Hey guys, new member here that's just starting to look into getting a 3G TL.

I come from the land of Saab. I've owned 5, and currently own two.

IMG_7495 by Jared H, on Flickr


IMG_7803 by Jared H, on Flickr


IMG_4747 by Jared H, on Flickr


IMG_4751 by Jared H, on Flickr

The white one is currently down for a 400hp big turbo build and the wagon is still a little rough around the edges to be a 80+ mile daily commuter. (It was $1000 and has 220k miles. I bought it as a project car)

I also have this:

IMG_7008 by Jared H, on Flickr

But it hasn't left my garage in years...

So that brings me here. I'm shopping for a new daily and need something solid reliable, but that also has some power, luxury, and good looks. So my first thought was a 3G TL. Mostly here just to gain knowledge and get to know the community. I know some common issues with these can cracked dashes, rattly interiors, and transmission issues. I can deal with rattles and cracked dashes (common old Saab problems) but the transmission issues scare me a little. Mainly here researching that seeing what I might be getting into. I'm sure there are plenty of threads out there and I'll find them as I look around here. But looking forward to the possibility of joining the TL community.

 

Look for an 07-08 TL, they are all pretty solid cars but like you know already the automatic transmissions in 04-06 suck. I am pretty sure they fixed them for the 07-08 models but can't go wrong with a 6mt!

 

Major Issues:
- Transmission (AT slipping, MT clutch or 3rd gear synchro)
- Cracked Dash

Minor Issues:
- Front Compliance Torn/Failed
- Engine Mounts Failed
- Outside Mirrors Stick and/or Brown
- Hands Free Link Failed (kills battery)
- Tire Balance must be perfect....shake shake shake
- Alignment must be perfect...chews through tires otherwise

I'm sure there are other "common" issues, but that is what rings a bell from reading on here over the past 8 years. My '05 6MT has a cracked dash (very minor compared to others) and sticky mirrors...that is about it. Haven't really had any other major/common issues with it over the 110k miles I have owned it.

 

^^^^ This.....if you can find a 2007/2008 TL Type S, grab it.