Busdriver

Hi all,

I've been looking for a 2007 or 2008 TL with nav. Finally found one in my local area I may be interested in (next nearest is 3 hours away). It's an '08 with 49000 miles.

In talking with the current owner about maint. items, I asked about transmission service. He said last fall he had the trans serviced at one of those quick oil change places...... I am guesstimating the car has been driven around 6000 miles since then. Should I run away?? I know the trans can be a finnicky item on these TL's, esp. early ones. I did a search on here and saw some negative posts regarding non-Honda fluid use.

What do you all think?

Also, the brakes are original. Sound doable? It was his wife's car.

I have not yet seen the car in person.

Thanks

truonghthe

the only non OEM ATF I would use is Redline, either that or go all OEM. You can ask the owner to see what kinda of fluid that they use to refill the AT with, but like you say quick lube place = cookie cutter.

Busdriver

My fear is they used some no-name cheapo fluid. That would be my natural assumption for one of those places.

Wondering how much damage could have occurred over the last year. Don't know what I don't know about the potential issues.

Bearcat94

Original brakes at 49k miles on a base (non-Type-S) is very doable.

Trans service .... . Why was it even done? And what 'service' exactly? The Maint Minder (program) is very unlikely to have recommended service at that interval.


IF you decide to go for it, I'd do a 3x3 drain/refill with OE or Redline fluid. That'll get you something like 75% new fluid.

Renescent

Also, less tranny issues with the 07-08 than with earlier models.

truonghthe

if you end up getting the car then just drain and fill three times, each time with 3 quarts (run the car about couple hundred miles before the next drain and fill) immediate right after you bring the car home.

connork53

iTrader: (1)

MOST TL's don't have transmission issues everyone just runs to AZ when they do have a problem it isn't like a much of an issue as it seems OP.

08 should still have the 7yr/100k warranty.

Blooze

I wouldn't let it dissuade you from buying the car. For peace of mind you'll want to do as truonghthe mentioned and go ahead and do the drain and refills with the fluid of your preference.

I am starting to agree with connork more and more. I buy my cars to drive for a long while and all the talk of the transmission issues really got to me. Decided that it's not worth the worry, I'll do what I can now to take care of it and cross any bridges regarding the transmission later.

Healingduck

I'm pretty sure the 2008 TLs have the RL transmission which is more reliable. So it should be fine. But it doesn't hurt to do a flush after you get it.... sort of as a preventative measure.

Jesstzn

My understanding is drain/fill run so the trands shifts through all gears including reverse , repeat a couple more times ..

Busdriver

Thanks for all the great replies so far, I appreciate it.

I'm gonna go take a look at it today or tomorrow, see how the whole package looks and drives.


If I do purchase, a trans service will definitely be the first order of business.

Busdriver

He said it was right before he took a little longer of a road trip. He was at a quick oil change type of place for an oil change and they "mentioned" to him that they also did trans fluid, so he had them do one. It was not a pan drop/trans filter change; just fluid swap.

VQPower37

fluid swap shouldnt be much of a problem because they probably only put three quarts in ... i highly doubt they did a 3x3 ... so u should be in good shape, i would say if the car checks out in all other ways, then get it and do a 3x3 with some quality fluid, redline or oem (or whatever fluid makes u happy)

Bearcat94

Both 2007 & 2008 adopted an RL based transmission.

2004 - 2006 was an 'evolution' of the 2G TL trans, with some (early?) 2004 (and 2005?) being, apparently, more prone to issues.

Busdriver

Took a look at the car. Think I am going to pass on it.

In addition to the previously mentioned issue (trans service) I found out that he has never used premium gas in it, always the "cheap" stuff. Said he was told didn't really need it, and that he has never heard any knocking.

Also found out the trunk lid was replaced. Not that big a deal but he said a buddy painted it (not sure if buddy is paint shop). Was getting dark at the time so I couldn't really give the paint job a hard look.

Also found out the tires with 800 miles acutally had 4000. Not that high mileage but in light of other issues, further disappointment.

Also found that it was formerly a demo model.

A few too many scuffs/marks/scratches on the back seat area/backs of front seats for my liking as well. Looked more used than I would have thought.

Anyway, on to plan "B" three hours away. Has 15k fewer miles.

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

when you find the right one, you'll know.

good luck on your quest.