Too Many Repairs in a 23 month old 2008 TL
#1
2nd Gear
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![Angry](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/icons/icon8.gif)
I bought a 2008 TL as my first car and was excited. However, owning this car is turning out to be more of a hassle and it's sucking the money out of my bank.
In less than 2 yrs, I have:
1) replaced a tire because there was a bubble on the side wall - I was told because I probably hit a pothole (I live in NYC) and warranty didn't cover. Paid ~ $200.
2) replaced the condenser because there was a hole in it - I was told because I probably kicked up some rocks while driving and warranty doesn't cover damage caused by road conditions. Are you kidding me? I've never heard of anyone having problems with their condenser until it's really old or condensers that break so easily. Paid ~ $675.
AND now,
3) will have to replace the rim because it's dented - again, because of potholes. So it's out of my own pocket to get that fixed too that will cost ~ $400 if I get it done at Acura, which I won't be.
Tell me Acura is not BSing me. I'm not a horrible driver and have never been in any car accidents in all my 15+ yrs of driving. This is just really frustrating to be spending all this money on repairs on a VERY new car.
In less than 2 yrs, I have:
1) replaced a tire because there was a bubble on the side wall - I was told because I probably hit a pothole (I live in NYC) and warranty didn't cover. Paid ~ $200.
2) replaced the condenser because there was a hole in it - I was told because I probably kicked up some rocks while driving and warranty doesn't cover damage caused by road conditions. Are you kidding me? I've never heard of anyone having problems with their condenser until it's really old or condensers that break so easily. Paid ~ $675.
AND now,
3) will have to replace the rim because it's dented - again, because of potholes. So it's out of my own pocket to get that fixed too that will cost ~ $400 if I get it done at Acura, which I won't be.
Tell me Acura is not BSing me. I'm not a horrible driver and have never been in any car accidents in all my 15+ yrs of driving. This is just really frustrating to be spending all this money on repairs on a VERY new car.
#2
Safety Car
1) That is not the fault of the car or Acura. That is the fault of the tire manufacture or you hitting something in the road.
2) Rocks will damage condensers all the time. Stop tailgating people. Again not the cars fault but the driver.
3) Again DRIVER. NOT Acura, or the wheel or tire problem. Learn to not hit things.
Seems to me your Acura has been problem free other than issues you caused.![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Warranty means problems with the car that was a hardware defect and not by abuse or damage that you caused. No manufacture would warranty the items you mentioned. Now if you got the TIRE/Wheel Road Hazard for the extra $500 or whatever it is, they would cover it.
2) Rocks will damage condensers all the time. Stop tailgating people. Again not the cars fault but the driver.
3) Again DRIVER. NOT Acura, or the wheel or tire problem. Learn to not hit things.
Seems to me your Acura has been problem free other than issues you caused.
![Roll Eyes](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)
Warranty means problems with the car that was a hardware defect and not by abuse or damage that you caused. No manufacture would warranty the items you mentioned. Now if you got the TIRE/Wheel Road Hazard for the extra $500 or whatever it is, they would cover it.
I bought a 2008 TL as my first car and was excited. However, owning this car is turning out to be more of a hassle and it's sucking the money out of my bank.
In less than 2 yrs, I have:
1) replaced a tire because there was a bubble on the side wall - I was told because I probably hit a pothole (I live in NYC) and warranty didn't cover. Paid ~ $200.
2) replaced the condenser because there was a hole in it - I was told because I probably kicked up some rocks while driving and warranty doesn't cover damage caused by road conditions. Are you kidding me? I've never heard of anyone having problems with their condenser until it's really old or condensers that break so easily. Paid ~ $675.
AND now,
3) will have to replace the rim because it's dented - again, because of potholes. So it's out of my own pocket to get that fixed too that will cost ~ $400 if I get it done at Acura, which I won't be.
Tell me Acura is not BSing me. I'm not a horrible driver and have never been in any car accidents in all my 15+ yrs of driving. This is just really frustrating to be spending all this money on repairs on a VERY new car.
In less than 2 yrs, I have:
1) replaced a tire because there was a bubble on the side wall - I was told because I probably hit a pothole (I live in NYC) and warranty didn't cover. Paid ~ $200.
2) replaced the condenser because there was a hole in it - I was told because I probably kicked up some rocks while driving and warranty doesn't cover damage caused by road conditions. Are you kidding me? I've never heard of anyone having problems with their condenser until it's really old or condensers that break so easily. Paid ~ $675.
AND now,
3) will have to replace the rim because it's dented - again, because of potholes. So it's out of my own pocket to get that fixed too that will cost ~ $400 if I get it done at Acura, which I won't be.
Tell me Acura is not BSing me. I'm not a horrible driver and have never been in any car accidents in all my 15+ yrs of driving. This is just really frustrating to be spending all this money on repairs on a VERY new car.
Last edited by pimpin-tl; 11-24-2009 at 02:34 PM.
#3
ChicagoNick
Join Date: May 2008
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Imo
Anything that is tire or wheel related is NOT the car's fault nor the dealer's responsibility. They're the same rubber that is on everyone else's cars. I have hit many potholes the past two years and have thankfully not bent a rim or blown a tire. But if I did do damage, I could only blame myself for not paying attention to the road conditions.
If you bought the car brand new from the dealer and the tire had a defect, then they should have helped you out... it's really up to the dealer,though. My gf has had her tired replaced under warranty(by pontiac, before they went under). They said it was "out of round."
As far as the condenser goes, I have never heard of anyone having that problem on these cars... so, it doesn't sound like a common issue or design flaw. Although, I DO feel your pain on dropping the $$ on it.![Why Me](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/whyme.gif)
Sounds like you've just had some bad luck.
If you bought the car brand new from the dealer and the tire had a defect, then they should have helped you out... it's really up to the dealer,though. My gf has had her tired replaced under warranty(by pontiac, before they went under). They said it was "out of round."
As far as the condenser goes, I have never heard of anyone having that problem on these cars... so, it doesn't sound like a common issue or design flaw. Although, I DO feel your pain on dropping the $$ on it.
![Why Me](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/whyme.gif)
Sounds like you've just had some bad luck.
#6
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Parents cars, gf's cars, rental cars etc maybe. Or maybe he meant first new car.
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#8
2nd Gear
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First of all, I'm a she.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
#9
Pro
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Regarding the tires and wheels...it's gonna happen seeing as your in NYC. Just drive slow and don't hit things...but when you do hit things, hit them slow. You can probably get a new rim (or new to your car) rim for a steal on ebay or even the black market here.
The A/C condenser seems a little gray to me. Maybe your dealer was being stubborn or they weren't approached the correct way. Either way, it sucks. Cars are money pits sadly.
The A/C condenser seems a little gray to me. Maybe your dealer was being stubborn or they weren't approached the correct way. Either way, it sucks. Cars are money pits sadly.
#10
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
Condenser could have been claimed under car insurance policy, similar to a broken windshield. The wheels on the TL are certainly not the strongest and most durable as you have found out, and I have too, bent two after hitting a pothole that was in the shade under a bridge.
Watch out for curbs when street parking. Those rims don’t hold up very well when rubbing against the curb.
Good Luck and be careful.
Watch out for curbs when street parking. Those rims don’t hold up very well when rubbing against the curb.
Good Luck and be careful.
#11
Next time, go oversize in your tires, to 245 or 255, they'll bulge out slightly over the rim and protect it. I put 255's on two tire changes back and I haven't had a rim strike since. Besides, they look better on the car. Won't help with holes, though. I bent a rim because somebody forgot to backfill or cover a utility cut in the road that you couldn't see until you were right on it.
#12
05/5AT/Navi/ABP/Quartz
Sorry to hear about your disappointments. Sounds like your expectations
exceed reality a bit.
A few hours reading the warranty and owners manual will work wonders.
The warranty is a good thing but can't cover any and everything. I hope your
luck changes and you get to enjoy your car more. All cars are expensive if you
drive them and take care of them.
exceed reality a bit.
A few hours reading the warranty and owners manual will work wonders.
The warranty is a good thing but can't cover any and everything. I hope your
luck changes and you get to enjoy your car more. All cars are expensive if you
drive them and take care of them.
Last edited by MR1; 11-24-2009 at 09:32 PM.
#13
Any car with Large rimss and a big offset runs the risk of bending them. I have 2 of them on my CL-S. Paid $278 each to replace them. My dealer told me straight up that they see this problem all the time and that it's really bad on the 04+ TLs
Think of it this way
width of tire
**************
**************
\----------------/
|
|
|
[
|
|
[
|
|
|
/----------------\
**************
**************
^^^^^^^^^^^
Force applied at the right end where there is no support and bam, bent rim
[ = lug nuts
* = tire
| \ / - = rim
^ = force from pothole
As for the condenser I would have asked them to SHOW ME where the the rock hit was...that way there can be NO DOUBT as to what really happened..Some dealers are shady and will take advantage of ladies and you have to be smart when dealing with them if you think something is up
Think of it this way
width of tire
**************
**************
\----------------/
|
|
|
[
|
|
[
|
|
|
/----------------\
**************
**************
^^^^^^^^^^^
Force applied at the right end where there is no support and bam, bent rim
[ = lug nuts
* = tire
| \ / - = rim
^ = force from pothole
As for the condenser I would have asked them to SHOW ME where the the rock hit was...that way there can be NO DOUBT as to what really happened..Some dealers are shady and will take advantage of ladies and you have to be smart when dealing with them if you think something is up
#14
WOT in the new ATLP V2s!
iTrader: (1)
First of all, I'm a she.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
#15
First of all, I'm a she.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
And second, it's my first NEW car so I'm still learning the ropes of owning one and taking care of it. Help me here!!
Considering the number of potholes in NYC, I actually did get road hazard protection after replacing that tire from Firestone for $120 for all 4 tires.
Thanks for taking the time to answer. Altho Izzy, I'm not an unreasonable person. Your comment is not appreciated.
#16
LUV MY 2007 CBP TLS
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let's give the lady a break here,
1: she's a newbie- let's cut here some slack and welcome to AZ
2: Women tend to get screwed by mechanics and dealers more often(for repairs that is) due to the notion of them not knowing anthing about cars,
3: The tires and rim repairs are unfortunatley results of poor roads, (they're even worse here in Montreal), just be careful and look out for the potholes on the road!
So some advice if I may, if you have a repair to do before going to get it fixed come to AZ and ask some questions so you can be well more informed and then they might not take advantage of you girl.
Peace!
1: she's a newbie- let's cut here some slack and welcome to AZ
2: Women tend to get screwed by mechanics and dealers more often(for repairs that is) due to the notion of them not knowing anthing about cars,
3: The tires and rim repairs are unfortunatley results of poor roads, (they're even worse here in Montreal), just be careful and look out for the potholes on the road!
So some advice if I may, if you have a repair to do before going to get it fixed come to AZ and ask some questions so you can be well more informed and then they might not take advantage of you girl.
Peace!
#19
Burning Brakes
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i hit a really bad pothole like 2 days ago thought for sure there was damage not a dent scratch nothing now i learned my lesson driving will deff be more carefull
#21
Acura Cert MASTER TECH
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I agree with everyone else, but would like to add my
in regards to the condenser.
It isn't exactly common to see them get damaged, BUT, they are located right behind the bumper, and infront of the radiator. That said, take a look at any condenser on a car, that's exposed. You'll see all sorts of debris and minor damage (bent fins, etc). Additionally, small rocks/stones/etc can, and will, damage them enough to cause a hole and leak if hit with enough speed, the right angle, etc. Hell, one time we had a bird that hit one so hard it caused a leak (and the bird died and was still stuck in it
)
That said, this is def not warranty work/factory defect, but I won't hammer that point anymore.
![2 Cents](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/2cents.gif)
It isn't exactly common to see them get damaged, BUT, they are located right behind the bumper, and infront of the radiator. That said, take a look at any condenser on a car, that's exposed. You'll see all sorts of debris and minor damage (bent fins, etc). Additionally, small rocks/stones/etc can, and will, damage them enough to cause a hole and leak if hit with enough speed, the right angle, etc. Hell, one time we had a bird that hit one so hard it caused a leak (and the bird died and was still stuck in it
![Tomato](https://acurazine.com/forums/images/smilies/tomato.gif)
That said, this is def not warranty work/factory defect, but I won't hammer that point anymore.
#22
Safety Car
iTrader: (3)
I don't know if she'll be back, 2 posts might be it.
If you do come back, if you primarily drive the city, you could consider talking to a tire expert to see if there is an alternate tire size that would be less prone to bottoming out on the rim.
Also, make sure your tires are correctly inflated. I know you've got TPMS, but if you are running on the low side, that could be the problem.
Other than slowing down, there's not much else you could do.
If you do come back, if you primarily drive the city, you could consider talking to a tire expert to see if there is an alternate tire size that would be less prone to bottoming out on the rim.
Also, make sure your tires are correctly inflated. I know you've got TPMS, but if you are running on the low side, that could be the problem.
Other than slowing down, there's not much else you could do.
#23
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
That's it in 2 years? Sounds like you've gotten off easy.
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