Hello, I am a new member here, switching over from a Volvo to a TL type S. I tried searching for some information about what are some common problems with this car and things to look for when inspecting a TL type s. I am not used to a forum this big with this many members, so I could have possibly missed a thread about this. But any help would be helpful as I am looking at the car this weekend!

Thanks

 

basically, you treat it as a used car.
go over basic used car items.

tires, oil, tranny shifting smooth, is anything broken, etc.

there isnt any specific problem to look out for

 

Surprised you didnt find anything in a search. There was a time not long ago when these "what to look for" threads were literally a daily thing. There should be a ton of them on this main forum here. Regardless though just like justn said, there are not any common issues with the Type S unless you get manual which is some 3rd gear issues. The autos are solid just look at normal used car things that you would on any car like mentioned above.

Goodluck and welcome to the forums.

 

how do you check for the 3rd gear issue? The car is a manual.

And yeah, I was going to look at normal things, but just seeing if anything else was out there that I should look out for.

BTW, do the tan leather seats wear bad? I know in Volvo's they wear terribly.

 

if there is a gear set problem, it will be apparent in the test drive.
3rd gear will be notchy or grinding, if there is a problem.

Since it is a manual, i suggest you test drive it for longer than 30 minutes.
any issues will present themselves to you on a longer extended test drive.


after, you've driven it for more than 30 minutes, hook up an OBDII scanner to check to see if any codes are present.
in manual transmission cars, people will abuse or just plain dont know how to drive....

sometimes, people trash the clutch....and the TL's clutch is VERY finicky.
or sometimes, people over-rev and bend valves creating combustion problems in the cylinders


So, drive drive drive drive drive....

really, anything that is wrong will show up in the test drive.

 

+1 on Justn's advice, he knows of what he speaks.

 

Thanks, Justin. I do have an OBDII reader and was planning on checking that out as well after the test drive.

Thanks and hopefully tomorrow Ill be driving one into my driveway!

 

I know this sounds silly, but given all the recent cars for sale that have been posted with false information- make sure you are buying what you actually think you are buying i.e. a Type -S.

Make sure it has the S: engine, wheels, taillights, sidemarkers, interior appointments, etc.

Or better yet, post a link to it, and let us have a glance.

Example of pure bullshit- https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/2004-acura-tl-type-s-aspec-craigslist-fail-905008/

 

cool, man!

few other tips:
use carfax as a tool or a guide to help you decide on a car, but dont rely on it as the truth.

since, this is an entry level lux car, the leather inside is okay and prone to wear.
(hey, what do you expect on a $35k car brand new?)

there should be matching vin numbers ON all body panels and fenders. if missing, you'll know that the panel has been replaced.

 

Yeah, I know the leather isnt going to last forever, but on Volvo's it gets pretty bad so just checking. I wish it had the two-tone leather, but oh well!

And thanks for the advice on it being actually what it is, but it is a Type-S. I am not a novice car guy and know what to look for in terms of if it is the real one or not, but appreciate you guys looking out for me.

 

Also, if you do experience a little 3rd gear notchiness or even a grind, do not let that scare you away from the car especially if it's a very clean one. There is a very well known and common fix that is as simple as a fluid change. Search GM synchromesh and any grinding or notchiness in 3rd gear will be gone for good. Fluid change on the TL manual is very simple as well. Easier than doing an engine oil change.

 

here is a recent 'user review' of a TL Type S 6MT. although he's coming from a lowly civic... and I don't necessarily agree with some of his points/ ratings.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/200...iew-1507881389