ShaneN.

Let me start off by saying I've always loved these generation TL's since the second they came out and still quite like them. Anyways, I just bought a place and needed a nice commuter car that was nice to drive and under a certain price range so I spend about a month searching for a TL and finally found one that was clean enough for me. I bought a 2006 Dark grey car with no navigation and 110,000 km's (~65k miles). I've only put about 200 km's on the car but I really enjoy. It's actually got more get-up-and-go than I was expecting and It's really nice and tight to drive.

My first question is, what would you suggest I do to/with the car? It sounds like the timing belt has to be done every 7 years, so it looks like that's going to be done with my first service with the car. Also, any little tips/tricks/free mods/ etc that you usually share with a new owner?

Also, what is the actual color of my car called (it's the dark grey one).

And, I assume my no nav model still has bluetooth (canada model) to hook up the phone to it but can I play music over the stereo in anyways? If not, is there any kind of auxiliary ports or anything to plut a cord of some sort in for music?

Also, is there an option for the car to automatically lock when I walk away?

And finally, what's a good product that is at most local auto parts stores to condition/clean leather?

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure more questions will come up as I get more time to get some seat time.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Welcome and congrats!

I realize that you're new but most of the questions you asked have been covered time and time again since the 3G TL started hitting the roads in 2003. The 3G Garage has been compiled and organized by hundreds of people over the years. Please use it

1-Timing belt is crucial. Also, change the 3rd/4th gear pressure switches. Doing that will prolong the life of your transmission and make gear changes smoother. As for small mods, look into changing your interior bulbs to LEDs and consider removing the "Acura" and "TL" badges off of the trunk for a cleaner look. When and if you're ready to move away from the cheap stuff, the A-Spec kit is a must have. It truly changes the whole look of the car. That along with suspension to lower the car will make your car stand out amongst the stock TLs.

2-Anthracite Metallic

3-Look into purchasing iSimple or something comparable.

4-Not that I'm aware of.

5-I use Lexol but there are a few others that are commonly used by members here.

Mr_Batman

You could also look at plasti dip as well. I recently did my wheels, front grille as well as the acura logo on the trunk of the car. I will attach pictures of each of them in a few if you would like. You can buy a can at home depot for like 5 bucks

ShaneN.

I'm not looking to do too much to it as I only plan on having in for a year or less. What is the parts/labor time and cost on the 3rd/4th gear pressure switches? I have read a fair amount of transmission issues but they seemed more common with the pre-2004 tl's. Are the 04-08 having transmission issues? At what point does that start becoming a problem?

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Welcome to AcuraZine, Shane.

MarcoNorthPolo

Welcome Shane. If your car has 110,000 km on it and you only plan on keeping it for a year, you'd have to put about 55,000 km on it in the next year to have to worry about the timing belt service. Unless you have a mechanic buddy that will seriously discount the labour charges, the timing belt service can cost you upwards of $1,400 CAD.

Also, if you're only keeping the car for a year or less, then my advice is to save your money and don't put a dime more into it than you have to. You won't get any of it back when you sell it.

The transmission issues are more for the '04-'06 models rather than the '07-'08 models. Pressure switches are a good thing to replace at about your mileage. I just did mine myself. Took about two hours.

ShaneN.

I thought the timing belt was to be done at either a certain mileage OR 7 years max, whatever comes first. No?

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

I always thought it was mileage. I personally wouldn't do the timing belt with only 60 some thousand miles.

Kinda funny how the OP was asking questions about service, color, Bluetooth etc, and someone came back recommending he plasti dips it hahahah. That kinda made me laugh.

erdoc48

No...when the MID (multi information display) shows a service code of '4' as in say, B124 or the like, it means it's time for the TB to be done. Doing it early is really a waste of your money. If the car was 15 years old I might recommend a change based on age but Acura has no such age recommendation, nor does it have a specific mileage indication (although in general, the TB service will be due ~ 105,000 miles or 168,000 km for you). I do agree with the 3rd/4th transmission switch replacement (huge thread on that on Azine in the 3G garage). Maybe a transmission fluid change is a good idea as well, but that's about it. Drive on and enjoy!

GKinColo08TL

Timing belt is due at 168000 Ks roughly converting US mileage...no sense in doing it sooner, it is strictly a mileage issue.

Bluetooth is for phone only, not streaming through the radio.

No option to auto lock the car.

Mequiars make a good leather cleaner treatment.

Tranny issues are for the 04-06, 07 and 08 are better. Have your tranny fluid changed with the 3x3 method, search for that.

ShaneN.

Interesting, thanks guys. I plan on getting rid of the car in a few months for my dream car, and if that doesn't work out at very least i'll be getting an 09+ TL so I'm happy I don't need to do it. I really don't want to spend more money on it than I have to but I think I'm going to get it tinted still. It's funny, i called a few dealerships locally to me and half of them said it was by mileage and half of them said it's 7 years OR mileage.

So next service you guys suggest maybe a trans fluid flush/change and the 3rd/4th gear switch and that's it for a while? what is the cost associated with the flush and switches? (price of parts/time)

BlakeTL

I'm also relatively new to my 3G TL. Get the iSimple. It will save you a lot of time and headaches... Especially if you plan on doing the install yourself. There are many of products that claim they are compatible but they are either glitchy or just flat out don't work.

LoveMyTL-S

Welcome to Acurazine! Is your dream car another Acura?

SurfingScotty

Get yourself a bottle of Harness Honey. Will last you forever. I've never had stiff leather in any of my cars after using this stuff.

http://www.iowavalleycarriage.com/co...-harness-honey

Apply a thin coat and let it soak in over night (in the summer), then wipe off the residue.

I've never had a timing belt break and have never changed one prior to 90,000 miles. I usually wait till 110,000 (have owned 6 Honda/Acura's) However my next car will be the IS350 if they ever make a 6SMT. Have had too many issues with this TL.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

So that means your next car won't be an IS350 because it's never going to be available in manual. Start thinking of your alternate vehicle :-)

ShaneN.

Every car I've had since I was 18 was fast. I want my next car to be a fast daily driver, something i enjoy driving every time i go to the corner store. But dream car was a general term I haven't narrowed it down. I want a c63 or cts-v but buying an 09+ TL and saving money for some sort of weekend toy isn't out of the question. We'll see.

LoveMyTL-S

I used to have a 350Z. That was a blast to drive.

ShaneN.

My last few cars were, 405 rwhp/530rwtq svt lightning, 460 rwhp 2003 cobra, 568 rwhp 2003 cobra, and lightly modded z51 c6 - I miss the power but this TL is a GREAT for running around doing errands and such.