Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and may be a new 3G TL owner. I've been in love with these cars for years now, and finally after awhile of saving and managing my finances I can buy a used 2005 TL. I found a few but settled on test driving one (Due to price, and how close they were) Unfortunately there were a few issues that arose during the test drive and I wanted to come on here and see if they were anything serious.

It's a 2005 TL 5AT with 130k miles, and being sold for 8k by a private seller.

The main issues are that the Tranny was replaced by an Acura dealer at around 120k miles.(He has the paper work to prove it) To me, that's a brand new tranny which is a plus, but was wondering if it would impact the reliability of the vehicle.

The other issue was it has a rather slight rough idle. It's noticeable when stopped, the engine never stalls or comes close but in the small test drive it didn't seem to go away. Is there anyway to get rid of this, or is it a problem that will persist throughout my ownership of the car? (If I choose to buy it)

I've heard many good things about Acuras but I have also heard some bad things and gripes about them. I was just wondering whether this is something I should avoid, as much as I love these cars I can't afford to spend that much money on a car that won't last me at least another 100k without any major repairs.

Thanks for you time.

-Evan

 

If the car is cold and has a rough idle, I would say that's normal based on my experience. My engine idles a little rough coming out of the driveway. Once underway and stopped a 1/2 mile later the engine is smooth. I have heard the rough idle is due to the smog controls. If your idle is rough with a warmed up engine, then that would be a different story.

I would think a rebuilt transmission would be a good thing for you so see no real downside to a rebuilt transmission compared to an original 130k tranny really. Take a look at the other features of the car to determine if it's been well cared for and maybe have an independent mechanic look at it. There are people in this forum that have run their TLs 200k+ miles with minimal issues besides the regular maintenance so good luck in your purchase!

By the way, welcome to this forum! You will find it very helpful.

 

Thanks, glad to be a part of it finally. Lurked around for awhile.

True, I look at the Tranny as a good thing. But I live in Florida so it wasn't really a cold start. The only thing I can think of is the seller bought a new car about a month ago, and the TL has been sitting in his driveway since then. I think my test drive is the first time it's been driven in weeks.

The whole car seemed very clean and well taken care of. Even the console and arm rest seem solid (Every used car I have tried those have been beaten up and felt flimsy) There is some slight chipping of the paint on the hood, and the dashboard is cracking (He put a cover over it) But those are cosmetic issues and I can deal with that. It's the idling that worries me.

Thanks for the input.

-Evan

 

Welcome RGG-best of luck with your hopefull purchase. Let us know how things go.

 

My TL has the rough idle issue you are talking about, only does it in Drive/Reverse the idles seem to drop more then they should (but still runs good)

I heard a 30 min battery disconnect and a 15 minute idle afterward will start the Idle Relearn Procedure and maybe fix this? not sure though i could be wrong.....only thing holding me back is losing radio and having to drive 40 minutes to the Acura dealer.

 

why not just take it to the Acura dealer and having they doing a PPI for you and also tell them about the idling issue to see what they offer as a solution. It should cost you around $127 plus tax.