As you can see, I recently joined this forum after browsing for a few weeks prior for information....
I'm hoping to pick up a 07 TL around tax time, so I need to learn more about the car as a whole. I've done a bit of reading, and I'm a little concerned and am starting to debate if I need to look into something different.... My main reason is the TRANNY ISSUES.... but I think, thanks to the forum know exactly what to do as soon as I get one(if/when i do) to prevent any issues...(Type F ATF fluid 3x3 fill and 3-4 gear pressure switches)
I wanted to ask though, has anyone considered picking up an extended warranty from a company that can provide coverage when buying used? I think this seems logical, but I do not know through who this can be done and the cost associated, but I'm sure its cheaper than replacing a transmission...

 

as you know, forums are a place to vent or complain about problems.
there will be more negative post about trannies than positive.

however, I really havent seen any 07-08 tranny post.
the 07-08 did get an updated tranny from the RL.

this should put your mind to ease a little.


third party warranty companies are a hit or a miss.
read the fine print.
sometimes, trannies arent even covered!!

 

sure you can get an extended warranty, i did.

however, most warranties only go up to 100k and its only afterwards that you may experience a tranny problem. then you're out the cost of the warranty and a replacement.

honestly, i don't think you have much to worry about. on this forum, you only hear about the BAD stuff regarding our transmissions. nobody ever makes a thread saying "oh man my 5at tranny is awesome!"...it's always "tranny died wtf do i do???".

if you get an 07-08 with the refined RL tranny you will be fine. do the proper 3x3 as mentioned (d4 and racing) and the pressure switches. i wouldn't worry so much if i were you.

 

Never had any tranny problems here, and I have had a bunch of 07-08 TL's haha Infact, now that I think of it I have had no mechanical problems at all.

 

Yeah, I've heard pretty much nothing about tranny failures on the 07-08's, even high mileage ones. It's mainly 04-05's that seemed to struggle a bit. Even then, I'd still do the maintenance that you've mentioned. Certainly doens't hurt to meticulously maintain the single most expensive component of your car. Well, maybe 2nd most expensive after the engine but which one is more expensive could be debated.....

If I were you I'd have no hesitation picking up an 07-08 auto (except for the fact that I don't really dig automatic trannys - but that's preference). Shoot for the Type-S if you can.

 

I think paperboy was only one to experience failure in his type s. Not sure if he has an 07 or 08 though.

 

Thanks everyone... After making this post, I did a quick browse on cars.com and I saw an 06 with under just under 70k in the color I would want for a price i'm looking to find. Is there a variance in the 06 to 07 as far as Tranny issues? I'm obviously going to try and push for a 2007.. but the prices I'm seeing for 2006 I could afford to finance...

My main focus points are year-mileage, then interior exterior color, then price...
I also think I'm going to try and look into a extended warranty just as an extra coverage. I want to spend my extra money dressing it up, rather than getting another transmission.

 

I would push for atleast an '07, and not just for tranny concerns. The car was updated that year with some new features as well. I had an '06 and currently own an '07 and even though the updates are minor, it makes for a much nicer car.

 

Could you elaborate, I'm still learning the differences.. as my initial focus was the body line differences in a type-s versus base.. and then the A-Spec additions...

 

Well for one you get an aux in port, which is handy.

 

According to Wiki:

2007
The 2007 Acura TL features a slightly revised exterior as well as a revised interior with a new steering wheel, redesigned gauges, and footwell lighting, in addition to new interior and exterior colors. The 2007 TL (non Type-S) received suspension changes to improve ride comfort. Also new for the 2007 model year were LED turn signal repeaters on the side mirrors and fog lamps in the bumper. Prior to 2007, the fog lamps were integrated into the headlight housing; Daytime Running Lights now occupy that space (Canadian models have had DRLs there rather than fog lamps since 2004).
TL with navigation models sport a new rear view camera with image displayed on the navigation screen as well as XM NavTraffic. In addition to the new standard auxiliary audio jack, the sound system is now MP3/WMA compatible and offers Dolby Pro Logic II decoding and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The manual transmission option had been dropped from the base TL due largely to extremely low sales (roughly 1 out of 40 TLs sold across America were equipped with a manual gearbox).
The most notable revision is the return of the Type-S edition of the TL. The Acura TL Type-S received the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 tuned to 286 horsepower (213 kW) with either a 5-speed automatic with F1 style paddle shifters or a 6-speed manual transmission. Exterior differences include quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, a "black chrome" grille rather than the standard glossy grille, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl. The interior has Type-S badging on the steering wheel and headrests, more highly bolstered front seats, two-tone seats (only with the Ebony/Silver interior), metal racing pedals, carbon fiber trim, and red interior lighting (as opposed to blue in the base TL). Touch screen navigation is standard and the suspension has been firmed up. The only options are the aforementioned transmission and high performance summer tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) rather than the standard all-season tires (Michelin Pilot MXM4s).

 

good ol' wiki.

 

Good ole' google.

 

Lots of minor stuff. Aux port, I think the new radio supports mp3. The displays look nicer. They got turn signals on the mirrors, wheel style changes. Probably lot of other minor stuff. Oh yah- no more 6mt aside from type s.

 

FWIW, The 2004-2006 6MT was the unofficial Type-S as it came with thicker stabilizer bars, a limited slip differential, and Brembo brakes.
.
.

 

Oh wow!! Thanks Ya I think for my ultimate plan of possibly cloning the Type S in certain aspects... I'll save money buying body line parts by going with a 2007 vs a 2006. I never thought of referring to Wiki to get information about it, I guess I should have searched more...
Now when it said " restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills" I know about the tail light difference... What is a fascia and side sills?

 

front bumper and side skirts are different.

 

Sheesh.. so front bumper... front grill... side skirts.. side markers... rear bumper.. quad exhaust... taillights... I might have to leave some aspects base... haha..

 

Yah, its listed at the "sport" model in the acura parts catalogs. Wonder why they didn't push that in the branding?

 

Minus whale get a type -s

 

its a few thousand dollar more increase to even try to see an "S"... I can only work with what I have... if I could get into the used "S" range then that brings back the GS350 into my desires... which is too expensive... So it will have to be a base ( hopefully with navigation)

 

just get 07-08 base with navi if you can' afford Type S, they go for cheap now these day. But Type is one best package Acura has ever to offer since nothing is optional except for dealer install. I original wanted a 02-03 TL-S but then later saw Acura release 07-08 TL-S and I can't help that ii looks better and it come loaded with option.

 

^This. If you want a TL with an automatic, best to go for an 07-08. They made a lot of useful changes and addressed a bunch of issues with the 07 mid-cycle refresh.

The only reason I went with an 06 was because I wanted a 6MT, and you could no longer get it with the base model in 07-08, only the Type-S. I would have loved to get a 6MT Type-S, but they're very rare and the only ones I could find were going for way too much $.

 

Moderators, please ban this member. He is implying that GS350 is better than TL. Time to teach this kid a lesson.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

Well, I am a big Lexus fan. My previous cars:

1994 - LS 400
1996 - LS 400
1999 - LS 400
2005 - RX 330

Driving 2008 TL feels like a downgrade but I've always wanted 3G TL was waiting for 2009 model and ........ still have dry heaves when I see that car. So had to settle for used 2008.

 

i personally believe, uh, such as, type S, africa, the education, america.

anyway, it sounds like you're gonna mod your car so.
i personally believe 3.2 is more sporty than the longer-stroked 3.5
and the difference in price (between 07-08 base and S) can easily work out a better BBK(if you even need one), trans cooler, and A-spec or even S front bumper for the angry look.

type Sports? my ass lol type Stroked (for everyday driving or towing torque)
*puts on flamesuit*

 

There is nothing wrong with lexus except that dam valve cover keep leaking in the 2JZ motor and the lower control arm snap, my brother has a 2nd gen GS300 and by far it is the most smooth ride I ever experience on such an old car.

 

LOL... I was stating that then I would have to debate between the 2.. Type-S and a GS350... Not that one is better than another.. Different cars... Different perceptions in my option... Just to clarify

I don't really plan on doing anything major to the car, only in the visuals department to make it look the way I want... This is something to drive around to work and enjoy.. maybe even a road trip or 2... Reaching a different phase in my life.. I want a nice sporty 4 door that looks good.. Which is why my heart is now in the TL..

 

Just hit 102k in my 08 Type S...that I drive extremely hard on tracks and as a daily driver for my real estate business and its doing great. Still shifting very well but I do the tranny fluid drain & refill every 30k.

 

JPerk, if your heart is in the TL, go for it! I've had my '04 TL since new. Bought it over 9 yrs and 130,000 miles ago. Still have "my heart" (to quote your words) with the ol' girl and no plans to sell either. In that time, I have bought and sold a then-new C6 Corvette that while fast, pissed me off for a variety of reasons. Traded it for a Ford Edge for my wife (that she absolutely loves FWIW). Bottomline: go with what fits for you!

 

welcome to azine jperk. I saw and read some of your post on another forum. There really isnt a whole of of trouble with the 04-06 models. Other than the typical recalls, two issues jump out which are tranny gear switches and the other is cracking dash(mainly 04). Yes you will be better off with some of the new luxuries of the 07-08 models but dont let that deter you from purchasing a 04-06 that has the color combo,navi and aspec that you want. Purchasing a 3rd gen tl any year model will be a big win for you.

 

it's an 07. However there were a couple other people who have had some issues with their 07-08 TL transmissions. I know you guys want names and proof but off the top of my hand I remember user abracing had the issue too and had PMed me about it(he also has a type s).

edit: here is some evidence of part of our convo: https://acurazine.com/forums/members/abracing-287405/

 

Paperboy, Thanks for this bit of info... The main reason I wanted to make this thread was to get info about if this "issue" was in the 04-06 range or 07-08 more.. because thought it might be harder, if I can be more safe with an 07 than 06.. I'll make that sacrifice.. but truly it seems that the switches and fluids are all that is needed to possibly prevent it...

I really am excited to be able to get on the market in just over a months time to try and get one... I check the local market in south florida every week or so just to see whats out there... It doesnt seem too hard to find one with an OK mileage just with navi on a base is a bit tough...

 

Many good points on here, but I would honestly go with a Type S any day.

Yes the Base is sporty as well, but regardless of that, and difference in price. If you notice how much money people spend on mods for the base; J-pipe, exhaust, intakes, and more not to mention the tuning, to make there car in the style of type S, is blowing as much money as buying the type S itself. Do the math

Buying the car used gives you an advantage if your not going to get ripped off, which is what generally happens at stealerships. For the price I purchased mine brand new off the lot with all it's warranties I paid as much as the base TL. I could careless of the accurate opinions of many when it comes to type S, because everything counts. Suspension isn't free, transmission upgrade, Rims, technology in it, and more. The base TL with tech package is obviously even more costly, so the lines are clear cut.

Proper tune for performance and gas saving in addition, plus as mentioned with the upgraded trans even more gas saving.

I work for valet, I drive almost every make a model because I work in a rich ass city, honestly never feel more at home and blessed to have such a superior ride. It is definitely equally or beyond as strong as any luxury competitors

 

what tune do you have?

 

Trustin... You mentioned some good points... and some that cause for more questions..
How do you tune these cars? I know about ecu stuff from civics and integras, but not a clue about these...

 

Just ignore him, he gave out some false info before. There are AEM FIC and J&R ECU for tunning 3rd gen TL and neither of them show great success, J&R is better since it offer you more control over the FIC but the tunning software still young and need some teak to get it perfect, you can ask Shark for more detail since he currently using one.

 

Does the ecu have the ability to adjust for say, an CAI being installed, or do owners get codes? I was wondering if you were to do the CAI J-Pipe on a base model.. how do you maximize the output to see the differences...
Doing full exhaust is something that would take a great deal of research because the tone would be very very specific cause this isnt a little civic... I would want a nice luxurious tasteful sound if any!

 

the ecu will somewhat adjust but for an intake its not likely you'll see a hp increase because the stock intake works quite well. it'll sound nice though. but jpipe and other exhaust mods will increase power that's been dyno proven