranging from 23-30k for cars with identical specs.

 

LoveMyTL-S -- I DO notice the TL-S more, but the dealer I visted Saturday had 4 2007/2008 TL-Ss, and nothing newer than '06 in the regular. Maybe something to do with those fine New England roads?

The prices are definitely all over the place, no rhyme or reason I can see.

 

Hey all, back with some more questions.

I'm looking at a couple of cars at the moment. One is a 2006 TL with about 45K on the odo, the other is a 2005 with navi @ 33K on the odo. Both are going for listed at about the same price. Assuming both cars check out, which would be the better buy? Keep in mind, I'm going to drive this car for almost forever.

 

Does the 06 have Navi? Are they both Automatic?

 

Yes both are auto. 06 is non-navi, 05 has navi. Also found a third.... 05 non-navi with 25K, also automatic.

 

Hmmmm, I like Navi myself, so I'd go with curtain #2 05 Navi 5AT. After you get the car, check with your dealer to make sure the recalls have been done.

 

TL wins hands down. After all it is a Honda product and their reliablity is legendary. I was in a very similar boat as you in choosing between a TL and a G35. I test drove a couple of each and realized the TL was for me. The G35 look great on the outside but the interior left a lot to be desired. It looked cheap and dated to me. Plus I hear maintanence is worse on the G35. I would probably get worse gas mileage too. So I got lucky and found a nice clean 07 TLS. Good luck man. I say look for an 06 or newer with low mileage.

 

+1 on the Navi... only reason i didn't get it on my 3G is because of the rare color DMM, it would have been a long wait period...

 

I actually narrowed my choice down to two a couple months ago when I made my purchase, they were the G and the TL too. Clearly I went with the TL. I felt like I got more features for the money, the reliability of honda(I drove my first car a civic coupe till 200k with very little problems). I was worried about the FWD too since my last several cars had either been rwd or awd but it honestly doesn't bother me. I have the NAVI and I love it, the factory sound system is pretty good. I just tossed 2 10's in the trunk and hooked it up to the factory head unit and the sound is crisp, I don't feel any need to change the mids/highs.

Good luck on your purchase

 

I was looking at v6 Accord 6 Speeds, since there are some locally available. But roughly the same price, the TL has Limited Slip and more features. I get to pick it up Saturday, I'm excited It does have higher miles than I was hoping for (85k), but if its like any of my other Honda/Acura products it'll go strong till well over 200k.

 

I was looking at Accord V6's as well.... Almost did a 06 coupe - but the TL just had what I was looking for.

Mine's an 04 Navi, AT, had 70k when I bought it (all recalls + AT & brake fluid change done @ 60k) and I also got a 12k/1yr warranty... Out the door for $14.5. Couldn't pass it up!