TerrorNoctus

So, as I mentioned in the title, my 3rd Gen Base TL hit 250 k.
I bought this car as a lease turn in in 2008 from McGrath Acura. My wife's "cousin" works there, then sales, now a mgr.
Got her for $20k wit 34k miles on her.
I bought the extended warranty to 100k miles.
Worked for Medtronic as a clinical specialist, so I did a LOT of driving, my first year I put 60k on and pretty much blew out the warranty not long after.
The only issues I had while under warranty were the bluetooth module crapped out, a recall on the power steering pump, and that transmission shudder between 2-3. The dealer wouldnt address the shudder, said they couldnt reproduce it, etc, but honestly, I have done very little in service of the trans and am amazed.
Since owning, I have had the following issues that I would consider major enough to mention. Overall I am very happy with this car.
Timing belt replaced around 145k (late I know)
Motor mounts went bad around the same time as the Front axles replaced around 160-175k -ish.
seats really started cracking not long after this, too.
I made the mistake of letting the local car wash do a steam interior clean, which ultimately dried out the leather and cracked the seats prematurely. I replaced the seats around 225k from new covers made by leatherseats.com. They have a sweet TL kit I bought on the cheap as they were just ramping up production.

The headlights began fogging up and I really wasnt sure what to do with them, as it really impacted the effective distance, I ended up buying a $25 restoraton kit by 3m from O'Reilly and it made them look as close to new as I could make them look.
She is absolutely a daily driver and I have alwys had fun in her. She isnt showroom quality and she's starting to develop rust over the drivers side windshield, lil bubbles. Most shops wont fix rust.

The stereo started crackling on the right channel, it seems a crossover or internal capacitor has tanked allowing bass to the tweeter and over driving it, which sounds like ass.
had to replace a rear door switch, as when it rained the door indicator showed open and the alarm would sound.

Currently, she's due for a new timing belt, water pump, etc along with valve cover and spark plug well gaskets, as I am smelling burning oil from that dripping down on the block.

She's been a great car and I really hope to get another hundred K out of her.
Pics:
https://goo.gl/photos/S4g3eN6xiNodXSQE9


p.s., I also replaced the starter around 240k miles.she has a small dead spot where I will attmpt to start the car and then have to put her in neutral as the neutral safety switch isn't sensing on one part of the flywheel.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

awesome story!!

TerrorNoctus

Btw, I wanna say thank you to the forum. I have not been an active poster here, but have always been able to find info I need when I have an issue.

oooh, reminds me, a WEIRD one came up a few moths ago, the computer started off flashing codes at random one day, I scrolled through via the next and select buttons and there were a dozen or so. It went away as randomly as it started.
i think i have video of it somehwere.

sockr1

iTrader: (5)

loved reading the history, hope it continues to do well for you! how many times have you changed your compliance bushings?

truonghthe

Thank you for posting a such a review, this is truth review on how reliable the vehicle really is.

nanxun

Thx for the detailed update/review and for sharing your experience.

The interior reupholstering and headlight refresh look great.

Hope your car goes another 100k down the road as well!

TerrorNoctus

Thank you for the kind words and the reminder!
I changed the upper control arms and stabilizers recently, too!
i mean, 200plus K i think I got my money's worth!

TerrorNoctus

One thing I have learned is I do NOT skimp on the parts for repairs, brake are upgraded Brembo Rotors and Pads, I always use OEM replacements or better wherever possible. Brake rotors are almost all mad in China and QC varies me with pads. I went with Centric pads this last time around and resurfaced my rotors, the pads are lesser quality and I notice reduced stopping ability, I will be going back to the Brembo pads for sure!

The other thing that I forgot, the dash is beginning to crack and the air bag light comes on intermittantly.

kylem61

The air bag light could be just the drivers side seat belt sensor going bad. Mine came on intermittently not too long after I bought my 04 but I had the SRS code read for free at MAACO and they said it comes up as "open in the seatbelt" or something like that? But if that's it, you can take it to a dealer and they will fix it for free, its covered under the lifetime warranty on the SRS system and takes them about 30 min to fix.

I just wish the dashboard cracking was as easy of a fix...

nanxun

May I simply register for the record, once again, how encouraging this thread is? Especially to someone who's only at 65k miles on a 10 year old car. (There, I did it.) :wink:

Slpr04UA6

^Agree, very encouraging! As I'm sittin at 73K on a 13yr old!


My dash started cracking almost a year ago. Sad, very sad. Haven't reached out to Dealer yet, fear no help (I do most maintenance myself). I also have Airbag light on, and agreee with above poster. It's the seatbelt buckle, should be covered under lifetime warranty. (I haven't gone to Dealer yet)....

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Very refreshing to read!

mb.3g

Fantastic. My favorite posts are the "looking back" ones. Always refreshing to see a timeline of the cars life and owners story with it. McGrath Acura?! You wouldn't be Chicago local would you?

TerrorNoctus

South 'burbs!
I just drove her all the way up to Bad Axe MI. For work. 5 hours each way. A lil nervous, need to get the timing belt done!