First post here.

I am ready to purchase an 04 TL and wanted to tap into some experienced users' experiences. I was going to get a 5-spd, but due to a fair amount of city driving have decided on an auto tranny.

After scanning the forums a bit, I have seen some mention of tranny problems with the 04. Are there other common problems with the TL? Would a later year be worth the extra $$?

I have always owned (and modified) Toyotas. I know...that's probably a dirty word here . So I feel as though I know them really well. This will be my first in the Honda/Acura world so I don't know a lot of history. Any input would be appreciated.

BTW...I didn't see a 'newbie' forum which would be a more appropriate forum for me to post this.

Steve

 

First of all welcome to AZ And to the Honda/Acura family. Here's a link to help answer your questions and concerns:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-service-department-aka-garage-questions-answers-check-here-first-553557/

There is not a Newbie section, might be a good idea. But the 3G garage section has a ton of great info. Hope this helps and good luck with your TL search.

 

Hey,
Well, got my 04 TL 2 yrs ago and so far its been great. It runs smooth and theres nothing like the VTECH in a Honda. The manual TL is a 6spd and the auto is a 5spd. The auto comes with "sports mode" though, which is like manual but clutch less. The only thing with the 04-06 TL's is that from 1st-2nd gear, it automatically changes. So you don't have "full" control over 1st gear in "sports shift" The 07-08 versions on the other hand, you can red line all of the gears. if i would of known this...i would of went for an 07-08 but it will cost you a little more for a newer year. Now that the all new 09 version came out though, the 07-08 price has dropped. So i hope this helps your decision a little and Honda is the way to go!!!!!

 

I had seen that post you cited above, but gave up on it too quickly. A little further down there's a section called "Most Common Issues of 04/05TL". Other than personal experiences, that was what I was looking for.

Thanks!!

 

Well, since I have an 08, I really can't say anything about experiecing the 04. But I knew where to look for issues. Just an FYI, there is a search function also but the 3G garage covers a lot.

 

Yes, I was aware of the search function. But using the correct search phrase is key. I wasn't finding what I was looking for using it.

But since you've joined in LoveMyTL-S, I have a question for you. I have seen reference to the TL-S and it appears to have a better track record than the TL...is this correct?

 

meisner.....you will love the car....the issues are all easily repaired so theres nothign really to worry about just make sure u get ur warranty or extended warranty....just incase i think its worth the extra grand -1500 you'll be spending.

 

As far as I've seen with the 07/08 TL-S there are no recalls. Not to say it doesn't have issues. There has been a few in regard to rattles and such but nothing major that I've heard of.

 

i got mine about two years ago.....shes gona be 2 yrs old in about a week :-D.....and i love it.

 

I think all cars have some issues. All years of the 3G TL are recommended by Consumer Reports. My car has been almost perfect for 5 years and 50,000+ miles. Type S has only been around a few years, has the 3.5L engine, different suspension, interior/exterior minor changes.

 

I have two. Mine is an '04 manual and my wife's is an '05 automatic. My manual has been flawless and at 64,200 miles, is still a "new" car. The manual is beautiful and is the way to go in this car IF you can find one that has not been abused or operated improperly. Mine still puts a smile on my face and entertains me, so it will continue to be a guest in my garage for some time. It was built during the first week of July 2004 and has never had any sort of transmission or clutch problems of any kind whatsoever.

 

I put a deposit down on a 2005 grey TL coming off lease last night. It has nav, auto, leather, 51K miles, a few little scratches here and there. They were asking $20K...the deal I struck was $17.2K with no trade-in. They wouldn't take my daughter's '98 Jetta with 190K miles on it for a trade-in!!

They are going to put new tires and some other stuff (they are going to tell me what the other stuff is today). This stuff is amounting to $1400. They do not have the details on the list of work to be done yet. The deal is contingient upon this list and how extensive it is. But the car feels fine and drives fine.

By the way, for those in the northeast, "they" is Acura of Boston.

 

Nice deal and with Navi too Hope all goes well.

By the way there is a Boston meet this weekend, check it out:

https://acurazine.com/forums/acurazine-clubs-meets-15/boston-acurazine-meet-%40-cochituate-lake-park-march-15th-2009-a-706026/

 

i purchased my 2005 Acura TL SSM 6-speed, navi with 25,000 miles. the car also came off a lease they were asking $24,999 but went down to $21,800. they replaced a tire and rim due to really bad curb damamge and did some paint work on the front and rear bumper due to scratches. i mean the car had scratches hear and there but they just say don't forget it's a used car but other than that it was beautiful. i purchased the extended warranty which i would recomend for another $1500 so its covered bumper-to-bumper till 2011. i love the car its great on gas really comfortable and fun to drive. i didn't like the fact that i brought it in for the 30,000 mile service and paid $600 to basically rotate/balance tires, change the wiper blades, filters, and top off the fluids. the bill looked like $140 in parts and the rest in labor if you ask me it's a rip off. but good luck with your purchase and if you do get the car you will love it.

 

oh i forgot to mention i purchased the car back in august.

 

yea they get u for thos BS services I did it once for 732$..... but they replaced 3K in parts covered under warranty while it was in....so i cant complain and I know they didnt lol...plus i threw the mechanic 100$ ....he did a wicked job

 

from a gen2 owner perspective-
we had probs with the trans that passed directly to the 04-05 models!!!
In early 05 gen2 warranty replacement units (which are rebuilt- not new) came out with an improved case design with better oil passages
Its my personal guess that warranty trans are testbeds for production line changes
The new design is better but still has clutch pack issues

A trans problem wont usually show until 50k+ miles then one day- bang

Get the acura extended warranty for as long as you plan to own the car- it will pay for itself
Trans job is $4000

 

Welcome! I had an 04 and now have an 08 (I lease mine hence the change). I am on my third TL (also had an 00) and have loved every one of them. The only problems I had with my 04 were having to replace the battery after 3 years and also a defective HFL (bluetooth phone) module. I might check to make sure any 04 you buy has had the latter done. I also was not fond of the OEM tires on the 04 (Bridgestones) but the Michelins on the 08 offer a much better ride, handling and water displacement. In any event, whichever 3rd gen TL you end up with will have you grinning from ear-to-ear!

 

I too, moved on from a Toyota onto an '04 TL (although my parents were always Honda owners). The TL is absolutely an exhilarating experience, it just feels so much stronger than a Toyota. I am sure you will have fun, as well as enjoy!

Welcome to the forums!

 

One thing I noticed with almost all of the TL's I looked at (about 10), there was a distinct ticking noise coming from the valves/camshafts near the front of the engine (opposite the throttle body).

Is this normal on these engines after the oil is warm? I didn't hear it when the oil was cold.

Don't get me wrong...you ahd to listen for the noise. If the hood was closed, you'd never hear it.

 

its probaly the timing belt tsb. i just had mine repaired