Just totaled my 2013 Optima Turbo and have always LOVED the TL-S.

Is there any tips or advice or gee wiz type things anyone can offer me while I go through the buying process.

Thanks all, and thanks for having me!

-G

 

Hope no one was hurt.


The 07/08 TL's don't really have any noteworthy issues. They are pretty solid. Its a used car...treat it as such. Have a mechanic you trust give your potential vehicle a good inspection before you buy.

 

Even though I love the TLS, you sure you wanna go back so far technology wise ? The TLS would probably perform similarly to the newer Optima turbos, but it's gonna be waaayyy behind technology wise. Imagine having to use your keys again lol, or not being able to stream your music over Bluetooth. Things to think about that's all.

 

I agree with JTS.

I have a 08 TL and would love to have that Optima SX Turbo instead.

Aside from looks the Optima is so much more technologically ahead of the 3rd Gen TL which has been around since 2004 (10 years now).

The optima has panoramic sunroof
COOLED and heated seats (TL only has heated)
navigation on the Optima looks much clearer resolution display compared to the TL
Push button start
back-up camera on the optima shows trajectory lines (TL has no trajectory lines)

The Optima really has a lot more going on compared to the outdated 6-7 year old TL-S. I'm sure there are lots of other feature that the Optima has that the TL-S doesn't. Those are just the ones I can think of.

I do think the TL-S looks better than the Optima, however when I see a white Optima Turbo it still gets my attention and I end up staring at it for a good while.

You should be looking at a upgrade not a downgrade!

 

^^

Maybe I'm not as much of a technology buff, but I don't see going from a current generation Korean sedan to a generation old upscale/luxury Japanese sedan as a downgrade.

Push button start is a game changer? Really?

 

Honestly, I say get what you want. Biggest thing you have to think about is that it is a used car. Just make sure it was well taken care of. I found a 2007 TL-S with 68k miles for $18K. But the body and interior were beat up. Passed it up because if the interior and exterior were that tore up, imagine how they cared for it mechanically. Drove well, but for how long would it? Find a good and reliable car that you like and just really take a look at how it was taken care of. Oh yeah, and that TL-S was a manual. Even more of a gem. So sad.

 

He gave a whole list of features that the Optima has the the TL does not. It's a downgrade in every quantifiable sense.

If you were used to keyless entry and push button start, then yes, having to pull out your key, hit the unlock button, insert the key and turn will be a noticeable annoyance.

Hyundai and Kia have made huge strides in the past decade and are putting out great vehicles, who cares if they're Korean?

I just picked up an 07 TL with Nav, and it's a nice improvement for me, technology wise, but so many of the upscale/luxury features are common place. I'd take a new Accord or Mazda 6 or Optima in a higher trim level over my TL any day.

Also, low mileage 3G TLs are becoming more and more rare. Since OP just totaled his car, he doesn't have the luxury of a lot of time to shop and find a good example.

 

What's wrong with a Korean car? have you sat and drove one recently? Even their SUVs are nice inside and out.

I know that Kia and Hyundai from 2006 and OLDER were junk and a joke. But now they made big steps. Have you sat inside the new Genesis or Equus? That's luxury no doubt.

Besides Mitsubishi is Japanese made and I still would never own one. They are junk. Besides the Evo lol.

 

I forgot to mention though, yes the TLS falls far behind technology wise as I already said, but an Optima definitely doesn't catch my eye on the street like a nice clean and mint TLS does that's for sure. Sure the Optima SXL is a slick looking car, but I certainly wouldn't really look at one twice. It would be a tough call, but I bet going from the SXL to a old TLS would be tough to do.

James

 

Doesn't matter, vtec yo!

After the recession and auto crisis, manufactures realize consumers are not going to settle for junk cars anymore.
Kia and Hyundai have stepped up their game since the shit storm that was 2008. Ford and GM have too somewhat. Everyone is being innovative and packing their cars with technology and goodies.
A lot of the base and value models today have more amenities than some of the premium models offered in the 90s.

 

the 2015 optimas and sonatas are fuggin sick!!!!!!
I would get one of those before i'd get an old beat up, no tech having TL.

 

I agree with JTS. Optima is not a bad looking car but not the head turner a TL-S is. Obviously OP's priorities (technology vs looks vs. performance, etc....) will help drive the decision. Pun intended??

 

OP, just determine what's the most important thing to you and go with that.

In terms of what to look for, make sure all the service records are available, especially if the car is above 105k (timing belt service). Ask about which TSB's have been performed, and just general car buying stuff. You can find a list of the TSB's here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-technical-service-bulletins-tsbs-3g-garage-j-016-a-613659/

Make sure you take it for a thorough test drive, especially if it's automatic: any funkiness in the shifting can indicate a potentially serious issue. Test the hands-free-link to make sure it's operational as these seem to be one of the more common issues.

 

OP, get the car you like and fits your budget. I've owned many cars upgraded, downgraded many times over.

Some features/toys you will miss but you will appreciate other things like build quality and craftsmanship (if you're into that sort of thing like I am). Everyone's priorities are different but I will take a used Lexus/Acura/Infiniti vs new a Toyota/Honda/Nissan....that is just me and based on my past experiences.

 

The 3 gen TL-S is a very good car. It requires some knowledge and TLC, and that pay off in great performance and long life. If you dig the car, it's a great choice.

As you look at a 3rd gen, here are tips I'd give a friend, and what I did immediately to maintain my "new" used 2008 TL-S. Obviously, like any used car purchase, you need to carefully check out the mechanical condition of the car. My Acura dealer did this for $50 - money well spent.

1. Replace the 3 transmission pressure switches to avoid tranny shudder and prevent premature wear or self-destruction—replacement is not too big a deal if you can DIY; awful if you have to pay a dealer to install. Make sure you use the Type S parts, and follow the Type S DIY--both different from the base because it's a different 3-shaft transmission.

Check out this informative switch thread: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/very-interesting-conversation-my-transmission-builder-tl-721508/

And this Type S transmission switch DIY: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/110-b-diy-guide-replacing-3rd-4th-gear-pressure-switch-3g-tl-2007-2008-a-840630/
(Base model DIY) https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/110-diy-guide-replacing-3rd-4th-gear-pressure-switch-3g-tl-2004-2006-a-729149/

2. Get the original Honda Z1 fluid out of the transmission asap. Replace with Honda DW1 at minimum, or good premium ATF like Redline. This is done through a "drain and fill" method, changing out three (3) quarts at a time, with at least some driving / shifting in between changes.

3. Check your engine mounts. Chances are very good you need to replace at least the front mount. Failure is too common—I’ve replaced front and side mounts.

4. Use "top tier" premium gas. Premium gas combined with moderate city gas mileage encourages me to drive smoothly and gently. http://www.toptiergas.com/index.html

5. Ensure your car had the power steering hose recall performed (free). The O-ring at the intake end must also be replaced with the newer orange O-ring.

6. Protect your dash from the sun. Always use a sunshade, and apply 303 protectant as our dashes are prone to cracking.

7. Spend time searching and lurking and reading threads on Acurazine. The community here is full of experts, and there is everything you need to know about TLs here.


Hope this helps you enjoy your Type-S for a long time!

 

Don't be mad because you didn't get one with a backup camera and HFL that actually works

 

Not to mention the Aux Port, OEM fogs, TPMS pressure output, refreshed instrument cluster, newer nav support, and probably a bunch of other stuff.


The moral here is to get an 07-08 lol.

 

I'm actually uninstalling some tech features.
like the steering wheel voice command buttons and HFL buttons.

I kinda wish i had a back up camera, but then i realized I dont even use the one that came standard in my moms '12 Kia sportage.

 

Just to clear up any confusion, the 2007-2008 BASE MODEL and TYPE-S model is the exact same transmission.

Both 2007-2008 BASE TL & TL-S have 3 transmission pressure switches. (Same part #s)

The 2004-2006 BASE TL is the one that only has 2 transmission pressure switches. (Different part #s compared to the 07-08 TL tranny)

No idea what you mean by "3-shaft transmission" though. Can you explain?