Hey all, lurker here in need of some advice.
I have had my beautiful 01 CL-s for about 5 years now and due to family needs, I am looking at upgrading to an 04 TL-nav this weekend. I looked through the forums but due to school(engineer), I don't have too much time to invest in research.

What are the known issues with this gen TL? What should I be looking for specific to this car when I go to check it out?

Thanks, much appreciated!

 

Biggest caveat is auto trans. Other than that pretty reliable.

 

You'll want to check whether or not the timing belt has been replaced yet too. Not the end of the world if it hasn't, but it's an expensive job so that should be considered in the price if not done yet. Good luck!

 

I would stay away from the 2004 if it's automatic.

2004 had problematic transmissions just like the 2g TL

 

I blew the trans in my 2000 TL and got a 2005 TL 6sp. The seats just aren't the same. In my 2nd gen I sunk into the seats and they held me tight. In the 3rd gen I sit on top and tend to slide around a lot. Maybe I need to gain some weight, but 170lbs should be enough to make a seat comfy...

Other differences, the six speed trans is amazing, clutch feels great. Interior seems to be upgraded, even in my 9year old '05 everything is solid with little to no panel gaps on the interior. There is metal instead of synth wood on the center console that heats up like a cattle brand in the Texas heat, but is ice cold to the touch with five minutes of drive time. Visibility is worse in the 3g, I always back my cars in and this car is hard so see the curb on the drivers side (though not near as hard as it is in a camaro or vette). Only real con is the 3g gen feels heavier, however I had thick sways and endlinks on my 2g that probably account for that.

All in all I love my 3rd gen just as much as my 2nd gen. It might not have all the noise and punch when jamming the accelerator but damn does it ride nice and have a killer interior.

 

AT would be an issue but not quite as enormous as the 2nd gen TL, CL. I know people who still use the original AT with more than 200k miles.

 

Get an 04 to 06 TL if it's a 6 spd, LSD & Brembo's are big +++'s. For Auto's stick to any 07-08 cars if you have the money $$$. Like most say, remember to check to see if it has had the 105k service done if you are looking at a car with more than 105k miles or close to 105k.

Best of luck!

 

Thank you all for the responses. Wasn't aware that the tranny issues carried on to the 3g. The one I'm looking at is an AT. I'm very disappointed because other than needing a bigger car, my other motivation to sell the CL is to part with it in fear of any future tranny issues. Even though it's been strong at 134k, I didn't want to have to deal with it. I may have to abandon this one and look for a 6-speed.

Thanks again all.