tarfin

Looking at an '04 TL with Nav. What items specific to the TL should I check before buying. I'm familiar with the typical used car inspections but am curious if this gen/model have items I should be careful of?

TIA!

thoiboi

If it's an automatic I'd stay away

tarfin

Its a 6 MT. I'm familiar with the AT of that area being less than stellar. Anything else on the car that should be given close inspection?

alexb92

Motor/trans mounts will probably need replacing, inspect those.

tarfin

How involved is that? Do you now what would that run if the dealer did it?

tarfin

now=know. I can spell, just not type LOL!

TacoBello

tarfin, just look up any of the 8913450 other threads that have been made over the years, asking the exact same question

some items of note:
04-06 auto tranny is made of glass and it likes to shatter.
if manual, the 6MT might grind in 2nd or 3rd gear
compliance bushings fail prematurely
engine/trans mounts fail prematurely
power steering likes to fail
swaybar endlinks might be worn
oil seals might be leaking
Timing belt might need to be replaced
valve adjustment might be needed
if Navi equipped, the DVD drive may be broken or eventually break
the HFL unit fails prematurely
depending on climate, the dash might be cracked
at least a third of the interior bulbs might be burnt out
new brake fluid is recommended
new air filters (cabin filter and engine filter) is recommended
brake pads and rotors might be needed

the list goes on...

uvb4less

the third gear synchro. You may have to shift into 3rd a couple dozen times, but if there is an issue eventually it will fail to fully engage the gear and it will kick out. mine has done it for a while and a fairly solid fix is it to use GM synchromesh fluid, more on this in other threads

tarfin

I'm only interested in a manual so no worries about the AT. If I pull the trigger I'll swap the tranny fluid for GM spec.

Thanks guys for the information you've been very helpful!

uvb4less

Also see when the last time the clutch was changed. Clutch must be done every 70-90k and will cost you 4 figures. Other than that they are solid reliable, tight cars, and most other upkeep is reasonable and/or DIY possible. They re a good total package for the buck, cant beat em

tarfin

That often eh? Is an aftermarket clutch more durable or preferred?

Jackass

Ugh????? What??? 157k on my '05 on the factory clutch. There are people who killed a clutch in 20k miles, and some that have over 200k on them. The big challenge is there is no easy way to really know until it is done.

uvb4less

Guess my info reflected the shorter end of the range. Most people seem to be getting 100-150k ish. Still something to be aware of when purchasing, if the clutch has just been replaced that is worth a extra $$$, I bought mine at 153k and the clutch had just been done at 148k. The seller forgot about it until after we shook hands on a price.......

WDPanda

Everything on this list. Except the dash and valve adjustment for me. Also never experienced any 3rd gear issues using Honda Fluid.

DMZ

The OEM clutch without the Honda name on the package is available from rockauto. It's made by LUK. Also, if you in fact do ever need a clutch, be sure to also pick up a flywheel from rockauto. My experience has shown to replace the flywheel whenever you replace the clutch kit, also available form rockauto for a fraction of the cost of buying at the stealership!
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tarfin

The car sold before I could get to it. There is another one with similar miles nearby so wish me luck.

Humonculi

I have a 04 TL and never had a problem.
I called Acura and they have the serial numbers of the ones to stay away from.
Call Acura and ask.