I've read the posts concerning Extended Warranties and such and I think now the real question is, has anyone, especially those with the 04 models, had any real major problems resulting in the extended warranty coming in handy? Or has Acura/Honda lived up to their reputation for reliability and high quality? Yes it's only been four years, and for some people the 4yr/50,000 mi factory warranty is up or about to run out. I've just purchased the base model 08 Acura TL and that's the question in my mind. I'm going on the assumption that with the 08 models, all of the bugs and kinks should be worked out by now. SO, has anyone with any of the earlier problems had to use their warranty yet? Have there been any major repairs needed, especially on any of the electronics? Does anyone have any regrets after purchasing the extended warranty?

I've owned Hondas for since 1986 and i've had the oldest car last way beyond the 200k mark. I trust in Hondas quality products especially with the motors and tranny, those are solid. However, with the age of high-tech electronics, I'm a little iffy on how long those parts will last. The TLs have too many electronic gizmos and I have to admit that those parts are the only things that make me even consider purchasing an extended warranty. I have an 02 RSX and that thing hasn't had one thing break on it yet that has cost me more than $200. Then again, the RSX doesn't have dual climate control, heated seats, seat/mirror memory settings, etc. I've never bought an extended warranty on any of our Hondas and I'd like to keep it that way.

So if anyone has any major issues to report on TLs 04 and up, please post it up. I'm still confident that Acura/Honda is a quality vehicle that needs no stinkin extended warranties...

Someone in an earlier post said that "if you are even thinking of buying an extended warranty, then you may want to buy a better car instead".

 

The TL is a fine car for the most part.-
assembled in a hurry with not always the best of parts- thats America~
Read thru the thread titles and assume you will get every problem, failed trans 4 grand, seat heaters 700 each, power mirror failure $$$?, misc rattles, blown speakers, well just scroll down the 3rd gen thread title list for an idea

I have a 2001 on its 2nd ready for 3rd warranty transmission- because we have 109k mile trans coverage given to us in a big lawsuit.

I have said I wouldnt buy another Acura without an extended warranty, add ANY car to that~

 

Is all that technology- ABS TCS HID Lighting, climate control,,, that gets you
- when it goes wrong....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
if the warranty is less than $1500 and transferrable to the next owner--its a score

 

Had the steering wheel and a few minor dash bulbs burn out. The only other warranty issue I had was the wiper motor failing. I have no regrets for purchasing my extended warranty. Extended warranty for $1300 to $1500 is well worth shelling out over 3 car payments. Rather than racking up over 5 to 6k for what could be warranty repairs.

 

I definitely agree with you on not paying over $1500 on a warranty. The dealer quoted me for the 8yr/120,000 mi Acura Care warranty for like $3200. I was like WTF, I saw it from Delray Acura and Curry for close to $1700 for the same thing. It was ridiculous how much the mark up at the dealer is. Not to go off on a tangent because this issue is done to death, but If I do decide to but the ext warr, then I'll use the online prices to bargain with the dealer....

 

I think everything that has gone wrong with my o4 Tl happen after 50k. ( I have the extended warranty. )
1. 2 transmissions first one shuddered and the replacement had a bad whine, 3rd time was the charm.
2. power steering pump,
3. heater control valve.
4. several dash illumination bulbs
Knock on wood but I haven't had any elctrical problems and i have 81k on it now.

I was able to get my warranty for $641.00 when I purchased the car. I purchased it in july of 04 with 2000 miles on it. Mines a Navi/5AT

 

My only regret is I have to drive my brand new TL in this shit upstate NY weather.

 

I would say that people who do not trade cars in within 50K should get the extended wrranty with the TL. Some other cars you can take your chances. I have never purchased an extended warranty on a car since it is a money maker for the manufacturer. I have had 10 new cars and I have never regretted not buying it. yet, I have also decided to stay away from certain brands until they get their act together!

 

Well I have done lots of research, especially with Consumer Reports and the TL definitely got lots of good remarks and scores for reliability. I've decided not to give the dealer my hard earned money for the extended warranty. I am keeping the car for most likely more than 150k mi and if I run into any major issues, I have the feeling it's going to be sometime passed what the longest extended warranty is anyways. I believe 7yr/120k mi.

 

its a tough call... brand new... eh.. used... DEFINITELY

all it takes is one transmission replacement, or engine rebuild... and the warranty pays for itself

 

i had a lousy ole Pontiac for 6yrs/81,000 miles and never had a major problem and I spent $850 on a warranty...I'll never buy one again, especially if it's $1500.

 

Search the threads here for online Honda/Acura extened warranties. I got mine for $1050

 

There was a great look at extended warranties in the most recent CR. A summary is that for cars with decent to good reliability (pretty much all Japanese) the extended warranty is not worth it. For cars with poor reliability, Mercedes, those with extended warranty may break even. For a reliable car like Acura/Honda if one is going to drive ridiculous amounts of miles within 20-25K miles/yr it may be more tempting.